Room 11

Room11’s Architecture is preoccupied with a desire to propagate connections with place.

The experience of the coastal landscape on the site is one of layers; water, sand flat, grasses, tea tree and finally Coastal Eucalyptus forest. The buildings are placed as additional layers, they are transparent where needed and solid when required for refuge.

There is a strong vernacular tradition in the area. Often, the gravel road boundary is fenced, and the shack is placed towards the water. Between these two elements a wind protected lawn is established for family recreation. At the Wild house this pattern is established in a less spatially abrupt manner. Native vegetation is maintained in lieu of lawn. In this way the home affirms cultural norms while politely extending sensitivity and connection to place.

TASMANIAN ARCHITECTURE AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (NEW)

Jury Citation

“This project continues and elevates the tradition of economical form-making on open Tasmanian sites. Enmeshed in riparian woodland, two linear elements define a generous courtyard. One element is raw, a surrogate pavilion giving protection from the street, operating as storage, working, guest accommodation and ‘outdoor room’. 

Enclosing this ensemble, the primary residential pavilion provides a lee from the persistent westerlies and directs shared spaces toward the bush setting, with glimpsed estuary views. Bedrooms and bathrooms hang off an extruded piece of joinery where books, objects and collections are deftly arranged in a personal linear gallery. This act of personal ‘display’ shuts out the wild weather and views so that moments of engagement with the surrounds are choreographed, clear and calm. 

Reminiscent of two lines in the sand, the built forms are both elemental and practical. External detailing softens and structures interiors by utilising external timber screens, which can be manoeuvred to manage views, light and privacy. A sliding wall surprisingly dissolves the entire interior and redefines a central camp kitchen and the communal potential of the courtyard. Wild House clearly proposes an alternative way of living, one that celebrates the elemental nature of familial togetherness.“

https://www.architecture.com.au/awards/2023-awards/2023-tasmanian-architecture-awards-winners