By Abbey Cannan and Erle Levey
The doors will soon be open for all to see the most amazing renovations, modern designs, and heritage treasures across Noosa and the Sunshine Coast.
Sunshine Coast Open House returns across September and October with a program packed with unique experiences, free workshops and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours.
Patron and Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, launched the 2024 program for the region’s largest public architecture and design festival, with the main Open House weekend to be held on 19 and 20 October.
Noosa Mayor Frank Wilkie said Noosa Council was proud to support the 2024 Sunshine Coast Open House initiative and help showcase the region’s design, architecture and shared heritage.
“As with the Sunshine Coast, the evolution of Noosa’s built form began with the indigenous inhabitants, followed by timber getters, fisher folk and subsistence farmers who used natural materials to build simple structures,” Frank said.
“Quality design has been respected as integral to the region’s evolution and in creating a connection between natural spaces and the built environment. In the early 1980s, Noosa Council wanted to shape development in a way that preserved and enhanced natural assets and a low-key, village feel.
“In 1986, the Noosa Council’s Design Manual focused on the visual appeal of the street and its interface with private development.
“This style has been continued on in recent years with many architects, environmental planners, landscape architects and environmental engineers, committed to preserving the shire’s identity.
“I wish to pay particular tribute to Peter Bycroft, John Mainwaring, Lindy Aitken and Noel Robinson who have been advocating in recent years for Noosa Council to update its Noosa Design Principles to something akin to the excellent contemporary Sunshine Coast Design Principles and Yellow Book, help ensure ongoing good design. This is still a work in progress.”
Secure your spot for behind-the-scenes building and house tours which can be booked from Wednesday 2 October at 11am.
Properties throwing open their doors include historic pub-turned-popular boutique brewery Matso’s in Eumundi, Russell Hall House in Mons, known for its quirky, experimental and sustainable features, a recently restored 100-year-old charming farmhouse, The Barn at Eerwah Vale and the quaint river icon, the Wheel House boathouse on the Maroochy River.
The community is invited to learn design secrets and to explore how these properties use design to adapt to the climate, optimise views, enhance energy efficiency, and celebrate historical and cultural heritage.
Sunshine Coast Open House ambassador and renowned architect Noel Robinson OAM said he was thrilled to be able to open the doors to more than 30 inspiring buildings.
“Sunshine Coast Open House festival has grown so much over the years, and I encourage everyone to explore this year’s selection of thoughtfully designed homes and buildings,” Noel said.
“The program highlights the importance of sustainable design for the region’s future, as well as effective ways to reduce living costs by minimising the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.”
The program highlights the role and importance of the region’s 16 heritage pubs to the character and identity of our local towns.
Once the lifeblood of every country town, these grand old watering holes still stand as proud beacons of history and design.
Scattered across the region from Beerwah in the south to Kin Kin in the north, the 16 historic pubs invite you to experience their storied past.
Pick up a map of the 16 Heritage Pubs of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa region from the libraries, Council and the pubs to plan day tours or a weekend away exploring the historic icons and the hinterland villages.
Sunshine Coast Open House is part of the Open House Worldwide network, founded by Open House London in 1992 and now held in more than 55 cities around the world.
People wishing to see open properties, volunteer or learn more about Sunshine Coast Open House can visit sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au.
Top things to do at Sunshine Coast Open House:
1. The Stories Behind the Creation of Noosa National Park with Phil Jarratt and special guests
Date: Wednesday 9 October 5pm
Location: Peppers Noosa Resort Noosa Heads.
In this open house event, Phil will be joined by guest speakers who have played significant roles in the shaping of Noosa National Park and its surrounds – including how it was saved from development.
Expect an afternoon/evening of entertainment and education, revealing some of the secrets behind the creation of Queensland‘s most popular national park.
Noosa-based journalist/author/filmmaker Phil Jarratt will tell the story of how he first walked the coastal track to surf at Tea Tree Bay in the late 1960s.
A Noosa resident since 1990, he has since studied the park that now defines Noosa, and has helped tell its story through the publication of three books – The Shaping of Noosa, written by Noosa Parks Association luminary Dr Michael Gloster, A Cup of Tea with God, and the comprehensive Noosa history, Place of Shadows.
2. Heritage Pub Showcase
Experience the region’s historic pubs
Date: 20 September to 20 October
Location: 16 Heritage Pubs
sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au/
3. ‘Paint and Sip’ Heritage town architecture
Date: 12 and 13 October
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Apollonian Hotel, Boreen Point and the Imperial Hotel Eumundi
Cost: $15
4. Tim Ross – The Modernister is BACK!
Motel
Date: Thursday 3 October, 6.30pm
Location: Front Bar Matso’s Sunshine Coast, Eumundi
2024 Sunshine Coast Open House Building List for Noosa and Eumundi:
Noosa Heads and Noosa Hinterland
1. Kijiji
2. Cooroy House
3. Wallumburn House and Garden
4. Pan Pottery Studio
5. Noosa Blue Apartment
6. The Majestic Theatre
7. Alfredson’s Joinery
8. Bark Art Room
Eumundi
1. Moon Mountain Sanctuary
2. Matsos Pub
3. The Barn
