Jury citation
Harriet’s House is the result of a collaboration between client and architect that was allowed to permeate over many years. The existing Georgian cottage, much-loved but dark and inward-focused, has been granted an exciting new chapter characterized by materiality, volume and delicate green outlook. Bold choices were made to introduce both a delightfully high, vaulted ceiling and a steeply sloped garden with a delicate steel stair; the two elements feed off each other to create a remarkable space that will only grow more beautiful with each passing year. The considered use of skylights draws light deep into the footprint without the previous overlooking from higher-set neighbours, and the new material palette introduces a sense of joy and surprise that only complements the original cottage.
Harriet’s House is located in Launceston, Tasmania, on Stoney Creek Nation, and was reviewed by Stuart King in Houses 152.
Project credits
Architect: Studio of Architecture; Project team: Alex Nielsen, Elizabeth Walsh; Builder: Anstie Constructions; Structural engineer and hydraulic consultant: Aldanmark Consulting Engineers; Landscape consultant: Playstreet, Jonathan Hearn Landscape Design and Construction; Building surveyor: Green Building Surveying.
