Rocky Hill Memorial Museum is a new contemporary exhibition space designed to accommodate the expanding collection of Australian war artefacts, public amenities, council office and archive rooms.

Responding to the brief from Goulburn Mulwaree Council, Crone designed a contemporary new structure to complement the existing museum that once served as the caretaker’s cottage. The interior of the new wing includes 230sqm of flexible and adaptable space to exhibit permanent and travelling collections of war memorabilia plus area for educational programs.

Rocky Hill Memorial Museum is a unique project due to the location and history of the site and we are honoured to be involved. Our concept approach was to complement the existing memorial tower and position the new museum in a location to enhance public experience.

In 2017 the project was awarded a grant from the Australian Government’s ‘Building Better Regions Fund’, reinforcing their ongoing commitment to create jobs, drive economic growth and build stronger regional communities.

Crone Principal, Ashley Dennis said of the design, “We have incorporated mirrored cladding elements to reflect the surrounding landscape whilst signifying the precinct as a place of reflection, while the textured concrete structure is a contemporary interpretation of the memorial tower.”

The roof mimics the surrounding rugged landscape and helps to blend the new building into the rocky escarpment, particularly when viewed from the memorial tower above.  Importantly, all of the materials in the design were selected to comply with the region’s stringent bushfire controls.

Bob Kirk, Mayor of Goulburn Mulwaree, is particularly enthusiastic about the modern design elements, “The concept plans do a fantastic job in fitting in with the unique landscape of Rocky Hill, whilst also blending in modern elements and finishes.  Around 25,000 people visit our Rocky Hill War Memorial Museum each year and the concept for expansion would allow us to accommodate further touring groups, as well as attract touring exhibitions – in turn further lifting visitation numbers and the economic benefits for the region.”

To read more of the design process and vision, click on the report below: