Originally built as a flour mill on the crossing of the North and South Esk Rivers, the Stillwater Seven site holds almost 200 years of Tasmanian history.

Playing host to a range of industrial, commercial and artistic ventures, this latest business enterprise builds on the established presence of an award-winning restaurant, Stillwater, which has called the historic site home since 2000.

The Stillwater Seven project involved the adaptive reuse of the mill’s upper floors – from gallery and providore to seven luxury suites. As the survivor of a major fire and almost two centuries of wild elements, the concept of ‘regeneration’ led the design process, grounded by a sensitive approach to the original building fabric.

Surviving elements such as exposed corrugated iron and giant Oregon trusses were expressed throughout the redefined interior. Flickers of the site’s past continue from the retained elements to the new, with a rich interior palette of raw timbers, deep colour and tactile finishes.

Consistent with the local, seasonal focus of the restaurant below, the strength of Tasmanian products and designers is celebrated within the new accommodation offering. Guests will find custom made A.H Beard beds as well as bespoke furniture designed and made by Simon Ancher at his nearby Launceston studio.

The experience finishes with bright, immersive bathroom spaces that surprise guests with pinks, greens, elevated ceilings and playful lighting.

LocationLaunceston, Tasmania
ClientStillwater
Year2019
StatusComplete

Photography: Anjie Blair