The public will soon be able to visit the Sunshine Coast’s most captivating properties.
The annual Sunshine Coast Open House – the region’s largest public architecture and design festival – was launched last week.
It includes free behind-the-scenes tours and workshops. The main events will be held on October 19 and 20, when attendees will be able to visit a host of intriguing residences like Moon Mountain Sanctuary, Russell Hall House and Wallumburn House and Garden, as well as the impressive Sunshine Coast City Hall and the historic Bankfoot House.
The doors will also be opened to the likes of historic pub-turned-popular boutique brewery Matso’s in Eumundi, and Russell Hall House in Mons, which is known for its quirky, experimental and sustainable features.
Visitors will also be able to see the recently restored 100-year-old charming farmhouse at The Barn at Eerwah Vale and the quaint river icon the Wheel House boathouse on the Maroochy River.
There will be a range of activities, including library talks featuring fascinating stories about the region’s architecture, and two heritage town appreciation ‘paint and sip’ events. Tim Ross will return for four live shows at buildings included in the program.
Sunshine Coast mayor Rosanna Natoli said the free community event celebrated the region’s historic, contemporary and sustainable buildings and provided a special opportunity to view our diverse architecture.
“Sunshine Coast Open House is more than just a peek into incredibly designed buildings, it is an opportunity to connect and engage our community through an appreciation of quality design and architecture,” she said.
“From the coast to the hinterland, our growing region embodies a history of great design that is acknowledged nationally and internationally.
“Well designed Sunshine Coast homes and buildings respect our history, consider the local climate, prioritise indoor-outdoor living and maximise 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.”
There will also be opportunities to learn from design experts at the events and open homes. The community is invited to learn design secrets and to explore how these properties use design to adapt to the climate, optimise views, enhance energy efficiency, and celebrate historical and cultural heritage.
Sunshine Coast Open House ambassador and renowned architect Noel Robinson was thrilled to be able to open the doors to more than 30 inspiring buildings.
“Sunshine Coast Open House festival has grown so much over the years, and I encourage everyone to explore this year’s selection of thoughtfully designed homes and buildings,” he said.
“The program highlights the importance of sustainable design for the region’s future, as well as effective ways to reduce living costs by minimising the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.”
The program will also highlight the role and importance of the region’s 16 heritage pubs to the character and identity of local towns.
Once the lifeblood of every country town, these grand old watering holes still stand as proud beacons of history and design.
Sunshine Coast Open House is part of the Open House Worldwide network, founded by Open House London in 1992 and now held in more than 55 cities around the world.
It is supported through the Queensland Government’s Showcasing Queensland Heritage Grants Program and delivered by the Sunshine Coast Open House Committee and Founding Partners of Sunshine Coast Council, through its Arts and Heritage Levy.
The festival is held in September and October. For more information, see Sunshine Coast Open House.
Sunshine Coast Open House Building List
- Hinterland: Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct, Landsborough Museum, Fairview (Pattemore House), Mapleton House.
- Caloundra: Caloundra Regional Gallery, Caloundra Lighthouses, Wilson Beach House.
- Palmwoods/Nambour/Yandina: Koongalba, Kulangoor Cemetery.
- Maroochydore/Buderim: The Wheel House Boatshed, Pioneer Cottage Buderim, Studio – Aspect Architecture, City Hall, ABC Studios, Unitywater Control Centre, Russel Hall House.
- Eumundi: Moon Mountain Sanctuary, Matsos Pub, The Barn.
- Noosa Heads and Noosa Hinterland: Kijiji,Cooroy House, Wallumburn House and Garden, Pan Pottery Studio, Noosa Blue Apartment, The Majestic Theatre, Alfredson’s Joinery, Bark Art Room.
- Coolum: Saltair Modular Homes Pandanus House renovation Tristania House
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