While the emergence of Andrew Burns has been seemingly rapid and spectacular; this belies a gestation in private practice of some six years and, prior to that, the development of strong
foundations working for leading practices over a ten year period.
Australia House opened just over one year ago in the Niigata Prefecture north of Tokyo. Secured through an open international competition which asked for a compact structure of no more than 130 square metres, it reveals a level of maturity which Andrew explains simply as “an understanding of what I can do and what I can’t do, and acting within those perimeters.” Australia House exhibits simplicity of form and striking directness. Based on triangular geometries in plan and section, it is responsive to its site, and subtly references the Australian vernacular as well as the Japanese landscape. Crescent House, also secured through a competition process for the Sherman Contemporary Art Foundation, sits within the Foundation’s courtyard. It is both art object and architecture, comprising the intersection of two arcs, framing and transforming the surrounding landscape.