Unique event opens door to home design inspiration

Sunshine Coast Open House, proudly supported by Sunshine Coast Council, returns across September and October with a program packed with unique experiences, free workshops and exclusive access to behind-the-scenes tours.

Patron and Governor of Queensland, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, today (September 2) launched the 2024 program for the region’s largest public architecture and design festival, with the main Open House weekend to be held on October 19 and 20.

Attendees will have the opportunity to visit the intriguing residences of Moon Mountain Sanctuary, Russell Hall House and Wallumburn House and Garden as well as the impressive Sunshine Coast City Hall and the historic Bankfoot House.

There is a rare opportunity to pick up tips from experts and gain valuable insights into renovations and design projects.

Engaging activities such as walking tours, library talks sharing fascinating stories about the region’s stunning architecture and two heritage town appreciation ‘paint and sip’ events are part of the program. Plus, you can pick up a map of our region’s heritage pubs.

Tim Ross is also coming back for four live shows at buildings included in the program.

Secure your spot for behind-the-scenes building and house tours which can be booked from Wednesday October 2 at 11am.

^{Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli, Queensland Governor, Her Excellency the Honourable Dr Jeannette Young AC PSM, Sunshine Coast Open House Ambassador Noel Robinson and Sunshine Coast Open House Chair Ian Diamond.}

Stunning properties you can tour

Properties throwing open their doors include historic pub-turned-popular boutique brewery Matso’s in Eumundi, Russell Hall House in Mons, known for its quirky, experimental and sustainable features, a recently restored 100-year-old charming farmhouse, The Barn at Eerwah Vale and the quaint river icon, the Wheel House boathouse on the Maroochy River.

Sunshine Coast Mayor Rosanna Natoli said the free community event celebrated the region’s historic, contemporary and sustainable buildings and provided a special opportunity to view our diverse architecture.

“Sunshine Coast Open House is more than just a  peek into incredibly designed buildings, it is an opportunity to connect and engage our community through an appreciation of quality design and architecture,” Mayor Natoli said.

“From the coast to the hinterland, our growing region embodies a history of great design that is acknowledged nationally and internationally.

“Well designed Sunshine Coast homes and buildings respect our history, consider the local climate, prioritise indoor-outdoor living and maximise living within the landscape.

“The Sunshine Coast Open House festival offers rare, behind-the-scenes access to the Sunshine Coast’s best buildings, including private homes, corporate buildings, heritage treasures and sustainable spaces.”

Learn from design experts

Join us at one of the many events or an open home to meet the creative minds behind the design, construction, and preservation of the Sunshine Coast's most remarkable buildings.

The community is invited to learn design secrets and to explore how these properties use design to adapt to the climate, optimise views, enhance energy efficiency, and celebrate historical and cultural heritage.

Sunshine Coast Open House Ambassador and renowned architect Noel Robinson OAM said he was thrilled to be able to open the doors to more than 30 inspiring buildings.

"Sunshine Coast Open House festival has grown so much over the years, and I encourage everyone to explore this year's selection of thoughtfully designed homes and buildings,” Mr Robinson said.

“The program highlights the importance of sustainable design for the region's future, as well as effective ways to reduce living costs by minimising the need for air conditioning in summer and heating in winter.”

Unique events

The program highlights the role and importance of the region’s 16 heritage pubs to the character and identity of our local towns.

Once the lifeblood of every country town, these grand old watering holes still stand as proud beacons of history and design.

Scattered across the region from Beerwah in the south to Kin Kin in the north, the 16 historic pubs invite you to experience their storied past.

Pick up a map of the 16 Heritage Pubs of the Sunshine Coast and Noosa region from the libraries, Council and the pubs to plan day tours or a weekend away exploring the historic icons and the hinterland villages.

Sunshine Coast Open House is part of the Open House Worldwide network, founded by Open House London in 1992 and now held in more than 55 cities around the world.

People wishing to see open properties, volunteer or learn more about Sunshine Coast Open House can visit www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au. 

Sunshine Coast Open House is proudly supported through the Queensland Government’s Showcasing Queensland Heritage Grants Program and delivered by the Sunshine Coast Open House Committee and Founding Partners of Sunshine Coast Council, through its Arts and Heritage Levy.

Top things to do at Sunshine Coast Open House:

Open House Showcase 

Date: 2-12 September
Time: 10am
Location: various Library locations across the Sunshine Coast  
Cost: FREE
Register: https://library.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/whats-on

What is Home – Sunshine Coast Open House Forum

Insightful event on different perspectives of home.
Date: 19 October
Time: 6pm
Location: Coolum Civic Centre

Heritage Pub Showcase

Experience the region’s historic pubs
Date:  20 September to 20 October
Location: 16 Heritage Pubs
Register: sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au

‘Paint and Sip’ 

Heritage town architecture
Date: 12 and 13 October
Time: 10.30am-12.30pm
Location: Apollonian Hotel, Boreen Point and the Imperial Hotel Eumundi
Cost: $15

Moffat Beach heritage walking tour

With heritage architect Roger Todd
Date: Saturday 19 October
Time: 9.30-11am
Location: Moffat Beach, Elanor Shipley Park
Cost: Free
Bookings essential via : sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au  

Tim Ross – The Modernister is BACK!

Motel
Date: Thursday 3 October, 6.30pm
Location: Front Bar Matso’s Sunshine Coast, Eumundi 

The Mid Century Project
Date: Friday 4 October, 6pm
Location: Wilson Beach House, Dicky Beach 

Motel
Date: Saturday 5 October, 7pm
Location: Mapleton Hotel

Motel
Date: Sunday 6 October, 3pm
Location: CCSA Hall, Caloundra
Tickets: https://modernisterbooks.com/

Events and tour bookings open Wednesday 4 September via sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au  

2024 Sunshine Coast Open House Building List:

Hinterland
1. Bankfoot House Heritage Precinct
2. Landsborough Museum
3. Fairview (Pattemore House)
4. Mapleton House

Caloundra
5.Caloundra Regional Gallery
6.Caloundra Lighthouses
7. Wilson Beach House

Palmwoods/Nambour/Yandina
8. Koongalba
9. Kulangoor Cemetery

Maroochydore/Buderim
10. The Wheel House Boatshed
11. Pioneer Cottage Buderim
12. Studio – Aspect Architecture
13. City Hall
14. ABC Studios
15. Unitywater Control Centre
16. Russel Hall House

Eumundi
17. Moon Mountain Sanctuary
18. Matsos Pub
19. The Barn

Noosa Heads and Noosa Hinterland
20. Kijiji
21. Cooroy House
22. Wallumburn House and Garden
23. Pan Pottery Studio
24. Noosa Blue Apartment
25. The Majestic Theatre
26. Alfredson’s Joinery
27. Bark Art Room

Coolum
28. Saltair Modular Homes
29. Pandanus House renovation
30. Tristania House

More useful resources

Visit the Sunshine Coast Design website for more resources to help with your home design or renovation www.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au/sunshinecoastdesign