Commercial
The Australian Armour
and Artillery Museum
The Museum is a successful tropical interpretation of the tin- storage shed typology. An innovative exercise in optimizing the economy of cold formed steel framework for a 30m span, the building is a first for its cyclonic region. It is a well-considered response to the brief for a quality warfare museum tourist destination in the tropics.
Responsive to its contextual setting and environment, the built form picks up the cues of the agricultural typology and linear land forms. It works at two scales. The entry addresses the street; a lower articulated roof creates a human scale to the space, appearing inviting; while the form of the building, visible from a far, has design elements that operate on a larger scale, such as the parapet features and the signage, which floats above the line of the cane fields against the mountains.
Containing over 120 tanks armour and artillery from WWI and WWII, it features an assembly area, artillery display, entry foyer, shooting gallery and ancillary offices.
The Australian Armour and Artillery Museum, Kamerunga Road, Caravonica
Winner: 2015 AIA Awards: Regional Prize (QLD)
Winner: 2015 AIA Awards: People Choice Award (QLD)
Winner: 2015 Shortlist Bluescope Steel State Award
Completed: 2015
Photography: Andrew Watson
The clever use of the ‘tin-shed’ typology provides a surprisingly appropriate exhibition space for this private armour and artillery collection. The restrained interior and stately façade evokes a connection with military imagery. Large openings for cross ventilation and natural sky lighting have created a very efficient building envelope.
AIA Jury Citation, 2015
