Our Ryde Street House has won the James Blackburn Triennial Prize at the 2023 Tasmanian Architecture Awards.  We’re thrilled that this modest and economical project has been awarded.

Jury citation:

“The Triennial Prize is a peculiar Tasmanian tradition that came about because our small island state lacked a certain volume of architectural projects each year to warrant an annual prize. Recently, the Tasmanian Chapter chose to retain the prize, and in honour of its humble origin, we award this year’s Triennial Residential Award to Bence Mulcahy for their Ryde Street House.

The project improves a house for a family and demonstrates that good design is not flashy but, rather, sensitive and sensible.

Details and joinery provide moments of pleasure within rooms which are just enough. Amid a climate change and housing affordability crisis, these architects have struck a hopeful note in the Tasmanian architectural tradition, regarding the very real and tangible benefits of modesty as a virtue.”

Built by Thylacine Constructions, photo by Adam Gibson

The Wentworth Street house is brick with a terracotta tiled gable roof, built in the 1940s.  Its asymmetrical form, informal details and colour-washed brickwork point to inter-war Mediterranean style architecture.

The clients’ brief was to open up the home’s dark internal spaces and allow them to make the most of the beautiful, established gardens.

Our timber and brick addition takes its cues from the home’s existing lean-to.  A new sunroom and deck expands the existing north-facing living room, while generous, landscaped steps connect the house to the new outdoor living space and winding garden paths.  A slot window and skylight delineates old from new and lights the original building.

Photos Adam Gibson