Helen Norrie is an architecture and design academic at the University of Tasmania. She is the founder of the Regional Urban Studies Laboratory, a collective, practice-led research project examining urban design and cultural and social issues in regional towns and cities. Helen, Adam Haddow and Sam Crawford were the creative directors of the 2014 National Architecture Conference.
Helen Norrie's Latest contributions
A strong sense of place: Three Capes Track Lodges
Part of an evolving tradition of place-sensitive architecture in the Tasmanian wilderness, these walking lodges sit back in the landscape and let the spectacular scenery take precedence.
Regional case studies: community engagement in Hobart
In the third in a series of essays on architecture in Regional Australia, Helen Norrie turns her eye to Hobart, one of Australia’s most rapidly changing regional cities.
Regional initiatives: betting on collaboration
In the third in a series of essays that pick apart regional architecture in Australia, Helen Norrie turns her eye to a number of initiatives that hope to transform perceptions of regional life.
Reframing the regional conversation
Regional towns and cities have historically been the backbone of Australia, yet they currently represent a blindspot in urban thinking. In a series of essays to be published on ArchitectureAU over the coming weeks, guest editor Helen Norrie examines the initiatives that are reframing the perceived limitations of smaller populations and geographical dislocation to present compelling alternatives to life in major urban centres.
Green haven: Sunnybanks House
With a simple, calm form nestled into the dramatic landscape of southern Tasmania, this “forever house” embraces sustainable design principles.
Relaxed grandeur: River’s Edge House
This beachside home by Stuart Tanner Architects is precise without being overly fussy, facilitating a relaxed lifestyle with a measured sense of order and grandeur.
Tough but delicate: Inverdon House
Designed to withstand cyclones and cater to its owners as they age, this thoughtful house by Chloe Naughton reflects the level of detail and craftsmanship that is characteristic of local traditions.
Sharp pitch: Wilston Bungalow
The spirit and character of a modest postwar bungalow have been retained and celebrated by its architect-owner, who has reconnected the home to its backyard.
Exposure and enclosure: Studio Mumbai’s MPavilion
The third iteration of the Naomi Milgrom Foundation’s MPavilion, designed by Studio Mumbai, aimed to “capture the spirit of the place,” providing spaces for repose and contemplation on the edge of the Queen Victoria Gardens in Melbourne.
Living alfresco: Bath House
Stephen de Jersey Architect has extended the spatial and material characteristics of an old Queenslander to result in a striking yet respectful addition with delightful settings for everyday living.