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This article was published on Monday, 27 June, 2022. The information contained within may be out of date or inaccurate. News articles and media releases older than 60 days are archived for future reference.

SAM building wins Public Architecture Award

The Award recognises architects Denton Corker Marshall for their innovative design and the building’s excellence in environmental sustainability. The building was also recently awarded the first ever 6 Star Green Star Rating for an Australian gallery/museum from the Green Building Council Australia.

Greater Shepparton City Council Mayor, Cr Shane Sali, said the Council was very pleased to be notified about the AIA award. “This award is an absolute credit to the architects Denton, Corker, Marshall who have designed an incredible world-class building for Greater Shepparton,” he said.

“Following on after the 6 Star Green Star Rating this award elevates Shepparton’s reputation as a modern city with its eye firmly fixed on future growth and investment for the region. We have the re-modelled Museum of Vehicle Evolution, the Botanic Gardens gaining interest as a tourist destination, a thriving restaurant precinct, cultural festivals and sporting and events that bring people to Shepparton,” said Cr Sali. “Now we have a building that industry acknowledges is the best in its field, both in design and environmental sustainability.”

“Both the architecture award and the green star achievement establish SAM as an important contribution to sustainable development throughout Australia and highlights Greater Shepparton as a place to invest,” said Cr Sali.

Sonja Syre, Director Denton Corker Marshall

“The Shepparton Art Museum is characterised by simplicity and clarity, creating a recognisable landmark and cultural destination. We are so pleased to receive this award in recognition of the impact this building has on the local community.”

“The award is a great recognition for the design team, the client and the contractor Kane Construction.”

Adrian FitzGerald, Senior Director, Denton Corker Marshall

“SAM is a very important cultural facility for Victoria’s fifth largest city. We are really pleased with the recognition this award gives to the people of Shepparton, the Council and the gallery staff for this landmark art museum.”

“This is a very gratifying award because our design response, in building small-and-tall and burying all services under the ‘Art Hill’, was key to our competition winning design
and ultimately the winners are the people of Shepparton gaining expanded parkland activated by a fabulous new art museum.”

2022 AIA Victorian Jury Citation

“Shepparton Art Museum is an elegantly resolved example of public architecture enabling and enriching communities, particularly in regional locations. Denton Corker Marshall’s competition-winning scheme turned a challenging floodway into an opportunity for conceptual clarity, with a small and tall approach to massing. The resultant sculptural form creates a bold statement on an otherwise low-lying landscape; a beacon that signifies both arrival to Shepparton, and Shepparton’s arrival to the national arts scene.

Four sizable, L-shaped metal plates provide a distinct identity and entrance at each of the four elevations, allowing Kaiela Arts, the Visitor Centre, cafe and museum to successfully operate both independently and together. The refined neutral palette breaks free at the north-western facade, with the rich ochre-red corten steel creating a contrasting backdrop to the greyish-green gum trees along the lake and river plain.

The internal plan is simple and open, with all five levels anchored by a grand circulation galleria. Back-of-house and loading is cleverly concealed beneath a sloped artificial landscape, allowing a generous public interface and connection to the parkland on all sides.”