1+2 Architecture acknowledges the Palawa people as the traditional custodians of lutruwita, the lands on which our company is located and where we conduct our business. We pay our respects to ancestors and Elders, past and present. We are committed to honouring Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples' unique cultural and spiritual relationships to the land, waters and seas and their rich contribution to society.
Hobart Baptist Church + Apartments
LOCATION + TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
The Palawa, North Hobart, Tasmania
CLIENT
Not applicable
STATUS
Built (2021)
AWARDS
Not applicable
media
Not applicable
PHOTOGRAPHY
Bringing together affordable inner-city housing and the renewal of significant heritage buildings, Hobart Baptist Church + Apartments explores how contemporary residential development can support the ongoing life of an established church community.
The project introduces 16 two-bedroom apartments across four levels on a challenging central Hobart site, alongside the adaptation and restoration of the historic Soundy Hall and the magnificent 1887 Hobart Baptist Tabernacle. Together, the works balance the practical demands of higher-density living with the preservation of important heritage structures and the evolving needs of the church.
KEY COLLABORATORS
+ Builder:
+ Structural Engineering:
+ Building Surveyor:
+ Town Planner & Building Surveyor:
+ Land Surveyor:
Place
The development occupies a constrained inner-urban site, surrounded by neighbouring buildings and significant heritage architecture. The residential addition responds to these conditions through a pinwheel configuration, arranging apartments around internal light wells to maximise natural light throughout the broad floor plan while capturing views of the surrounding city and landscape.
Generous external areas are provided for every apartment, with covered decks positioned to welcome sunlight while offering protection from prevailing cold winds. These outdoor spaces extend the living areas and provide opportunities to enjoy the surrounding urban setting.
Process
The project required careful navigation of complex site constraints, including the interface with high-conservation-value heritage buildings, building services, neighbouring properties and strict budget limitations. A staged approach allowed the church to remain occupied and operational throughout the works.
The apartments were designed to be simple, functional and robust, with durable interiors suited to long-term rental use and a broad range of residents. Careful planning helped balance construction affordability with quality living environments.
The heritage works introduced equitable access throughout the building complex and created welcoming, well-serviced spaces for the church community and visitors to meet, work and socialise.
“The site is a very difficult and restricted one, with complex heritage issues. The project necessitated a very sympathetic and sensitive approach, as well as staging to maintain continuous occupancy.
The team at 1+2 Architecture have always been client-focused, exceptionally professional, and always kept the stringent budget requirements of the Church in the forefront of their solutions, whilst being mindful of not compromising the highest achievable design values.”
Antal Hanke — Client Representative / Project Manager, Hobart Baptist Church
Impact
The project demonstrates how higher-density housing can be introduced into a constrained heritage setting while contributing to the continued use of significant community buildings.
The apartments provide an opportunity for affordable, well-designed inner-city living, while the renewed church facilities support contemporary ministry and the church's ongoing service to the local community.
Together, the residential and community components bring new purpose and activity to an established part of central Hobart, supporting both the needs of residents and the continuing role of the church.
Awards + Jury Citation
