Mumirimina People
Tasmania
Located on the eastern shore of Hobart’s River Derwent, this mid-20th century home exemplifies what can be achieved when a few simple and strategic moves are made to even the simplest of designs. Architect designed in the mid-1950s by an unknown designer, this modest three-bedroom home, originally 145 square metres in area, has been reduced to 130 square metres without sacrificing any amenity. Thoughtfully reworked to capture the northern sunlight while still maintaining views over the Derwent River, the renovation includes rationalising the floorplan to create a contemporary home. Rather than eradicate the home’s past, the approach has been to update, including more efficient thermal features such as double glazing while still allowing the past to be ‘read’.Â
Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Mid Century River Home is a quiet, gentle update of a 1950s home on the Derwent at Lindisfarne. Rather than a process of addition, the project removes internal footprint in lieu of a small north-facing sheltered courtyard that draws sun deep into the south-facing living spaces. Retained myrtle cladding and Tasmanian oak flooring preserve the mid-century qualities, while new dark-stained timber bookmarks the interior, lending the soft, restrained spaces their present charm.
Commendation for Sustainable Architecture
Mid Century River Home is a responsible, low-carbon retrofit of a much-loved family home on the Derwent. Rather than rebuild, the architects retain the existing structure, cladding, and floors, preserving seventy years of family heritage while reducing the footprint. The success of the interventions lies in the seamless interplay between old and new. Original timber windows retrofitted with double glazing, new insulation, and a low operating energy fit-out all work quietly together to lift the home to contemporary expectations on building performance.
Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Mid Century River Home is a quiet, gentle update of a 1950s home on the Derwent at Lindisfarne. Rather than a process of addition, the project removes internal footprint in lieu of a small north-facing sheltered courtyard that draws sun deep into the south-facing living spaces. Retained myrtle cladding and Tasmanian oak flooring preserve the mid-century qualities, while new dark-stained timber bookmarks the interior, lending the soft, restrained spaces their present charm.
Commendation for Sustainable Architecture
Mid Century River Home is a responsible, low-carbon retrofit of a much-loved family home on the Derwent. Rather than rebuild, the architects retain the existing structure, cladding, and floors, preserving seventy years of family heritage while reducing the footprint. The success of the interventions lies in the seamless interplay between old and new. Original timber windows retrofitted with double glazing, new insulation, and a low operating energy fit-out all work quietly together to lift the home to contemporary expectations on building performance.
This design is perfect for us. A smaller footprint and intelligent rearrangement and partitioning of spaces has transformed the amenity of Joanna’s childhood home. The house responds to all seasons and performed magnificently during a full family stress test. We enjoy adjusting the house as desired, it can be open to the outside (north, south or both) or closed and cosy. Adjustment to breeze flow, light and temperature is easily managed. Every part of domestic life is a delight now, the views to the river, mountain and garden have been enriched by this renovation. This house just feels so comfortable.