A coalition of Australia’s top architects have listed a relatively unknown shearing shed in Wagga as one of the nation’s most impressive architectural feats.
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The Deepwater Woolshed on Old Narrandera Road joins the likes of the Sydney Opera House, the Hyde Park Anzac Memorial, and Governor Phillip’s Tower on the Australian Institute of Architecture’s list of eight.
The list was compiled as part of the 12th Sydney Architecture Festival on Saturday September 22.
Nick Bryant manages the Bulls Run Station, where the woolshed operates. He considers it no shock that the shed is held in such esteem.
Built in 2005, it has consistently received significant attention, having won the Colourbond Award, Blacket Award for Regional Architecture and Energy Efficient Award.
“It was built with animal welfare in consideration, and to make for comfortable shearing,” said Mr Bryant.
Sitting on raised boards, the shed is orientated to catch the breeze.
Combined with the open channels of water along the western side, the shearing shed was designed to keep its occupants cool during the sweltering summer heat.
Even while the wind circulates through, the shed was designed to keep the Riverina’s infamous dust storms out.
“There’s a lot more space than in most other shearing sheds,” said Mr Bryant.
“It’s a lot more comfortable and makes working so much easier.”
The structure is also equipped with a lunch room, toilets and showers, for its staff.
But Mr Bryant says the most impressive feature of the shed is its spacious sheep pen, which can comfortably contain 2,000 adult sheep at any given time.
“Having that space for the sheep means they’re less distressed when they come in,” said Mr Bryant.
“If they’re not agitated, if they’re settled it just makes shearing so much faster so the sheep are more relaxed, the shearers are doing a better job, it’s a good environment all round.”
