House in Tasmania by Architect George
Inspired by the surrounding classic Australian shacks in a sleepy town in Tasmania, House in Tasmania, nicknamed ‘Big Red’, was designed as an unpretentious, simple and cost effective home by Architect George.
Words: Hande Renshaw | Photography: Max Combi
The home captures two incredible views: one towards kunanyi/MtWellington, and the other of Primrose Sands beach. Photo: Max Combi
House in Tasmania is a small and simple dwelling conceived as a contemporary interpretation of an Australian shack. Photo: Max Combi
The home is divided into two ‘twisted’ pavilions, one taking the toward the distant Kunanyi and the ever-changing weather patterns witnessed across the water. The other view toward Primrose Sands beach where the clients love to take their dogs for a stroll and a swim. Photo: Max Combi
Set on a waterfront location in south-east Tasmania, House in Tasmania, aka ‘Big Red’, was designed to suit a modest budget and sustainable way of living.
Influenced by the surrounding classic Australian shacks in the small sleepy town, the focus was predominately on materials, which were inspired by the landscape.
‘We originally designed a home that had no red whatsoever – the early designs had hardwood cladding, timber windows and galvanised iron roofing,' says Dean Williams, director of Architect George.
Due to budget restrictions, the initial material choices weren’t possible so a more financially attainable solution was required, ‘We embraced the challenge - with Colorbond roofing, aluminium windows and fibre cement cladding; the use of red was born through the process of reducing construction costs, we didn't believe a subtle neutral colour was right for the site, we wanted something more bold and drammatic to be enjoyed by the clients throughout the day,’ says Dean.
The design of Big Red strived to be contextual and of its surroundings: a simple and clean home, ‘Our clients live without unnecessary 'stuff' or excess - the project presents a pared-back way of life.’
The house spans two pavilions visually separated by an outdoor deck, creating 90 square metres of internal floor space, a single storey living pavilion houses a modest kitchen, dining and lounge space. The two storey pavilion houses two bedrooms and two bathrooms, allowing separation from sleeping and living functions. The two pavilions also provide more opportunity for rooms to have connections to the outdoors, sunlight and ventilation.
The pavilions are deliberately ‘twisted’ to capture two equally beautiful views, ‘The brief expressed the desire for the home to capture two important views. One toward the distant Kunanyi and the ever-changing weather patterns witnessed across the water. The other view toward Primrose Sands beach where the clients love to take their dogs for a stroll and a swim,’ says Dean.
The dramatic views and connection of the home to the landscape is a standout feature, ‘From all parts of the home, you get such a strong connection to the outdoors, the weather patterns across the water, the seasons, the garden, the beach, the sunrise, the sunset, the whales, the birds. You are truly immersed in the natural environment providing a true sense of place.’
‘The planning resolution of the two twisted pavilions was a response to the two desired views,’ says Dean Williams. Photo: Max Combi
The central outdoor deck and the interior walkway. Photo: Max Combi
“During sunset the coastal town gets these beautiful red colour tones – the earthy red headlands provided inspiration for the use of the red. We love how the red colour tones change throughout the time of day.”
Flat pack formply joinery to make up the kitchen cabinetry was constructed on site by the clients. Max Combi
The simple and unpretentious open plan kitchen and living space. Photo: Max Combi
“From all parts of the home, you get such a strong connection to the outdoors... you’re truly immersed in the natural environment providing a true sense of place.”
The Colorbond roof in Manor Red is durable and typical to the homes of the area. Photo: Max Combi
Exterior details. Photo: Max Combi
