circa architecture: saffire

‘saffire resort’ by circa architecture, great oyster bay, tasmania, australiaimages courtesy of circa architecture

australian studio, circa architecture, has designed ‘saffire’, a twenty-suite resort located in great oyster bay, tasmania, australia. situated on a scarred and damaged site, the design looked to both repair and reinterpret the unique characteristics of the terrain.

with a form reminiscent of waves and dunes, the structure appears to rise from the land, framing the natural landscape and providing a connection to the nearby sea.

the undulating roof rises above the natural landscape

organic in its relationship to the site, the resort consists of two main components – the main building and a series of personal suites – that progressively unfold, providing environments that transition from monumental and social to intimate and private.

view of main building and rooftops of private suites

housing programmatic functions such as reception, dining and a lounge, the main unit features a plan that is directed outwards towards the bay and mountains. an undulating roof made from tasmanian wood beams drapes over a series of connected and atrium-like spaces, rising and falling to alter the atmosphere of each area.

twenty private suites curve around the site, reminiscent of waves

a series of small structures branch off of the main building, arranged on the site as if marking the tidal shoreline. slightly offset from one another, the huts are designed to maximize privacy and natural light while remaining connected to the landscape.

front elevation

entrance

lobby

restaurant and lounge

(left) reflection pool (right) suite

site plan

floor plan / level 0

floor plan / level 1

section

concept sketch