Protecting precious art: critical control spaces for Bundanon’s Art Museum

Bundanon Trust is the singular legacy of celebrated Australian artist Arthur Boyd, an 1100-hectare estate gifted to the nation to support artistic practice and our unique cultural and natural landscape.

In April 2016, the Trust announced its ambitious $33 million Riversdale Master Plan to deliver a new subterranean art gallery, auditorium, restaurant and education spaces, along with an adjoining accommodation bridge housing up to 64 people, including an artist in residence. The expansion, completed in 2021, is a spectacular showcase for Boyd’s $43-million original art collection, which had previously been stored in Sydney due to the strict ambient conditions required to preserve the works.

Our bespoke design incorporates a bushfire-proof inground geothermal heat exchanger, two reverse cycle heat pumps, and air handling and fan coil units, combining to maintain strict temperature and humidity balance and ensure the longevity of the priceless artworks.

Climax Air Conditioning was awarded the contract for the mechanical design and construction package by builder ADCO Constructions, charged with the delivery of critical controlled spaces across the complex project. Our in-house engineering team’s bespoke design for the gallery’s system, complete with precision humidity control, incorporates a bushfire-proof inground geothermal heat exchanger, two reverse cycle heat pumps, and air handling and fan coil units, combining to maintain strict temperature and humidity balance and ensure the longevity of the priceless artworks.

The project also included DX air conditioning systems, kitchen exhaust and a fully integrated BMCS system in addition to the specialised gallery requirements.

Successfully delivered in partnership with the building contractor, the Riversdale Master Plan joins Climax Air Conditioning’s vast portfolio of specialist mechanical services projects supporting high-value facilities across many sectors.