Text by Penny Craswell
A former storage shed in Byron Bay’s Arts and Industry Estate has been transformed into a gallery space on the ground floor and flexible workplace on the mezzanine level above by Sydney architecture studio Benn + Penna.
The space is minimalist in grey and white, with a stainless steel mesh used to wrap the mezzanine level and a striking white spiral staircase connecting the two levels providing a visual anchor for the space. The space is also soft, with diffused light and acoustic lining installed to make the former industrial space feel more gentle and inviting.
For the architects, the challenge of creating a hybrid workplace and gallery was informed by the post-Covid era. “Tasman Gallery continues our studio’s exploration of how spatial and material design can improve wellbeing,” says Andrew Benn from Benn + Penna.
“The links between creativity and wellbeing are well known, as are the benefits of cross-pollination between different environments to promote exchange of ideas, engagement, work-life balance and to minimise workplace silos.”
White workplace pods, white suspended acoustic ceiling panels, metal display shelves, concrete planters and exposed services create visual interest on top of the exposed polished concrete floor on the lower level.
“To achieve the goals of cross-pollination and wellbeing, we softened the concrete and steel shell (visually and environmentally) by bringing in gentle light from numerous small skylights, creating an ideal atmosphere for exhibitions and working,” says Andrew Benn.
“Soft materials (lino floor, perforated surfaces, lush furniture) dampen the acoustics. By placing steel mesh around the void, the industrial space is amplified, sight-lines maintained throughout, and a balustrade-free edge to the void created.”
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