How Tasmanian timber was used to transform ‘the DEC’ into a world-class sports and entertainment arena
January 25, 2022
Tasmania’s Derwent Entertainment Centre, constructed in 1989, is Tasmania’s largest capacity indoor multi-purpose venue accommodating up to 8,800 people. An agreement between the NBL and the Tasmanian Government has recently seen ‘the DEC’ refurbished into a world class arena that is now home to Tasmania’s first NBL team in 25 years. The $66 million refurbishment has transformed ‘the DEC’ into a world class sports and entertainment facility, with the venue rebranded as MyState Bank Arena. We spoke to Thomas Floyd from Philp Lighton Architects and Mark Millhouse from Voss about how they used Tasmanian timber to create the transformation.
Spring Bay Mill with Interior Designer, Claire Ferri from Studio Ferri
January 19, 2022
Studio Ferri is an award-winning boutique interior design studio based in nipaluna/Hobart, Tasmania. Meticulously crafting interiors for over 9 years, Director and Principal Claire Ferri’s work is highly regarded and known to make a statement. We recently caught up with Claire to find more about the celebrated Tasmanian project, the Triabunna Spring Bay Mill. Bringing her signature human-centric focus into the project, Claire explains what the collaboration involved and the importance of specifying the local favourite- Tasmanian Oak.
Australian furniture designer-maker brings over three kilometers of Tasmanian timber to the global design table
December 21, 2021
The last two years have looked quite different for everyone, but the inability to travel has been consistent. For Tasmanian born Brodie Neill, who now lives and practices in London, he couldn’t travel to his beloved Island home, but he could bring Tasmania to London. Two years of extensive study has resulted in Neill producing a stunning table formed from Tasmanian timber veneer offcuts, which recently launched at London Craft Week. Now the ReCoil table that took two years to come to fruition is now being preparing for a global tour throughout 2022.
Signalman’s Quarters by 1+2 Architecture
December 21, 2021
First built by convicts in 1852 to post the signalman of Mulgrave Battery in Hobart’s iconic Battery Point, Signalman’s Quarters has received many additions and alterations over the years. Having last been altered in the 1980’s, the home’s form had begun to morph into an array of periods of styles. Taking the opportunity to breathe new life into the building rich with history, 1+2 Architecture were engaged to celebrate the existing colonial architecture while carefully crafting a new space for contemporary living.
QC Chambers by FMD Architects
December 20, 2021
Setting up her Melbourne based practice, FMD Architects, over 15 years ago, Fiona Dunin has championed big design in small projects. As an interior designer and an architect, Dunin has merged her two disciplines to offer an integrated design approach. Working mainly on high-end residential and boutique commercial projects, FMD Architects has found their niche in small scale/bespoke. Dunin’s work has carried her across Australia and around the world, but her latest project was an honouring of both her and her client’s hometown- Melbourne.
Henry Street Townhouses by Maria Danos Architecture
December 6, 2021
In the heart of Melbourne’s CBD sits the charming neighbourhood of Windsor. Lush gardens spill over low fences and neighbours know one another by their first names (and likely have for decades). In the case of Henry Street, a strong sense of community also comes with a strong sense of design, especially for the owner of Henry Street Townhouses. Once occupied by a single dwelling home, the dated home was underutilizing. The coveted and central property gave the owner the idea to make the best use of the space and construct a two-unit ‘townhouse’. One belonging to the owner and the other for a lucky new resident ready to embrace the rich culture of the tight knit community - all in high style.
Business needs to lead for our climate, and buildings are low hanging fruit
November 22, 2021
The recent IPCC report highlighted that we must urgently transition to a low carbon future. If Australia wants to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as per the Paris Agreement, it must reach net-zero emissions by 2035. With buildings accounting for around one fifth of Australia’s emissions when electricity use is taken into account, improving the sustainability of new and existing housing is low hanging fruit.
Astrid Dispensary by Alte. Studio
November 8, 2021
Bucking the trend of how a traditional pharmacy should look and feel, Astrid Dispensary has flipped the dated design concept on its head. Gone are the flashy price special stickers, blaring colours and stark white coats floating behind a counter you can’t see beyond. Astrid Dispensary is the latest and welcome addition to Melbourne’s Chapel Street that pushes the envelope of the modern-day pharmacy, inviting patients in with its friendly pharmacists, lush green walls and warm timber tones seen throughout the new space.
A new ERA for offices
October 25, 2021
Converting an old, dark and tired retail space into an office setting that inspires employees and clients isn’t an easy task. Leave it to the experts at famed Hobart Architecture studio, Cumulus, to identify ample potential in the location and the existing building. Cumulus have transformed the once sad interior into an unrecognizable office space that not only inspires but offers comfort and warmth and matches the values of the business that now occupies the elevated new space.
