Vipp Tunnel: A luxury off-grid escape at the edge of the world
Vipp Tunnel on Bruny Island, Tasmania, stands as a remarkable fusion of architecture, nature, and Danish design. Created by the acclaimed Hobart-based studio Room11, this off-grid guesthouse is a bold architectural statement that hovers over a rugged Tasmanian hillside, seamlessly blending brutalist aesthetics with the wild beauty of its surroundings. The structure, a striking 160-square-meter tunnel of concrete and glass, stretches 30 meters in length, offering panoramic views of the D’Entrecasteaux Channel. Floor-to-ceiling windows and recessed steel doors allow uninterrupted vistas of the Tasmanian sea and mountains, immersing guests in the breathtaking landscape.
A defining feature of Vipp Tunnel is its ability to harmonize with nature. Tasmania, often described as ‘the edge of the world,’ offers an otherworldly experience where visitors can reconnect with the environment. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed by the sight of rare white wallabies and vast bushlands that cascade toward the ocean. The guesthouse itself is a sanctuary of light and space, its elongated proportions framing the natural scenery through expansive glass panels. An atrium separates the main living area from the master suite, while a floating terrace at the end of the tunnel enhances the sensation of hovering over the land.
The interior reflects Vipp’s signature Danish minimalism, enriched by locally inspired elements. A standout feature is the all-aluminum V3 kitchen, whose stainless steel counter and fluted aluminum doors echo the raw, industrial materiality of the architecture. Vipp furniture, including Australian sheepskin-upholstered swivel chairs, adds an understated elegance, while a bespoke sunken lounge provides a soft contrast to the surrounding brutalist shell. The guesthouse also includes a separate 35-square-meter concrete studio, an intimate retreat designed for work, meditation, or relaxation, featuring a hidden mezzanine bed and minimalist furnishings.
Art plays a central role in the experience, with Danish artist Lin Utzon’s large-scale ceramic sculptures from her ‘Cosmic Dancers’ series placed strategically across the landscape. Their monochromatic strokes mirror the patterns of the native red gum trees, bridging the connection between Danish artistry and Australian wilderness. Utzon’s family legacy, tied to the Sydney Opera House through her father, architect Jørn Utzon, brings an additional layer of artistic resonance to the property.
Beyond its architectural and artistic significance, Vipp Tunnel is a model of sustainable design. The entire western façade is clad in solar panels, generating energy for the off-grid retreat. Rainwater collection ensures self-sufficiency, while the elevated construction minimizes its impact on the natural environment. Heated flooring and thermally insulated concrete panels provide year-round comfort, reinforcing the project’s commitment to longevity and sustainability.
A stay at Vipp Tunnel offers an invitation to slow down and embrace Tasmania’s pristine wilderness. Bruny Island’s natural wonders—from the towering cliffs of The Neck to the secluded beaches of Adventure Bay—are within easy reach, while wildlife encounters with penguins, seabirds, and seasonal whale migrations enrich the experience. Whether hiking the Cape Queen Elizabeth Track, savoring local produce on the Bruny Picnic Trail, or simply stargazing under some of the clearest night skies in the world, guests are immersed in an extraordinary retreat that celebrates design, nature, and the art of living well.
All images by Adam Gibson, with courtesy of Vipp
