The new Powerhouse Parramatta is bringing over 50 designers from across Australia together to shape the spaces and experiences of the new museum in Sydney’s west. 

Ahead of the museum’s opening later this year, the collective of emerging and established Australian designers will be crafting the fabric of the building as well as its public and exhibition spaces, restaurant and retail, showcasing homegrown talent throughout the museum.

Made possible by an anonymous $2.5 million donation, the commissioned designers and studios include Adam Goodrum, Annie Paxton Studio, Bonhula Yunupingu, Chunk Design, Dale Hardiman, Damien Wright, denHolm, Derlot, Design By Them, Dowel Jones, Eatscape, Electrolight, Eveleigh Works, FEARON, Fiona Lynch, George Livissianis, Grazia & Co, Jonathan West, Ka-Ra Design, Laker Studio, Maiden, Maryam Moghdam, Olivia Bossy, Studio Henry Wilson, Studio Ongarato, Tait Enterprise, Tantri Mustika, Tom Fereday, Tyrrell Studio, Worktones and YSG Studio.

“As a museum of applied arts and sciences, it is the museum’s role to engage and support the Australian design industry,” says Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah. “We are thankful to the many Australian designers and makers that have brought their vision and talent to Powerhouse Parramatta.”

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From the landscape design and restaurant spaces to retail cabinetry and residential furniture, the various designers are all bringing their unique skillsets to the museum and its 30 residential apartments.

The landscape design is being led by NSW multidisciplinary firm Tyrrell Studio. Designed to connect the museum to the Parramatta River, it has been conceived in conversation with curator from the Kalari Clan of Wiradjuri Nation, Emily McDaniel, and Powerhouse director First Nations, Beau James, as well as Baramadagal Elders and Dharug community representatives. Tyrrell Studio’s concept weaves vegetation, rainwater pools and stones together to express the ephemeral nature of the river system.

The landscaping continues onto the museum’s rooftop terrace, where McGregor Coxall has designed a productive garden with indigenous plant species. The rooftop will also feature a custom-built multipurpose fire cooking area by master blacksmith and founder of Eveleigh Works, Matt Mewburn.

To support the museum’s residency program, Powerhouse Parramatta features 30 residential apartments designed by architecture and interior design studio YSG. The residences will welcome scientists, researchers and creatives from around Australia and abroad to collaborate with the museum. Each space is layered with elements born from collaborations with over 20 designers and makers, including Tait Enterprise, Adam Goodrum, Ka-Ra design, Tantri Mustika, Maryam Moghadam, Jonathan West, Olivia Bossy, Dowel Jones, Anna Varendorff, Grazia & Co and Five Mile Radius. Visitors will also be treated to hand-crafted Australian hardwood desks and built-in wardrobes by Maiden Co.

For the retail environment, Argentine-Australian designer and founder of Derlot, Alexander Lotersztain, has produced a series of large cylindrical volumes of brushed stainless steel to anchor the space and provide a functional fixture.

Among the commissions are also pieces for Powerhouse Parramatta’s opening exhibition program, Task Eternal. Woodworkers and long-time collaborators Damien Wright and Bonhula Yunupiŋu of Bala Ga’ Lili have created a custom display cabinet for the opening exhibition. David Caon of Caon Design Office has also created a sleek 100-year time capsule to be launched as part of the museum’s opening.

The project is part of a landmark $1.3 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of Powerhouse Parramatta designed by Franco-Japanese architecture practice Moreau Kusunoki (lead designer) and Australian architecture firm Genton. The wider program includes expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill, the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory.

Top image: Collective of Australian designers commissioned by Powerhouse Parramatta. Photograph by Nic Walker.

Images: Supplied unless otherwise specified.