A major renovation project behind a heritage-controlled facade in Austinmer stands as one of the premier highlights of this weekend's Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design. The festival celebrates the region's finest architectural and design achievements through a comprehensive series of events spanning Saturday and Sunday.
The festival features an impressive lineup of notable designers presenting on diverse topics including landscape architecture, interior design, healthy living spaces, and "agritecture" – the innovative concept of growing food through thoughtful design principles. Festival-goers can participate in an architectural bike ride, explore a specialized joinery tour, attend talks by experienced builders and designers, and engage in sessions focused on "outside in" design philosophy and landscaping techniques. The weekend concludes with a concert performance on Saturday night.
This event presents an ideal alternative for those seeking to avoid the triathlon championships taking place as Wollongong's main attraction this weekend. The festival caters to design enthusiasts, aspiring home renovators, and curious individuals interested in architectural innovation and creative solutions.
Organizers highlight the featured house as a compelling example of how architects, builders, and homeowners can successfully navigate the complex requirements of heritage restrictions. These regulations apply to the entire Moore Street heritage precinct, making the project particularly noteworthy for producing a spacious, contemporary design while maintaining historical integrity.
Takt Architecture principal Katharina Hendel, the project's designer, will present alongside builder James Robinson from East Built during a special talk titled "Heritage Reimagined" as part of Saturday morning's festival programming. Their presentation will explore the challenges and solutions encountered during this innovative renovation project.
The property at 40 Moore Street carries significant local history, having housed Austinmer's beloved Fireworks cafe for many years. After several reinventions, the shopfront now accommodates Haveli, a clothing and lifestyle store, positioned next door to the consistently popular Moore Street General cafe. However, the festival's focus centers on the rear portion of the premises, where a small, dark original structure has been transformed into spacious, light-filled indoor-outdoor living areas that exemplify modern design principles.
Two additional properties will host designer and builder presentations throughout the weekend. Attendees can visit builder Matt Jolley's Carpenter's House, designed by Barnacle Studios, and explore DeBu Studios' innovative house on Dobbie Avenue in Corrimal. These locations will provide further insights into contemporary architectural solutions and building techniques.
Panel discussions scheduled from noon on Sunday at the Sustainable Buildings Research Centre at the University of Wollongong Innovation Campus will feature designers and landscape experts. These sessions will address strategies for blending indoor and outdoor environments to create better living spaces that enhance quality of life and environmental sustainability.
All festival events require tickets and are expected to sell out quickly due to high interest in the region's architectural and design community. Interested participants can purchase tickets through the festival's official website, ensuring access to this comprehensive celebration of local design excellence and innovation.
