Ecosciences Precinct at Dutton Park by architectural practice HASSELL was awarded this year’s top Brisbane Regional Architecture Award.

The building, which brings together 1,000 scientists from eight locations into a single collaborative research environment, was awarded the John Dalton Award for Building of the Year on Friday.

Announcing this year’s winners, Queensland Awards Jury Director Malcolm Middleton said: “This is commercial architecture on a grand scale, bringing together 1000 scientists from eight locations into a single collaborative research environment of 50,000 square metres.”

Ecosciences Precinct, by HASSELL. Photography: Christopher Frederick Jones

He added: “The highly rational arrangement of various laboratories, office spaces and support areas, belies the complexity of the facility’s program and the skilful hand of its architectural guidance.”

The 2011 House of the Year was awarded to DHAN plus on North Stradbroke Island by architectural practice Donovan Hill. The jury described it as a ‘delightful outcome’ inspired by the life and community of Point Lookout, and successfully blending humble materials, flexible occupation, with consideration for the scale and context of the site. The award was one of three presented to Donovan Hill, who also received commendations in the commercial and interior architecture categories.

In total, 114 new and innovative architectural projects vied for top honours, ranging from multi-million dollar public buildings to modestly budgeted residential houses. A significant number of commendations went to projects in Brisbane centre, Fortitude Valley, and Kangaroo Point, with a number of practices receiving multiple awards. Thirty-seven projects were awarded Regional Commendations and are now in the running for the prestigious Queensland Architecture Awards in Brisbane on 24 June.

Nudgee College Tierney Auditorium, Boondall, by m3architecture. Photography: Jon Linkins

Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards Regional Commendations were presented to:

ART AND ARCHITECTURE

53 Albert Street - “landlines”, Brisbane, by Nettleton Tribe partnership pty ltd

This project addresses the challenge of converting a large and unforgiving structured carpark to a place with urban streetscape values and was approached through the establishment of an appropriate project budget and a disciplined collaboration between architect, artist and urban art fabricator. Although the executed scale presents as a powerful element and would not work in many settings, the iterative process results in a work with embedded meaning whilst delivering functional performance for carpark ventilation challenges.

Scott Street Apartments - “Melaleuca”, Kangaroo Point, by Jackson Teece Architecture

The concept has delivered an integrated and strongly expressed eastern elevation art wall that works as a streetscape element, sunscreen, privacy screen and interior form maker for these top end residences. The cast concrete forms are carefully considered to minimise the mass of the material and reflect the natural river edge conditions of the mangroves that form part of the nearby precinct. The final product belies the mass and scale of the idea.

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE

John Dalton Award for Building of the Year: Ecosciences Precinct, Dutton Park, by HASSELL

This is commercial architecture on a grand scale, bringing together 1000 scientists from eight locations into a single collaborative research environment of 50,000 square metres. The facility is comprised of three near-parallel wings separated by landscaped courtyards, the whole enveloped by a perforated veil that filters daylight and mitigates thermal load. A transverse spine links the wings, amalgamating common areas, meeting rooms, atria, and vertical and horizontal circulation to form an active ‘street’ that provides a reference for building navigation and encourages interaction between the often reclusive user groups. The highly rational arrangement of various laboratories, office spaces and support areas, belies the complexity of the facility’s program and the skilful hand of its architectural guidance.

The Port Office, Port of Brisbane, by Thompson Adsett + Studio 39

This competition winning design for the Port of Brisbane has created a unique headquarters and public identity for the client. Employees enjoy high levels of amenity and 360 degree views of the bay and the Port. The organic aesthetic of curving balconies has been carefully manipulated to optimise solar shading and assist in defining the architectural identity of building. The office levels are organised around an elliptical atrium and connecting staircases. Below these levels a generous publically accessible ground level is punctuated by suspended meeting pods which reflect the proportion of shipping containers. Many sustainable features have been integrated into the building, they are well expressed and present a legible model for freestanding commercial developments.

AM60, Brisbane, by Donovan Hill

The eroded podium and protruding 23 storey commercial tower provides both the public and tenants with a unique place in which opportunities are created for interaction. Strategic planning and a combination of materials, textures and colours applied to soffits and facades generate light and shade in a rich tapestry rarely experienced in the local commercial office market. The podium is scaled to contradict, with compression to Albert Street and a generosity of volume to Margaret Street which reveals its context and exposes the public life within. The tower form creates a visual and tactile experience through the use of green concrete shelves and white light prisms in contrast with the glazed form which is moderated by an intricate spandrel pattern system.

