Jury Citation
This building could not have been conceived in any material other than steel, and the exuberant use of that material, throughout the building, has created a regional landmark.
The context of the building is quite special – the vast, flat Hay Plain, crowned by the dome of the sky. The great sloping steel planes of the roof push the building into the sky, creating a memorable highway object. Reaching out, the building connects plain and sky, and, in doing so, it creates its own place within the vastness. The relationship with the horizon is also acknowledged – a long cantilevered verandah engages with the exterior space, framed by earth berms, surrounding the levee.
The jury was impressed with the way the major materials of corrugated steel sheet and flat sheet, and the secondary materials of plywood, and fibre sheet are integrated into the overall concept of the building.
The dual aims of creating a strong sculptural element in the landscape, and of satisfying the gallery and exhibition requirements of an interpretative centre are perfectly reconciled. The town of Hay and the surrounding Riverina area are much enriched by the success of this building.
Project Credits
Shear Outback – Australian Shearers Hall of Fame, Hay
Project Architect Paul Berkemeier. Project Team Brent Trousdale, Susannah Potts, Matt Day, David Gowty, Miriam Greenv.
Project Manager Department of Public Works and Services. Structural Consultant Birzulis Associates. Civil Consultant, Hydraulic Consultant, Environmental Consultant Acor Consultants. Electrical Consultant, Lighting Consultant Peter McLean Lighting Art and Science.
Mechanical Consultant Richard Duggan and Associates. Landscape Architect Jane Irwin Landscape Architecture. Quantity Consultant Page Kirkland Partnership.
Builder Belagna T/A KW & PD McDonnell Builders. Exhibition Design Bannyan Wood.
Graphic Design Marianne Hawke Graphic Design. Photographer Brett Boardman.
