Hyphen Wodonga Gallery and Library

The goal was to design an easy-to-use multifunctional contemporary public facility with a transparent ground floor community library that connected to its surroundings, and an art gallery. These had to be used together or separately at different times of the day. Part of the challenge was to create a ’community living room’ for all members of the community, many of whom could not afford amenities such as the internet and thermally comfortable environments. Library and gallery had to be used together or independently. The site is prominent as it is bounded by two roads.

This open 'community living room' ensures the library is inviting, inclusive, family oriented, accessible and promotes connections to its surroundings and amongst community groups. Above this, a contrasting, enclosed, and dramatic rust-red metal clad gallery cantilevers onto the entry courtyard, creating a public space-orientated entry for both facilities. A dramatic stair connects the two and drops natural light to the ground level. Local recycled red bricks reflect the local red earth and bricks found throughout Wodonga's built environment. Internally, timber linings and coffered timber ceilings offer a warm contrast to the robust external cladding.

Simone Hogg, Director of Hyphen, describes it best - “Hyphen has been extremely well received by our community and visitors, people love it! The welcoming and dynamic architecture is complemented by a brilliant program inside and high level of community engagement. It really is fulfilling the vision.” The use of robust materials and forms create an iconic and memorable civic building to raise Wodonga’s profile. Other than the community library and gallery, provided are various meeting rooms that community groups can use or can be hired by business. These open to an extensive upper-level north facing outdoor terrace.