Flowerpot, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: completed 2017

Apple Crate Shack, aka 60k House, is an exploration of adequacy: the design is guided by needs, not wants. A modest footprint generates a generous volume, satisfying all spatial and functional requirements. Circulation is succinct and efficient: strong connections extend to engage with the site and landscape.

The First Home Builder Boost prompted me to owner-build what I could afford, not what a conservative market dictated. While the government grant provided the capacity and motivation to build, the personal connection enabled the freedom to experiment.

The project is an investigation of ideas: reference to the local fruit industry is evident in the ‘apple crate’ aesthetic. All timber cladding has been milled on site from trees that had to be felled. A limited palette of materials speaks of durability and economy, contrasting the rough and the refined.

Working with an experienced builder provided a hands-on awareness of the consideration and ‘craft’ demanded of the building process - a valuable learning experience.

For more info: www.60khouse.com.au

2018 Houses Awards Shortlist - Sustainability

Sanctuary - Issue 45

Sunday Tasmanian - July 29, 2018

Sunday Tasmanian - September 15, 2019

Sustainable Homes

Hunting for George

Hunting for George - Let Us In

The Design Files

builder / R.B. Edwards & Son

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Jordan Davis

South Hobart, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2019

Located adjacent to the World Heritage listed Cascade Female Factory Site, the house was severely damaged by the floods that wreaked havoc in Hobart in May 2018. The rear extensions would need to be rebuilt which the client saw as an opportunity to improve the design.

Increased thermal performance for the house is achieved by the addition of a burnished concrete slab. The new slab is raised level with the existing timber floor of the existing cottage to mitigate potential future flooding. A generous new deck helps to improve the connections to the sheltered backyard.

The extension fits within the previous roof outline but takes a very different form. The previous roof was a series of skillions over a mishmash of lean-tos, all angled down away from the original cottage. The new roof angles up, capturing precious sun - a cherished thing in South Hobart.

The client was keen to reuse and recycle many original materials. The extension includes a new kitchen that includes a splashback made from recycled convict bricks. A large timber screen, made from recycled floor boards that were replaced from the cottage, screens the laundry or the study nook with nested storage for the island bench. The substantial timber joinery is made from the recycled floor joists that were also replaced following the flood damage.

Sanctuary - Issue 60

builder / Element Building Construction

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

joinery / Halton Joinery

photographer / Natasha Mullhall

Taroona, Tasmania

Community: Sports

Status: completed 2020

With arguably the most picturesque ground in the country, the original change rooms left a lot to be desired. The redevelopment at Kelvedon Park has provided fit-for-purpose facilities for an expanding community sports club – the Taroona Football Club.

The new building includes four change rooms and two referee rooms (allowing male and female matches to be played one after the other), accessible toilets, storage for playing equipment, a kiosk that serves an undercover area, a kitchen and bar that serves the function space, and a covered verandah for sheltered spectator viewing.

The pavilion stretches long and low between the pitch and the water - the height and form have been minimised to reduce the visual impact on neighbours, while offering degrees of transparency for views over and through the building to the water beyond.

The new building combines a range of enclosed and undercover spaces for the diverse user groups encompassing players, match officials, volunteers and spectators. The sequence of spaces is considered; a covered walkway leads past the change rooms to the function space, with framed water views revealed between the pavilions. The function space is located at the northern end, central to the pitch, enjoying the benefits of passive solar design as well as enviable views over the Derwent River below. A covered verandah extends pitch side, providing an elevated platform for spectators.

The simple palette of materials was selected to be durable, economical and beautiful. Abundant natural light and ventilation, combined with warm and natural materials, makes for a welcoming experience for the community to enjoy.

AIA (Tas) 2021 People’s Choice Awards

archello

builder / Threshold Construction

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Natasha Mulhall Photography

West Hobart, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2016

Mullet House: 19th century street front, 21st century home.

