SAFFIRE RESORT
PROJECT INFORMATION
From its inception, Saffire was imagined as an iconic project to redefine tourism in Tasmania. The original brief was for a much larger development of 150 rooms, but this was rethought by Federal and eventually became a far smaller scale, more intimate resort; a decision with which we were in total agreement.
The location was scarred from its previous use as a disused caravan park so the project became as much about repairing the site and interpreting its unique qualities as it was about creating a space from which it could be experienced. With this in mind, we shaped the main building as the end point in a journey, in which views of the Hazards are shielded and revealed and finally presented as a destination which is a panoramic overview of the Hazards and their context.
The resort is also organic in its relationship to the site. Its form evokes memories of coastal land forms, dunes, waves or sea creatures. The suites are small waves or boats, arranged on the site as if marking the tidal shoreline. The passage between the units is a metaphor for a beach, the suites moored like small craft run up onto the sand. Each suite is enclosing and private, yet opens to an individually personalised view of the Hazards.
The project has become an international symbol of Tasmania.
AWARDS
Design Awards
Colin C Philp Award for Commercial Architecture, Australian Institute of Architects (TAS) 2011
Special Judges Award, Hospitality Design Awards (USA) 2011
Hotel of the Year, World Architecture News Awards (UK) 2011
Best of State, Australian Interior Design Awards (AUS) 2011
National Award of Excellence, IES Lighting Design (AUS&NZ) 2011
Best of Year - Hospitality Design, Interior Design (USA) 2010
Hospitality Awards
It List 2011, US Travel + Leisure Magazine
Best Superior Accommodation, Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards for Excellence 2011
Fine Dining Award, Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards for Excellence 2011
Best Hotel in Australasia, Conde Nast Traveller UK’s Hot Hotels 2011
Hot Hotels 2011, Conde Nast Traveler US ListTop 25 New Hotels and Resorts for Couples, 2011 Romance List by Holidays for Couples magazine
Best New Tourism Development, Tasmanian Tourism Awards 2010
Listed as world’s top newly opened hotel readers of Luxury Travel magazine would most like to visit in their annual Gold List 2011
COMPLETED
2010
PHOTO CREDITS
George Apostolidis, Peter Whyte, Chris Wilson
