Vipp Tunnel, Tasmania

Monolithic Architecture at the Edge of the World

Tunnel is a striking concrete retreat, luring the lines of art and architecture with its kaleidoscopic light-well installation - a dynamic interplay of colour and time. As the sun moves and seasons shift, vivid hues of yellow, pink, and orange are cast across the concrete interior, marking the changing light at 42° south. Designed to respond to seasonal transitions, the installation ensures that no two visits are ever the same - each experience uniquely shaped by the passage of time and nature’s rhythm.

Inside, high-end Danish interiors by Vipp bring a sense of refined luxury, while the lean, monolithic structure is purposefully designed to frame the D'Entrecasteaux Channel, creating an uninterrupted tunnel vision toward the distant South Bruny Island mountains.

Multiple decks and a bathing platform stretch along 400m of private waterfront, nestled among towering gum trees and rugged Australian beauty. Here, architecture, nature, and serenity seamlessly converge - offering an immersive escape like no other.

Tunnel has been designed to seamlessly merge art and architecture, creating an experience that inspires.

The Architects:
Our guesthouse has been conceptualised and designed by the renowned Tasmanian architects at Room11.

Marked by a preoccupation with the landscape, detail and materiality, Tunnel has revealed a new iteration of their iconic craftsmanship on Bruny Island.

Room11 have been widely recognised by the Australian industry and media, with some of their iconic past works including the D’Entrecasteaux House, Lighthouse, GASP!, Pine Flat Lodge, Lookout House, The Glass House, and Little Big House.

Brutalist Design:
The owner of Tunnel and your host Dane has always loved brutalist design. He knew he wanted this architectural style to provide the main foundation for Tunnel’s inspiration.

Tunnel Vision:
True to its name, the ‘tunnel-like’ shape of the building frames a striking view of the D'entrecasteaux Channel, to Mount Mangana, South Bruny, drawing the eye all the way from the entrance through to the water.

If the stars align, on a clear night you may be lucky enough to witness the Aurora Australis, which we refer to as the
“Light at the end of the Tunnel”.

The Light Wells:
One of the architectural centerpieces at Tunnel is the chromatic light well installation that casts vivid blades of yellow, pink, and orange across the polished concrete surfaces. The kaleidoscopic display transforms throughout the day as the sun shifts and seasons change, creating a unique experience for every guest.

Vipp Furnishings:
Tunnel has partnered with Danish interior company Vipp to be their first-ever Australian guesthouse, showcasing a selection of the brand’s exceptionally designed products throughout the living, dining and bathroom spaces.

Tunnel is in good company among Vipp’s curated series of ‘one-room-wonders’ at unique destinations around the world including Denmark, Sweden, Mexico, Norway, New York, Italy, Latvia and Andorra.

The partnership between Tunnel & Vipp is built on a mutual respect for timeless design, expert craftsmanship, and sustainable practices.

The Courtyard:
Inviting a touch of nature inside, the minimalist courtyard featuring a single white birch tree and the cosmic dancer sculptures offers a calming connection between the living and bedroom spaces.

Cosmic Dancer Sculptures:
Tunnel has collaborated with Danish artist Lin Utzon to bring three of her iconic Cosmic Dancer sculptures across the globe to Bruny Island’s shores. As the daughter of Jørn Utzon, the world-renowned architect who designed the Sydney Opera House, Lin’s ties to Australia run deep. Now a successful artist in her own right, Lin’s work often mirrors her father’s philosophy of harmonising art and architecture. The display of her Cosmic Dancers alongside the iconic Australian bushland and architectural design of Tunnel creates the perfect marriage between these aspects of her life and work.