SAFFIRE RESORT
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.
2011
Colin C Philp Award for Commercial Architecture
Australian Institute of Architects (TAS)
2011
Colorbond Award for Steel 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
National Award of Excellence
IES Lighting Design (AUS&NZ)
2010
Best of Year - Hospitality Design
Interior Design (USA)
2011
It List
US Travel + Leisure Magazine (USA)
2011
Best Superior Accommodation
Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards for Excellence (AUS)
2011
Fine Dining Award
Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards for Excellence (AUS)
2011
Best Hotel in Australasia
Conde Nast Traveller UK's Hot Hotels
2011
Hot Hotels
Conde Nast Traveller US List
2011
Top 25 New Hotels and Resorts for Couples
Romance List by Holidays for Couples Magazine
2010
Best New Tourism Development
Tasmanian Tourism Awards (AUS)
COMPLETED
2010
PHOTO CREDITS
George Apostolidis
Peter Whyte
Chris Wilson










