Room11 perches tunnel-like guesthouse deep in Tasmanian bush

A concrete structure that cantilevers over a sloping hill defines Vipp Tunnel, a guesthouse on the coast of a rugged Tasmanian island by local architecture studio Room11. The home was designed by Hobart-based Room11 deep in the bushland on Bruny Island for Danish brand Vipp, a homeware designer behind a range of architect-designed guesthouses. It The post Room11 perches tunnel-like guesthouse deep in Tasmanian bush appeared first on Dezeen.

Mar 27, 2025 - 14:14

Room11 perches tunnel-like guesthouse deep in Tasmanian bush

A concrete structure that cantilevers over a sloping hill defines Vipp Tunnel, a guesthouse on the coast of a rugged Tasmanian island by local architecture studio Room11.

The home was designed by Hobart-based Room11 deep in the bushland on Bruny Island for Danish brand Vipp, a homeware designer behind a range of architect-designed guesthouses.

It occupies a two-hectare plot that lies to the southeast of the mainland with views over 400 metres of private waterfront, accessed by a car ferry over the D'Entrecasteaux Channel.

Exterior view of concrete guesthouse by Room11 — Room11 has completed a guesthouse on the coast of a Tasmanian island

"The dramatically elongated proportions of the structure respond to the landscape by purposely framing the D'Entrecasteaux Channel with a broad expanse of frameless glass," said Room11 director Thomas Bailey.

"By this methodology, the user is located in the extraordinary, natural landscape of Tasmania's Bruny Island," he told Dezeen.

Alongside the accommodation, Vipp Tunnel also includes a separate studio with four-metre-high ceilings, providing more space for guests just a two-minute walk from the main tunnel building.

Exterior view of Vipp Tunnel home in Tasmania — Vipp Tunnel includes a separate studio

This standalone building has a spacious desk, a hidden mezzanine bed and panoramic views over the water and towering gum trees.

Entering the main guesthouse, there is a bedroom and bathroom, followed by a courtyard that separates the sleeping area from the living space.

View of courtyard within concrete guesthouse by Room11 — A courtyard separates the bedroom and living spaces

The second part of the main Vipp Tunnel guesthouse features a sunken lounge and a terrace raised above the sloping land, with views over the sea and mountains beyond.

Inspired by the area's natural phenomenon known as Aurora Australis, or Southern Lights, Room11 has added chromatic glazing to the building's central skylights. Polished concrete floors and walls further enhance the effect.

Kitchen interior at Vipp Tunnel by Room11 — A stainless steel counter features in the kitchen

The getaway relies on rainwater for its water supply, and energy is generated by a solar panel facade that covers the building's western flank.

"As far as we are aware, this is the first building to feature an entire facade created by solar technology, making the most of the location's latitude," said Bailey.

Vipp Tunnel's elevation above the ground minimises its direct footprint, with surveys of trees onsite guiding its position and placement of foundations.

The concrete structure was chosen to help keep a regular internal temperature throughout the year, with the help of heated flooring throughout and air conditioning.

View of living spaces within guesthouse by Room11 — Polished concrete floors and walls feature throughout Vipp Tunnel

Interior finishes include an all-aluminium V3 kitchen – designed by Vipp as the centrepiece of the main space – which features a stainless steel counter and fluted aluminium doors.

A selection of Vipp furniture, including Vipp Swivel chairs upholstered in Australian sheepskin, have been used to create a sense of tactility against the raw concrete shell of Vipp Tunnel.

Bedroom interior at Vipp Tunnel by Room11 in Tasmania — Chromatic glazing was added to the home's skylights

In the grounds of Vipp Tunnel, a series of large-scale black and white ceramic sculptures have been installed by Danish artist Lin Utzon, echoing the region's characteristic gum trees.

Other guesthouses designed for Vipp include one in Mexico by PPAA that was built from rammed earth and the Vipp Cold Hawaii guesthouse, which architecture studio Hahn Lavsen completed in Thy National Park in Denmark.

The photography is by Adam Gibson.

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