Australia House by Andrew Burns Architects is a gallery, studio and atelier in the ‘snow country’ of Niigata Prefecture, approximately three hours north of Tokyo. The building replaces a previous structure which collapsed in a powerful aftershock on March 12, 2011.
The Australian Embassy Tokyo, Tokamachi City Government and the Echigo-Tsumari Triennale resolved quickly to construct a new building and it stands as a symbol of healing and transformation in this beautiful area of Japan.
During winter, the site can experience 1.5m of snow during one day, and this was a key consideration in the design, with the roof pitching steeply. The building alternates between a familiar domestic presence 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 artist Brook Andrew is exhibiting his work ‘Mountain Home – dhirrayn ngurang’ in Australia House during the 5th Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, and the unique collaboration between architect and artist has refined the building, suggesting new ways for a permanent collection to be embedded within a gallery.
Images courtesy of by Brett Boardman and Andrew Burns Architects
Discover: www.andrewburns.net.au
