The Sovereign Hill Museums Association was generously gifted a large farming property and a building was needed to accommodate school kids during the week and wedding guests on weekends.
A site was chosen where the building could tuck in to the landscape and catch the sun while avoiding the cold western winds.
Five long timber buildings were placed along the contours with large wind protected decks for outdoor gatherings between them.
Radial sawn weatherboards and expressive timber batten screens recall timber farm buildings and allowed the local carpenters to show their skills.
Insulated internal mass allows the low winter sun to warm the buildings while large covered areas encourage outdoor activities in the warmer months.
A sunken amphitheatre was built for campfires and star gazing, while small decks, steps, edges, and seats create corners for smaller groups.
The small learning centre was shaped to frame the landscape and fitted with a small greenhouse and science lab for environmental studies.
A sundial roof, a timeline walkway, and rain gauges built in to the building convey ideas about sun, water, and time.
completed with perkins architects
project director : ian perkins
project architect : scott christensen
project designer : scott christensen
documentation team : darren johns / lili gunawan / neil zimmerman / jodie pipkorn
builder : SJ weir
photography : paul muir
