2010 Architecture Awards
Insite #26, Spring 2010
Scoop Publishing | 30 Jun 2010
Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter
2010 Architecture Award Entries
THE JEFFREY HOWLETT AWARD FOR PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE (Sponsor Davis Langdon)
+ GEORGE TEMPLE POOLE WINNER
OVERALL WINNER Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Perth
PRACTICE Peter M. Quinn Architect
BUILDER EMCO Building
PUBLIC ARCHITECTURE JURY COMMENTS
The jury found this project, the result of a limited design competition, to be an outstanding accomplishment in the realm of public architecture. The Cathedral and its grounds are open and welcoming to the city and its citizens. The architect’s design strategy of retaining the cathedral in ‘a green square’ by carving out ground from beneath the building for other required facilities allows the maintenance of a delightful public park and a gathering place before and after services. The fragmented formations of the previous three stages developed over a period of seventy years have been skilfully bound together with great care and an exceptional level of detailing, the new work being simply and beautifully expressed. The planning approach achieved the required additional seating by changing the layout from a traditional linear nave to one in the round with the altar beneath the crossing. The realignment of entry sequences along Murray Street reconnects the axis of the Cathedral to that of the city and the layers of history, tradition and construction are revealed in an excellent example of the application of the Burra Charter. Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a delightful masterwork of public architecture which must be experienced.
GEORGE TEMPLE POOLE JURY COMMENTS
The completion of St Mary’s Cathedral, Perth is a major civic work which has been lovingly executed by a sole practitioner. Such an endeavour over a considerable period has required a complete commitment to the one project. Whilst the architect is to be congratulated for his dedication to the task, it is the excellent result that has been achieved that is recognised by the George Temple Poole Award. Approximately 50 years ago when the liturgy of the Catholic Church was revised it was necessary for the spaces within the church to respond to that revision. In a striking way the now completed St Mary’s Cathedral has achieved that requirement and has done so in a manner which has produced a ‘today’ facility which has recognised yesterday. The finished building tells its own story through the superb detailing and sensitive relationship of the old to the new. In short the project has captured the impact of the work by noting that Saint Mary’s Cathedral is a delightful masterwork of public architecture which must be recognised.
ALSO RECOGNISED ARCHITECTURE AWARDS
Forrest Library, Hale School (James Christou + Partners Architects, Builder Merit Projects); WA Basketball Centre, Mt Claremont (Peter Hunt & Daryl Jackson Architects, Perkins Builders & BGC Construction). Commendations – La Salle College Sports Centre, Middle Swan (Parry & Rosenthal Architects, EMCO Building); John XXIII College, Julia de Sales Centre, Mt Claremont (Broderick Architects, Martell Builders); Wanneroo SHS Music and Dance/English and Student Services Upgrade (DWA Architects, Esslemont builder).
THE MARSHALL CLIFTON AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
– HOUSES (Sponsor Scoop Publishing)
OVERALL WINNER Salvado Street Residence
PRACTICE Bates Smart + Madeleine Blanchfield Architects
BUILDER Gransden Construction
JURY COMMENTS
This outstanding design creates a very successful relationship between major living spaces, terrace, street and marine environment. Generous and delightful spaces are created from the modest footprint of two pavilions, one open and the other private and linked by an internal courtyard, a very successful response to local climate and marine environment. The special ambiance of this building is in part due to the careful and controlled selection of natural local materials which have been crafted together with great skill and meticulous detailing. The resulting delightful home is understated and not at all ostentatious.
ALSO RECOGNISED ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Esuoh, Yallingup (Hofman and Brown Architects, Denis Poor Building Services)
JURY COMMENTS
Debra Brown has thoughtfully created a successful solution to a brief which required a private and rentable holiday destination in the Yallingup region for up to 10 people. Full use is made of the whole site and adjacent open space.
Well-considered orientation maximises solar control and provides for cross-ventilation. There is a good mix of outdoor leisure spaces comprising lawn and a small pool and outdoor shelter which relate well to indoor spaces. Well-proportioned interiors provide ambiance for living spaces and each of the five bedrooms and two bathrooms. The excellent choice of well-detailed materials provides a low-maintenance solution on a modest budget.
