Iron Creek Bay Estate, Sorell, Tasmania

Iron Creek Bay Farm Estate has revitalised an existing farm and prepared it for the next phase of agricultural development.

The property's core infrastructure supports the proposed expansion of its farming activities. Creating a farm stay accommodation linked to a farm store and restaurant will generate synergies on the farm and enable families and groups to compete with Airbnb. The main aim of the development is to ensure environmental sustainability.

The brief was to develop a tourism accommodation that offers a comprehensive package, competes with Airbnb without the domestic implications, and is integrated into an existing cherry and fruit farm. To achieve a Net Zero development, aiming for it to be as close to Net Zero as possible at opening. High sustainability standards will be set using sustainable materials and energy-efficient practices, establishing a benchmark for the next 70 years. A sustainable development plan will consider the built form, landscape, environment, and topography. Existing and new structures should be as self-sufficient as possible, relying on energy and water collected on-site.

New buildings and adaptive reuse of existing sheds and structures will build upon the infrastructure developed over the past 40 years. Existing buildings will be repurposed and redesigned where needed, all grounded in a strong understanding of the cultural, historical, social, and economic context.

Approximately 5800 m³ of cross-laminated timber (CLT), produced by Xlam Australia from pine plantation timber, will be used. This will include carbon capture and storage within the solid timber panels. Additionally, 3850 m³ of green-milled plantation timber, sourced from Tasmania,will be used for external green-hardwood cladding. All bathrooms will be prefabricated off-site by Hickory Sync. About 680 solar panels will be installed across various buildings, connected to Alpha battery systems to create a microgrid. Black and grey water will be managed on-site.

Awards:
World Architectural Festival 2023 - WAF Highly Commended - Completed Building - Hotel/Leisure