A landmark mid-century office building in Hobart’s west end has been renamed Max Angus House after the renowned Tasmanian artist, following its acquisition and revitalisation in 2023 by The Hanging Garden Group, a joint venture between developer Riverlee and DarkLab.

Located at 116 Bathurst Street in the CBD, the building was originally constructed in 1959. Formerly known as Construction House, named after its previous owner, the Master Builders Association, the new identity honours Max Angus AM (1914-2017), one of Tasmania’s most celebrated artists, who designed the distinctive blue Mondrian-inspired mosaic facade on the building. Well-known for his luminous watercolours of Tasmania’s landscapes and environmental advocacy, Angus’ work also left a lasting imprint on Hobart’s built environment.

The reimagining by The Hanging Garden Group reflects a commitment to culturally responsive development in Hobart’s evolving CBD, and marks a new chapter for the six-level commercial landmark. The building’s new identity takes its cue from Angus’ distinctive geometric patterns, preserved on the facade as a lasting reminder of his legacy.

“Rather than naming the building after its owner, we believe it should carry a name that reflects its own identity – something enduring and of its place that people can connect with,” says Riverlee Development Director David Lee.

“Our major refurbishment works in the building are just about complete, and we are now excited to unveil Max Angus House, which will be a place where businesses can connect and thrive in a context rich with meaning,” he adds.

Now part of The Hanging Garden’s mixed-use cultural precinct, Max Angus House offers contemporary office spaces ranging from 42sqm to 375sqm, with a fully refurbished lobby, improved accessibility, and end-of-trip facilities. Sustainability measures include solar infrastructure and biophilic features, including a 20-metre-tall rubber fig tree rising through the building’s central stairwell. Planted during the building’s original construction, it is believed to be one of Australia’s largest indoor trees, and offers a daily connection to nature.

The building’s renewal comes at a time of continued confidence in the local commercial market, with the City of Hobart reporting the nation’s lowest CBD vacancy rate for the fourth consecutive year – just 2.8% as of September 2024.

The Hanging Garden precinct is a growing cultural and hospitality precinct with future residential, hotel and commercial spaces, all guided by principles of adaptive reuse and a celebration of Hobart’s character. Just moments from the city’s retail and civic heart, and anchored by venues such as the Odeon Theatre and Altar Bar, the precinct brings together creative, commercial and community uses in a dynamic mix.

Welcoming the recognition, Angus’ son, Peter Angus, says, “The facade is probably the only remaining public art of Max Angus in the city and as a family we are thrilled that it is being recognised and preserved. The naming of the building is a great honour – a memorial to a very vocally proud Tasmanian!”

Architecture News & Editorial Desk

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