14 July 2021

Impressive Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum lands architecture accolades

| Katrina Condie
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The award-winning Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum reflects the surrounding bushland

The award-winning Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum reflects the surrounding bushland. Photo: Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

Goulburn’s Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum has been awarded the highest honour for projects within regional NSW at the state Architecture Awards.

The $2.5 million project picked up the coveted Blacket Prize and also received a commendation in the NSW AIA Public Buildings Award category.

Goulburn Mulwaree mayor Bob Kirk says the building is an example of modern architecture fitting perfectly within the natural landscape and older building styles.

“The mix of materials include concrete, steel and bronze mirrored cladding which reflects the unique landscape where the building is situated,” Cr Kirk said.

“The site itself is astounding -and the way the building has been constructed to fit in with the landscape is brilliant.”

“Each time I have the pleasure of attending the Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum I am impressed with the design and functionality of the space.

The project was led by Goulburn Mulwaree Council the architecture and interior design completed by Crone Architects, landscape design by Urbis and final design development and construction by Van Mal Group Construction.

The museum is an example of modern architecture fitting perfectly within the natural landscape and older buildings around it.

The museum is an example of modern architecture fitting perfectly within the natural landscape and older buildings around it. Photo: Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

Crone Architects principal Ashley Dannies said being recognised by the Institute of Architects with the highest honour for a regional project in NSW was “extremely humbling”.

“(It’s) an accolade we proudly share with Goulburn Mulwaree Council, the museum volunteers, Van Mal Group and other project collaborators who have been part of the journey,” he said.

“We hope this building can continue to pay tribute to the region’s ANZAC legacy for generations to come through the housing of the world-class museum collection and locally significant stories.”


READ ALSO: Is it time to demolish St John’s Orphanage in Goulburn?


Van Mal Group Construction director Nico van Mal commended council on its vision and willingness to create an innovative and exciting project for the community.

“Our role as the design and construct contractor was both exciting and challenging,” he said.

“We brought together Crone’s outstanding architectural concept and combined it with our design development and construction management know how.

“The Van Mal Group team and I are enormously proud to be part of the project.”

Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum was completed in early 2020 and features a modern open plan exhibition space along with storage and research areas.

The $2.5 million project was jointly funded by Goulburn Mulwaree Council and the Federal Government which contributed $1.25 million through the Building Better Regions Fund.

The building features a mix of materials including, concrete, steel and bronze mirrored cladding which reflects the surrounding landscape.

The building features a mix of materials including concrete, steel and bronze mirrored cladding which reflects the surrounding landscape. Photo: Goulburn Mulwaree Council.

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