Candalepus Associates recently won a design competition for their stunning design of the NGV Contemporary. Chosen from a second round shortlist of architects, one components of their winning submission was an eye catching solid timber model. The existing NGV building was shown in the model as well as the theatres precinct, to aid in understanding how the new scheme would relate to the NGV precicnt and gardens as a whole.
The model, which was created at a scale of 1:300, was made entirely of solid rock maple and was populated with sea-foam trees. The use of timber in the model was a deliberate choice by the architects, as it allowed them to create a sense of warmth and natural beauty that would be difficult to replicate with other materials. The rock maple, in particular, was chosen for its durability and strength in capturing the complex forms of the proposed architecture, as well as its natural grain patterns and pale colour.
The facade was painstakingly replicated using hundreds of individual timber rods, which were hand cut and assembled to replicate what will be a key feature of the proposed architecture. .
Miniature trees added an element of natural life to the model, and were carefully placed to show the relationship between the proposed building and the existing NGV gallery and the gardens in between. The effect is quite striking, and it’s easy to imagine how the finished building will look with these elements incorporated into the design.
The model was on display at ‘The Fox Exhibition’ in Melbourne, where it is drew a lot of attention from visitors. It’s an excellent example of how a well-designed model can be used to communicate complex architectural ideas and inspire the imagination in a competition setting.
