A Masterpiece of Sustainable Design in the Tasmanian Wilderness.

Perched on the edge of the Tasmanian Wilderness World Heritage Area, Huon Retreat is a sanctuary dramatically integrated into its breathtaking natural surroundings. Overlooking the Huon River with panoramic views stretching to the distant Snug Tiers, this architectural icon embodies both environmental responsibility and modern luxury.

At the heart of its design lies German Passivhaus principles, ensuring exceptional energy efficiency, thermal performance, and environmental harmony. These principles not only meet but exceed the stringent local government environmental regulations, addressing critical concerns such as heat loss, heat gain, and bird strike prevention—essential in a region that is home to rare and endangered bird species.

The greatest challenge lay in balancing these strict sustainability standards with the client’s vision of uninterrupted views from every room and an open-plan layout. Given Tasmania’s extreme climate conditions, with temperatures ranging from -22°C to 42°C, meticulous calculations were required to ensure optimal insulation, passive heating and cooling, and year-round comfort satisfying arduous Planning requirements whilst achieving successful client dreams.

Photography: Clayton Sheridan. Mr Bankes.