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PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

Australia Architecture News - May 16, 2016 - 12:44   10515 views

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

Australia-based architecture firm PHAB Architects converted 1920s old Nestle Milk Factory into a new art gallery and workshop space in Toogoolawah, is a small town in South East Queensland, Australia. ''The 1920s packing shed is the only building remaining from the once prosperous Nestle condensed milk factory'' said the designers of PHAB Architects. 

Titled as ''The Condensery – Somerset Regional Art Gallery'', the historic building was an important centre of Toogoolawah contributing to economic and social life of the town until the factory was destroyed by fire in 1951.

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

The building's art gallery and workshop opened in December 2015, positioning the building as a catalyst for the ongoing cultural life of the region. The new design of art gallery and workshop space was inspired by the historical remains of the existing structure by protecting its original colour and hipped roof. 

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

Fundamentally, the design was conceived to preserve the building and its architectural qualities “as found,”—the interior of exposed roofing iron and stained concrete floor and walls, remain largely unchanged. The collapse of the western third of the building due to termite damage provided an opportunity to re-compose this elevation, subverting the symmetry of the gable, and creating a contrast to the eastern entry. 

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

The complex palette of pinks, reds and browns produce a vibrant effect, and make the building’s history legible. From afar, the project reinstates the original building form, and is perceived as a simple red shed in the landscape. The design takes advantage of the existing outdoor terraces (remnants of other factory buildings) that broaden the building’s potential for public events and private functions. New concrete elements double as stages, allowing these external spaces to be utilised for performance. 

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

Today, the packing shed, along with railway siding infrastructure and other remnant building foundations and moveable elements scattered across the site are all that remains of the former Nestlé & Anglo-Swiss Condensed Milk Factory.

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

PHAB Architects converted 1920s Nestle Milk Factory into a New Art Gallery in Australia

All images © Manson Images

Projects Facts

Heritage: Converge (Benjamin Gall)
Landscape Architect: Landscapology
Structural, Mechanical, Electrical and Hydraulic Engineer: Opus International Consultants
Certifier & Energy Efficiency: CERTIS
Quantity Surveyor: Colin Woodhouse
Location: Toogoolawah, QLD, Australia
Completion Date: 2015

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