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Tolpuddle Vineyard in Tasmania wins architecture award

The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room has taken out the top honour for Commercial Architecture at the 2025 Tasmanian Architecture Awards, presented by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA).

The project also received a Commendation for Sustainable Architecture and the EmAGN Project Award.

The annual AIA awards recognise excellence across commercial, public, educational, residential, interior and heritage architecture, with this year’s winners reflecting Tasmania’s distinctive landscape and deepening engagement with social equity, environmental sustainability and cultural identity.

Designed by Hobart-based Tanner Architects and built by Cordwell Built, the Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room is discreetly nestled within the vineyard, with expansive floor-to-ceiling windows framing sweeping views of the vines.

Salvaged West Coast Tasmanian timber features prominently throughout the building, and guests can enjoy seating both indoors and outside.

Tolpuddle Vineyard co-owner and project director, Martin Shaw says: “We deliberately chose to use local architects and builders for the project.

“Tanner Architects interpreted the brief brilliantly and Cordwell Built did a sensational job in construction.

“We couldn’t be happier with the outcome.”

The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) jury citation says: “This project exemplifies a refined and disciplined approach to commercial architecture, achieving balance between agricultural authenticity and architectural sophistication.

“Likewise, the built form is sensitively integrated within its landscape, demonstrating a strong connection to place.

“The clear delineation of tasting areas and amenities ensure a seamless and intuitive user experience.

“With precision and restraint, the design embodies timeless qualities, achieving an exceptional outcome and demonstrating that strategic decision-making and thoughtful design can deliver remarkable results without financial excess.

“This project makes a distinguished contribution to commercial architecture and sets a benchmark for clarity, environmental sensitivity and programmatic excellence.”

In 2011, Martin Shaw and Michael Hill-Smith AM MW (founders of Shaw + Smith in the Adelaide Hills) travelled to Tasmania intending to buy nothing more than lunch.

Many wines were tasted throughout the trip, with the standouts from Tolpuddle Vineyard, a site near Richmond established in 1988.

The moment they drove through the gate, it was love at first sight.

Tolpuddle Vineyard now operates a waitlist for the annual release.

The Tolpuddle Vineyard Tasting Room is open by appointment Friday through Monday 11am to 5pm with last bookings at 4pm.

Visitors can book online via the website. Tastings are $55 per person.

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