A revived 1960s beach treasure and a family tree house inspired by a Californian dream are among the properties opening their doors to the public as part of a popular festival.
Sunshine Coast Open House is the region’s largest public architecture and design festival, offering rare, behind-the-scenes tours, talks and special experiences.
Among the properties throwing their doors open for the festival is Eumundi House by Peter Ireland, which features art and architecture in the landscape.
Banksia House by Dragi Majstorovic at Kings Beach is also featured, which showcases stunning architecture in an award-winning garden by Kirsti Sheldon.
Also among the buildings are Hodgson House in Currimundi by Laura Hodgson, which will showcase a recent renovation that has turned an old beach shack into a stunning family home, and the Art Room in Tinbeerwah by Bark Architects, a beautiful example of giving a building a new life.
The 2023 program was officially launched by Queensland Governor Dr Jeannette Young at Sunshine Coast City Hall ahead of the Open House weekend on October 21 and 22.
In the program, attendees can tour a selection of historic and architecturally significant buildings or take part in Paint and Sip events focused on the Queenslander, a heritage conference and library talks featuring stories about local buildings.
There will also be walking tours and activities on offer, like students becoming an ‘architect for a day’.
The festival will provide an opportunity to meet and gain inspiration from the talented people who design, build and preserve these buildings.
The community is invited to go behind the scenes and learn how some of the region’s most impressive properties use design to embrace the climate and create liveable spaces, capitalise on views, incorporate energy efficiency and honour unique historical and cultural features.
Sunshine Coast Open House committee chair and Clare Design director Lindsay Clare said he was thrilled to officially open the doors to more than 23 of the region’s inspiring buildings for the weekend event.
“I invite everyone to visit this year’s range of well-designed homes and buildings that showcase the importance of responsive design for the future of the region,” he said.
“Good design can help decrease the cost of living as you don’t need to live with air conditioning all summer and heating all winter.”
Sunshine Coast mayor Mark Jamieson said the free community event celebrated the region’s historic, contemporary and sustainable buildings from Caloundra to Noosa and into the hinterland.
“Our region is well known for its design and architecture,” he said.
“From the coast to the hinterland, we have a history of great design that is acknowledged nationally and internationally.
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“Sunshine Coast design celebrates the region’s unique history and architecture with built form that considers the local climate, prioritises indoor-outdoor living and maximises living within the landscape.
“The Sunshine Coast Open House festival offers rare, behind-the-scenes access to the Sunshine Coast’s best buildings, including private homes, corporate buildings, heritage treasures and sustainable spaces.”
Sunshine Coast Council is one of the founding partners of the event and a principal partner in this year’s program through its Arts and Heritage Levy and the Sunshine Coast Design campaign.
The festival is part of the Open House Worldwide network, founded by Open House London in 1992 and now in more than 50 cities around the world.
To see open properties, volunteer or learn more about the event click here.
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