Tasmania
Attracted by the intertidal character and abundant bird life of the Pittwater embayment, the owners chose Midway Point, east of Hobart, to retire into. Maximising connection to the waterplane of the bay, the new dwelling provides both a living and viewing platform adjacent the coastal reserve and its abundant littoral shore.
In a compact plan providing diverse living spaces, the threshold between inside and outside is reinforced as a uniform datum. External edges in the sun, and out of the wind extend the interior outward providing local and regional orientation.
The design response has been to future proof the site for its retired owners by providing grade access via the driveway to the new dwelling, and its level living platform. Supplemented by vegetable and feature gardens, an existing dwelling provides ancillary accommodation (for a carer) to extend their longevity on the peninsula.
As a couple of pensioners in their eighties, our brief to the architect was for a house that was free of hazards for the elderly, convenient, accessible, energy efficient, requiring minimal maintenance but sympathetic with its location on the edge of Orielton Lagoon. We are delighted to have a spacious but compact home, with a variety of outdoor spaces providing views to the garden, the lagoon, and beyond. The interior layout is relaxed and connected to its exterior. The building is distinctive, fully satisfying the original brief whilst allowing us to establish a home that feels truly ours.
Leigh Woolley, Design Architect
Michael Shadwick, Technical advice
Michael Renshaw, CAD documentation
Aldanmark Consulting Engineers, Engineer
Holdfast pty ltd, Building Surveyor
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.
