Gearing up for grand design feast at Open House Hobart weekend

A SNEAK peek inside one of Tasmania’s hottest new hotels is among the architectural delights on offer during the Open House Hobart weekend.

Lara Maeseele, from left, Jennifer Nichols, Bronwyn Hill, and Dale Campisi, from the Tasmanian chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, outside MAC 01 ahead of the Open House Hobart weekend. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

MORE than 40 houses, churches, towers, schools and buildings will be opened to the public this weekend when Open House Hobart returns for its fourth year.

Last year the event drew 10,200 curious folks — young, older, architecture students and history buffs — for a peek behind the scenes of Hobart’s built environment.

Whenever Dorney House is open to the public it causes a stir, and this year Open House has a similarly intriguing offering for anyone who has visited that iconic house before — but this time it is a Dorney-designed church in Taroona.

Open House producer Dale Campisi expects the church to be a highlight of the event for many.

“Designed by celebrated Tasmanian architect Esmond Dorney, it was Australia’s first Modernist church,” he said.

The Pius X Church in Taroona was designed by Esmond Dorney. Picture: NINA HAMILTON

“This year’s event will be the second time we have run a construction site tour at MAC 01; it’s a real point of difference too from Open Houses events around the country.

“It’s been great to watch this hotel come to life over the time; at last year’s visit all we had was the frame, floor plates and the architect’s vision.

“This building pushes the idea of ‘story and place’ and people will be able to get a sense of that as it develops.

“It is expected to be completed next year.

“Visitors will also be able to explore Wrest Point and see inside a number of contemporary homes.”

Open House Hobart is a major event run by the Tasmanian branch of the Architects Institute of Australia during Hobart Architecture and Design Month.

To see what will be open this weekend and what else will be happening throughout the month, visit openhousehobart.org.

Dorney House in Lower Sandy Bay.

Originally published as Gearing up for grand design feast at Open House Hobart weekend