From the quiet street in leafy West Hobart it doesn’t look like much has changed; a typical 1890’s workers cottage. But a rough-sawn timber wall designates the new side entry, slipped between the fence and the existing weatherboard cottage: most of the renovation is hidden from the street.

Numerous unsympathetic extensions have been made over the years, each spilling out and further overshadowing an already uninviting backyard with no connection to the house.

Consolidation and reorganisation collects the ‘living’ functions at the rear of the property, including the great outdoors ‘room’, to create a comfortable home suitable for modern living.

The extension steps down to ground level and incorporates passive solar design principles. Full-height bi-fold doors admit precious winter sun, and connect the Kitchen and Courtyard, which together mediate old and new, inside and out: the combination forms the new centre of the house.

Real Living - July 2016

builder / Overland Builders

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Chris Warnes / Jordan Davis

Hobart, Tasmania

Commercial

Status: completed 2022

This commercial fitout for a skincare and beauty business saw the transformation of a neglected heritage listed building into an urban wellness retreat. The brief was to create a calming space filled with natural light – a haven within the Hobart CBD.

The ground floor houses the reception with retail space, office and staff room. Upstairs, a curved timber batten screen welcomes guests. Efficient planning saw the space divided into eight treatment rooms, an infra-red sauna and post treatment relaxation area.

The existing heritage fabric of the building was respected with considered interventions providing a face-lift that rejuvenates a tired building.

Builder / Roberts & Rogers

Photographer / Massimo Combi

Kingston, Tasmania

Residential: New (incl. Ancillary)

Status: completed 2020

This project tackles the dilemma of intergenerational living, combined with unique site constraints. The modern family home is capable of supporting three generations. Appearing as a single storey house from the street, this project could also be considered a 'Tardis'. 

The upper level, accessible from an elevated walkway, provides easy access to the main living area of the house. This was a special consideration for the clients who wanted to provide accessibility for a parent to be able to age in place. The lower level includes a double garage, multi-purpose space conceived as a gym but operating as a home office, and a compact but functional laundry tucked beneath the stairs. There is also a self-contained two-bedroom ancillary unit on the ground floor with private covered space for adult children to inhabit.

The plan is cranked to capture both the water views of Kingston Beach and the mountain views of kunanyi/Mt Wellington. The plan wraps its arms around the site creating a private garden for all occupants to enjoy. The dark vertical metal cladding was selected for durability and to reference the distinct local vernacular of stained vertical timber boards.

builder / Overland Builders

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Natasha Mullhall

New Town, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2020

The only visible change from the street is the addition of a seemingly blank timber box, slid beside the existing timber weatherboard house in New Town. The front section of the house remains untouched except for a new en-suite and walk-through robe, tucked behind the master bedroom. At our first meeting the clients requested the ability to lie in the bath and look up to the stars. Also wanting to maintain privacy from the street and their neighbours, the bathroom has no windows. During the day two large skylights flood the room with light from above; at night they offer bath time stargazing.

The alterations to the rear of the house saw the removal of an enclosed verandah and laundry that occupied prime position and blocked any connection to the backyard. The modest extension opens up the kitchen and dining to a new living area. This light-filled volume flows out to an elevated deck that overlooks the backyard and up to the mountain.

Beneath the living room is an oversized garage, large enough to store tools and surfboards and bikes. The lower level also houses an inside-outside gym with increased volume, important for the active clients.

The alterations successfully refocus the house from the front to the backyard, from the street to the mountain, from the inside to the outside and beyond.

builder / Overland Builders

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Natasha Mullhall

Woodbridge, Tasmania

Community: Sports

Status: completed 2012

The Woodbridge Community Sports Facility is an inspiring example of a collaborative, community-based project that has delivered an outstanding, fit-for-purpose facility, serving the needs of local sports groups. With funding from multiple sources and support from local community members, the project also received significant professional assistance from a range of committed consultants.

The elevated pavilion provides a comfortable vantage point from which to enjoy the weekly contests played on the oval below. The D’Entrecasteaux Channel and Bruny Island provide an expansive and scenic backdrop.

