Phrontisterion
Derived from the ancient Greek word for "a place for thinking” is MONA's new library and research space.
It is a bold architectural expression that conceals warm, richly layered interiors filled with books, artworks, and spaces designed for contemplation; a sentiment we have come to know and love about MONA; we would expect no less.
Every detail reflects MONA's commitment to creating places that challenge, inspire, and encourage lifelong curiosity.
Behind Phrontisterion's industrial exterior lies a library unlike any other.
The vibrant green bookshelves crafted by Halton Joinery reflect their consistency as master craftspeople and their attention to detail in every project they undertake; they anchor the lower level with a sense of calm and discovery.
Constructed with pink and green Abet Laminati laminate pressed onto Hoop Pine Plywood, they seamlessly integrate with the striking Hydrowood Tasmanian Myrtle and a multitude of brass shelf sleeves (33,000+), painstakingly installed with absolute precision.
Whilst being crafted in the same manner as the green, the bold pink bookshelves above bring warmth and energy to the collection. Set against raw concrete, dramatic staircases, and a striking exterior of reclaimed corrugated steel, these colour-filled spaces transform a library into an unforgettable architectural experience.
A space designed not just to store knowledge, but to inspire it.
The library is the centrepiece of Mona's most significant expansion since its conception in 2011. A project in which Halton Joinery was contracted to manufacture and install bars, staircases and balustrades, as well as bathroom joinery and other back-of-house joinery.
As a family-owned and run Tasmanian business, having the capacity, skill and direction from a strong and knowledgeable leader to boast our inclusion in Mona’s construction and expansion is a quiet nod to the longevity of our brand and continued promise to always deliver an exceptional quality product.
In addition to crafting and installing no less than 287 bookcases, Halton Joinery threw their hand to a multitude of wall linings in the library, the map room, David's study, the lounge room and the lounge rui corridors as well as some more conventional joinery in back-of-house areas like vanities, meeting rooms, kitchenettes, stone floors and stone windowsills.
A project of this magnitude allows our entire team to become involved, from the first meetings many years ago, drawings, plans and RFI’s, to sourcing the eccentric building products, to washing and cleaning 33,000+ brass shelf sleeves and 7,000+ brass shelf pins to ensure their flawless condition, to a sea of pink and green cabinetry, the 25+ loads delivered to site, to an onsite installation team racking up 6 months of on-site installation.
A project of which Halton Joinery are hugely proud and humbled to have been a part of.
Special mention goes to the architect, Nonda Katsalidis and to the principal contractor, Hutchinson Builders, with whom we have built a strong working relationship over the last few years and of course all our suppliers and hard-working, dedicated employees; without them performing as consistently as they do, we simply couldn’t trade in the manner we do.
