RW Cooper House

Architect: Roderick Cooper (1953) Matt Williams Architects (2025)

Domestic Modernism

Step inside a remarkable piece of Hobart’s mid-century architectural history and discover a house designed around light, sun and the way we live.

Designed by architect Roderick Cooper and built by his father, master builder Claude Cooper, RW Cooper House is a remarkably intact example of the ideas that came to define Australian mid-century modernism.

Unlike the traditional houses of its time, which often turned towards the street, this home looks to the sun. Large floor-to-ceiling windows bring light deep into the house, while the striking butterfly roof gives the building its distinctive silhouette.

The house was recognised for its architectural significance and added to the Register of the National Estate by the Australian Heritage Commission.

More recently, the owners have carefully reworked the interior, removing less sympathetic alterations made in the 1990s and introducing new elements that respond to the original layout, materials and palette.

Come and have a look at how a house conceived more than half a century ago can continue to work for contemporary life, and discover the thoughtful details that have helped preserve its original character.

Open: Sat 7 Nov, 10.00am – 1.00pm