The building’s multiple functions and spaces are united by the one simple, functional roof. Passive solar design results in a range of comfortable spaces for players and spectators, both indoors and out, all year round.

A limited palette of materials, selected for both durability and economy, contrasts the rough with the refined. The composition welcomes the home team and invites visitors to enjoy a truly wonderful sequence of shelter and exposure.

A tight budget, an aspiration for community involvement and a need for functional but truly inspiring facilities motivated all those involved to deliver. The building has been embraced by all who use it, both passively and actively, and provides a lasting legacy to the community that helped create it.

AIA (Tas) 2014 Small Project - Commendation

AIA (Tas) 2014 People’s Choice Award

builder / R.B. Edwards & Son

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Jordan Davis

Kingston, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2019

This project saw the addition of an ensuite and balcony to the master bedroom of this existing family home. Both the ensuite and the balcony enjoy commanding views into the treetops and surrounding landscape.

A drying room was also added to the lower level. A new colour scheme, modifications to an existing window and timber cladding were added to some external walls to improve the appearance of the house.

2020 Master Builders Tas - Renovation/Addition $200k - $400k

builder / Ocon Built

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

joinery / Wood & Water

photographer / Alastair Bett Photography

Blackmans Bay, Tasmania

Community: Amenities

Status: completed 2021

Small-scale public amenities refurbishment at Blackmans Bay foreshore.

The existing structure was maintained but rehabilitated, with new timber roof battens and pvc laserlite roofing.

Each of the four cubicles were upgraded for universal access and fitted with baby change facilities.

The dressed hardwood timber battens take on a new life at night.

builder / Tascon

photographer / Natasha Mullhall

Devonport, Tasmania

Community: Sports

Status: completed 2025

Valley Road is home to the Devonport City Strikers Football Club, one of the most successful sports clubs in the state.

The staged development has seen a refurbishment and expansion of the kiosk and kitchen in the existing clubrooms. Pitch-side seating has been installed under a new awning to improve the spectator experience. These preliminary works are part of a broader plan to upgrade the facility and transform the site into a boutique stadium.

The new building includes on the lower level two large change rooms, two referee rooms, a medical treatment room, gym, entry foyer and public toilets. Grandstand seating for over 600 spectators is accessed from an intermediate concourse. The upper level features a function space, corporate boxes, media broadcast facilities and a boardroom.

Developed in the lead up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the facilities have been designed to UEFA standards to ensure ongoing suitability for high-level matches.

builder / AJR Construct

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Simon Sturzaker

photographer / Prime Perspectives

New Town, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2018

The rear of the existing cottage was an assortment of additions, layered over one another, inhibiting access to the backyard. The rear additions were demolished to make way for an extension to include open plan living, dining and kitchen.

The extension opens to the backyard via a large timber-framed sliding door allowing for inside/outside dining. Wrapped in charred timber cladding, the new living extension sits past the original cottage offering a new side entrance to the kitchen.

The polished concrete slab provides effective thermal mass for the kitchen and dining area. This exposed mass helps to mediate the internal temperature and make the entire house more comfortable. The other rooms of the existing cottage have also been tastefully updated.

builder / Pontville Homes

engineer / Chris Potter Engineering

joinery / Imatech

photographer / Jordan Davis

Kingston, Tasmania

Community: Sports

Status: changerooms completed 2023;  grandstand  completed 2025

The development at Lightwood Park provides a much-needed facilities upgrade for the Kingborough Lions United Football Club. With over 600 registered players, the Lions are one of the largest sports clubs in Tasmania.

The new building serves three adjacent pitches including training, juniors and seniors. The lower level comprises four senior change rooms, each fitted with an acoustic operable wall that allows them to be partitioned into eight youth change rooms. Other functions on the lower level include three referees rooms, a medical treatment room and a kit room to wash and store all playing and training strips.

