This Tasmanian project is the result of a long love affair for architect Steven Last.
July 14th, 2009
Architect Steven Last describes the resurrection of this Tasmanian Heritage-listed building as like an “ARCHI.e.logical dig”, to rediscover the original designer’s vision.
Known as the Last Villa, the building was recently awarded the 2009 Australian Institute of Architects (Tasmania) Award for Heritage Architecture. Located is the sought-after suburb of Sandy Bay, around 5 kilometres from the Hobart CBD, with uninterrupted views over the river Derwent.
The building was originally designed and built in the 1940s by Taffies Patterson – influence strongly, Last believes, by the ‘Spanish master’ Antonio Gaudi. “Taffies was a master craftsman and inventive; maritime influences in terms of utilization of space were maximised,” he explains.
Perhaps the most obvious feature of the Villa is its wonderful stepped sandstone façade, offering interest in an otherwise quite conservative street. The Villa originally consisted of five separate apartments, after being restored and updated, it now has six studio-style apartments, including Last’s home and an original shed has become his work studio.
Last spotted the building when he was just eighteen and “immediately became visually addicted with its presence.”
“The building challenged all Hobart city council town planning guidelines and building regulations [at the time], it was as if the building was to become an idiosyncratic icon, a tribute to the builder designer, where fantasy became the catalyst not driven by tradition or conventional thought.”
The restoration project included a range of technological updates to bring it into the 21st Century, including a total electrical rewire and installation of heating and entertainment systems. Rather than being completely modernised, the kitchens and bathrooms have been restored to maintain the original character, with updated appliances and tap fittings.
“Its presence celebrates discussion and enchantment to the young, but once behind the sandstone like fortress wall your mind is continually teased by a series of idiosyncrasies and installations giving the impression you may have arrived in Barcelona, Madrid or some destination in Europe,” Last says.
“I feel like the custodian. It is time to expose the mystery of what is behind the wall.”
The Last Villa will be up against a number of other heritage projects in the National Architecture Awards.
A searchable and comprehensive guide for specifying leading products and their suppliers
Keep up to date with the latest and greatest from our industry BFF's!
In the pursuit of an uplifting synergy between the inner world and the surrounding environment, internationally acclaimed Interior Architect and Designer Lorena Gaxiola transform the vibration of the auspicious number ‘8’ into mesmerising artistry alongside the Feltex design team, brought to you by GH Commercial.
Savage Design’s approach to understanding the relationship between design concepts and user experience, particularly with metalwork, transcends traditional boundaries, blending timeless craftsmanship with digital innovation to create enduring elegance in objects, furnishings, and door furniture.
Marylou Cafaro’s first trendjournal sparked a powerful, decades-long movement in joinery designs and finishes which eventually saw Australian design develop its independence and characteristic style. Now, polytec offers all-new insights into the future of Australian design.
A remarkable, organic structure composed entirely of bamboo at the centre of an artificial lake, the wNw Bar (Wind and Water Bar) creates a warm, inviting environment that rhymes with the lush surrounding nature.
The internet never sleeps! Here's the stuff you might have missed
Wood Marsh’s 40-year legacy shines through landmark infrastructure projects. Recently completing stunning stations at Coburg and Moreland, their designs blend modernity with community needs.
Focusing on facade and green design, this pair of office blocks is designed to meet the most contemporary demands of workplace design.