


The Mint
Sister to heritage: An opening magic box of wood for gathering and debate
This layered approach of placing new and old in a bold transforming relationship is apparent in the general organisation of the project, and in the design of the new courtyard. The strict symmetry of Trickett’s original plan, with its central pavilion and identical wings, has been transformed into an asymmetrical axis about a pair of related pavilions of opposite/dialectical character, new and old, light and heavy, stone and glass. The outcome is a rich and complex assembly of form and spaces through which the layers and events of the site can be read and interpreted.

The new transparent theatrette forms a partner to the historic stone Superintendent’s office. The automated timber louvre panel-lift door of the theatrette can vary in position to vary opacity.