A concourse wraps around the upper level, serving a grandstand for over 800 spectators. Accessed from this level will be the kiosk and kitchen, clubrooms and bar, toilets, and a function space to seat up to 250 guests. Landscaping and walkways will improve pedestrian access and spectator experience throughout the site.

Designed to UEFA standards to ensure suitability for high-level matches, Lightwood Park made the shortlist of potential base camps to host a visiting international team in the lead up to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup.

Stages 1 & 2 (change rooms and amenities) were completed in 2023; stage 3 (grandstand seating) was completed in 2025; the remainder of the works will commence once sufficient funding is secured.

builder / Maveric Builders

engineer / Aldanmark

photographer / Solstice Digital

Lachlan, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: completed 2019

Facing the Derwent Valley from the rear slopes of Kunanyi/Mt Wellington, this new house includes flexible space for the designer/maker client to adapt as needed - second living, studio, or 1-2 kids bedrooms in the future.

Strawbale construction was selected for superior insulation and thermal performance, with a focus on passive solar design principles.

builder / Middle-Earth Construction

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer | Ivi Dodd

Lindisfarne, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2019

The existing garage was difficult to access and rarely used. The clients enjoy watching movies and wanted the ability to comfortably host family and friends at home.

With no internal connection to the house, providing stairs within the the existing footprint was a tricky but necessary requirement. The stairs neatly run from the living area and wrap around an existing brick chimney and footings.

A carpeted plinth surrounds the media room providing improved acoustics and additional seating. Sci-fi memorabilia and retro game consoles take pride of place within the joinery niches, interspersed with high-tech sound and audio-visual equipment.

The conversion of an underused garage into an atmospheric home cinema extends the function of the house. The lighting, sound and fitout creates a truly immersive cinematic experience, all within the comforts of the family home.

builder / Uniquely Dunn

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Natasha Mulhall

Kingston, Tasmania

Commercial

Status: completed 2018

The Kingborough Sports Centre provides facilities for the local high school and broader community. The brief called for a reconfiguration of the existing office space and reception, with the addition of a dedicated food handling area. The arrangement of the office spaces ensures all desks maintain visibility to customers.

A new suspended ceiling was installed to improve acoustic and thermal performance.

The inclusion of a commercial kitchen has enabled the centre to also operate as a cafe, allowing a wider range of cooked healthy eating options.

This is the first of five commissions carried out within the Kingborough Sports Centre. Subsequent development has included the transformation of disused space into childcare facilities and classrooms for the adjacent Kingston High School; further transformation into the current home of the Tasmania Jack Jumpers; a refurbishment of the popular community gym on the lower level; and an external access ramp to service the basketball courts and provide universal access to the building which is identified as an emergency evacuation centre for the municipality.

builder / Channel Construction

photographer / Natalie Mendham

West Hobart, Tasmania

Residential: Multi

Status: completed 2022

The refurbishment of these four units presented an opportunity to renew a tired 1970’s apartment building in West Hobart.

A complete redesign of the internal layout has updated the interiors and vastly improved the functionality for each of the units. Living spaces are now orientated for solar gain and enjoy views over the city. New balconies have been suspended from the existing structure and expand the living options. Future plans include landscaping and a large painted mural to further enhance the streetscape.

builder / Channel Construction

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

Mount Stuart, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2022

A modest alteration over two levels, this project rectified a previous extension that was structurally unsound. The living area was extended on the main level of the house, with the lower level rebuilt. Previously there was no connection between the upper and lower levels, or to the sheltered backyard. A new staircase slides past the kitchen - the previous external window now an internal opening between the spaces. A laundry is located on the landing, concealed behind doors but with easy access to the nearby washing line outside. Downstairs has been developed into a parent's retreat with bedroom, ensuite and sitting area.

