Mount stuart greenhouse | bence mulcahy

2020 Tasmanian Architecture Awards


The Henry Hunter Triennial Prize 2020

Mount Stuart greenhouse | bence mulcahy

entry in THE HENRY HUNTER TRIENNIAL PRIZE 2020

Culverden circa 1900 is a highly crafted Federation Italianate home with an expansive garden. The client stated a desire to live “engulfed by the garden” and thus, the new addition was conceived as greenhouse. Growing from the existing, traces of the new present themselves by degrees, culminating in the kitchen dining area where the full extent reveals itself. It shares formal characteristics with the existing, a sandstone base, yet is transparent and overtly structural, to capture the gardens proximity and formally setting up a relationship with the existing verandah. Generous volumes capture the scale of the immediate vegetation and views, and crafted details and materials provide continuity of pattern and texture. Natural materials develop patina and contribute to a lived-in space. The Mount Stuart Greenhouse provides a stage for family life connected to the garden and verandah, in a manner complimentary to the quality and craftsmanship of the existing home.

Subject to a heritage precinct overlay, it is listed as a heritage place. Removal of existing building fabric was minimised and the overall massing sits comfortably against the existing. Overtly structural, the addition sets up a relationship with the existing verandah, and decorative details and natural materials celebrate the tradition of craftsmanship inherent in the existing home. The addition subtly acknowledges the planning, form and significant characteristics of the existing and celebrates the tradition of craftsmanship inherent in the existing to provide richness and texture to the new.

Mount Stuart Greenhouse | Bence Mulcahy | Photographer: Adam Gibson

Architect

Practice team

Shamus Mulcahy – Project Architect

Sophie Bence – Director

Bek Verrier – Project Architect

CONSULTANT AND CONSTRUCTION TEAM

Farquhar Constructions Pty Ltd – Builder

JMG Engineers and Planners – Engineer

Lee Tyers Building Surveyors – Building Surveyor

RED Sustainability Consultants – Sustainable Buildings & Energy Efficiency Consultant

Adam Gibson – Photographer

Our partners

Principal Partner
Major National Partners
National Corporate Partners
National Supporting Partners

​National Insurance Partner

National Media Partner
State Partners

This form is now closed.