Tasmania
A humble shack on Tasmania’s East Coast is respectfully transformed into an intergenerational holiday home with an enhanced connection to nature and each other, without dominating its surrounds.
The result is a stunningly simple gable form— a contemporary nod to Tasmania’s shed architecture—allowing expansive views of Waubs Bay, which were once only visible from a tiny kitchen window whilst washing up.
A playful use of volume increases the occupants’ sense of space in the new extension and, in the original shack; the client’s sense of ‘hygge’ is retained and enhanced.
This careful fusion of old and new resulted in a respectful extension with a modest footprint on the site.
Creative and dynamic solutions were required to work within a modest budget and unusual design challenges, such as: penguin proofing the exterior, to preserve the integrity of the local colony, COVID related border closures and enhanced bushfire overlays.
Ancher Architecture Office’s design exceeded our expectations. Our holiday home has been transformed into a spacious, light and modern meeting place where family and friends gather to enjoy our special slice of Tasmania’s east coast. The way the architects married the original cottage with the new addition was masterful (especially within a modest budget). They created expansive spaces to gather on mass, as well as tranquil areas to retreat to. We are also so pleased with how the new extension is such a discreet addition to the existing cottage, barely visible from the street.
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
