Hobart Brutalist Bathing Pavilion heritage listed

Modernist Icon - Long Beach Bathing Pavilion heritage listed

The Long Beach Bathing Pavilion designed in 1962 has been recognised for it's heritage values. Located in the Hobart suburb of Sandy Bay it's been officially listed on the has been listed on the Tasmanian heritage register.  Architect, Dirk Bolt. Bolt designed many mid-20th century buildings in Hobart, including 10 Murray Street Government Office tower block approved for demolition.

The use of concrete block in designing the Bathing Pavilion was a typical trait in his designs, evident in several of his other works I've documented photographically around Hobart and in Canberra. The interior of the building is home to Surf Life Saving Tasmania and public toilets.  The original design was to see the building have 2 levels, with the upper deck having being used a restaurant.  The facade of the bathing pavilion has a series of pre-cast concrete panels with abstract illustrations designed by artist, Ron Sinclair. The panels were created on-site, having been cast on the beach fronting the Bathing pavilion

The Brustlist style Bathing Pavilion stands as an important and rate example of its kind in Tasmania. I have done an extensive photographic study of Bolt's designs around Hobart, stay tuned for upcoming posts on some of the wonderful designs I've captured through the lens of his works.

The views from the Long Beach Bathing Pavilion overlooking the River Derwent (on a not so inviting day!)

Former Hobart Hydro Electric Commission Buildings gets facelift

The landmark (former) Hydro Electric Commission getting a makeover

Last week work commenced on repainting the former Hydro Electric Commission Building (now the Hobart City Council). When I took a closer look the paint going up was white, I hoped that it was just the undercoat! Contacting the Council, I was informed that the entire exterior of the building is being repainted, in the same colour scheme that exists now. I have been told it may look a lighter because the exterior is quite dirty as I've been informed the last time it was painted was some 30 years ago.

This landmark Art Deco building was designed in the late 1930s by A&K Henderson & Partners, a Melbourne based firm. It ranks as one of the most impressive examples of commercial Art Deco in Hobart and Tasmania. Streamline Art Deco buildings always look stunning on a street corners and the former Hydro Electric Commission building is a real joy to view.The central column lights up a neon yellow at night, it must have been a real eye opener back in the 1930s when motorists and passers by would have witnessed a massive new building the power harnessed by the construction of dams around the state; this building symbolised a new era in Industry and employment and power usage in the 20th Century.

Art Deco & Modernism Tasmania Features on ABC Hobart Radio

Art Deco & Modernism Architecture Tasmania featured on ABC Hobart radio. I was contacted by the ABC as they saw one of my posts "Australia Day - The Forgotten Corner Store, an Australian Icon Lost" which was all about the loss of the corner shop in Tasmania. The 15 minute talk discussed all things Tasmanian Modern, including memories of going to the corner store, Tasmanian Art Deco & Modernist design, as well as my involvement with the Palm Springs Modernism Festival.

Post War Commonwealth Bank - Hobart

What a fine example of Modernist design is the Commonwealth Bank in the Hobart CBD. This building has always fascinated me, it's like a hybrid cross between art deco and post war design.

The curves are so art deco in style, yet the repetition that plays throughout the windows is familiar in many post war designs, as well as the sheer bulk of the building. I think all the concrete makes the building feel like a fortress, and I reckon it works brilliantly being on the street corner with its smooth transitional curve. Look more closely at the building and the concrete has been impregnated with a tinge of terracotta throughout.