The clipped timber form of the extension is an obvious departure from the brickwork of the original house. The cantilevered upper level overhangs the lower level to provide shade in the summer months, while northern windows on the upper level have a folded metal awning to serve the same purpose.

builder / Drew Projects

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Massimo Combi

Lauderdale, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: completed 2024

This is a sleek, stylish, modern house for a young professional couple. The front of the house was the original shack which has been developed into a home office. Located on the Ralphs Bay canal, the majority of the house needed to be elevated above the rising flood level. Multiple bedrooms are available for visiting friends or family, while the living areas are designed for easy, seamless entertaining.

The impressive build showcases the skills of the tradie client who took delight in demonstrating innovative techniques and finishes for the internal plastering and lighting.

builder / Innovate + Build

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

interiors / Kaine’s Plastering

joinery / KT Kitchens by YT Joinery

photographer / Massimo Combi

South Hobart, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: completed 2024

The existing family home on the foothills of kunanyi/Mt Wellington lacked storage, light, and an obvious entry. The reorganisation of the lower level solved all of those problems. A defined, covered entry welcomes visitors and the family into a generous, light-filled entry that includes a home-office and ample storage. The kitchen has been fully renovated and includes a butlers pantry, made possible by the relocation of the previous front door. Upstairs has also seen a refurbishment to improve the thermal performance of the bedrooms.

builder / Element Building Construction

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

joinery / Halton Joinery

photographer / Sammy Jones

Brighton, Tasmania

Community Sports

Status: under construction

Replacing a previous army barracks that had been adapted into makeshift changerooms, this fit-for-purpose facility features changerooms, a referees room, clubrooms with kiosk and kitchen, and a range of undercover areas. Situated between two main playing fields, the building will serve the Brighton Storm Soccer Club. Construction is due to be complete in September 2025.

builder / Maveric Builders

engineer / Aldanmark

Franklin, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations + Additions

Status: Completed 2025

This recently completed project retained much of the original house but includes a new living, kitchen and dining area with sweeping views over the Huon River. The form of the extension references the original farmhouse but includes a modern interpretation for the veranda roof which rakes up to allow light in and views out.

builder / Element Building & Construction

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

Tinderbox, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations & Additions

Status: Completed 2025

This significant alteration included extensive remodelling for much of the existing house.  A change in the roof line increased the volume to the living room and allowed for an additional two bedrooms and play area to a new upper level.

builder / Overland Builders

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

Boltons Beach, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: under construction

Sited to capture the spectacular views of the Hazards and Freycinet Peninsula, this beach house stretches along the contours of the coastal site.  The wrap-around deck and sheltered courtyard provides a variety of places to gather depending on the weather or occasion. The project is due for completion in September 2025.

builder / Castle Construction Pty Ltd

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

New Norfolk, Tasmania

Community Sports

Status: completed 2025

Tynwald Park is a new community sports project in New Norfolk. The new home of the New Norfolk Panthers Soccer Club, the pavilion is elevated to counter flooding and provide improved viewing for spectators. The building features four changerooms, referees’ rooms, storage, toilets, clubrooms and an outdoor covered area for spectators.

builder / JMK Construction Group

engineer / Gandy & Roberts

Deloraine, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: under construction

This three-bedroom home in northern Tasmania utilises traditional but non-mainstream materials including strawbale.  Aiming to build to Passivhaus standards, the clients are committed to building a high quality thermally efficient home.

You can read more about the project via the client’s blog:

thebarefootpear.com

builder / Owner Builder

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

Taroona, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: under construction

This new split-level house is designed to work with the steep natural slope of the site to minimise excavation and provide easy connection to the surrounding landscape.  The elevated position offers expansive views over the river Derwent.  Completion is anticipated late 2025.

builder / Build 42

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

Taroona, Tasmania

Residential: Alterations & Additions / Ancillary

Status: under construction

This project has been completed in multiple stages to allow the family to remain living on the property.  The first stage saw the conversion of an existing garage into a self-contained ancillary unit.  Glazing to the original house was then replaced and upgraded to improve the thermal performance. The central pavilion has been extended to increase the kitchen and dining area and to capture more light and views. Completion is anticipated late 2025.

builder / Ian Fee

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

New Norfolk, Tasmania

Community Sports

Status: under construction

This is a significant refurbishment of the L. W. Hepper grandstand at Boyer Oval to improve natural light, access and amenity.

builder / Falkner Construction

engineer / JMG

Middleton, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: completed 2023

House for Mum is an exercise in sufficiency.  With ageing in place the key consideration, access throughout the house and generous circulation were integral to the design.  The project is sustainable in the true sense: environmental, social and economic.

