Tribe Studio Architects

The climate crisis is the challenge of our lifetime.

Building contributes 40% of carbon emissions globally.

We are an intentionally small practice, with an experimental mindset. Passive design has been at the heart of our work for 23 years and remains a non-negotiable underpinning in our understanding and creation of architecture. We have trained our inventive focus on embodied carbon in construction. Shifting industry practice and business-as-usual thinking across typologies and sectors is our mission. Small practice – big influence.

What does this mean in practice:

• In building typologies where we can lead, we lead. We are designing a house that uses demolition and excavation waste as structure and finish in multiple different ways.
• We have won design excellence competitions for choosing NOT to build…without compromising on the brief or urban outcome.
• We are experimenting with demolition and waste streams as sources of material, and particularly as sources of zero-carbon thermal mass.
• We are exploring the expressive potential of low-carbon concrete.
• We are passionate adaptive-reusers. We are expert in the art of demolition as surgical incision and radical transformation with parsimonious means.

This is a win-win proposition for clients: More architectural brain power with more collaboration with allied experts can lead to less construction, less cost, less onerous approvals processes, more economy overall. Currently, linking construction cost to consultancy fees actively discourages leadership in this area.

We have all the documents we need to tick a box on a competitive tender – we’re certified carbon neutral, we have a Sustainability Action Plan, we’re aligned with Architects Declare and so on. What we also have is energy, enthusiasm, focus and commitment to a future for our kids, grandkids, koalas, bees, octopi. This is real. We’re on it.

I sat down with Dave Sharp from Office Talk, Marketing for Architecture. The podcast, episode No. 71, is out now. Thanks Dave Sharp for a warm and enjoyable chat.

Dave and I discussed:
• How we have designed the business to run efficiently and profitably, from a focus on gradual and sustainable growth to succession planning and delegation, and the hires we have made to help focus my time on the studio's projects rather than administration.

• Insights into how residential clients experience the design journey, from their initial sense of overwhelm to their enjoyment of the design process as an act of self-expression of their personality and goals for their lives.

• Why I believe that Tribe does not have a house style, but instead a few key areas of interest that tie our projects together, and why some projects that embody these values tend to resonate more with potential clients than others.

• An approach to public speaking in front of audiences of non-architects, and how speaking has been a valuable opportunity to clarify thinking, engage with peers, and get the general public excited by design and creativity.

• The difficulties small but experienced practices like Tribe face in winning government and public projects, despite their track records in other sectors, but how this is becoming easier as councils like the City of Sydney push for small practices to be included in public procurement processes.

Visit the link, or look for Office Talk on Apple Podcasts or Spotify.

Hannah, Principal of Tribe Studio, was delighted to be part of the international event series “Architects, not Architecture” at Sydney’s Art Gallery of NSW on 21 March 2023, alongside her architect colleagues Virginia Kerridge and William Smart. Hannah spoke about her personal experiences and the influences that have impacted her creatively in her life as an architect.

To watch Hannah’s talk online click here

Moderated by Karen McCartney, Hannah will be joining David Flack and Ronan Sulich to discuss their personal collections and passions for collecting art.

Listen here

Tim and Hannah discuss the ways work has changed post-lockdown, and the ways in which working from home has enabled a more flexible lifestyle, which has become particularly beneficial for parents.

Listen here.

Hannah recalls her early years in a creative household and how her father’s architectural career had an influence in her pursuing architectural sketch design at university. Tribe Studio Architects believes every building and design - regardless of scale - should make a public contribution to the urban fabric and enhance the community, whilst also contributing to our collective sustainable future.

Vince and Hannah go on to discuss the climate crisis, the danger of some new technologies and tactics that Tribe Studio utilise to reduce damage to the planet. The pair also dissect the negative building trends which are developing post Covid as well as the current property crisis and how it is affecting younger generations.

Listen here.

Hannah explored the intersection of art, culture, and architecture through the lens of her practice’s work. Known for its thoughtful and context-sensitive residential projects, Tribe Studio emphasises playfulness, experimentation, and a strong narrative approach.

Discussed with Hannah:

• The importance of storytelling in architecture
• Designing with both intellect and emotion
• Balancing innovation with functionality in residential design
• The role of the architect in shaping contemporary Australian identity
• Hannah also reflected on how architectural practice can remain rigorous while being joyful and expressive.

Listen here.

est living catches up with Hannah Tribe, to learn more about sustainability-soaked design and the influence of art and culture on her practice. The interview explores Hannah's creative journey from artist to architect, her ethos of “architecture as portraiture,” and her commitment to sustainability, material experimentation and homes that truly reflect their occupants.

