Pumphouse Point

Originally constructed as part of the Hydro-Electric scheme, the facility on Lake St Clair in the Tasmanian Central Highlands was built to pump water from Lake St Clair to the adjacent St Clair Lagoon to feed the Tarraleah Power Station. However, this use was never realised and after half a century the pump house was decommissioned and subsequently remained unoccupied for twenty further years.

It wasn’t until 100 years after the establishment of the Hydro-Electric Commission that the now heritage-listed art deco buildings of the industrial facility finally whirred to life,  not as a pump house but as a unique accommodation experience suspended over the pristine lake.

From inception, the Cumulus team envisaged that the Pumphouse redevelopment should encapsulate rugged simplicity and unrefined comfort. In keeping with the best heritage practise and the values of the World Heritage Site in which it is located, the design is focused on environmental stewardship, sustainability and minimal site impact. To achieve this objective, new guest suites have been constructed within the existing building envelopes.

The commercial adaption of the building in line with the best heritage practise and the values of the World Heritage Area in which it is located has protected and enhanced the iconic property for the appreciation of generations to come.

LocationLake St Clair, Tasmania
ClientPumphouse Point
Year2014
Status Completed

Photography: Adam Gibson, Stuart Gibson, Sharyn Cairns