Reflective Predator-Like Armor Clads the Cairns Botanical Gardens Visitor Center in Australia

<a href="http://www.wrightarchitects.com.au/projects-2/public-buildings/cairns-botanic-gardens-visitors-centre/">Charles Wright Architects</a> took inspiration from the movie <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Predator_(film)">Predator</a> when they chose to clad the new Cairns Botanical Gardens visitor center in Australia with an armor of reflective panels. Comprised of two buildings and a central promenade, the visitor center melts into the surrounding landscape by mirroring tropical trees and plants. And there's even more to the project than meets the eye - including a host of strategies that <a href="http://inhabitat.com/melbourne-water-encourages-australian-citizens-to-build-10000-rain-gardens/">reduce its energy and water consumption</a>.

Charles Wright Architects was inspired by the movie Predator when they chose a reflective armor for the Cairns Botanical Garden Visitor Center

The center is comprised of two buildings and a linking promenade

The entire center insinuates itself in the landscape by mirroring its surroundings

A host of energy and water conservation initiatives have been incorporated

Low energy lighting was installed throughout the mixed use complex

Long life materials are durable

Rainwater capture and low flow fixtures have been installed

On-site solar panels feed energy back into the grid