Client : Rings Scenic Tours Ltd
Building Type : Visitor Experience
Floor Area : 480m2
Design : 8 months
Construction : Completed Nov 2023
Awards:
Gold Award - NZIA Commercial Waikato Architecture Award 2024
Silver Award - Best Design Awards 2024 - Spatial Exhibition
The doors are finally open!
The Hobbiton Movie Set 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.
Working collaboratively with renown Illustrators, Set Dressers, Consultants, Contractors and Craftspeople, Tilt Architecture coordinated the complex array of architectural, structural, services and fitout 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.
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.
Book a tour and experience it for yourself!: