Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery – Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp
Project summary
The Tasmanian Museum and Art Gallery is of national significance, as one of the oldest museums and art galleries in Australia, and the primary repository of Tasmanian natural and cultural material collections. The individual buildings on site are significant in their own right, containing the earliest surviving European structures in Tasmania and the most intact pre-1850s Bond Store structure in Australia. The focus for the redevelopment was to work within this unique existing heritage fabric to provide public access to all and discover and reveal new opportunities within, including areas that were previously unavailable for public access due to the configuration and fragile nature of the buildings. The ‘insertion’ of new works draws inspiration from references of local artefacts and imagery within TMAG’s extensive collection as well as a rigorous response to existing built heritage fabric. The resultant architecture has a very specific generated outcome in response to the unique quality and intricacies of the existing heritage fabric. The redevelopment project capitalises on the potential of a prominent and significant site for Hobart, with a high standard of conservation ensuring the longevity of the buildings while integrating a new contemporary and highly considered architectural response.
Construction
Root Projects Australia – project manager
VOS Construction – contractor
Consultants
Taylor Thomson Whitting – structural, civil and traffic
Steensen Varming – mechanical, electrical, communications, lighting and lift
Warren Smith & Partners – hydraulic and fire services
Philip Chun – fire, BCA and accessibility
Business Risks International – security
Godden Mackay Logan – archaeology
Groundworks – indigenous
Design 5 – heritage consultant