Hobbit home makeover scores big win
Even Hobbits need to undertake renovations to keep everything spick and span, especially before they plan long, arduous journeys to Middle Earth.
And that’s just what happened here in Hobbiton – Bagshot Row, Matamata.
Tilt Architects completed this rebuild of a movie set into a habitable Hobbit home in November. And it has just been recognised with a Commercial Architecture Award in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty Architecture Awards announced by Te Kāhui Whaihanga New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA).
The judges praised the way the home faithfully works with the contour of the land, imitating the cinematic experience of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogies directed by Sir Peter Jackson.
The judges said heavily detailed planning has overcome the project’s technical issues and time constraints to deliver experiences that transport visitors to Middle Earth. “Labyrinthine internal layouts provide Tardis-like qualities and create both a sense of expansion and the snug comfort of a hobbit’s home,” the judges said.
Tilt Architecture says on its website the project, which covers 408m², has transformed the Hobbiton Movie Set Tour experience .
“The tour features the exterior of hobbit holes, scattered amongst the rolling hills of
Matamata. Visitors have always wanted to experience what a hobbit hole would look like inside ... this has now become a reality.”
The team worked collaboratively with renown illustrators, set dressers, consultants, contractors and craftspeople, co-ordinating the complex array of architectural, structural, services and fit-out elements.
“We developed the construction methodology and spatial layout, and produced a detailed 3D model for team members to visualise the spaces, and ensure a coordinated construction process.
“Two hobbit holes are embedded within the iconic Hobbiton hillside, inside a fully waterproof concrete ‘bunker’. An interior ‘set’ including all walls, ceilings, floors etc. was built concurrently offsite, de-mounted, and installed inside the bunker.”
Tilt Architecture says the arched openings, circular hallways and windows, with large exposed timber beams and tree roots emphasise the underground nature of these dwellings.
“Low ceilings, small doors and circular corridors give an indication of the small stature of the hobbit inhabitants, but we also designed the rooms to provide sufficient space to allow for comfortable visitor flow.
“The final product is an engaging, immersive environment which we know visitors will fall in love with.”