Award-winning architects

Tasmanian design is coming of age.

On an island like ours, architects must be ingenious.

Ancient landscapes, rugged wilderness, and climatic extremes command respect.

There is a simmering tension between Tasmania’s past, present and future needs, and a growing recognition of the region’s value.

This is where architecture comes into its own. It’s a discipline capable of providing creative, sustainable, ethical, inclusive and viable solutions to shape our State.

Take these three award-winning projects designed by University of Tasmania alumni architects.

In the heart of Tasmania’s wilderness, giant geometric forms rise out of the wilderness, as if carved out by glaciers. The visitor centre beckons you into its honeyed cave.

To the north, a floating sauna perches on the edge of lake, reimagining an old tin mine town as a tranquil tourism destination.

And in the south, a century-old cottage sheds the shackles of the past, gently inviting the surrounding greenery and geology indoors.

These projects were among a swathe of graduate-led projects recognised in the 2021 Tasmanian Architecture Awards.

Cumulus Studio, a national firm led by four alumni, continues to cement its reputation for excellence in architecture, scooping up four awards this year for the Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre and Stoney Rise Cellar Door.

Its 39 staff, spread across three states, work collaboratively on projects, whether it’s master planning for a tourism hub in a World Heritage Area, or overseeing the construction of a social housing project in the heart of Hobart.

Cumulus Director Peter Walker (BEnvDes 1997, BArch 1998) said practising architecture in Tasmania presented unique opportunities and challenges.

“There is a high degree of ingenuity in the way we think about architecture here,” he said.

“We have traditionally had smaller budgets and we’ve had to find innovative ways to do more for less. “The Tasmanian climate is also different to the rest of Australia, so we tend to look to Europe, Scandinavia in particular, and Japan for inspiration.”

Peter said Tasmanian designers have a reputation for punching above their weight.

“We design locally, but think globally,” he said.

Another inventive Tasmanian project making waves is a floating sauna in Derby in the north-east of the island. Licht Architecture won the Peter Willmott Award for Small Project Architecture for its two black and white gable sheds perched on a pontoon against the dramatic background of quarry cliffs and rainforest.

The eye-catching design then went onto to greater honours, receiving a National Commendation for Small Project Architecture at the recent Australian Institute of Architects Awards.

“It was such a unique proposition, how often do you get asked to design a floating building?” Licht Architecture director and alumnus Jason Licht (BEnvDes 2006, MArch 2008) said.

It was such a unique proposition, how often do you get asked to design a floating building?”

“It can be hard to do small projects and make them financially viable for clients, so it was a labour of love for us, and although we were quietly confident and pleased with the outcome, we didn’t expect it to reach the heights it has. It’s quite humbling.”

Jason said tourism-based projects provided architects with the opportunity to test new ideas.

“In Tasmania you can really design for place,” he said.

“The State has reached a critical point where people have started to appreciate the value of architecture, just as Tasmania has come of age as a tourism destination, so it’s the perfect situation for architects because successful ventures need to stand out and good architecture is essential.”

Tasmanian homeowners are also benefiting from the expertise of our alumni architects. Just ask Preston Lane, leaders in the field. The award-winning practice was founded by alumnus architects Daniel Lane (BEnvDes 1997, BArch Hons 1999) and Nathanael Preston (BEnvDes 1997), who have offices in Tasmania and Victoria, and a reputation for a refined and responsive approach to residential architecture.

Their latest accolade was the Residential Alterations and Additions Architecture Chapter Award for a captivating century-old cottage in Pirie Street in Hobart’s northern suburbs.

“During our visit to the house, we felt its charm and were in awe of the uninterrupted view of kunyani Mount Wellington – dominant and dignified,” Daniel said.

Cradle Mountain Visitor Centre – Cumulus Studio. Photo: Michael Yip

They proposed removing an old lean-to at the rear of the property, which was blocking the grand view, and natural light.

Working in harmony with the sloping site and playing with volume and shadows, their modern extension features a sunken living room that frames the mountain and creates a visual connection with the garden, a haven for magnolia and fruit trees. The energy efficiency of the home was also increased fourfold by clever upgrades.

“Pirie St extension isn’t a home of one singular moment or gesture, but rather an integrated home filled with many moments,” Daniel said.

Lucie van den Berg

Pirie Street Extension – Preston Lane. Photo: Adam Gibson