Shane Denman Architects were commissioned to create an architectural submission for a tourism grant application.

 

Seven Generations Walking Lodge unearths itself in Loccota Bay, Flinders Island, Tasmania. The remote island is a hot spot for hikers and tourists looking to explore an extensive network of walking trails, alluring national parks, beaches, native wildlife and landscapes. Our site offers a heightened vantage point over the bay with sweeping views of the islands off the coast. 

 

Flinders Island has an immense indigenous history dating back to 6000 years ago, though European settlement saw indigenous communities relocated from Flinders Island to other settlements. The last century has seen mainland aboriginals return to the island, including our client whose heritage dates back seven generations, facilitating a dynamic socio-cultural dialect between past, present, agriculture and landscape.

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The concept draws parallels from the rare paper nautilus shell found on the island, and the compass, a quintessential hiking tool. The proposal overlays NNW to S compass coordinates and relating viewpoints to neighbouring islands over a cut section of a nautilus shell. The result is a spiral-like plan arrangement, splaying to capture breath-taking ocean views.

 

Materiality reflects hues from the surrounding landscape, and intricate tectonic of the proposal embraces the unique context, climate and history of Flinders Island. The result is an intimate, nature-centric environment that embraces indigenous predecessor's culture while also offering guests contemporary comfort and amenities.