Danish design company Vipp has unveiled a revolutionary concrete guesthouse on Tasmania's Bruny Island, featuring what architects claim is the world's first building facade constructed entirely from solar panels. The dramatic Brutalist structure, called the Vipp Tunnel, stretches 30 meters across sloping terrain and operates completely off-grid while offering unobstructed views of the D'Entrecasteaux Channel and Tasmanian mountains.
Designed by Hobart-based architecture firm Room11, the cantilevered guesthouse balances precariously between solid ground and open air, creating a striking concrete tunnel that appears to float above the landscape. The building's most innovative feature is its western facade, which is entirely composed of solar panels arranged in a geometric pattern that maximizes energy production at the location's southern latitude.
"The entire western facade is derived from the geometry of the solar array. An unequivocal statement of prioritizing green energy production in contemporary construction," explains Thomas Bailey, architect and director of Room11. "As far as we are aware, this is the first building to feature an entire facade created by solar technology."
The sustainable structure runs entirely on rainwater collection and self-sufficient solar energy, with engineering solutions that elevate it from the ground to minimize environmental impact. Construction was carefully designed around preserving existing trees on the three-hectare site, with Room11 conducting detailed surveys of every tree and establishing narrow construction corridors to protect endemic vegetation.
Inside the minimalist interior, chromatic glazing in central skylights creates ever-changing light effects inspired by Aurora Australis, the Southern Lights phenomenon visible from the island. Polished concrete floors and walls enhance these optical displays, creating what designers describe as "ever-changing artwork" throughout the space. Wall-to-wall glass provides dramatic framing of the channel through frameless windows.
The accommodation consists of the main tunnel structure plus a separate 35-square-meter concrete cube dubbed "the studio," which features four-meter-high ceilings designed for meditation or office use. A hidden mezzanine houses a double bed, while an integrated desk completes the spare aesthetic. The space is furnished exclusively with Vipp pieces, including swivel chairs upholstered in Australian sheepskin.
Adding artistic flair to the property, Danish artist Lin Utzon has contributed large-scale ceramic sculptures from her "Cosmic Dancers" series, positioned among red gum trees across the site. As the daughter of Jørn Utzon, architect of Sydney Opera House, her work creates what organizers describe as a "strong connection" between Danish design heritage and the Australian landscape.
"Vipp travels south of the equator for the opening of our first guesthouse in Australia, adding to our steadily growing portfolio," says Kasper Egelund, chief executive and third-generation Vipp owner. "Room11 has created a truly breathtaking piece of architecture, a space for reflection and escape, that perfectly complements Vipp's design ethos."
The tunnel's dramatic proportions deliberately frame the surrounding landscape, with an atrium yard separating the living space from the master bedroom. A glass door leads to a framed terrace that appears to float above the terrain, enhancing the structure's connection to its natural surroundings.
Located on Bruny Island, accessible via a 20-minute ferry ride from Hobart, the guesthouse offers guests encounters with rare white wallabies alongside activities including coastal walks, whale watching, and local food and wine experiences. The island's minimal light pollution provides exceptional stargazing opportunities and potential Aurora Australis viewing.
The concrete panel design provides thermal insulation for year-round temperature regulation, minimizing heating and cooling requirements while maintaining sustainable operation principles. Heated flooring and air conditioning ensure optimal comfort throughout all seasons. The project took three years to complete, with material choices prioritizing longevity while reducing maintenance requirements.
This latest addition represents Vipp's expanding accommodation portfolio, which includes properties in Sweden, Denmark, Andorra, Italy, Latvia, and Mexico. Each guesthouse showcases locally rooted architectural approaches while maintaining the brand's signature minimalist aesthetic. The Vipp brand, founded in 1939 by metalsmith Holger Nielsen, has evolved from producing waste bins to encompassing furniture, lighting, kitchens, and architectural hospitality experiences under third-generation family ownership.
Rates for the Vipp Tunnel start from AUD 970 per night for two adults, with the guesthouse accessible by car from Hobart city center in 30 minutes plus the ferry crossing. The innovative project demonstrates how luxury hospitality can successfully integrate cutting-edge sustainable technology with striking architectural design.
