snøhetta's rammed earth proposal for the new heysen gallery in australia

snøhetta has been selected to design the new heysen gallery and cultural precinct at the cedars, the studio and family home of australian artist hans heysen and his daughter nora heysen. located at hahndorf in the adelaide hills, south australia, the project will include a purpose-built gallery, art storage facility, retail outlet and restaurant. developed with a focus on sustainability and a strong awareness of the natural landscape, the rammed earth proposal seemingly grows from its surroundings.image by secchi smith

snøhetta’s heysen gallery design pays homage to one of australia’s most significant artist families. located at hahndorf, in the adelaide hills, ‘the cedars’ is hans heysen’s studio and family home, which has now become one of the nation’s most significant artistic treasures. by incorporating the surrounding landscape, the design will allow for a reinvigorated and immersive reading of the work of renowned artists hans heysen, and daughter nora heysen.

‘hans heysen had a deep affection for, and played an active role in the conservation and protection of, the australian landscape that he so passionately portrayed in his artwork,’ says snøhetta’s partner and managing director australasia, kaare krokene. ‘in-turn, the building will honour and protect the heysens’ artwork and family story.’image of the cedars by airborne photography, courtesy of the hans heysen foundation

the rammed earth proposal seemingly grows from the surrounding landscape, whilst expansive glazing brings in scenic vistas. the new design will include a purpose-built gallery, restaurant and gift shop, as well as bushfire-safe storage for art works. the gallery’s leading wall appears to grow from the verdant surrounding landscape as it leads visitors into the building and the gallery space. strong timber-themed and crafted interior furnishings feature throughout the building, reflecting the surrounding gum trees – a central motif of hans heysen’s compositions.image of the cedars by airborne photography, courtesy of the hans heysen foundation

‘the design is confident, authentic, and grounded in the character of the heysen family,’ krokene states. the $9 million gallery is funded under the adelaide city deal, a 10-year partnership between the australian and south australian governments and the city of adelaide.image of the cedars by airborne photography, courtesy of the hans heysen foundation