Calamvale Hotel, Calamvale, by Brand and Slater Architects

Surrounded by two arterial roads and a long western frontage this hostile environment is shielded by a unique experience that is both calming and surprising. The building form folds, juts, pops and erodes to manipulate light, shade and landscape. This clever yet simple composition delivers a multifunctional dining environment, a new garden terrace and a dramatic entry experience. The internal volume and integrated interior finishes are complemented by the use of traditional external materials and visual clues such as landscape and a robust galvanised steel structure. Filtered light is softened by layered timber battens that clad the ceiling soffit. The northern facade opens up to a grassed court completing this contemporary transformation.

Lightspace, Fortitude Valley, by Stephen Cameron Architect

This adaptive reuse of an unloved industrial building has been sensitively executed within a highly constrained budget. A simple yet strong aesthetic complements the bones of the structure through the considered selection of contemporary materials and innovative detailing. The architect’s commitment and tenacity in partnering with the client through the construction of this project has resulted in a building which exemplifies the potential of adaptive sustainable design within the inner city. The completed project delivers a surprising and flexible workspace for multi tenant occupation with a refreshing new multifunctional event space, adding to the vibrant entertainment grain of this part of Brisbane.

HERITAGE

Barracks, Paddington, by Arkhefield

Highly successful and appropriate adaptive reuse of the former Petrie Terrace Police Barracks, stables and gaol. New buildings and structures have been sympathetically designed and integrated with the original Barracks without loss of cultural heritage significance. Much of the existing fabric has been retained and/or adapted appropriately for the new use as well as meeting the current Australian Standards and BCA requirements. The architect has successfully rejuvenated a derelict site and provided Brisbane with a popular meeting and social destination. Interpretation has been incorporated to explain the former use of the site as well as evidence of the footing locations of the early gaol buildings which had been demolished many years earlier.

Radon Laboratory, Brisbane, by Bud Brannigan Architects

Retaining sections of the external structure and roof of the former Radon Laboratory, the architect has transformed an unused building into a welcoming and delightful public gathering place within the Alumni Court adjoining the Great Court at the University of Queensland. The new shade structure is a delicate and elegant addition which complements the building’s popular new use as an outdoor garden gathering space. Significantly the adaptation has opened views and vistas to and from the Great Court which has reinforced the intent of the original Hennessy, Hennessy & Co master plan.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

The architects have pushed the boundaries of their artistic expression with the creation of the internal 3-dimensional mirrored walls in the auditorium and the plaster ceiling form at the entry. The renovation of this building has produced an exceptionally good result for the client on a number of levels: It is a refurbishment- making use of an existing facility rather than demolishing and rebuilding; It is functional and flexible; and, it is an iconic and memorable interior that creates a new language in theatre design.

AECOM Brisbane Workplace, Fortitude Valley, BVN Architecture

This office fit out provides almost 800 staff with a highly equitable working environment. Views to the outside are maintained for all work spaces whilst generous breakout and common spaces, interlinked cleverly with staggered voids, effectively connect the office across five levels. Excellent use of colour, materials, internal planting and spatial variation create this impressive space capable of developing a rewarding office culture for the client.

Tank Restaurant and Bar, Brisbane, by Donovan Hill

Tank Restaurant occupies a key location in the architect’s broader strategy for the ground plane of Santos Place. The new work explores materials, scale and lighting in dialogue with the laneway and foyer space beyond. Addressing the constrained dimensions of the space has informed many defining elements of the scheme.

PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE

Indooroopilly Uniting Church, Indooroopilly, by Riddel Architecture

Located on a busy intersection, the brief to extend the existing worship space is sensitive, welcoming, strikingly composed, and elevates the presence of the heritage-listed church. The spaces created are tranquil and uplifting. The clever use of materials and detailing enhances the church’s presence.

University of Queensland Health Sciences, Brisbane, by Phillips Smith Conwell Architects

Spatially well articulated, with proportional balance. Building is function-specific, yet inviting, with human scale. The spaces embrace the program of learning, working and public museum activities. Climate control is knowledgeably resolved by use of sunscreen elements. These, in turn, create new architectural distinctiveness for an essentially recycled building frame.

