Victoria
River Bend House sits atop an ecologically and culturally significant escarpment on a bend in the Birrarung (Yarra River), part of the Garambi Baanj Cultural Precinct, established and operated by InPlace in partnership with the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation and Parks Victoria.
Designed by Alistair Knox in 1968, River Bend had fallen into a state of disrepair having been unoccupied for over eight years prior to InPlace launching this ambitious vision. River Bend now operates as a place of artistic and cultural production for multidisciplinary artists and Wurundjeri.
The original approach to River Bend was ‘repair’, evoking the functional and pragmatic. Since completion, First Nations artists have described River Bend as a ‘healing place’, indeed the notion of healing extends across the project: healing Country, healing disrupted culture practices, and healing the self.
The repair of River Bend has provided a safe space for healing journeys.
Commendation for Heritage Architecture – Creative Adaption
Riverbend Repair deserves commendation for collaborating with traditional Wurundjeri landowners, previous occupants, and like-minded stakeholders. This engagement enriches, restores, and celebrates shared cultural and experiential qualities, fostering meaningful repair to both fabric and shared memory.
The project marks the beginning of sensitive restoration and reuse projects at Laughing Waters. Restoration and alterations to the Alaistair Knox House preserve its fabric for cultural gatherings and artists in residence. The project also honours the Indigenous setting, drawing spiritual enrichment and containment from the landscape at Laughing Waters precinct.
I am delighted that InPlace has been able to work with our architect, many generous sponsors, artists and primary partners, the Wurundjeri Woi- wurrung, in establishing the Garambi Baanj Cultural Precinct and saving the iconic River Bend House from its slated
demolition.The sensitive works undertaken to River Bend House meet the needs of both the Wurundjeri and our broader arts communities, through the provision of a culturally safe, extremely elegant yet truly functional and robust space. This transformation embeds openness and
respect for artists and cultural practice, providing the community with a treasured space for reflection and creation. Eugene Howard
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
