Tasmania
The Finlay Street project centres on a heritage-listed utility structure, once part of 34 Hampden Road. Alterations feature a new living area, removal of an unsympathetic fit-out, and landscaping with a north-facing green ‘warm’ roof. ‘Portals’ with integrated joinery enhance functionality and selectively frame views in existing west-facing openings. The northern addition maintains the original floor level, integrating a green roof intentionally kept low. A ‘lantern’ roof section, set apart as a distinctive glazed form independent of the main building, allows light penetration, ensures privacy, and establishes a visual link with the original house. Internal improvements expose and preserve the original brick structure, replacing laminate flooring with Tasmanian oak, and introducing detailed timber joinery. Achieving a harmonious blend of contemporary living, conservation, and historical sensitivity, this project reflects a successful collaboration among architect, client, and builder. The delicate balance between heritage preservation, functionality, sustainability, cost, and aesthetics defines its success.
Award for Heritage Architecture
This outbuilding once belonged to the property adjacent, a grand double-storey, red-brick residence in the Queen Anne style positioned commandingly on the hill. Through small sensitive moves by the architects, Finlay Street has been restored so that the layers accumulated over years are removed and only softly touched to show their original texture and provide ongoing protection.
A highlight of the project is in the respectful way the vista to the neighbouring property has been preserved. This historic connection is retold through window ‘portals’ that maximise light in this low position and provide privacy for the residents.
Award for Residential Architecture (Alterations and Additions)
This diminutive building stands jewel-like in the street scape. Once dominated by the historic house of which it was previously a part, it now quietly commands its own place. Framed by a tiered landscape and a flourishing green roof, a new blackened addition is thoughtfully designed to fall back from the original stables while contrasting natural timber apertures warmly draw you inside. The architects and the builder have employed great skill and craftsmanship, in the manner of a furnituremaker or boatbuilder, in their attention to the small details that the residents or visitors might grasp and touch.
On a low-lying and inclining block, this modest yet engaging new addition and restoration inventively incorporates elements that maximise opportunities for sunlight penetration and connection to the landscape, as well as providing a respectful nod and ongoing relationship to the neighbouring house and broader heritage precinct.
This project owes its success to our close collaboration with the architect and builder; transforming our cramped converted stables into a delightful home.
Preserving the fabric of the old building was important. Original brickwork and sandstone foundations were revealed. Tasmanian timbers in joinery, flooring and surrounding the featured wood-burning stove, give a mellow, inviting ambiance. Windows and skylights fill spaces with sunlight, revealing the garden and adjacent heritage buildings without compromising privacy. The green roof provides thermal mass and habitat for birds and pollinators; terraced retaining walls bring the garden to our windows. We are completely overjoyed with the outcome.
Christopher Clinton, Design Architect
BSE Engineers, Green Roof Performance Specifier
Gandy & Roberts, Structural Engineer
Pudding Lane, Building Surveyor
Red Sustainability, Energy Assessor
Susan McKinnon, Landscape Consultant
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.
