This building is the focal point of one of Victoria's major tourist attractions and environment education complexes. Complete in December 1994 for the Zoological Board of Victoria, the World of the Platypus Exhibit is an award-winning example of environmentally integrated design.

The building is situated on a reclaimed part of an ancient creek bed alignment and wetlands area. Water was redirected to run around and through the building, creating a connection back to the creek. The building is constructed in earth and has a timber roof, designed to blend into the wider landscape.

The shape of the building traces the outline of the platypus and reinforces the path of the creek. The building and display concepts were developed concurrently to ensure complementarity in the visitor's experience at the centre.

The outcome is a building providing an experience in which visitors are immersed in the quiet, nocturnal and mysterious would of the rare platypus.