Lander—Se: From Shed To Sanctuary, an Interview With Artist Hannah Nowlan
Early-career artist Hannah Nowlan and her partner, Carpenter and Civil Construction Supervisor Tim Berger, purchased some Red Hill acreage in 2021 with plans to deliver a creative arts destination deeply connected to the site's natural environment. The result is Lander—Se — a once ramshackle rural shed transformed into a contemporary art gallery that acts as a sanctuary for artists and visitors alike.
We quizzed Hannah on her vision for Lander—Se, how it evolved, the biggest design hurdles she faced, and why she chose ABI Interiors’ tapware as fixtures for the space.
What was the inspiration behind Lander—Se?
Hannah Nowlan:
I was inspired to create an artist-run initiative that supports the art practice and the careers of my peers. Set on a rural property, the gallery showcases art inspired by landscape and the environment in many shapes and forms.
What did you envision when starting the design process for Lander—Se, and did it evolve?
Before purchasing the Red Hill property, we had plans to build a new purpose-built gallery space and a separate dwelling. Initially, we didn't realise the potential of the existing barn. However, after acquiring the land and considering its layout, we discovered that the north-facing barn was ideally positioned for a gallery. With natural light pouring in, we converted the barn into an innovative, user and audience-centred creative workplace, transforming the unused ‘steel shell’ into a functional space.
The cornerstone of my design process was multi-functionality. I wanted to ensure the space had a functional new layout and environmental upgrades to accommodate multiple uses. As a creative hub, it must be adaptable to suit the gallery's needs.
Our revamped floor plan includes a soaring gallery with a five-meter-tall pitched roof, a gallery track hanging system, and adjustable track lighting. The gallery doubles as an artist studio with built-in cabinetry, artwork/supply storage, communal co-working stations, an office space, a kitchenette, and an accessible bathroom.
The gallery increases creative access in the local community through four main studio operations: an artist-run gallery, an artist studio facilitating creative workshops and programs, an artist supplies store, and a future artist-in-residence program.
How does ABI Interiors’ brushed gunmetal fit into the overall scheme of Lander—Se?
With the Lander—Se design scheme, I wanted the space to feel earthy, grounded, and calm. We've chosen materials that blend harmoniously with the rural environment, being handmade or sturdy enough to withstand the wear and tear of a farm property. We love the raw materiality that the brushed gunmetal gives the space.
What is your favourite aspect of the gallery?
I love so many beautiful moments/aspects in the gallery; I’m most proud of looking up to the barn-pitched roofline that I hand-plastered and watching the dappled light through the gum trees fall across the artworks.
What challenges or design hurdles did you face when building the gallery?
The biggest challenge of renovating the gallery was that Tim and I worked full-time. Over two years, we used every weekend, public holiday, and day off to complete the project. We were both exhausted by the end of it, but equally, it was super satisfying.
The most significant design hurdle would have been our timber gallery entry doors. When I initially received quotes for our entry, they were all custom-made due to the large scale of the barn door openings. After much deliberation, we decided that building them ourselves would be the only viable option.
It was an all-hands-on-deck project! My dad created the six-door leaves, each standing 1 metre x 2.8 metres tall. Tim and his dad built the door frames and sidelights before Tim and I installed the double glazing. It was a massive project with 30 pieces of glass, but it was worth it. The doors perfectly frame the entry and transform the barn from a rural shed to a contemporary art gallery.
What is your favourite thing about being an artist?
As an artist, I love being able to look at the world around me through a creative lens. My arts practice affords me so much, particularly by allowing small overlooked moments of movement, quality, light, colours, interactions, and comments to fuel my creative spirit and later become inspiration or symbols in paintings or spark creative concepts and ideas.
What did you hope to achieve with the launch of the gallery?
Lander—Se officially opened in late April 2024 with an inaugural exhibition of my paintings entitled 'Slate'. This very successful first exhibition for the gallery has led to the development of our upcoming Spring Group Show, a group exhibition of multidisciplinary artists. An all-female lineup of Mornington Peninsula-based creatives working in themes of landscape and environment, literally, conceptually, spiritually, or figuratively.
We also presented a creative workshop series over the winter, and we are currently introducing our spring/summer creative program, which will be filled with inspiring events, workshops, and incentives led by Hannah and other guest artists.
Tell us about why you specifically chose ABI Interiors' Aliro Accessible Collection.
Lander—Se is an artist-run initiative — an all-access, all-ability community platform. In designing our gallery space, we seek to make it an inclusive, approachable, and welcoming environment for artists and audiences to experience the benefits of art and nature. By incorporating the ABI Aliro Accessible Collection into our design, we ensure the spaces perform both functionally and aesthetically.
Thanks for your time!
Explore more of our design interviews and renovation blogs:
Designing Our Dream Home: Tips from The Block 2019 Winners Tess and Luke
Growing Together: A Conversation With Biodiverse Garden Design
Aliro | Behind the Design
