By TPG Architects
Cairns Regional Gallery Space
Cairns Regional Gallery was inspired over twenty years ago when the Public Curators’ Building, built in 1936, became available to the Cairns City Council for conversion. At that stage the site on which the building is located was heritage-listed, being adjacent to the first Cairns Courthouse. Known as the Public Curators’ building it housed numerous government departments including the State Government Insurance Commission, Tourist Bureau, Land Commission and Agricultural Bank, Forestry Offices, District Supervisor of Works and visiting Tax Inspectors. In recent history the building had served as the Cairns Magistrates Court.
A total of five major gallery spaces have been incorporated, with major physical changes to the structure taking place on the existing first floor and found space within the roof. This now houses the administration, ‘back of house’ facilities along with the Loft Community Gallery and service plant. Major considerations in the design were to accommodate a contemporary gallery, with its very specific lighting, public access requirements and discreet climate control along with a variety of versatile exhibition spaces whilst maintaining the Heritage Registered building’s design integrity as a tropical ‘government’ building.
Photography: TPG Architects
About Us
TPG Architects' directors have lived and worked in the region for more than 30 years. With numerous projects in North Queensland, from the Whitsundays to PNG, we have extensive experience in sustainable commercial, community, educational, residential and resort developments.
Our ongoing commitment to understanding our clients' requirements is reinforced by the pragmatic commercial and design skills we bring to the project, with a thorough knowledge of the construction realities of building in the tropics. This is reflected in the practice's numerous repeat clients that we have been able to assist to successfully deliver award winning projects.
With over 25 regional, state and national architectural awards, TPG Architects and our directors are the most highly commended practice in the region.
Quality Management
TPG Architects’ quality management system conforms to ISO 9001:2015 / AS/NZS 9001:2016. Our third-party accreditation reflects TPG Architects’ commitment to best practice in the architectural profession and delivering the best quality service for our clients.