Photography @katlu

Hannah took Brickworks through a range of projects enhancing communities and contributing to our collective sustainable future.

Listen here.

Out Now! Bronte House featured in The Local Project Issue No. 12 print publication. Thank you The Local Project for supporting Australian architecture and design. Head to The Local Project to order Issue No. 12 now or to subscribe to the tri-annual publication.

Photography by Rory Gardiner
Styling by David Harrison
Built by Robert Plumb Build Pty Ltd
Landscape design by Dangar Barin Smith Pty Ltd

Bronte House was commended in the Residential Architecture - Houses (New) category at the 2023 NSW Architecture Awards. Thank you to our wonderful clients and everyone who worked on the project.

Jury Citation:
"An evocation of Sydney’s coastal escarpments, Bronte House punctuates the streetscape and carefully frames views to the beach and ocean.

With a pared back palette of blonde bricks and concrete, this dwelling navigates complex changes in the levels of nearby homes and the street. The jury loved the detailing and finish.

Tribe’s vision was one of generosity to the neighbours. The home was sculpted to provide views for the owners of the home, without interrupting their neighbours' while avoiding overshadowing.

The carefully curated interior facilitates the needs of a family who work from home and come together in the light filled heart of this home."

Built by Robert Plumb Build Pty Ltd
Photography by Rory Gardiner
Styled by David Harrison
Landscape Design by Dangar Barin Smith Pty Ltd
Engineered by Partridge

Recently we were awarded a Commendation for Bronte House at the Houses Awards 2023. Thank you Architecture Media for your continued support of Australian architecture.

2023 Houses Awards
Winner/commendation
New House Over 200m2
Tribe Studio Architects for Bronte House

Bronte House is a calm, quiet, private oasis in this popular and densely populated area. There is a strong relationship with the epicness of the coastal landscape. The house is monolithic and elemental, as if it were carved from a solid block of brickwork by sun, wind and time.

Photography by Rory Gardiner
Styled by David Harrison
Built by Robert Plumb Build Pty Ltd
Landscape Design by Dangar Barin Smith Pty Ltd

Tribe Studio’s Bellevue Hill House has been shortlisted in the NSW Australian Institute of Architects Awards for Residential Architecture - Alterations and Additions category.

We channelled the ethos of the Arts and Crafts embracing narrative, whimsy and inventive play within the design.

Congratulations to our peers who have been shortlisted in this years awards. Award winners announced 28 June 2024.

Builder @laycock_constructions
Photography @benhoskingphotographer

We are thrilled that the Bellevue Hill House received a high commendation in the National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards (architecture category), and the only residential project to be recognised from the category.

From the National Trust (NSW) Awards: "The National Trust (NSW) Heritage Awards is an annual celebration of outstanding practice, awarding excellence in conservation of Aboriginal, built, natural and cultural heritage."

Bellevue Hill House is an Edwardian Arts and Crafts Dame in the Eastern Suburbs of Sydney, built in 1915 and undergoing a significant alterations and additions led by Tribe Studio. Our project honours the original design- it honours the narrative of continuous occupation and change as well as the narrative of evolving family life for its current owners.

Thank you to everyone who collaborated on the project, and you can find out more on the project page of our website here

A big congratulations to Aileen Sage who deservedly won the Architecture Award for 119 Redfern Street, and to Dunn Hillam who received a Highly Commended for the Gunnery Transformation.

Tribe Studio was thrilled that the Bellevue Hill house received a commendation in the Australian Institute of Architects Awards (NSW Chapter) for Residential Architecture - Alterations and Additions category.

The calibre of projects shortlisted was particularly high this year and we congratulate everyone who won an award - it was fabulous to celebrate with you!

A big thanks also goes to those who collaborated with us on the project including our client, the builder and all the consultants and suppliers involved.

The jury citation:

"This is an exemplary extension to an existing house that is respectful whilst not deferential. The project celebrates the spirit and intent of the grand Arts and Crafts house, adding an imaginative flare to the original design. New additions, such asa barrel-vaulted verandah tucked beneath the deep sloping eaves, gives the house a distinct personality and a touch of exuberance.

In a subtle act of translation, beautiful joinery expresses the Arts and Crafts aesthetic afresh, giving the sizeable interiors coherence and offering moments of intimacy.

The wallpaper lined dressing room is an unexpected delight, honouring daily rituals."

For more information on the project then visit the project page on on our website here

Builder @laycock_constructions
Photography @benhoskingphotographer