Welcome Home – Sunshine Coast Open Homes
The best buildings in the region are set to open their doors and reveal their secrets to the public at the fourth annual Sunshine Coast Open House, as Deb Caruso discovers.
Experience great architecture and design when the welcome mat is put out and doors flung open to award-winning, historically-significant and stunningly-sustainable buildings.
The free Sunshine Coast Open House (SCOH) architectural festival on 23 and 24 October offers the chance to tour a remarkable range of architecturally diverse, sustainable, and historic buildings in a celebration of architecture and design.
Visitors will enjoy discovering long-kept secrets behind some of the region’s most intriguing buildings from the lush hinterland to coastal beaches – and an emerging city centre, thanks to a number of renowned Sunshine Coast architects and informed volunteers holding special guided tours.
Explore the heritage-listed Bankfoot House in Glass House Mountains; Maleny’s historic and elegant Fairview (Pattemore House); Caloundra’s Lighthouses; the mid-century Wilson Beach House “box”; and Gabriel Poole’s Crew House and Quadropod House in Doonan.
SCOH Committee Chair and Australian Institute of Architects Qld Chapter Councillor Lindy Atkin said 25 buildings were opening and offering guided and self-guided tours with the aim of encouraging the general public to explore, re-examine and engage with the region’s built environment.
“This is the one weekend each year when locals and visitors can enjoy rare access to our region’s buildings and have the opportunity to meet the people, architects, designers, planners, engineers, and historians whose contributions make the region such a special and unique place,” she said.
“Sunshine Coast Open House prides itself in showcasing the rich architectural diversity of the region and provides a unique opportunity for people passionate about the coast to explore and discover its inspiring architecture and cultural heritage.”
Mayor Mark Jamieson said Sunshine Coast Open House provided the opportunity to see some of the most impressive and interesting attributes of the buildings in our region.
“It’s a fantastic way for the community to see and consider how architecture and design have contributed to the healthy, smart, creative region we know today,” Mayor Jamieson said.
“The range of heritage buildings on the program this year are a great demonstration of the vibrant architectural design and consideration of our natural environment that went into the development of some of our buildings in decades gone by.”
Sunshine Coast Open House will also feature its ever-popular photography competition, several guided walking tours, the Great Debate which will address the perennial issue of “Up or Out”, Ask an Architect mini-consultations, an engaging workshop for high-school students interested in architecture, and an Urban Sketchfest for those who love drawing.
Sunshine Coast Open House is part of the Open House Worldwide network, founded by Open House London more than 25 years ago and now in 40+ cities around the world. It receives support from the Sunshine Coast Council Cultural Heritage Levy.
Learn more about Sunshine Coast Open House or register for a tour or event at:
www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au
Don’t Miss
ARCHITECT FOR A DAY
Saturday 9 October, 9.30am
High school students interested in studying architecture and design have an opportunity to learn more about the profession at a special workshop at USC.
ASK AN ARCHITECT AT ACE
Saturday 9 October, 3.30pm
Thinking about building a new home or renovating an existing one? Book your free mini consultation with an architect.
DEBATE
Friday 22 October, 5.30pm
Be entertained by some of the region’s finest architectural minds as they debate the idea – Up or Out.
WALKING TOURS
Saturday 23 & Sunday 24 October
Discover special places and learn more about the Sunshine Coast during several small group walking tours.
SKETCHFEST
Saturday 23 October
Celebrate Caloundra’s history through Urban Sketching with urban sketchers.
PHOTO COMPETITION
Enter the Sunshine Coast Open House Photography Competition for the chance to win $1,000.
