The Forest In Line For National Award

by James Marten

The University of Tasmania’s Hobart city campus has been shortlisted in the Australian Interior Design Awards 2026 for ‘The Forest’ project, designed by Woods Bagot. The forested atrium, beneath a restored heritage-listed dome, represents the civic heart of the project. Leading into the learning landscape, this sweeping timber gesture overcomes the site’s level changes, creating a welcoming, accessible arrival space with layered degrees of privacy and connectivity.

The design incorporates the innovative use of materials including local timber, repurposed brick, and the extensive use of carbon-negative material hempcrete. The new campus combines innovative and experimental approaches to resilient and sustainable design while reviving an iconic piece of local heritage.

*Open spaces with varied materials. Pic: Supplied.*

“Working with found conditions, we have strived to emphasise the existing and let that drive the conceptual direction of the new. What was added was rigorously scrutinised against a criteria of necessity, sustainability, and reusability at end of life, making it exemplary in circularity and sustainable building design,” said Bruno Mendes, Design Director at Woods Bagot.

The full list of awarded and commended projects will be presented at the Australian Interior Design Awards Gala Presentation Dinner, which will be held in Sydney on Friday 12 June.

*This Evandale home comes with a police station. Pic: realestate.com*

POLICE STATIONS FOR SALE

A curious family home is up for sale in picturesque Evandale. It features not only a four bedroom home with an open-plan kitchen, but also the neighbouring police station, complete with two cells. The real estate listing states: “Zoned Community Purpose, there are multiple possibilities for the property. The buildings present outstanding potential for adaptive reuse, making them ideal for offices, consulting rooms, or accommodation…”. Meanwhile, the old Sorell police station is also for sale – that one comes with a handy 14 undercover parking spots. We look forward to seeing what the new owners decide to use the properties for!

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Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces- June 2026

Hobart Happenings

by Steph Williams

Bits and Pieces – May 2026

Bits and Pieces- May 2026

Stay up to date with everything happening at the Hobart Magazine.

Worker shortage is currently universal, there isn’t an industry that’s exempt. For Kelvin Smith, four years ago he decided there was a very obvious solution to the shortage facing the construction industry, and all that was needed was a little time, empathy and a helping hand. Integrate Workforce is a Hobart-based labour company with one requirement: a refugee/ migrant background. He’s also the outdoor piano man in his free time.

Landscape artist and creative Elliott Nimmo is enjoying discovering Hobart’s vibrant art scene and local environment after relocating here from London to pursue his art.

Even though Tasmania is known for its mild summers, it doesn’t take much to get sunburnt. Tasmania experiences extreme ultraviolet (UV) levels, but contrary to popular belief this isn’t due to the hole in the ozone layer, which is actually south of the continent.While higher UV levels often occur at the same time as higher temperatures, the two are not linked. Instead, UV levels are determined by the angle of the sun in the sky: the higher the sun, the higher the UV. In December and January, the position of the sun over Tasmania gives the state a UV index of 11 or more on most days, which is classified as “extreme” on the UV index. Tasmania’s lack of humidity and generally clear skies contribute to the stinging feeling of the sun. UV can reflect off buildings and water, making it possible to get a higher dose of UV from these reflected rays, even in the shade.

Setting up shop during a pandemic was a risky move, but if the crowd at Dāna Eating House (Dāna) on a Friday night is anything to go by, it’s one that’s paid off. With tables of diners chatting and laughing over drinks, the music and conversation buzzes off the monstera-leaf-green walls. Low-hanging rattan lights and worn wooden floorboards give the newly opened South-East Asian fusion venue in Hobart’s CBD a relaxed vibe.

A Holyman flagged ship hasn’t steamed up the River Derwent since 1984 but the company’s name still proudly adorns its former offices at 5 Morrison Street, Hobart.

Widening the Tasman Bridge to allow 3.5 metres on each side is a big win for walkers and cyclists.

Need a laugh? Check out @theinspiredunemployed feed on Instagram.

Rain, hail and shine, the school crossing guards are always there to help with a smile on their face.

It’s hard to believe it’s not standard practice to have a working phone in every aged care room - shared phones make private conversations impossible and increase the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Just when you think your cousins are alright. NZ Opposition Leader Judith Collins took aim at Tassie during her recent (unsuccessful) campaign, calling us Australia’s “poor cousin.” She also seems worried about us nabbing tech businesses, “It’s a lovely part of the world but do you necessarily want to go there with your high- tech business? Possibly not,” she said. We beg to differ!