Emphasis was placed on making the entire house and surrounding garden accessible and functional, carefully sited to achieve step-free access throughout.  The location on site was selected to ensure privacy and separation, whilst the window placement captures and frames the available views.

Effective passive solar design principles are employed to create a series of comfortable, warm and inviting spaces.  Views through and out increase the sense of space and connection.

A limited budget needed innovative design and restraint to deliver outcomes for an appealing downsize. The house is self-sufficient, producing more power than it uses for most of the year.

The house meets and exceeds the expectations for ageing in place by proving that downsizing can be achieved without compromising on comfort, amenity and connection to community. 

builder / A & L Hebden

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Natasha Mullhall

Middleton, Tasmania

Residential: New (Ancillary)

Status: completed 2025

At only 51m2 enclosed floor area, this ancillary dwelling feels much larger due to the high ceilings and increased volume.

The ancillary dwelling is sited for privacy from the adjacent family home, with the orientation focused towards the morning sun and water views.  The covered verandah provides the perfect spot to sip a morning cuppa or read a book in the afternoon.

With ageing in place a key consideration, the bathroom is conceived as a ‘wet room’ with the floor and walls lined in vinyl. This approach is low maintenance and allows for improved access throughout the space.

The considered design results in a consistent ambient temperature that is inexpensive to maintain and environmentally sustainable.

White-washed ply was used for the internal wall lining, contrasting with the dark Tas Oak vertical timber external cladding.

builder /  MGT builders

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

photographer / Natasha Mullhall

Swansea, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: under construction

This two-bedroom house is split across two pavilions, linked by a central deck.  The rural property is located near an occasional water course and deer run. 

The client was inspired by vernacular architecture.  The forms are simply expressed with a raw material palette of zincalume, compressed sheet and corten steel. 

builder / Castle Construction 

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd 

Kettering, Tasmania

Residential: New

Status: under construction

Sited on an elevated block of land overlooking the D’Entrecasteaux Channel, the four-bed house is orientated for both views and solar performance.

The functions of the family home are stepped to work with the slope of the site, maximising opportunities for outdoor connections.

builder / Maveric Builders Pty Ltd

engineer / Aldanmark Pty Ltd

Hobart, Tasmania

Commercial

Status: completed 2020

Completed during the 2020 Covid lockdown, this commercial project transformed the offices and culture of a leading Tasmanian IT company.

Located in Salamanca, the premises were originally dark and unappealing, with angular walls making the meeting room and individual offices difficult to furnish, creating awkward spaces, and separation between management and staff.

The new layout is open, light-filled and inviting.  Bespoke plywood joinery and oversized peg boards welcome visitors and add warmth to the interior.  Acoustic desk dividers provide privacy and sound baffling, with peg boards creating storage and the opportunity for customisation by staff.  Natural light extends deep into the open plan office space, with a high window allowing borrowed light from the adjacent premises.

The revised layout includes the essential utilities: a temperature-controlled server room, an accessible bathroom and additional toilet, staff lockers and dedicated storage for bikes and bins.  The kitchen doubles as a breakout space, while the soundproof meeting room enjoys natural light and the ability to connect with the office space when the opportunity presents.

This project is an example of how a modest commercial refurbishment can reflect company values and lead to improvements in efficiency, wellbeing and office culture.

builder /

joinery / AKA Architects

photographer / Natasha Mulhall