Blue Magnolia

Architect: Unknown (1814), Biotope Architecture and Interiors (2017)

A rare 1840s pair of row houses on an internal lot in urban Hobart, crying out for restoration, caught the eye of owners who had successfully completed a similar project. Playful, yet understated additions, providing modern amenities, completed the project. Blue Magnolia is a rare remaining example of such a row house building, with many others becoming victim to 20th century commercial expansion. Conservation and restoration, not only of the physical structure but also of the original ‘use’, was therefore appropriate.

New work inside the original building hints at a previous layout and two original stairwells, long removed, now are represented by a void and visible upper floor patching. Original openings through the thick stone walls remain, and new openings are visually treated as ‘new’. The original dual entry doors remain but a new main entry is located to protect the original building fabric.

Open:  1 pm – 4 pm