Essential guide to local design and architecture festival
The Sunshine Coast’s largest public architecture and design festival is currently underway, and the community is invited to take a sneak peek into some of the region’s historic, contemporary and sustainable buildings stretching from Caloundra to Noosa and into the hinterland.
Curious about a hinterland sanctuary that is home to an impressive 63 eclectic sculptures?
Or discovering how a 1950s beach house turned into an indoor-outdoor living dream honouring the local climate?
Why not take a guided Walk on Country and learn about how ancestral stories of the Dreamtime intertwine with the form of the land, revealing a deep connection to place.
The Sunshine Coast’s largest public architecture and design festival is currently underway, and the community is invited to take a sneak peek into some of the region’s historic, contemporary and sustainable buildings stretching from Caloundra to Noosa and into the hinterland.
Sunshine Coast Open House offers a program packed with behind-the-scenes tours, a photo competition, panel discussions, industry and student events plus more. Providing people with the rare opportunity to tour architecturally diverse, contemporary, sustainable and historic buildings.
Sunshine Coast Council’s Service Excellence Portfolio Councillor Christian Dickson said he encouraged locals interested in design and architecture to explore all the festival has to offer.
“Visitors will enjoy discovering secrets behind some of the region’s iconic buildings such as Caloundra’s Lighthouses, one of the region’s oldest buildings Bankfoot House, and also one of the newest, City Hall,” Cr Dickson said.
“Thanks to a number of renowned Sunshine Coast architects and informed volunteers, the public are encouraged to join guided tours, special events and workshops.
“Sunshine Coast design celebrates the region’s unique history and architecture with buildings that consider the local climate, prioritise indoor-outdoor living and maximise living within the landscape.”
Sunshine Coast Open House is part of Open House Worldwide – a network of more than 50 Open House cities globally.
People wishing to see open properties or book in to one of the special events can visit www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au.
Top things to do at Sunshine Coast Open House:
Special events
Architect for a Day
School students and others are invited to join an interactive workshop and speak with graduates, academics and practitioners about architecture, design, planning and sustainability pathways.
When: Saturday October 14, 10am-1pm
Where: Caloundra West
Free event, bookings required
Walk on Country with Auntie Bridgette Chilli
Embark on a captivating cultural journey as we walk the land together with local Mooloolah Dhdunga, Kabi Kabi Woman, and First Nations Guide Auntie Bridgette Chilli. Ancestral stories of the Dreamtime intertwine with the form of the land, revealing a deep connection to place.
When: Sunday October 15, 10am-midday
Where: Alexandra Headlands (Mh’dinjarh)
Bookings required, tickets $50 per person
Sunshine Coast Open House Forum
Listen to a panel of world-renowned architects from the Sunshine Coast talk about design in the region, discussing its origins and influences and presenting key projects and the principles that underpin them. This will be the first public event at the new community space at City Hall, Altitude Nine.
When: Friday 20 October
Where: Altitude Nine, Sunshine Coast City Hall, South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore
Bookings required,$25 per person
Urban Sketching with Peter Richards
Celebrate the remarkable history of Cooran and Maroochydore CBD through urban sketching. Each session features a brief demonstration by Peter Richards urban designer, architect and artist.
When: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October, 10.30am–midday
Where: Sunshine Coast City Hall, South Sea Islander Way, Maroochydore
Open Homes
Banksia House
Conceived as a holiday home that embodies everything that you need and nothing you don’t. Built forms and gardens share a robust, natural materials palette, with an honest expression of finishes and elegant construction details.
When: Sunday October 22, pre-booked guided tours at 11am, 12.30pm, 2pm
Where: Caloundra
‘Yellow Bell Beach House’
Yellow Bell Beach House’ is a simple renovation of a 1950s beach house.
When: Saturday October 21, pre-booked guided tours at 10am, 11am, midday, 1pm
Where: Currimundi
Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct
State heritage listed Bankfoot House is the oldest surviving residence in the district. It was built in 1868 in time to greet the first Cobb & Co coach travelling from Brisbane to the Gympie goldfields.
When: Saturday 21 and Sunday 22 October, 10:30am – 3pm
Where: Glass House Mountains
Sunshine Coast City Hall
The new Sunshine Coast City Hall includes features that will reduce environmental impact and embrace the Sunshine Coast climate. The building is intended to fit seamlessly into its built and natural environment and distinguishes itself as a landmark building in the new city centre.
When: Saturday 21 October, guided tours at 10am, 11am, midday, 1pm
Where: Maroochydore
2023 Sunshine Coast Open House Building List:
Hinterland
1. Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct
2. Landsborough Museum
3. Fairview (Pattemore House)
4. Studio- Habitance
Caloundra
5.Caloundra Regional Gallery
6. The Geddes House
7. Caloundra Lighthouses
8. Family Tree House
9. Wilson Beach House
10. Banksia House
Currimundi
11. Currimundi House
Palmwoods/Nambour/Yandina
12. Koongalba
13. Stealth House
Maroochydore/Buderim
14. The Wheel House
15. Pioneer Cottage Buderim
16. Studio – Aspect Architecture
17. City Hall
Tinbeerwah
18. Art Room
Eumundi
19. Eumundi House and Sculpture Garden
Noosa Heads and Noosa Hinterland
20. Black Mountain House
21. Kijiji
22. The Majestic Theatre
23. Alfredson’s Joinery
More useful resources
Visit the Sunshine Coast Design website for more resources to help with your home design or renovation www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoastdesign