An educational project led the list of winners at the 2025 Central Queensland Architecture Awards, followed closely by a reimagined theatre-turned-community hub, and a well-designed home with ocean views.

Building of the Year and People’s Choice Award

Kingsley College – Primary Stage 01, designed by local practice Design+Architecture, won the J.W. Wilson Building of the Year and the People’s Choice Award. Located along the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, the building is designed for primary students, and features flexible indoor spaces that extend into outdoor learning areas.

Kingsley College - Primary Stage 01 by Design+Architecture (2).jpg — *Kingsley College - Primary Stage 01 by Design+Architecture | Photo: Design+Architecture*

The jury commended the project for its “sensitive and thoughtful response to the environmental, social, and economic conditions of its rural Queensland setting”.

“Kingsley College exemplifies how thoughtful design can transcend constraints to create a lasting, community-oriented learning environment,” the jury says.

The project also received a commendation in the Educational Architecture category and was shortlisted for the Social Impact Prize.

Regional Project of the Year

Wintergarden in Bundaberg Central, designed by local architect Tomas O’Malley, was awarded the Central Queensland Regional Project of the Year. The project reimagines a beloved theatre into a multipurpose community hub, while retaining decorative elements of the original 1929 building. Wintergarden provides meeting rooms, commercial spaces and a small assembly hall for local community groups.

Wintergarden by Tomas O’Malley - Paul Beutel.jpg — *Wintergarden by Tomas O’Malley Architect | Photo: Paul Beutel*

“The Wintergarden is a sophisticated approach to the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings within regional town centres in Queensland,” the jury says.

Wintergarden received a commendation in the Public Architecture category and was shortlisted for the EmAGN Award.

House of the Year

Merinda Sound Beach House, designed by Maytree Studios, was named the Central Queensland House of the Year. Located in Sunrise Estate, the home surrounds a sheltered courtyard and looks out over the ocean in Agnes Water.

Merinda Sound Beach House by Maytree Studios - Toby Scott (2).jpg — *Merinda Sound Beach House by Maytree Studios | Photo: Toby Scott*

Describing the beach house as a beautiful, well-designed home that thoughtfully responds to its peaceful setting, the jury also says that “every part of the home has been shaped with a clear understanding of how people relax and recharge when they’re away”.

Merinda Sound Beach House also received a commendation in the Residential Architecture - Houses (New) category and was shortlisted in the Sustainable Architecture category.

Commended and Shortlisted

St Luke’s Anglican School Performance Centre, designed by McLellan Bush Architects, was shortlisted across three categories including Sustainable Architecture, the EmAGN Project Award and the Art & Architecture Prize. The project features competition-size sports courts, a 250-square-metre stage, servery, uniform store and other facilities.

Keppel Bay Sailing Club received a commendation in the Commercial Architecture category. Designed by Arkhefield and located on the Yeppoon foreshore, Keppel Bay Sailing Club replaces an existing building with improved sailing club facilities, along with a new conference and hospitality venue.

All awarded, commended and shortlisted projects from the region are now in the running for the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Architecture Awards, set to be announced in June 2025.

Central Queensland Regional Architecture Awards: Winners

Category | Project | Architect | Suburb

Award winners

J.W. Wilson Award for Building of the Year | Kingsley College - Primary Stage 01 | Design+Architecture | Rockhampton

Regional Project of the Year | Wintergarden | Tomas O’Malley Architect | Bundaberg Central

House of the Year | Merinda Sound Beach House | Maytree Studios | Sunrise 1770 Estate

People's Choice Award | Kingsley College - Primary Stage 01 | Design+Architecture | Rockhampton

Commendations

Educational Architecture | Kingsley College - Primary Stage 01 | Design+Architecture | Rockhampton

Public Architecture | Wintergarden | Tomas O’Malley Architect | Bundaberg Central

Commercial Architecture | Keppel Bay Sailing Club | Arkhefield | Yeppoon

Residential Architecture - Houses (New) | Merinda Sound Beach House | Maytree Studios | Sunrise 1770 Estate

Shortlisted projects

EmAGN Project Award | Kingsley College - Primary Stage 03 | Design+Architecture | Rockhampton

EmAGN Project Award | Wintergarden | Tomas O’Malley Architect | Bundaberg Central

EmAGN Project Award | St Luke’s Anglican School Performance Centre | McLellan Bush Architects | Kalkie

Sustainable Architecture | Merinda Sound Beach House | Maytree Studios | Sunrise 1770 Estate

Sustainable Architecture | St Luke’s Anglican School Performance Centre | McLellan Bush Architects | Kalkie

Social Impact Prize | Kingsley College - Primary Stage 01 | Design+Architecture | Rockhampton

Art & Architecture Prize | St Luke’s Anglican School Performance Centre | McLellan Bush Architects | Kalkie

Main image: Kingsley College - Primary Stage 01 by Design+Architecture | Photo: Design+Architecture

Images: Supplied

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