The Tasman, Parliament Square Hobart

This modern redefinition of an historic hotel is architecturally ambitious and historically rich. The Tasman, a Luxury Collection Hotel in the heart of Hobart, features 152 luxurious guest rooms and suites, history-filled hallways of the original 1840s heritage building, and spectacular views of the Hobart waterfront.

A careful yet inventive approach to design was essential for this city-defining project by FJMT Studio. The Tasman features extensive use of unconventional design features, marrying the aesthetics of the new contemporary glazed Curtain Wall structure with the original historic building.

The architect’s innovative incorporation of acute corner junctions is one aspect where the versatility of the Capral Curtain Wall shone through. ‘Even though much of the façade used the standard Capral system, we were able to achieve a more bespoke look by making small modifications, ’says Michelle Ho, Project Architect.

‘To achieve the really sharp, highly acute corner detail we were seeking, for example, a bespoke stainless-steel profile was incorporated into the standard Capral Curtain Wall system, ’Michelle explains. ‘We were able to stop and start the existing Capral system in order to introduce the desired profile at each corner.’

Other sections of The Tasman Hotel also utilised Capral window suites ’modifiable properties. ‘In the horizontal cantilevered section, for example, we used the standard Capral system supported by a steel frame, ’says Michelle. ‘Modifications were necessary to achieve our design intent, while the flexibility of the Capral Curtain Wall system allowed for customisation.

The other major departure was the architect’s decision to extend the hotel structure to accommodate an additional storey. ‘On the hotel’s original upper level, we created a -two-storey extension, ’says Michelle. ‘This featured a recessed folded metal cladding profile, which we introduced by breaking the Capral Curtain Wall system right across the floor slab.’

The upper floor extension presented yet another situation in which the Capral system was able to accommodate modifications. ‘A further instance was when we used horizontal glass cantilevers, ’Michelle says. ‘These use steel supports, to which we fixed the existing glazing system.’

These judicious modifications to the original structure made the versatility of original Capral elements essential, along with the materials ’ready availability. ‘The Capral system’s ease of procurement was a critical part of our selection criteria, ’Michelle confirms.

Fabricator Phil Riley, of CWD Custom Windows, was also impressed with the Capral products ’modifiability. ‘The final design of The Tasman Parliament Square redevelopment called for modification to the Capral CW175 curtain wall system, as the panel sizes exceeded the original specifications, ’he says.

‘To ensure the system was appropriate for the project, we had to undertake significant façade engineering. This involved close coordination between the CWD team and our Façade Engineer Bligh Tanner, working closely with Managing Contractor Vos Constructions and project Architect FJMT. This structurally sound installation has faithfully maintained the overall design intent.’

Phil points out the Capral Curtain Wall’s suitability for this ambitious task. ‘The Capral CW175 was the closest appropriate system to create the module sizes we were seeking, ’he says. ‘Because we modified the original system, we re-warranted it through our own engineering department; Capral continued to provide a warranty on the powder coating as well as on the aluminium itself.’

As Phil points out, that striking external form proved challenging to execute. ‘The curved façade systems were used in two corners of the hotel’s 34 Davies Street section, ’he says. ‘The Curtain Wall required significant thought and engineering to recreate a curved aluminium frame that worked as a curtain wall while also maintaining the architect’s original intention.

‘Achieving this challenging goal required the use of bespoke rolled systems, which were supplied by All Metal Curving in Sydney, ’Phil continues. ‘Significant engineering work was also required to ensure structural integrity was maintained alongside the project’s original design principles.’

Even before the official opening, the project has received acclaim. ‘Word has been extremely positive within Tasmania, particularly within the local glazing industry, ’says Phil. ‘The project is unlike anything else that exists in a façade in Hobart, and represents a great example of what can be achieved with local contractors and suppliers.’

The Tasman exemplifies the impressive results possible when an innovative team has the opportunity to use a trusted product to its full capacity.