The Powerhouse has today unveiled a new large-scale public installation as part of the Powerhouse Architecture Commission series. Now in its third year, the Commission provides emerging Australian architects with an opportunity to design and build innovative projects responding to the museum site and community. The 2022 commission, Cadeau is a moveable, modular installation designed by Newcastle-based studio Curious Practice, founded by University of Newcastle graduates Warren Haasnoot and Greg Lee. Cadeau was created in collaboration with design and engineering firm Arup and Australian Sustainable Hardwoods (ASH).

“Cadeau takes domestic architectural elements and plays with their scale; exaggerating and fusing components to create a new, shared narrative between site, installation and those who visit it. This process of distortion produces an ensemble of habitable, ready-made ‘furniture’ used to define the central courtyard gathering and meeting place. The collection of individual pieces creates a verandah space that visitors are encouraged to explore and engage with. The installation also has the ability to adapt and change for specific events or future site conditions” – Curious Practice founders Warren Haasnoot and Greg Lee.

Image: Cadeau by Curious Practice. Photo by Zan Wimberley