This project involved the adaptive reuse of Pumphouse Point into a wilderness retreat. The existing heritage listed, art deco buildings – ‘The Pumphouse’ and ‘The Shorehouse’ – were constructed in the 1940s as part of Tasmania’s hydroelectric scheme and are located on Lake St Clair, just within the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area. The two buildings had been unused for more than 20 years before works began. Eighteen new guest suites, communal lounge areas and a shared dining area have been inserted within the existing off-form concrete building envelopes. From inception we envisaged that the Pumphouse Point redevelopment should encapsulate rugged simplicity and unrefined comfort. Through its design, the redevelopment attempts to build on the sense of arrival and place inherent in the unique location whilst alluding to the site’s history through material selection and construction detailing. In keeping with best heritage practice and the values of the World Heritage Area in which it is located, the design is focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability and minimal site impact.
Architect
Cumulus Studio
Consultants
Structural, civil consultant – Gandy and Roberts Consulting Engineers
Electrical, mechanical consultant – TBS Engineering
Hydraulic consultant – Gandy and Roberts Consulting Engineers
Environmental consultant – Red Sustainability Consultants
Fire Engineering – Castellan Consulting
Acoustic Consultant – Vipac
Photographer – Adam Gibson
Photographer – Sharyn Cairns
Building surveyor – Green Building Surveyors
Contractors
Builder – Mead Con
Developer – Simon Currant
Lift contractor – Access Solutions