House at Otago Bay

Set along a gentle bend of the River Derwent in Hobart, House at Otago Bay by Topology Studio is a bold architectural response to its waterfront site. Curved forms and carefully composed volumes frame views of the water and Mount Wellington, creating a spatial journey that balances shelter and exposure. The home’s defining gesture is an undulating roofline and curved southern wall, which guide the eye away from neighbouring properties and towards the distant landscape. A recessed western terrace and deep soffits create a sense of enclosure, while elevated living areas bring the river into focus without interruption. Managing solar gain and glare was critical to the performance of the home, particularly given its western orientation. Shade Factor worked with the design team to integrate programmable Warema external venetian blinds with 80mm rolled-edge slats. These retractable systems provide full shading of large west-facing windows without obstructing views, offering fine control over light, heat and privacy. Blinds can be tilted to modulate light across the interiors, creating shifting patterns and a dynamic atmosphere that changes throughout the day. Fully retracted, the systems disappear into the window frames, preserving the integrity of the façade. The result is a finely tuned home that deepens the experience of place through light, material and outlook.