SAFFIRE RESORT


From its inception, Saffire was imagined as an iconic project to redefine tourism in Tasmania. The original brief was for a much larger development of 150 rooms, but this was rethought by Federal and eventually became a far smaller scale, more intimate resort; a decision with which we were in total agreement.

The location was scarred from its previous use as a disused caravan park so the project became as much about repairing the site and interpreting its unique qualities as it was about creating a space from which it could be experienced. With this in mind, we shaped the main building as the end point in a journey, in which views of the Hazards are shielded and revealed and finally presented as a destination which is a panoramic overview of the Hazards and their context.​

The resort is also organic in its relationship to the site. Its form evokes memories of coastal land forms, dunes, waves or sea creatures. The suites are small waves or boats, arranged on the site as if marking the tidal shoreline. The passage between the units is a metaphor for a beach, the suites moored like small craft run up onto the sand. Each suite is enclosing and private, yet opens to an individually personalised view of the Hazards.

The project has become an international symbol of Tasmania.

Visit the Saffire website here



Location
2352 Coles Bay Rd, Tasmania
Awards
2011        
Australian Timber Design Award: National Winner

Colin C Philp Award for Commercial Architecture
Australian Institute of Architects (TAS)

Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture
Australian Institute of Architects (TAS)

Special Judges Award
Hospitality design Awards (USA)

Hotel of the Year
World Architecture News Awards (UK)

Best of State
Australian Interior Design Awards (AUS)

National Award of Excellence
IES Lighting Design (AUS&NZ)

National Award of Excellence
IES Lighting Design (AUS&NZ)

2010        
Best of Year - Hospitality Design Interior Design (USA)


Publications
2011        
It List US Travel + Leisure Magazine (USA)

Best Superior Accommodation   
Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards for Excellence (AUS)

Fine Dining Award
 Tasmanian Hospitality Association Awards for Excellence (AUS)

Best Hotel in Australasia 
Conde Nast Traveller UK's Hot Hotels

Hot Hotels 
Conde Nast Traveller US List

Top 25  New Hotels and Resorts for Couples
 Romance List by Holidays for Couples Magazine

2010
Best New Tourism Development 
Tasmanian Tourism Awards (AUS)


Completed2010

Photo CreditsGeorge Apostolidis
Peter Whyte
Chris Wilson
Adam Gibson






Related Content

Hospitality
MACq 01
Hospitality 
MOSS 25
Hospitality 
MOSS 39
Hospitality 
Port Arthur Prototype


Award-winning Tasmanian Architects.
Creating unique, innovative architecture grounded in place, memory and sustainability.


2025 ©  Circa Morris-Nunn Chua Architects
formerly Morris-Nunn + Associates
 
Hobart Tasmania Australia
t: +61 03 6236 9544
e: info@circaarchitecture.com.au