The Vivian Gallery, Matakana

Mike was approached to design an art gallery to sit within a countryside environment. The brief was to create a space that could accommodate a series of exhibitions, storage areas and office space while being inviting, surprising and uplifting – a place to truly appreciate the work of some of New Zealand’s top artists.

The placement and orientation of the building to the site was crucial in creating a protective internal environment for the artworks whilst allowing the visitor to experience a sense of place. The concept was to create a visually simple external structure that felt at home in its rural setting five minutes from Matakana village, yet which would then open up to a surprisingly complex interior.

Rough sawn macrocarpa weatherboards and reclaimed sash windows were used to reflect traditional New Zealand shearing sheds. The recessed blackened entrance-way mirrors the shape of the building, acting as a portal between the contemporary gallery and landscaped environment. Inside, areas of rough-sawn timber sarking create a warm and inviting space suitable for a wide range of contemporary art.

PROJECT DETAILS: Internal floor area 220sqm, completed in 2012
DESIGN / INTERIORS / LANDSCAPE: Mike Petre Design