NewActon Nishi, a sustainable mixed-use building complex in Canberra, has beaten five other developments from around the world to take home the 2015 Building Awards’ International Project of the Year prize.

Designed by Fender Katsalidis Architects and Tokyo’s Suppose Design Office in conjunction with Arup, the Japanese-inspired development was praised for being a “stunning project – colourful, exciting and with interiors that cleverly mirror the exterior”.

The final phase of the NewActon precinct by Molonglo Group, the building is known for its large timber façade, where more than 40km of Australian blackbutt timber shade the glass from morning sun to stop unwanted solar heat gain.

Over 90 plant boxes with a mixture of climbers and low-level, low-water plant species also feature on this façade, included to increase the building’s biodiversity and assist in keeping it cool.

Images: Arup

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According to Arup, the project’s sustainability credentials, strong focus on design throughout its creation, and enduring cultural programming in the building since its launch, was recognised by the award.

"Being involved in Nishi was truly inspirational,” said Rob Leslie-Carter, Director, PPM, Arup.

“As a project it had all the essential elements for success – world class designers, a team approach bound by trust and collaboration, and most importantly the leadership of a client with a crystal clear vision and an unswerving determination to create a place that really matters.”

NewActon Nishi comprises both retail and 21,000sqm of office space, and 220 apartments that are naturally-ventilated and designed to maximise daylight and views. It has achieved a 6 Star Green Star design rating and an average NatHERS rating of 8 Stars.

The other finalists for the International Project of the Year award were:

Feilden Clegg Bradley Studios – Leventis Art Gallery
Rider Levett Bucknall – Hong Kong Science Park Phase 3
Make Architects – HSBC Quai des Bergues
Sheppard Robson – Siemens Middle East Headquarters
DRDH Architects with Arup – Stormen Concert Hall & Library, Bodø, Norway

The Bulding Awards is a UK-based program that seeks to reward the most successful and innovative companies, and the best in project design excellence. Click HERE for the full list of winners.

Geraldine Chua

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