The winners of the 2015 Australian Institute of Architects’ (AIA) North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards have been announced, with the program’s top honour going to Architectus’ Postgraduate Centre for Training Townsville.
Awarding the project the Walter and Oliver Turnbridge Award for Building of the Year, the jury praised the architects for delivering a “balanced, refined and innovative conceptual framework with a variety of well integrated spaces along the main circulation spine culminating with full height glazing at the northern end with views of Magnetic Island”.
Postgraduate Centre for Training Townsville by Architectus. Photography by Jon Henzell
The program’s inaugural People’s Choice Award went to Shaw & Co by Daarc, with over 500 votes received from members of the public.
The judges also awarded Regional Commendations to five other projects from 11 entries, which will now progress to the Queensland State Architecture Awards to be announced June 26 in Brisbane.
Full list of Regional Commendations:
Postgraduate Centre for Training Townsville by Architectus
1MP Company and ADFIS – Service Police Precinct Lavarack Barracks Redevelopment Stage 4 by Conrad Gargett
Photography by Scott Burrows
Jury citation: A quiet strength is expressed in the rational steel framing deployed throughout the site. Robust and naturally ventilated buildings respond, express the military values of professionalism and efficiency.
Shaw & Co by Daarc
Photography by Scott Burrows
Jury citation: Shaw & Co project delivers skilful adaptation of the original 1925 building and its former industrial character under the small budget. The architect’s design approach establishes casual and playful dialogue between past and present, using row and restrained material palette. Within the context of City Lane, Shaw & Co showcase a positive contribution to the rejuvenation of the CBD public domain.
Australian Institute of Marine Science National Sea Simulator by Cox Rayner Architects in association with Tippett Schrock Architects
Photography by Christopher Frederick Jones
Jury citation: AIMS is the new world class marine science research facility. The architects unpack the exceptionally complex functional brief into a compact, cost effective and functional building outcome that sits comfortably within its natural pristine environment.
Keyes & Co Property - Foyer Refurbishment by Outcrop Architecture
Photography by Top Snap Townsville
Jury citation: This real estate agency has embraced the on-line model of conducting business. However a recognisable address was still required in which to do business and host the more traditional forms of selling auctions and one on one meetings with agents.
This has also allowed the idea of shopfront to be reinterpreted. The shop has become a lightbox, the dark timber floor and matching timber batten wall/ceiling to the first few metres of the entry.
Grow Your Wealth by 9point9 Architects
Jury citation: Grow Your Wealth project is the dramatic transformation of a 1970’s weatherboard high-set residence typology into a boutique commercial building. The architect’s refined and cost-effective manipulation of the old fabric sets a new benchmark for future adaptations along the busy arterial road. The contemporary building expression delivers a refreshing corporate image.
