Australia House by Andrew Burns Architects

Located in the beautiful snow country of Niigata Prefecture, Australia House is a gallery and studio, is also the base of the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale for cultural exchange, Artist-in-Residence programs, and art exhibitions.

Architects: Andrew Burns Architects
Location: Niigata, Japan
Photographs: Brett Boardman

Australian architect Andrew Burns designed it through an international competition, the building replaces a previous structure that collapsed in a powerful aftershock on March 12, 2011.

The triangular form creates a long dimension and widening perspective within a compact space, only the triangular roof was visible as the rest of the house is covered with three-meter-high snow.

The interiors form a large ‘perception device’, heightening views of the surrounding landscape and creating opportunities for an art installation.

Inspiration from architect:

During winter, the site can experience 1.5m of snow during one day, and this was a key consideration in the design, with the roof pitching steeply. The building alternates between a familiar domestic presence and that of an art object.