Tassie Design Shack

Tassie Design Shack was the original experiment into turning a derelict building (in this case, a small fishing shack on the beach in remote Tasmania) into a fully fledged business. The shack needed a lot of work, both structurally and aesthetically. The walls were brown, there were four curtains on each window blocking the light and the place had been empty for two years.

 

Because 50% of the houses in that area were for sale/empty during this period, the idea of turning it into an Airbnb was a positive one which also brought tourists to the area and supported the three or four local businesses in the small town.

 

After fixing up all the structural issues, Frankie got to work on the aesthetic ones. The first job was to repaint the outside white from the 1960’s blue, as it had been affected by a neighbours' fire and the paint was blistered and damaged.

 

The inside was furnished from what was available on the island, with nice design-y things VERY hard to find! The house also became a museum of design items that Frankie shipped back from her global design trip for The Design Kids during 2013 – 2018. Colour was added and the shack felt loved again.

 

The second prong to the business idea was to run creative residencies during winters in the shack. It gave artists an affordable location to work in, with peace and quiet, the chickens outside with the water lapping out the front. The uninterrupted view of the stars at night (sometimes even the Aurora Australis) and the full nature vibes were a creative break for those who came down. The creative residents left behind artworks or murals for the house and added to the colourful and cheerful vibes. Highlight artists include Gemma O’Brien, Carla McCrae, Brett Piva, Motherbird and Kris Andrew Smith.

 

We’ll miss you Tassie Design Shack!