Moorilla Museum

architectsdesignhaus were engaged to readapt the old Moorilla residence, a significant example of Tasmania’s modernist architecture. This renewal was initiated by the building’s new owner, David Walsh, who wished to share his extensive collection of antiques with the public. In this collaborative effort, architectsdesignhaus helped David lay the groundwork for what would become the MONA Museum.

The complex brief required a careful balance of enhancing the historic values of the original Roy Grounds building while accommodating an ever-growing collection of exotic artifacts. The design included the enclosure of the internal courtyard, the addition of essential amenities, and the creation of controlled environmental spaces tailored for Walsh’s diverse collection, which features African antiquities, coins, sarcophagi, and contemporary artworks. This thoughtful readaptation not only preserves the architectural integrity of the Moorilla residence but also transforms it into a vibrant space for public engagement and appreciation of art and history.