We are pleased to announce that Andrew Burns Architect's proposal for the Australia House was unanimously chosen from amongst 154 proposals by head juror Mr. Tadao Ando, architect and jurors Professor Tom Henegahn, architect and professor at the Department of Architecture, Tokyo University of the Arts and Mr Fram Kitagawa, General Director of Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale.
The public call for the design proposal was open to receive ideas from 1 to 15 September 2011 and the screening meeting was held at the Australian Embassy, Tokyo on 22 September 2011.

The proposal by Mr Andrew Burns, age 31, who runs his own practice in Sydney, Australia meets the requirements for the new Australia House: "reasonable, robust, and small."

Mr Burns will be visiting the site in the Echigo-Tsumari in the end of October so that the construction will be completed by the end of July 2012.

"I am delighted to have been selected for the Australia House project in Niigata Prefecture, Japan. It is a great honor to have been recognized by such an esteemed jury, all of whom I greatly respect for their work.
From Katsura Villa to the Chichu Museum, Japanese architecture has long held a fascination to me, and I hope to make a contribution across national borders. I am thrilled to participate in such a progressive art project as the Echigo-Tsumari Triennale, with it's refreshing curatorial approach.
I look forward to working with the Trienalle organisers, Australian Embassy and local community to create a memorable spatial experience and a focal point for cultural exchange between Australia and Japan." said Mr Burns.

Mr Tadao Ando commented "It is difficult to form a triangle. However, it could create an interesting architecture since it is difficult. I find the approach to the house attractive and different elements are well arranged. The idea of dealing snow is thoughtful, considering that the side is located in the heavy snowfall area. It would be fantastic if only the triangle roof were visible as the rest of the house is under three meter high snow."

Profils of Mr Andrew Burns

1979 Born in Australia
2003 B(Arch) Hons 1 University of Sydney
2007 Established Andrew Burns Architect in Sydney, Australia

Awards
2000 1st prize Dulux Colour Awards
2003 1st prize Saumarez Homestead competition, Armidale NSW 2001
2011 Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship and emerging architects exchange program at London Architecture Foundation
Byera Hadley Travelling Scholarship for students to study low-rise high density housing