From a school with no classrooms to a house that looks like it’s been split in half, let’s take a look at some of the best Australian architecture completed since 2018.
While the rest of these projects are in no particular order, this one might just be my favourite house of the year. The clients weren’t afraid to challenge the traditional notions of what a house should be, and they embraced the idea of using passive design principles to heat and cool their home. The architects did a fantastic job designing for the site, which resulted in the home’s unusual yet striking form.
If I could use one phrase to describe this home it would be “rustic elegance”. This home has been thoughtfully designed and carefully crafted, and it’s off-grid to boot. It’s an impressive response to the site, and just goes to show what Australian architecture is capable of.
While some may find it tacky, one must admit that this looks like a fun place to live. And this project is packing some serious sustainability features that make it even more interesting, if all the netting wasn’t enough!
Yes, apparently it’s now possible to have a school without classrooms. There was clearly no shortage of ideas for this project, which looks a bit like a game of Tetris. Victoria’s first vertical state school certainly does make an interesting addition to the Melbourne skyline. And while some may balk at the school’s blatant disregard for tradition, I think this is an innovative response to a difficult brief and time will tell as to whether it succeeds not only as a school, but as part of the greater precinct.
Issues with horse racing aside, this is a pretty impressive structure. It’s always nice to see a curvilinear building, which is something of a rarity in Australian architecture (at least at the moment). Of course, curves are a major asset in this project, which is all about the view.
There is an irresistible warmth about this project, which is undeniably fitting for a whisky bar. This project is clearly well-crafted and a sophisticated homage to the building’s rich heritage as an opium den, gambling house, bootmaker and boarding house going all the way back to the 1840s.
The fact that this is one of the most-viewed projects on Architecture & Design this year really does say something. Architecture like this is all about the feeling it elicits, as opposed to outward aesthetics (although this project is certainly aesthetically appealing). When viewed from a distance, the cabins almost completely camouflage into their surroundings, which is just how it should be in this beautiful natural landscape.
This is another project that expertly blends into its surroundings. The building elegantly reflects the landscape, and offers a peaceful respite with its calm, outward-oriented rooms.
