Ross Brewin
Ross Brewin is a Melbourne based architect and a senior lecturer in the MADA Department of Architecture which he helped establish in 2008.
Ross's practice, teaching and research is engaged with culturally, socially and environmentally responsible projects across a range of architectural and urban scales. Ross's work is currently concentrated on the role and value of contemporary architecture in the ongoing transformation of regional towns and places. Ross's practice, Gilby + Brewin Architecture / Urban Design, has a growing portfolio of built projects in Victoria, Tasmania and Western Australia.
Current research projects
At Monash Art, Design and Architecture, we focus on the pursuit of research that addresses the social, economic and human issues facing Australia.
Triabunna Tomorrow
An ongoing post-industrial urban revitalisation project on Tasmania’s east coast.
Past research projects
Designing Affordable, Sustainable Housing (DASH)
High-quality, innovative architecture and urban design provides great living places.
River Derwent Heavy Metals Project
Tackling the problem of heavy metals pollution in the River Derwent.
Additional research
Triabunna Gatehouse
A public amenities pavilion and garden located at the highway turnoff to the post industrial town of Triabunna on Tasmania's East Coast.The building acts as a roadside information stop that through provision of basic amenity (shelter, orientation and ablutions), entices travelers off the highway and invites further exploration of the town. The project combines this tourist focus with various community uses to create a new urban gateway into the town and a meaningful public space for visitors and locals alike. The Gatehouse is the first built outcome of an ongoing township revitalisation project called Triabunna Tomorrow. Photo: Anna Gilby
Heavy Metal Life Raft
A collaborative art, science and architecture project anchored off the edge of Berridale Peninsula at the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. The raft is part science research station, part social gathering space and part swimming platform. Hung around the perimeter of the ironbark timber deck are a series of baskets containing 1500 oysters; efficient natural bio filters that are monitored in relation to river health. Situated through the middle of the platform is a long low table for group dinners, climbing at one end to form a granite -clad standing height table, fish cleaning block, or a warm surface to sun oneself after a cold swim. One end of the deck is raised to make a stage for performances, with a space under to store monitoring equipment and sun shading umbrellas. At the opposite end of the deck is a series of steps into the water for those brave enough to take a dip in the cold River Derwent. Photo: Ben Hoskings
Heavy Metal Retaining Wall - A project undertaken in collaboration with MONA
A collaborative art, science and architecture project located on the main lawn at the Museum of Old and New Art in Hobart. The project was conceived of as a communication device and repository for the heavy metal contamination in the River Derwent. A long, thick rammed earth wall representing the sediment of the river hosts 5 varying sized apertures that reflect the different concentrations of the main heavy metals that currently pollute the river; Cadmium, Zinc, Lead, Copper and Mercury. Each of the apertures actually incorporate these metals; a lockable black chest containing yellow cadmium glazed tiles, a large central room clad in recycled zinc, a small box wrapped in recycled lead, a threshold lined with copper sheets and a narrow doorway containing a cabinet full of viles of mercury. Lining the back of the rammed earth wall are a series of thin, prefabricated concrete walls which over time fill up with glass bricks containing the dried flesh of oysters that have been taken from the river, extracting the accumulated heavy metals found in their systems from the river. Whilst performing it's conceptual role, the structure creates an armature for social activities on the MONA lawn. Piercing through the wall is a long jetty-like table made from macracarpa pine, to be used for group dinners, fashion shows and or just sitting on. Photo: Jonathan Wherrett
Ross Brewin, 49 Sheds (2012 - Ongoing)
One of a series of images documenting accidental material and compositional qualities of Australian sheds.
Ross Brewin, 49 Sheds (2012 - Ongoing)
David Barr & Ross Brewin, Suburban Beach House
A residence that challenges the conventions of detached housing in Perth: small, lifted above the ground, no front door, no garage, not brick... a beach house in the suburbs.
David Barr & Ross Brewin, Suburban Beach House
A residence that challenges the conventions of detached housing in Perth: small, lifted above the ground, no front door, no garage, not brick... a beach house in the suburbs.
David Barr & Ross Brewin, Suburban Beach House
A residence that challenges the conventions of detached housing in Perth: small, lifted above the ground, no front door, no garage, not brick... a beach house in the suburbs.
David Barr & Ross Brewin, Suburban Beach House
A residence that challenges the conventions of detached housing in Perth: small, lifted above the ground, no front door, no garage, not brick... a beach house in the suburbs.
Ross Brewin, Out-back Gallery Shed
2010
The fit-out and store room extension to an indigenous art gallery in inner city Melbourne.
Ross Brewin, Carrara Lakes
2008
A proposal for an alternative development typology in the Gold Coast floodplain.
Awarded: 2008 Architecture Australia Award for Unbuilt work.
Exhibited: 2011 Aedes Gallery, Berlin.