In a significant achievement for Australian public architecture, Powerhouse Castle Hill has been awarded the Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture at the 2024 National Architecture Awards.
The announcement was made on Thursday, November 7, 2024, during the annual ceremony presented by the Australian Institute of Architects.
The state-of-the-art facility, designed by Sydney-based Lahznimmo Architects, opened its doors in March 2024.
The jury praised Powerhouse Castle Hill as “an exemplar of architecture as an interface between the public and research, preservation and curation.”
They further described the building as one that “invites curiosity — placing architecture as a vehicle for experience, both fascinating and cerebral.”
Powerhouse Castle Hill is part of a larger $1.3 billion transformation of the Powerhouse institution. Key features of the facility include:
- Over 8,000 square metres of space built to international museum standards
- A 3,000 square metre Very Large Object storage area with public viewing access
- One of the southern hemisphere’s largest photographic cycloramas, capable of handling objects up to 4 tonnes
This national recognition follows the project’s earlier success in winning the 2024 New South Wales Architecture Award for Public Architecture.
Lisa Havilah, Powerhouse Chief Executive, expressed enthusiasm about the award, stating: “It sets a new international benchmark in bringing research, collection, conservation and community together in new ways, designed specifically for the Powerhouse Collection.”
Andrew Nimmo, Director of Lahznimmo Architects, highlighted the design philosophy behind the project: “We aimed for ‘beautiful utility’; a building with a calmness and cool precision, that would protect the Powerhouse Collection and functionally serve the activities within.”
The $44 million development at Castle Hill is a crucial component of the Powerhouse’s broader transformation, which includes the creation of Powerhouse Parramatta, set to open in 2026.
Powerhouse Castle Hill represents a significant shift in museum practice, enhancing accessibility to collections and fostering connections with local communities.
It offers visitors the opportunity to explore one of Australia’s most important applied arts and sciences collections, comprising over half a million objects.
The facility is open to the public every weekend from 10 am to 4 pm (AEDT), inviting visitors to experience this award-winning architectural marvel and its impressive collection.
