The concept design for a new South Australian art gallery has been revealed.
Designed by Snøhetta’s Adelaide studio, the proposed Heysen Art Gallery will be a purpose-built at the Hans Heysen Foundation’s property, The Cedars, in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills.
It will also include a restaurant, gift shop, and bushfire safe storage for the artworks of renowned artists Hans Heysen and his daughter Nora Heysen.
German-born Hans Heysen was best known for his watercolour paintings of Australian gum trees, while Nora Heysen was a portrait artist who became the first women to win the Archibald prize in 1938.
In developing a design to reveal the unique qualities of Heysen’s works, the architects have conceived of a low-lying building that “is both protective of the landscape and protected by the landscape.”
The building will be made from rammed earth and concrete, with expansive glazing to take in views of the landscape. The design team will also work with Adelaide-based designer-maker Jon Goulder to create strong timber themed interior furnishings.
“The new gallery will create an immersive experience of Heysen’s internationally-renowned artworks amongst the very environment that inspired him,” said Tori Dixon-Whittle, CEO at The Cedars.
James Sexton, chair of the Heysen Foundation added, “This will become a must-visit destination for art lovers right across the globe.
“To house Heysen’s works in a stunning earthy structure nestled amongst the beautiful rolling Adelaide Hills is such a fitting tribute to this incredible South Australian. I have no doubt this will become Australia’s equivalent of Monet’s garden right here in Hahndorf.”
The Heysen Foundation received $9 million from the federal government for the project as part of the Adelaide City Deal. Snøhetta was appointed to design the project in November 2019 following a state-wide architectural tender process that attracted 31 submissions.
Construction of the project is expected to begin later in 2021.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