Samford Valley Steiner School Library & Multi-Purpose Hall, Wights Mountain, by pentArchi & Phorm a + d joint venture

In a natural-bush setting, the building embraces the unique Steiner philosophy and respects the Burgess Masterplan. Using a combination of recycled and natural materials it provides an appropriate response to the surroundings, where internal space interacts with the exterior and allows activities to spill out from within.An appropriate and complimentary addition to the Steiner campus, the library provides a combination of facilities surrounding an external central hub. The use of materials, natural light and ventilation creates a stimulating ambience, and provides an atmosphere that is in keeping with the spirit of the school.

Queensland Emergency Operations Centre, Kedron Park, by Architectus

This major communications and disaster management building is elegant in its integration of a highly technical brief and core sustainability objectives. The clean lines of the form and raw materials are softened with screening and battening while the articulated landscape courtyard creates shaded green relief to its buildings occupants.

The Augustine’s Centre, Augustine Heights, by Macksey Rush Architects

This cost effective multi-functional master-planned centre has pleased the client beyond expectations by combining educational and public usage. Its presence exudes an uplifting, yet subtle dominance of the campus through concave roof and supporting structures. Internally it surprises; a softness is created by natural lighting, acoustics and materials.

Fr Rosenskjar Resource Centre, Mt Gravatt, by Macksey Rush Architects

A skilfully crafted and sophisticated building providing a new address to the site is much appreciated by the School Community. The integration of learning, administration & gathering facilities has provided much needed & improved circulation, legibility and focus. A commendable outcome on all levels.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — HOUSES

House of the Year:

DHAN plus, North Stradbroke Island, by Donovan Hill

The life and community of Point Lookout inspires the thoughtful consideration to the scale and context of this project.

A collection of ‘territories’ created through a dynamic balance between the pre-fabricated and site built elements provide flexible occupation.

Detailing of humble materials demonstrates a true collaboration between the architect and builder resulting in a delightful outcome.

Bulimba Hill House, Bulimba, by Owen and Vokes

This is a family home that is simple in plan and form, yet layered with textures and uncomplicated details that effortlessly emphasise connections. The absence of enclosure upon entry amplifies the experience of open over built space; the sequencing of rooms on the edge maintains the experience of house as backdrop to courtyard.

Raven Street House, Brisbane, by James Russell Architects

There are many highly innovative and challenging solutions incorporated into this inner city residence. Architectural Interventions are selectively introduced into an existing cottage in the form of a light well and volumetric atrium revealing new connections. The courtyard extension is defined by an assemblage of habitable spaces that blur the line between indoor and outdoor and reference the tradition of ‘post and beam’ construction.

Red Hill House and Home Office, Red Hill, Bligh Graham Architects

A sympathetic and cohesive, yet bold intervention in a restrictive environment, this building addresses the streetscape whilst at the same time pays homage to the fabric of the existing old corner dwelling. The integration and weaving of home and home office adds to the overall intrigue of the external urban expression.

Rossignol Warehouse, Fortitude Valley, by Liquid Blu

Behind the traditional 1920’s façade, is a bespoke large scale residence which is the outcome of an intensive 5 year process for the client, architect and builder. The significance of the preservation of the original façade enhances the living experience with the new walls setback creating open air courtyards and blurring the line between internal and external space. Excellent sustainability measures have been incorporated including long term protection against flooding resulting in the integrity of the streetscape of the former commercial building being conserved.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE — MULTIPLE HOUSING

SW1 Townhouses, South Brisbane, by bureau ^ proberts

A central lush, landscaped courtyard provides an inviting, serene oasis for these elegant townhouses, which is significant given its busy, urban location. A simple plan, with outdoor spaces to the north and south provide well lit and breezy spaces. A good example of a sub-tropical terrace house.

Castle Street, Kedron, by Najman Architects Pty Ltd

A fresh and unique approach to a small scale suburban infill development. By the clever exploitation of external space, natural light and ventilation, the architects have created a delightful pair of houses responding to site context and environment. Experimentation and risk taking is not often seen in commercial developments and they are to be congratulated on their initiative.

