An office project by Kevin O’Brien Architects and a science facility project by Charles Wright Architects won top honours at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2016 Far North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards.
Announced recently at a joint Northern Regions presentation ceremony in Townsville, the awards will now take the two winning projects to the coveted State Architecture Awards to be announced in Brisbane on 24 June. The jury also awarded Regional Commendations to the two projects.
The Eddie Oribin Award for Building of the Year went to Kevin O’Brien Architects for their work on the Cape York Partnerships Office. The region’s top award was established in 2009 in honour of celebrated local architect, Eddie Oribin, who sadly passed away this week. Queensland Chapter President, Bruce Wolfe offered his deepest condolences to his family and friends on behalf of the Institute.
Photography by Toby Scott
The jury said:
“A robust palette of external materials transitions into a delightful open plan office looking into an internal landscape court. Symbolism in pattern and materials together with the tweaking of detailing and natural filtered light attribute to the project’s success. Passive cooling principles make this an exemplar sustainable, modern aesthetic office.”
The second winner of the evening, TAS Science Facility by Charles Wright Architects won the Regional Building of the Year award, which recognises an exceptional project by a local architect.
Image: Trinity Anglican School
The jury said:
“The building façade features a twisting steel sunshade of structural purlins. Science symbolist experiments inspired the design which is open to interpretation as helix, slinky or apparatus. Innovative and cutting edge, this new science facility for Trinity Anglican School is a new prototype for educational buildings in the tropics.”
The 2016 Queensland State Awards Jury Director, Michael Lavery (m3architecture) presented the awards to the winners.
