The Annexe exists as a discreet one-room pavilion, structurally independent to the existing heritage-listed gallery. It is a steel-structured space with a timber-lined interior enclosed by black, steel-framed moveable glazing panels that open out onto Alfred Deakin Plaza. The architects selected steel “for its lightweight versatility, rapid assembly and ability to be accurately tailored to the existing conditions.” The roof cleverly folds in on itself to create multiple facets of light within, and overhangs on the outside where it forms two large awnings that address both the plaza and adjacent historic Huyghue House. Resting on a plinth, it steps down to further activate the plaza space and adjacent buildings.
The client's brief called for a ‘permanent marquee’, a multi-purpose addition that would expand the gallery’s existing function spaces. The architects “expanded the brief during the initial design stage to incorporate three modes of operation as a public hall, verandah and bandstand – formally and programmatically recalling local typologies.”
One of the biggest challenges for the job was to provide a column-free space to enable the usage flexibility required for the space.