Australia House is a beautifully crafted (as is perhaps usual in Japan), quirky and refined piece of architecture.

The combination of typical indoor-outdoor relationships seen in Australian architecture with a traditional Japanese “borrowing of landscape”, has culminated in an abstracted verandah structure. The building’s form responds well to high snowfall with its steeply sloping roof, and its monochromatic contrasts are set up between the blackened timber cladding against a substantial build-up of white snow. The triangular plan is employed theatrically to deceive perceptions as does the flattened verandah, reinforced by dramatically sharp corners that frame the facade.

The concept as a useful emergency shelter, meeting centre and “home” for visiting Australians, enables the crossing of cultural boundaries and enables a community focus complementing its iconic formal expression.

This project encompasses a sophisticated architectural solution by establishing a sensitive Australian ambassadorial outpost that is a credit to its creators and its host community – a worthy finalist indeed.