OUT/ABOUT: PUMPHOUSE POINT
Nestled in Cradle Mountain/Lake St Clair National Park, in Tasmania, siting regally out on Lake St Clair sits ‘Pumphouse Point’. The hotel, is a whimsical gem of industry, repurposed as a contemplative retreat. Built in the 1930’s to house the water turbines for the State’s hydropower system, the exterior shell has been left as is. Weather beaten and lichen covered, it’s surface is a visual history of 85 years of industrial endurance.
The brainchild of tourism entrepreneur Simon Currant, ‘Pumphouse Point’ was realized with the help of Hobart & Launceston-based architect Peter Walker of Cumulus Studio. A second generation Taswegian Walker’s, affiliation with the treasured landscape of his homeland is evident in the design. Walker says, “From inception we envisaged that the Pumphouse Point redevelopment should encapsulate rugged simplicity and unrefined comfort”. This is an honest retreat for lovers of the vast outdoors.
‘Pumphouse Point’ consists of two buildings; The Pumphouse perched out on the lake, and The Shorehouse 250m inland both connected by a dramatically straight concrete pier. The 18 suites are bare bones cosy. Local Tasmanian Oak, wool carpet, wool felted blankets atop crisp white sheets are all you need. Exposed brass pipes pump pristine water into your monochromatic bathroom. Tranquil sanctuaries, the common spaces have combustion fires to warm your body as you stare out at the wonder of nature.
The original structures are off-form concrete, their recent incarnation embracing the industrial history engrained in the fabric of the buildings whilst being snug with creature comforts. A spectacular place of solace with a true frontier spirit!
Credits: Pumphouse Point
Photohgraphy by: Adam John Gibson and Stuart Gibson