From tip to toe, Van Bone is a tribute to all that is good in Tasmania
October 18, 2021
A cruisy 50-minute drive outside of Hobart’s CBD towards the Tasman Peninsula sits Van Bone restaurant in Marion Bay. Upon arrival to the venue’s lush grounds, if your breath’s not taken by the area’s stunning scenery and million-dollar views, the new restaurant’s end to end dining experience surely will.
Proudly perched in West Launceston, Birdhouse Studios by Gillian van der Schans offers a glimpse of Tasmania’s high-end-but-humble design
October 13, 2021
Gillian van der Schans is a veteran to the Tasmanian design industry. Born and raised in Tasmania, van der Schans had a short stint in Sydney to complete her studies but returned back to her island state where she knew she wanted to establish her career in architecture. Lecturing undergraduate architecture students at The University of Tasmania for eight years, van der Schans then went on to establish her own practice that she has maintained for the last two decades. Having created dozens of mostly residential projects for clients around the state, van der Schans’ love for Tasmania’s rough and rugged landscape has kept her on her toes – and she wouldn’t have it any other way.
Flinders Residence by Abe McCarthy Architects
August 16, 2021
At the base of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula where the Western Port meets Bass Strait, sits the coastal town of Flinders and the newly built Flinders Residence by Abe McCarthy Architects’. Capturing views of the often-turbulent Southern Australian waters and the lush and rolling seaside landscape, Flinders Residence is modern Australian farmhouse meets comforting luxury.
Maximum style, minimum waste
August 9, 2021
The word ‘liminal' means at the threshold; exploring the potential of what can be. This word is also the name of Hobart-based LIMINAL Studio and it’s what drives their approach on every project. Constantly on the threshold of or relating to a sensory threshold; exploring the possibilities of what can be; discovery in transition…LIMINAL Studio is where transformation takes place. And from their long list of award-winning architectural projects, spaces and objects, it’s clear that this transdisciplinary studio is doing just that.
Lands Building Office Redevelopment by Xsquared Architects
August 2, 2021
Xsquared Architects designed and documented a total refurbishment of the iconic Lands Building at 134 Macquarie Street in Hobart, Tasmania. This was a substantial project for the Department of Primary Industries Parks, Water and the Environment. All 11 floors of the office building were changed. Xsquared Architects created a standardised floor layout to provide each branch with the same level of amenity. This occurred by involving the different client groups in extensive consultation and dialogue.
Tasmanian Oak transforms this 1800’s pub and bistro by Enth Degree Architects
June 28, 2021
Just on the outskirts of Melbourne sits Templestowe Hotel, lovingly known by locals as The Tempy. Originally established in 1868, the venue just received a sparkling renovation by Melbourne based architecture studio, Enth Degree Architects. Revamping the large venue and seamlessly combining the hotel’s different spaces to create a cohesive style throughout, Tasmanian Oak was used as the common thread to stitch the warm but modern design together throughout this welcoming community hub.
Assessing Quality and Durability When Specifying Timber Flooring
June 28, 2021
Naturally warm and attractive, timber remains among the most popular choices for flooring. One of the world’s oldest building materials, timber’s physical properties and potential for sustainability are highly regarded. Combining premium aesthetics with durability, timber has been a reliable choice for interior applications for centuries. It is also eco-friendly, being less emissions-intensive and more sustainable over its lifecycle than other building materials like steel and concrete. However, when specifying timber for specific applications, the varying properties of different species must be taken into account.
Bona Vista by Studio Prineas
June 9, 2021
Nestled in Sydney’s quiet inner-west, Bona Vista by Studio Prineas reinterprets the characterful features of its Federation frontage, forging a warm domestic setting for family life. Applying a holistic gaze, Studio Prineas developed a considered vision for all aspects of the project; architecture, planning, custom joinery, furniture and styling.
Pirie Street Extension by Preston Lane
May 31, 2021
Set atop the rolling hills in Hobart’s suburb of New Town sits Pirie Street Extension. Situated on a sloping site, this charming Tasmanian weatherboard cottage has just received a renovation and extension from the award-winning architecture firm Preston Lane Architects, that brings the early 20th century home into modern times.
Blonde Aussie beauty
May 13, 2021
Tasmanian Oak is a high to medium density timber which is sourced from three almost identical species of eucalypts: E. delegatensis, E. regnans and. E. obliqua. It was named by early European timber workers who believed these eucalypts showed the same strength as the mighty English Oak. It also shares the oak’s pale, straw-toned colouring – something that makes it unique among Australian hardwoods, which generally play into the darker end of the spectrum.
A reflection of the present and past
May 10, 2021
Tasmanian architect Rosa Douramanis has called Hobart home almost her entire life. Growing up and commencing her studies in Sydney, Rosa arrived at the island state and set down permanent roots. Now, having practiced architecture for over 25 years, Rosa is a veteran in the industry and prides herself on homing in on sense of place, carefully articulating each project to a site’s favourable attributes or demanding restraints.
