New South Wales
**Hybrid space blends work and lifestyle a workplace in a gallery**
**Tasman Gallery by Benn + Penna demonstrates how spatial and material design can improve wellbeing and stimulate cross pollination of ideas.**
The concrete and steel shell of a prefabricated storage shed in the Byron Bay Arts and Industry Estate is transformed into a hybrid workspace and gallery, embracing the zeitgeist of the post covid era.
With overlapping activities and requirements, a minimalist design rationalises elements with different scales and atmospheres within the one box.
From drama the mezzanine wraps the void, like a stage, with a stainless steel curtain. To dynamism the strong sculptural staircase sweeps up sight lines across the levels, evoking movement, and acts as a catalyst for workplace interaction. To softness diffuse light, gentle acoustics, intimate scaled spaces.
The project creates calm, constrained and considered zones, using a minimal material palette, with a modest, timeless design, for sustainable outcomes.
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.
