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.
Walla Womba Guest House
LOCATION + TRADITIONAL COUNTRY
The Palawa, Bruny Island, Tasmania
CLIENT
Private
STATUS
Built (2004)
AWARDS
Not applicable
media
The Green House - New Directions in Sustainable Architecture (2005), pp.130-133
Dwell (April/May, 2005), pp.72-74
Out of Town - The Country House (2006), pp.192-199
Tasmanian Life Magazine (Dec 2006/Jan 2007), pp.36-43
Off the Grid Homes: Case Studies for Sustainable Living (2007), pp.34-45
Ecological Houses (2008), pp.18-23
Green Homes: New Ideas for Sustainable Living (2007), pp.114-119
PHOTOGRAPHY
Peter Hyatt (1) 1+2 Architecture (2, 3)
Located on Bruny Island, south of Hobart, Walla(by) Womba(t) Guest House is a remote, off-grid retreat designed to capture the unique qualities of its coastal bushland setting: a sense of quietness, belonging and immersion in the natural environment.
The owners wanted a home that offered an intimate yet comfortable Tasmanian bushland experience, with the ability to connect with the forest and water from within the house central to the brief.
KEY COLLABORATORS
+ Builder:
Hebblewhite Builders
+ Structural Engineering:
+ Hydraulic Engineering:
Rod Cooper
+ Electrical Engineering:
David Swann - SEMF
+ Building Surveyor:
Place
The remote coastal site presented an opportunity to create a building closely connected to its natural surroundings, while remaining visually recessive within the coastal landscape.
Maintaining a low profile when viewed from the water was an important consideration. The roof pitch was oriented away from the coast to prevent reflected glare, with a carefully selected palette of colours and materials and the retention of a landscape buffer between the house and shoreline helping to minimise its visual impact.
Process
The building is planned around two raised, parallel pavilions linked by a central circulation spine. Their east–west axial configuration responds to solar orientation, specific view lines and the desired relationships between different spaces.
Large external sliding doors, carefully positioned windows that frame views, and living spaces extending onto decks heighten the experience of the surrounding forest and water, creating a close relationship between the interior and landscape.
The distinctive roof form evolved from the owner's initial desire for a convex curve. In response, 1+2 inverted and simplified the form, allowing the roof to lift towards the northern aspect while giving the building its distinctive architectural character.
“Their level of expertise and professionalism was exceptionally high, matched only by the tremendous enthusiasm and personal commitment brought to the project. We are incredibly pleased with the outcome of our project.”
Amy Tait — Owner
Impact
Walla Womba Guest House offers a quiet and intimate experience of its coastal bushland setting, balancing the comfort of contemporary living with a strong connection to the surrounding landscape.
Awards + Jury Citation
Awards
2004 RAIA Colorbond Award
This award is given by the Royal Australian Institute of Architects in recognition of projects demonstrating innovation and excellence through the use of steel.
