“There are over 7 billion people in the world and a billion buildings, but only one Piano Mill. Situated in the remote highlands between Stanthorpe and Tenterfield, Queensland, Australia The Piano Mill is a unique architectural feature, homage to the musical history of outback Australia, and an outrageous musical instrument in one”. Rivervend Books 29.03.2018. A square structure clad in copper and is purpose-built to house sixteen pianos - eight on the first level and eight on the mezzanine. The walls consist of large-scale louvers, which can be opened and shut to alter the Mill’s acoustics. The Piano Mill is a nine metre tall copper clad tower/ musical instrument settled in a forest half an hour outside Stanthorpe. It pays respect to the plethora of pianos that helped European settlers feel culturally at home in a very foreign environment. It also pays tribute to music of the “prepared piano” and includes sixteen pianos, tuned grader blades and sonic periscopes to expand this music genre. It represents a collaboration between architect and composer and acts as a sculptural performance facilitator for dance, projection art and percussion as well as the sixteen pianos in a unique composition “All’s grist that comes to the mill”. The building consists of two 4.5m square floor plates with a void in the middle for lifting the pianos. The lower floor, 1.6m above the ground, allows entry of both the pianos and the musicians ensuring that musicians genuflect to the building on entering.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Piano Mill located?+
The Piano Mill is located in Stanthorpe, Australia. Its coordinates are -28.6560°, 151.9338°.
Can I visit The Piano Mill?+
The Piano Mill is a real building in Stanthorpe that can be viewed from the outside. Check local information for interior access and visiting hours. Use the Parametric Atlas walking tour feature to plan a route that includes this building.