Leaving the ecologically sensitive Martin Valley flood plain undisturbed by building only on an area of spoilt 'brownfield' land previously occupied by a car park was a priority of this design strategy. The building footprint derives from this existing land form. The proposal is for a gallery, artist's residence, studio, visitor and educational centre. All the new building facilities are located in a semicircular area commanding excellent views out over the entire site.
Constructed from steel, dry stone gabion walls & piers, and horizontal timber cladding; the residence, double height studio, gallery and educational area are all located over an open under-croft. This area provides supplementary display space, summer picnic area and activity zones whilst permitting the seasonal flood waters to encroach beneath the building.
Two new pedestrian bridges and footpaths link the new development in to the Martin Valley country trail. Visitor parking is discreetly located away from the sensitive ecologies to the north of the site.