Location: Coles Bay, Australia.

Architect: Liminal.

Tasmanian tourism operator RACT Destinations has commissioned Liminal to create nine pavilions to expand its Freycinet Lodge accommodation offerings on the East Coast of Tasmania. The Coastal Pavilions provide a point-of-difference to the 60 cabins already established as part of the 1990’s development. Liminal sought to create environmentally sensitive, architecturally innovative, grounded yet elegant spaces, heightening a sense of immersion and awareness of nature. The design inspiration is drawn from the fluid forms of the nearby bays and coastal granite rock formations, while playing homage to the character of the National Park they nestle into. The pavilions were prefabricated off site, assembled in modules to be carried into site by hand, as no cranes, large machines or heavy vehicles could gain access to the individual pavilions’ sites. All materials, pre-fabricated modules and tools were carried in small trollies or by hand. During construction, Liminal invested considerable time on site working with the builders, resolving details to ensure the design intent was retained and the craftsmanship was fully realised through the expression of the interiors and exteriors. The absence of right angles combined with curved forms, meant that the builders’ skills were challenged. The skill of the builders to achieve the meticulous detailing required, reminds us of what true craftsmanship is.

Photo credit: Dianna Snape, Alastair Bett, Peta Heffernan.