It is with great admiration, respect and fondness that we write to honour our dear friend, mentor and former colleague, architect and Tasmanian tourism legend Ken Latona.
Ken was a passionate bushwalker, with a love for Tasmania that inspired his interest in niche tourism development. The story of his success in architecture is intertwined with his unique position as developer, designer and operator of celebrated Tasmanian tourism businesses Cradle Mountain Huts Walk (established 1987), and Freycinet Experience Walk (established 1992). He built these multi-day guided experiences together with business partner and town planner Joan Masterman. When Ken and Joan split the business in 1997, Ken retained Cradle Mountain Huts, and went on to establish the highly successful Bay of Fires Walk, featuring his now iconic work, the Bay of Fires Lodge.
Each of the walks received national and international acclaim, including a series of local architecture awards: the Friendly Beaches Lodge won the inaugural Tasmanian award for sustainable architecture in 1993, the Cradle Mountain Huts Kia Ora Hut received a commendation in 1998, and the Bay of Fires Lodge received both local and national awards in 2000.
Friendly Beaches Lodge by Ken Latona.
Image: Rob Maver
In each of these enterprises, Ken’s sensitivity to the subtleties of the unique natural and social environments of the location drove him to design and build a series of elegant yet simple, ecologically sustainable off-grid lodges and huts that are still lovingly occupied as homes-away-from-home by hundreds of bushwalking guests and guides each year.
These buildings continue to contribute meaningfully to an ongoing dialogue around what is considered appropriate development within national parks and other sensitive environments. They remind us of a way of being and dwelling in the natural environment that is quiet, grounded and connected to nature. For guides and staff, working and dwelling in Ken’s buildings is a privilege and pleasure that is always anticipated at the beginning of each season.
Though most will know him for his pioneering architecture, those who knew Ken well will remember him for much more. He was an incredibly generous person, full of life, with a hint of larrikinism and an inborn sensitivity to the natural environment. He understood the importance of helping people find their own connection with nature, themselves and others; this was foundational to the way he saw his purpose in the world. He knew that architecture in cohesion with its environment can have a profound impact on the lives of those who encounter it.
Through his commitment to the world of tourism and architecture, Ken has left an indelible mark on the state of Tasmania. His innovative designs and environmental consciousness set new standards for sustainable tourism, transforming landscapes and leaving a legacy that will continue to enrich the experiences of countless travellers.
Ken’s infectious enthusiasm, wit and warmth touched the lives of all those fortunate enough to have known him. For many, the memories of working alongside him are some of the best memories in life, and his friendship the most enduring.
