Open Doors with Sunshine Coast Open House
Always wanted to peek inside some of the most spectacular and fascinating homes, buildings and spaces on the Sunshine Coast? Rebecca Jamieson Dwyer gets ready for a (door)jamb-packed weekend of exploring Sunshine Coast Open House 2024.
I have a confession to make – there’s absolutely nothing I love more than stepping inside (and swooning over) a stunningly beautiful home. Voyeuristic I know, but it’s so delightful! Luckily for me (and others), on the weekend of Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 October, there is an open invitation to check out a range of exciting abodes such as beach homes, heritage homes, architect-owned homes, modular homes, hinterland sanctuaries and more – so I can stroll, swoon and satiate my curiosity till the cows (or perhaps more likely, the owners) come home.
Despite its name, Sunshine Coast Open House 2024 isn’t just about rad residences – it also offers the chance to go inside some of the coast’s most iconic and unusual corporate buildings, heritage spaces and sustainable gems, such as Sunshine Coast Council City Hall, Landsborough Museum, Caloundra Lighthouses, The Majestic Theatre in Pomona (the world’s longest continually operating silent film theatre!), and Pioneer Cottage Buderim, amongst others. We also have the chance to meet some of the amazing people who design, build and preserve these structures.
Founded in London in 1992, the Open House movement is now a worldwide network with annual events celebrating history, architecture and the built form in over 55 cities around the world. Looking at this year’s map of events on the Sunshine Coast and in Noosa, it’s clear to see that we’re not just an area of unrivalled natural beauty – we’re also a place that’s rich in history, culture and world-class design, with a growing population that wants to learn more as they put down roots in this paradise.
Entry to the open homes, buildings, studios and other spaces is free, while, for those looking to delve deeper, there are a number of events centred around architecture and design happening throughout September and October. Join the discussion at Coolum Civic Centre exploring ‘What is Home?’ for the Sunshine Coast Open House Forum with eight speakers speaking on the topic for eight minutes each with audience participation and lucky door prizes!
You might like to explore the planning and design of the UniSC campus; delve into connection, conversation and community at Richard Branson’s Makepeace Island; and discover the stories behind the creation of Noosa National Park with Phil Jarratt and guests for an entertaining afternoon at Peppers Noosa Resort & Villas. Plus, learn about Maroochydore City Centre; choose from numerous beach walks and street walks; and even do a virtual (or real) pub crawl around 16 of the Sunshine Coast’s historic pubs, such as the Landsborough Hotel, Mapleton Pub, The Imperial Hotel, The Apollonian Hotel, The Namba and more.
We’re thrilled to be hosting our very own ‘IN Conversation with Architects’ event at the historic The Namba where our podcast host, John Caruso, will chat to savvy, surprising and spirited architects over a three-course feast created from local produce by talented Head Chef Wayd Bailey. Soak in the ambience of this thoughtfully renovated gastropub while enjoying an afternoon of insightful, interesting and entertaining conversation. We’re locking in our special guests and menu as we go to print so stay tuned to our website and the Sunshine Coast Open House website for all the details and to get your ticket.
Creative types can enjoy urban sketching at the Palmwoods Hotel and Woombye Pub, as well as a paint-and-sip session on the veranda at The Imperial Hotel; and an ‘en plein air’ painting event in the grounds of The Apollonian Hotel. Students in years 10, 11 and 12 considering a career in architecture or design are invited to be ‘Architects for the Day’ at Coolum Civic Centre on Saturday 12 October, where the Australian Institute of Architects will run a free workshop on what it’s like to study architecture, landscape architecture, design, urban design, and associated subjects such as town planning and sustainability.
For something a bit different, don’t miss comedian and self-confessed architecture nerd, Tim Ross aka The Modernister – you may know him from the Designing a Legacy shows on the ABC. Tim is back on the Sunshine Coast with two different shows at four locations from 3 to 6 October: at once sentimental and hilarious, ‘Motel’ is the acclaimed live show with musician Kit Warhurst that celebrates Australian motels; while the ‘Mid Century Modern Project’ turns architecturally significant buildings into temporary theatres to showcase design, comedy and music.
Booking for events and walking tours are now open with building and house bookings available from Wednesday 2 October at 11am – so hone your hit-list before then so you can nab your pick of the bunch before they book out. With the doors being unlocked to so many amazing homes, buildings and spaces, it’s safe to say one weekend isn’t enough – especially when, like me, you want to see everything.
Home is where the heart is, and we’re grateful to so many people for opening theirs up so we can experience their unique ambience and stories. See you on the #SCOH24 trail!
