Cassandra Fahey facts for kids
Cassandra Fahey is an Australian architect and interior designer. She lives in Melbourne. She leads her own architecture company called "Cassandra Complex". Cassandra became well-known around 2000 because of the 'Newman House' in St Kilda. This house was designed for a famous person named Sam Newman. She is also known for her work on "The Smith Great Aussie Home" and the "Platypusary" at Healesville Sanctuary. Her designs have won many awards and have been shown in magazines all over the world.
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Cassandra Fahey's Journey in Architecture
Cassandra finished her architecture degree at Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology (RMIT) in 1998. While studying, she traveled the world to make a film about architects. She met famous architects like Sir Norman Foster and Jean Nouvel. In New York, she met artist Richard Serra. His sculptures, especially one in a garage, inspired her. You can see this influence in her own house, called "Chameleon".
After returning to Melbourne, she got advice from other architects. Soon, she started her own company, "Cassandra Complex". In 2005, she also studied Contemporary Art at the Victorian College of the Arts. Cassandra has a special way of designing. She uses different styles for each project. She doesn't stick to just one look. She says her ideas come from "nature" and the artist Emily Kame Kngwarreye.
Amazing Buildings and Designs
The Sam Newman House
Cassandra Fahey had a lot of freedom when designing the Sam Newman House. It is in St. Kilda West, Melbourne. The house is also called "White Noise". It has a huge front design, 9 meters by 8 meters, made of patterned glass. There's even a big picture of Pamela Anderson on it. The garage door opens where her mouth is! This house mixes modern and simple styles.
The house was finished in 2001. Its unique design won an award for Best New Residential Building. However, the outside of the house was quite debated. Some people didn't like it. It became known as the house that many Melburnians loved to dislike.
The Platypusary at Healesville Sanctuary
The Platypusary at Healesville Sanctuary opened on May 12, 2005. It was built for platypuses. The front of the building has gold panels. These panels have leaf shapes carved into them. Inside, there are ponds of water that look like a natural creek. When the sun shines, it creates cool shadows and reflections on the marble floor.
The moving water also makes different reflections on the gold panels. This shows a constant connection between nature and the building. The design also includes ideas from "Awelye," which is about ceremony in Aboriginal culture.
The Smith Great Aussie Home
The Smith Great Aussie Home was designed for a businessman named Darren Smith. This impressive house cost $1.6 million. It is located in Black Rock, Melbourne.
New Gold Mountain Bar
In 2003, Cassandra Fahey designed the New Gold Mountain bar. This bar is located in the city center of Melbourne.
Other Interesting Projects
- Husk Boutique in Melbourne's city center
- Crowning Glory at Monash Museum of Art
- Chameleon warehouse conversion in North Melbourne (her own home)
- Josh Abrahams House in Brighton
- A bathroom for Jonathan Mills
- Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery on Russell Street, Melbourne
- Breamlea House
- Menorah House in Hawthorn (this one was planned but not built)
Awards and Recognition
Cassandra Fahey has won many awards for her designs:
- 2007: Bulletin Smart 100 – Named Best Australian Designer
- 2007: Marion Mahony Interior Architecture Award – For New Gold Mountain, Melbourne
- 2007: Residential Architecture – Houses Award – For The Smith Great Aussie Home, Blackrock
- 2007: Interior Commendation – National Award – For The Smith Great Aussie Home, Blackrock
- 2006: Institutional Architecture Award – For BHP Billiton Platypussary, Victoria
- 2006: Commercial Architecture Award – For HUSK Collins Street, Melbourne
- 2006: Dulux Color Awards – For Chameleon (Warehouse conversion), North Melbourne
- 2004: Residential Architecture Award – For Chameleon, North Melbourne
- 2004: The Interior Award – National Award – For Chameleon, North Melbourne
- 2004: IDA Interior Design Awards – For Chameleon, in the Refurbished Residential Interior category
- 2003: Residential Architecture Award – For the Sam Newman House, St. Kilda
