The Open House movement is continuing to add new destinations to its network this year. On October 21st 2017 the very first event will launch on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland, Australia. For this inaugural edition 30 buildings will be made accessible, including some very special ones.
Whether you are passionate about domestic, public, or commercial architecture there will be great examples available to view on the Sunshine coast. Here are just a few of the notable ones.
Ormuz Specialist Eye Centre
The calming, tranquil atmosphere of this building is apparent from first view. The concept of the design is to provide the necessary privacy whilst also making spaces light and airy. Based around central courtyards and offering a wonderful facade of glass and steel, the commercial architecture was given a commendation at the 2016 National Architecture Awards.
The Sunshine Coast Council Administration Building
Completed in 1995, this exciting piece of architecture features eye-catching subtropical elements. The large, curved glass wall reflects the open nature of the council. There is also interesting energy saving features that show the pursuit for efficiency was already underway in the 90s in Australia.
The University of the Sunshine Coast
An entire fifth of the full Open House program is made up of buildings that are part of the university. They all showcase the focus on continued development and sustainability. Visitors can take a look at the Art Gallery, the beautiful Chancellery, the three storey Learning & Teaching Hub, Building H (home to a huge number of labs), the Engineering Learning Hub, and the Library.
Majestic Theatre
One of only a handful of pre-WWII picture theatres in Queensland, the Majestic is definitely worth a visit. It has the amazing accolade of being the longest running theatre for silent films in the world. Dating back to 1921, the building has a number of traditional features and fixtures. The building is also home to one of three rare English Compton Organs; it has taken five years to restore it.
Pomona Railway Station
The original buildings for the rail line from Cooran to Cooroy opened in 1891. They served for 100 years until closure in 1991. They sadly fell into dilapidation but plans were released in 1997 to transfer them for community use. Ultimately the commercial architecture was moved with the help of volunteers in 2000. It now serves as galleries and workshop spaces.
The Sunshine Coast Open House is a free event and will provide an insight into some incredible architecture.