Building Dreams with Sunshine Coast Open House
Architecture has been a marker of our local culture from colonial life to current day. This year’s Sunshine Coast Open House opens the doors to our historic and contemporary designs, as Georgia Beard explores.
We live in a region where tradition and modernity work in synergy with one another. To understand our culture, we look to the past; to shape our culture, we look to the future. The architecture of the Sunshine Coast offers a firm foundation for that connection.
Weatherboard chapels, town halls topped with gables and veranda-wrapped colonial homes remind us of our history.
Scattered along coastlines and in rural towns, they’ve survived a century or two of wild weather and urban development. Now we’re making sure they stand strong for generations to come.
Just as historic architecture deserves space on the Coast, so too do modern and innovative designs.
Local architects draw inspiration from natural surrounds and experiment with archaic and cutting-edge techniques. Their homes often harmonise with the environment, built from sustainable materials to welcome fresh air, sunlight and organic sounds.
Together, these places where we work and rest cultivate a living, ever-expanding heritage.
Opening doors to some of our best homes and workspaces, the fifth annual Sunshine Coast Open House allows us to experience that heritage for ourselves.
On Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October, we can tour a remarkable range of contemporary, heritage and sustainable buildings across the region, including some first-timers.
Sunshine Coast Open House Committee Chair Lindy Atkin said 27 buildings were opening and offering guided and self-guided tours with the aim of encouraging the general public to explore and experience.
“Open House provides a rare chance to meet the inspirational people, architects, designers, planners, engineers, and historians who create, build or preserve these buildings and whose contributions make the Sunshine Coast a unique and special place,” said Ms Atkin.
“Sunshine Coast Open House prides itself on showcasing the rich architectural diversity and history of the region and opening the doors to many interesting and beautiful spaces not often shared with the wider populace.”
Discover the history of our hinterland towns, from the Eumundi School of Arts Hall and newly renovated Eumundi Museum to Yandina’s 19th century house, Koongalba or grab a sneak peek at the Nambour Tram Terminus.
Explore the heritage-listed Landsborough Museum, home to more than 14,000 historical objects which tells the story of the region and its people.
Step inside the Geddes House, a renovated mid-century beach house, or Family Tree House, a renovated timber-framed cottage embracing its landscape.
Moving into the modern, Eumundi House opens a treasure chest of contemporary design and Headland House offers sweeping views of the Sunshine Coast from its clean balcony and open-plan floors. The Wishlist Centre, now in development, provides hospital accommodation to support patients and their families in a state-of-the-art multilevel space.
Sunshine Coast Council Mayor Mark Jamieson said the 2022 Sunshine Coast Open House program showcased design through the ages.
“This year’s program celebrates innovative architectural design and sustainable development alongside early settler designs that responded so well to environmental conditions,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“Tours offer a rare opportunity to hear from experts, gather inspiration, ask questions and just enjoy our region’s unique and diverse architecture.
“Sunshine Coast Council is proud to once again sponsor Open House, a must for architectural enthusiasts, budding designers or young families.”
Sunshine Coast Open House will also feature its popular photography competition, several guided walking tours, the Future Design Forum, Ask an Architect mini-consultations, an engaging workshop for high-school students interested in architecture, Australia’s Big Things Talk, the inaugural SCOH Children’s Program, and an Urban Sketchfest for those who love drawing.
The complete building list will be launched on Wednesday 21 September. Learn more about Sunshine Coast Open House or register for a tour or event at www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au
TOP THINGS TO DO AT SCOH 2022
Big Things get even Bigger
Thursday 6 October from 6pm
Australia’s ‘BIG Things’ Talk with Dr Amy Clarke at Banana Bender Pub, Palmview.
Architect for a Day
Saturday 15 October from 9.30am
High school students interested in studying architecture and design have an opportunity to learn more about the profession at a special workshop.
Ask an Architect at ACE.
Saturday 15 October from 3.30pm
Thinking about building a new home or renovating an existing one? Book your free mini consultation with an architect.
Walking Tours
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October
Discover special places and learn more about the Sunshine Coast during several small group walking tours.
Sketchfest
Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 October
Celebrate the Sunshine Coast’s urban environment through Urban Sketching. This is a great opportunity for local artists and the public to participate with local and visiting urban sketchers.
Children’s Program
A fun activity book for children, full of amazing sketches and puzzles by some of the Sunshine Coast’s most creative architects, designers and organisations.
Photo Competition
Enter the Sunshine Coast Open House Photography Competition for your chance to win $1,000. All entries must be uploaded to www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au before 5pm on Wednesday 26 October.
