JAWSARCHITECTS were engaged by prominent Hobart developer, Sultan Holdings to design a major mixed-use complex on a vacant site within Sullivans Cove in Hobart.

The development, an important urban repair project, will transform the existing open car park into a building complex which offers new and exciting links and public spaces, giving access to a wide variety of commercial, retail, hospitality and entertainment uses, all located over a large underground public car park, with residential apartments above.

The new buildings along Montpelier Retreat have been designed to reflect the scale, pattern and materials of the historic Salamanca precinct in a contemporary manner and will create new life and activity at the street edge.
A significant new public space will be created, to be known as ‘Cottage Green’. Here the opportunity will be taken, using any archaeological remnants, to portray the story of the early days of settlement, encounters with the local aborigines and the development of ‘New Wharf’ and Salamanca Place.

The upper levels of the complex are set well back and are not generally visible from the streets surrounding the site. The apartments occupying these levels have been sculpted and fragmented so that when viewed from distant positions in the Cove, they will merge with the finer grain of residential roofs behind.

STATUS:

Planning Approval Received June 2009

The surf club has over time become an integral part of the culture of the coastal city of Burnie. Idyllically situated midway along the North facing foreshore, the club has provided uninterrupted service to the community since the early 1960s. The importance of this culture is reflected in Council's decision to make it the centerpiece of a redeveloped waterfront on this prominent site.

The building has suffered many unsympathetic alterations and additions, visually separating the city and waterfront. In addition to the environmental and economic benefits, the important elements of the original building were retained to preserve the history of local surf culture on this site.
Two restaurants, a function room, gymnasium and public change facilities have been fused to the existing building; a sense of fun embedded into the complex through the nautical motifs on the change rooms and expressive sweep of the roof.

Two glazed circulation zones differentiate the existing and new fabric, with new elements set back so that the original surf club remains evident. The signature roof and cantilevered deck provide an important visual connection with the city centre whilst allowing uninterrupted views to the waterfront.

All elevations have been carefully designed to be experienced from all sides. Services are contained behind permeable screens, the timber slats and exposed steel acknowledging Burnie's industrial heritage and links to the local timber industry.

The redeveloped Surf club aims to create a memorable place for community events and activities – a valued and inviting destination for both locals and visitors.

An innovative solution to containing loud music and providing convivial outdoor spaces was achieved by burying the building and opening to sun drenched tiered courtyards.
The Tasmanian University Union Bar can now accommodate up to 1200 patrons and internal sound levels of 110dB (A) are inaudible to surrounding residents.

STATUS:

Completion December 2003

A new civic centre for Kingborough. Views from the forecourt place the civic centre as the focus of the valley and the region it serves. Daylighting and solar heating are harnessed; noble materials and landscaping reflect beachside origins.

STATUS:

Completion January 2000

An exciting and rare brief for Tasmania has been the redevelopment of the Boardwalk at Wrest Point Casino for Federal Hotels. Situated on the foreshore of the River Derwent this innovative new bar and restaurant appeals to a demanding contemporary market.

STATUS:

Completion November 2002

The new College of Aluminium Training is comprised of large workshop expanses and staff and student facilities.
The fluid plan and canopies of the administration areas were inspired by maritime forms and the building was situated to gain the maximum benefit from direct sunlight, and expansive views of the Derwent River stretching from Mount Direction to Prince of Wales Bay and Mount Wellington beyond.

STATUS:

Completion January 1997

Moorilla Estate, established in 1958, is Tasmania's oldest commercial winery and vineyard. Located 12km north of Hobart on a peninsula in the Derwent River, the estate has a significant physical and cultural context into which the new Moorilla Wine and Food Centre has been inserted.

The building occupies the apex of the site in both topographical and hierarchical terms to capitalise on sun and views of the river and the wider landscape and to provide a strong public face to the estate. It is also sited immediately adjacent to the outdoor wine making facility so that patrons have a direct interface with the winery at work.

The two storey building consists of an entry, reception, lobby and function rooms on the lower level and restaurant and wine tasting bar on the upper level. The 't' shaped plan was generated by acknowledging two perpendicular axis. One runs the length of the peninsula [entry axis] the other relates to the head of the peninsula where the dominant contour addresses the river [view axis].

The dominant element of the architectural expression is the roof plane which unites the parts, provides a gesture to entry and works as a contemporary verandah - providing shade to the extensive glazing and defining the outdoor dining decks.

The palette is concrete, steel, aluminium, timber and glass – all expressed honestly inside and out.

The Concert Stage at the Northern end of the green and the Micro Brewery at the southern end of the restaurant, complete the composition by using the ‘view axis’ as an ordering device.

ARCHITECTS IN ASSOCIATION:

Craig Rosevear Architects + Jacob Allom Wade

STATUS:

Completion November 2005

PHOTOGRAPHY:

Brett Boardman