Scott Street Apartments, Kangaroo Point, by Jackson Teece Architecture

A beautifully crafted response to a luxury apartment development on a prominent inner city site. This strong visual statement responds appropriately to the urban context and issues of western aspect, traffic noise and adjacent heritage structures which have been carefully considered. Subtle and elegant detailing and construction quality of the highest order complete the picture.

Parkview, Wheller Gardens, Chermside, by Fulton Trotter Architects

This facility re-defines institutional style aged care through sensitive and well considered design. Based around landscaped courtyards, the articulated corridors and rooms capture views, breezes and light, creating a feeling of warmth for its 145 residents. Thoughtful details create a sense of home while welcoming in the broader community.

SMALL PROJECT ARCHITECTURE

GU N48 Student Learning Environment, Griffith University, by arkLAB ARCHITECTURE

The vibrant and bold use of colour along with careful and elegant detailing has created an uplifting space for collaborative learning. Reclaiming an unused building edge to create a positive space for students, the architects have successfully negotiated the constraints of maintenance and durability to provide an inventive and restrained intervention.

Wilson Architects’ Office, Spring Hill, by Wilson Architects

The most recent stage of Wilson Architects’ office internalizes a volume between two Spring Hill Workers Cottages. This has allowed the architects to carefully orchestrate relationships between areas either side of the void through a filter of remnant building fabric. A new outdoor room adds light and vegetation within a constrained space.

Barristers Chambers, Brisbane, by Deicke Richards

The eccentricities of the client are balanced in a sophisticated fit-out with a touch of humour. The architects have cleverly crafted a layering of space that belie its tiny floor area and modest budget. The fit-out breaks a well set typology to create a space that is not only restrained and professional, but highly personal.

Five 157, St Lucia, by platform Architecture

The spatial efficiency of boats and caravans is recalled in this clever fit out of an existing 70’s unit. Architect as craftsman and client gives the opportunity to make a delightful interior landscape of new spaces, spaces within spaces and a family of joinery for storage, thresholds and platforms.

Spry House, Highgate Hill, by Reddog Architects Pty Ltd

In a tight suburban landscape, an existing house gains an offering of delightful, well crafted, subtle and flexible spaces tailored to the specific needs of the occupants. Scale and form are well resolved to make joyous niches, thresholds and nooks which enjoying new visual connections to the rear garden and beyond.

HEAT Exhibition and Event, Shanghai World Expo 2010, by BVN Architecture

This truly small project celebrates the creation of the moment, as well as the architectural article.

The Architects were charged by the Queensland Government's HEAT team to showcase Queensland Architecture for one night only. The relationship between Shanghai and Brisbane is reflected in the process, the detail and the delivery of this bespoke display and celebration of place.

Red Hill House, Red Hill, by Owen and Vokes

This project is a well crafted and sensitive occupation of the understorey of a Queenslander cottage. Telescopic rooms are drawn through the plan, layered and managed to connect occupants to each other, the hillside and the view. An essay in thresholds and terracing, the project celebrates the tectonics of both new and old.

URBAN DESIGN

Yeerongpilly Bridge, Yerrongpilly, by m3architecture

An opportunity to enhance a predetermined engineering solution was championed by the Government Architects’ office in Qld with the striking, humorous and well executed solution delivering much more than anticipated for a nonexistent budget. The project marks not only a short term road crossing challenge but also the front door for a major TOD site that will connect to the rail and local tennis centre amenity. The final product is a rare combination of iconic form derived from the humble sandshoe in a well detailed prefabricated form that has provided a genuine placemaking outcome with style and wit.

Kangaroo Point Park, Kangaroo Point, by Project Services

The delivery of a new open space in a city setting is usually cause for celebration. The Kangaroo Point Park approaches the challenges of western orientation, cliff edge river panorama and a major road edge to provide a space with multiple use areas, temporal amenity and a major show piece for outlook over the river city centre. The reuse of onsite porphyry and an integrated art program assist the urban setting with its new vistas and an elegant rediscovery of the old church wall for a new generation of users.

SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE

Dandiiri Contact Centre, Zillmere, by Project Services

The Dandiiri Contact Centre represents a step towards a sustainable built environment on many levels and demonstrates a cohesive and thoughtful design solution can be achieved while maintaining an unswerving and holistic commitment to implementation of ESD principles. The highest levels of working environments, staff amenity, low maintenance finishes, future program flexibility and environmental responses have clearly been achieved within a distinctive architectural envelope.

Architecture & Design Team

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