Australia House

An intersection of art and community

Brook Andrew’s work ‘Mountain Home – dhirrayn ngurang’ is permanently installed within the space, elaborating the architectural composition and weaving story and local community into the building fabric.

The design synthesises Japanese and Australian architectural traditions, incorporating elements of both the Australian Georgian farmhouse and the Japanese Minka. A steeply pitched roof rises towards the ‘daikoku-bashira’, symbolically functioning as the support of the structure and becoming a charged element within the gallery space. Perception of the building alternates between the familiar presence of a rural dwelling and that of an art object. The interiors form a large ‘perception device’, heightening views of the surrounding landscape and creating opportunities for art installation. The dynamic triangular form creates a long dimension and widening perspective within compact spaces.

Designed to resist extreme earthquake and snow-loading conditions, the new building stands as a symbol of healing and transformation in this distinctive region of Japan.

Layering of art and landscape.

The building has a hybrid function. In addition to functioning as a gallery and artmaking space, it serves as an emergency shelter for future earthquake events and a community centre for use by the local Urada village.

The proposal received first place in international design competition. Jury chair Tadao Ando commented: ‘It is difficult to form a triangle. However, it could create interesting architecture since it is difficult. I find the approach to the house attractive and different elements well arranged. The idea of dealing with snow is thoughtful, considering that the site is located in a heavy snowfall region. It would be fantastic if only the triangular roof was visible as the rest of the house is covered with three-metre-high snow.’