Cultural + Civic

Shepparton Art Museum (SAM) is the first art museum in Australia to achieve a 6 Star Green Star (Design & As Built) rating, representing world leadership in sustainable design of a public building.

The design is characterised by simplicity and clarity, with compelling imagery creating a landmark cultural destination.

To accommodate a floodway across the site, SAM has a small footprint extruded vertically over five levels with an efficient floor to façade ratio. Sustainable features include Passive House principles to deliver an energy efficient, thermally comfortable, healthy indoor environment.

A transparent and delightful visitor experience is created via an open circulation stairway within a central galleria. Four galleries are accommodated, and panoramic views are offered from the roof top events space. All services and back of house functions are cleverly concealed under an artificial ‘Art Hill’ which creates an important extension of the surrounding parkland for the community.

2022 AIA Victorian Chapter – Public Architecture Award