Highly commended: Cultural project of the year 2023. Kerstin Thompson Architects has completed the Bundanon Art Museum complex in New South Wales featuring a unique flood bridge, housing residences and educational spaces..

Donated to Australia in 1993, the Bundanon site spans 1,000 hectares of scenic land overlooking Shoalhaven River.

To tackle flooding and fire risks, the architect integrated the museum underground and elevated the education centre on a flood bridge to enhance ecological awareness and engagement with the landscape.

Collaborating with Atelier Ten for environmental design, the project aims to seamlessly blend existing structures, presenting an environmentally sensitive cultural hub.

Judges comments: "A series of sensitive and elegant additions to the landscape, this project responds to flood and fire risks in a way that promotes ecological awareness and creates generous spaces for living and learning."

This project has been highly commended in the cultural project category of Dezeen Awards 2023.

Studio: Kerstin Thompson Architects
Project: Bundanon Art Museum