THE SIR ZELMAN COWEN AWARD FOR PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE

Bundanon Kerstin Thompson Architects

Addressing the complex issues of a beautiful but delicate site along with its climate future is a true challenge. Kerstin Thompson Architects’ Bundanon finds its expression and elegance in adroitly addressing these many issues.

The overall planning meaningfully weaves together the existing buildings with an accessible path from a flood-safe site for parking, and clever landscaping provides many places to pause and contemplate the magnificent location that so inspired Arthur Boyd in his paintings. The new buildings required different approaches to deal with their different programs as well as potential floods, bushfires and variable temperatures, resulting in two distinct sections that pivot around the entry area: the Art Museum and the Bridge.

As potentially the most energy-intensive space, the Art Museum – which also holds the estate’s most precious assets – is dug into the side of a hill for thermal and fire protection. The Bridge (guest accommodation) spans the land in such a way that water, air and animals can flow unimpeded around it, while the occupants find appropriate levels of connection and comfort with the environment. Designed to use the minimum material required to ensure safety and protection, the steel-clad, insulated rooms sit within the open spaces between the Bridge’s members.

A 100-kilowatt photovoltaic system (with more capacity to come, along with a large array of batteries) and a geothermal array for the Art Museum means that the site will be able to power its energy-efficient buildings from renewable sources. The estate also collects and treats its own water on site and is moving to a locally sourced menu for its food offerings.

Bundanon is a showcase in how a substantial public building can find its own response and resources in a specific place, while adding to the considerable natural and artistic legacy of the site and its existing buildings.