searle x waldron architecture: annexe of the art gallery of ballarat

‘annexe of the art gallery of ballarat’ by searle x waldron architecture, ballarat, australia image © john gollings all images courtesy of searle x waldron architecture

melbourne-based searle x waldron architecture has recently completed the annexe for the ‘art gallery of ballarat’ within the city of ballarat, australia. a dramatic roof form extends beyond the building’s footprint, addressing alfred daekin place and the historic camp street. comprised of a linear composition of timber struts, the canopy filters dappled daylight onto the ground plane while framing outward views of the encompassing campus. the multi-purpose space accommodates talks, workshops, installations and gallery events. an operable glass facade may be opened, transforming the area into a bandstand for concerts to the public.

two columns support the triangular awnings of the cantilevered roof, protecting a series of concrete steps which double as seating. inside, four peaks overhead are formed with perpendicular and inclined faces containing skylights to reflect a diffused light downwards into the gallery. varied gaps within the timber boards and acoustical insulation behind modulate the sounds within the space during events. fluorescent slot lights and tracks are recessed into the ceiling. along the perimeter windows, an open weave curtain may be drawn closed to soften the southern glare.

view of building with curtain drawn closed image © john gollings

canopy projects beyond the existing building facade announcing its presence image © john gollings

light filters through the roof canopy image © john gollings

outward view image © john gollings

facade open image © john gollings

seating for a lecture image © john gollings

sculpture within the space image © john gollings

image © john gollings

curtain drawn closed image © john gollings

interior at night image © john gollings

interior at night image © john gollings

at dusk image © john gollings

at night image © john gollings

model image © john gollings

context plan

site plan

floor plan / level 0

section

section

section

elevation

unfolded elevation

exploded axonometric

spatial configuration

roof plan + timber structural layout

hybrid program

historical context

project info:

architecture: searle x waldron architecture location: ballarat, australia area: 131m2 footprint / 187m2 covered area client: city of ballarat, art gallery of ballarat project team: nick searle, suzannah waldron builder: nicholson construction structural engineers: tgm group services consultant: cosgriff & associates lighting consultant: bluebottle 3 acoustic consultant: acoustic consulting australia cost consultant: ddh quantity surveyors completed: 2011 cost: AUD 500,000 photographer: john gollings artworks: diana nikkelson, goanna petroglyph / inge king, awakening double glazing: viridian roofing membrane: ardex butynol steel fabrication: ice engineering steel operable glazing panels / windows: steel design aluminum skylight frames: capral curtain fabrication: d&c design timber linings: fsc approved – alpine ash and pinus radiata acoustic lining: regina glass fibre paint coatings: dulux stone flooring / steps: victorian bluestone (basalt) fluorescent light fittings: sylvania slimdim batten 3000k LED lighting: osram linearlight flex 3000k