A beach house constructed from shipping containers has taken the major prize at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2014 Sunshine Coast Regional Architecture Awards.

The Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa, Noosa hosted the event last Friday where twelve entrants were awarded regional commendations amongst the 22 who entered.

“The Beach Box” by OCE Group Architects was presented with the Gabriel Poole Award for building of the year and also received a regional commendation.

It was praised by the jury for its robust and cost effective re-engagement with the beach culture and mixed use zoning of Buddina:

“The grouping provides separate private zones with pop outs for greater internal widths, linking with decks and courtyards and a simple skillion roof over entry referencing modest beach house vernacular. This playful use of containers, engages simple yet appropriate interiors and integration with the landscape. However, its power lies in the way it engages with the street and greater public domain through blurred internal/external and public/private boundaries, street furniture and through its honest and engaging presentation,” cited the Jury.

Image: www.beachboxbuddina.com.au

Other notable performers were Roger Todd Architects and Noel Robinson Architects who won Regional Project of the Year and the Enduring Architecture Prize respectively.

The Post WW2 Development on the Coast and the Moffat Beach Pilot Study (Moffat Beach) by Roger Todd Architects was commended by the jury for its pedagogical and inspirational aspects:

“It is hoped this unique study and website will alert council, architects, building designers, town planners and the general public to the long term advantages in better conservation of post-World War 2 heritage. It provides inspiration for new works and adaptive reuse and a platform to continue recording built history and heritage.”

Post WW2 Development on the Coast and the Moffat Beach Pilot Study coordinated by Roger Todd Architect. Image: Roger Todd 1988

The Syrenuse apartments in Mooloobah by Noel Robinson Architects were built in 1981 and the apartment block was praised by the judges for its enduring and revolutionary design features.

“Its innovative slab and six-by-six grid meant the slender structure could provide fire protection while allowing full height glazing and connection to its view and aspect. Its organic form marked Mooloobah as a contemporary destination at the time and it remains a benchmark for mid-high rise development,” said the jury.

It was the fourth round of the Queensland Regional Architecture Awards, with those receiving regional commendations progressing to the state Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced in Brisbane on 20 June 2014.

Coolum Terrace House by Majstorovic Architecture. Image: Scott Burrows.

Seahaven Resort by DM2Architecture. Image: Scott Burrows

Regional Commendations

Additions & Alterations to 78 Nothling Street (Moffat Beach) – Tim Bennetton Architects
Bower @ Bells Reach (Caloundra West) – JMA Architects Qld
Coolum Beach Public Shelters (Coolum Beach) – Majstorovic Architecture
Coolum Tce. House (Coolum Beach) – Majstorovic Architecture
Growth (Sunshine Coast) – Bark Design Architects
Panorama Drive (Doonan) – Owen and Vokes and Peters
Post WW2 Development on the Coast and the Moffat Beach Pilot Study (Moffat Beach) –Coordinated by Roger Todd Architect
Seahaven Resort (Noosa Heads) – Dm2architecture
St Patrick’s Primary School Trinity Building + Amenities (Gympie) – Fulton Trotter Architects
Syrenuse (Mooloobah) – Noel Robinson Architects
The Beach Box (Buddina) – OGE Group Architects
Whyatt House (Eumundi) – Robinson Architects

Nathan Johnson

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