Mumirimina People of Lutruwita (Palawa Pakani)
Tasmania
Tolpuddle Vineyard, set within the beautiful Coal River Valley, required a delicate architectural response for the development of a unique tasting pavilion.
The building has been designed as a quiet rural form, careful to reflect the surrounding agricultural character of the area. Modest in scale, the notion of an agricultural shed reflects the vernacular of the region and the intent for the architecture to play a humble role as a space from which to enjoy the landscape and vineyard.
The linearity of the building responds to the contours of the landscape, with the vineyard on the rolling hills contrasting with the minimal nature of the form. Moving towards the building, the black stained macrocarpa cladding draws you in and contrasts with the greenery of the vineyard, the neutral palette placing emphasis on the verdant surroundings; resulting in an unassertive tasting space from which to experience the broader mileu.
This project exemplifies a refined and disciplined approach to commercial architecture, achieving an impressive balance between agricultural authenticity and architectural sophistication. Thoughtfully integrated within its landscape, the built form responds sensitively to its surroundings, demonstrating a strong connection to place.
The clear delineation of tasting areas and amenities ensures a seamless and intuitive user experience, reinforcing spatial clarity and functionality. The siting is expertly considered, enhancing both the project’s environmental engagement and architectural presence.
Executed with precision and restraint, the design embodies timeless qualities while maintaining a high standard of craft and resolution. Despite a modest budget, the project achieves an exceptional outcome, demonstrating that strategic decision-making and thoughtful design can deliver remarkable results without financial excess.
A distinguished contribution to commercial architecture, this project sets a benchmark for clarity, environmental sensitivity, and programmatic excellence.
The jury commends Tolpuddle Vineyard for its ethical and responsible specification of locally sourced timber, utilised for both building cladding and bespoke joinery elements. The innovative and beautiful roof detailing celebrates rainwater harvesting and highlights the role of the building within the wider vineyard operations. Additionally, the commitment to renewable solar power and lack of excess further highlights a dedication to environmental sustainability, making Tolpuddle Vineyard an important example of responsible and considered commercial architecture.
The Tolpuddle Tasting Room is an example of how emerging talent can respond with clarity, sensitivity, and confidence to a myriad of project challenges.
Stepping into the role of project architect for Tolpuddle Tasting Room Lara has demonstrated her capacity as a leader at Tanner Architects. In this role Lara was the primary contact for the client through all stages of the project and with the support of the office has successfully delivered a conceptually robust and elegantly detailed project.
The built form is a refined and thoughtful expression of its context—both functional and poetic. The project execution relied on a rigorous approach and ongoing collaboration with consultants and the wider project team.
The Todpuddle Tasting Room signals the emergence of a confident architectural voice—one that is capable of delivering highly resolved, contextually grounded, and beautiful work.
“The understated design and exquisite finish of the Tolpuddle Vineyard tasting room suits our needs perfectly. Having been operational for two months, the feedback from staff as well as patrons has been excellent.”
Martin Shaw.“We are delighted with the Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room which has captured and surpassed the original brief. The building does not dominate the vineyard, but rather sits as part of it amongst the vines. The style is minimal yet takes its character from the wood, the glass, and the iron from which it is built. We love it.”
Michael Hill-Smith AM MWClient perspective
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.