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Redgate Beach House (Craig Steere Architects, Denis Poor Building Services)
JURY COMMENTS
This well designed and carefully detailed house is thoughtfully placed on the brow of the hill to take best advantage of the stunning views and coastal topography. The house consists of three wings linked at the entry. This solution creates discreet and different settings for each functional area of the house. Each wing sits on a plinth of red gravel which extends from the building assisting drainage, termite, and fire control. A creative solution to rainwater harvesting minimises maintenance by eliminating eaves gutters.
Good spatial planning and selection of harmonious materials create a simple and memorable beauty.
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Mount Pleasant Residence (Wright Feldhusen Architects, Southern Cross Constructions)
JURY COMMENTS
This large three level residence responds effectively to the design brief and site attributes making a positive contribution to the streetscape. The design solution uses a modest palette of well-chosen materials in a well-mannered series of spaces. Well-positioned outdoor terraces and courtyards help to maximise views of the Canning River throughout the site and provide excellent ventilation and solar penetration to the interior spaces. Well-proportioned spaces provide a very comfortable range of indoor and outdoor settings for the five family members including three young boys.
COMMENDATION
Seascapes Residence, 99 Boardwalk Boulvard, Seascapes, Halls Head. (Optimum Resource Architects, Max Klause builder)
JURY COMMENTS
This well planned oceanfront holiday home with simple and elegant interiors presents a modest image to the street. The well designed and beautifully detailed composition of spaces are formed with a simple appropriate palette of materials using rammed limestone, polished and washed concrete, colorbond steel and glass. The jury commend the discipline of minimalist design principles used to achieve excellence with a modest budget.
COMMENDATION
Coleman Residence (iredale pedersen hook architects, Period Building Company)
JURY COMMENTS
A dramatic design solution for a substantial home was inspired by the unusual triangular shape of the site. Every part of this large suburban site is utilised in achieving a successful response to functional brief requirements. Vanishing vistas from the centre front entry to the focal point beyond the rear boundary create special illusions encompassing the experience of daily living. A quiet formal presentation of the building to the street gives way to the surprise wedge-shaped living spaces beyond drawing the eye to a successful and functional art work at the rear boundary. This is a commendable work which encompasses process as a primary design driver.
COMMENDATION
Yallingup Residence (Wright Feldhusen Architects, Keith Russel builder)
JURY COMMENTS
Well sited in a rural setting with valley views to the east and south, this extensive holiday home provides sufficient flexibility for the three generations of family members. Excellent planning of well-proportioned spaces creates strong and effective relationships between interiors and outdoor terraces to the north and east. The bold use of natural local stone in external walls is appropriate in this beautiful rural environment.
COMMENDATION
York St (Hillam Architects, Owner Builder)
JURY COMMENTS
This modest house on a small corner suburban block is a commendable example of architectural skill and quietness of hand. The architect takes full advantage of mature trees on the eastern boundary creating restful ambiance and delight inside and out with a simple palette of materials and modest budget.
COMMENDATION
Injidup Residence (Wright Feldhusen Architects, Lodge and Co builder)
JURY COMMENTS
This substantial holiday house is a responsive, low profile development, set on the sensitively beautiful Injidup coastline. The design response provides a wide and appropriate ensemble of well-positioned indoor and outdoor spaces that allows the occupants to enjoy the magnificent ocean and coastal views while responding to changes in prevailing weather conditions and seasons. This includes the provision of exposed Oceanside terraces, a protected courtyard with ocean views, a rooftop terrace and landside courtyards. The design uses appropriate materials of rammed limestone and glass walls protected by retractable external sun screens.
THE MARSHALL CLIFTON AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
– ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS (Sponsor Scoop Publishing)
COMMENDATION
Rawson Street Residence (nash+ghersinich architects and interior designers, Wandoo Building Company)
JURY COMMENTS
This project demonstrates a clear approach to maintaining and encouraging evidence of the existing residence while inserting and articulating new elements. New additions are carefully and sensitively coded to contrast with existing elements allowing the old and new to coexist in equilibrium. The design opportunistically utilizes the entire site transforming side setback spaces into new interior spaces and converting the west-facing verandah into a secure and sun filtered exterior family and play space. The layering of spaces from old to new maintains a harmonious street context while allowing freedom for more expressive contemporary rear additions with no impact to the street or adjoining properties. It offers a sensitive model for integrating old and new that should be more readily adopted by local authorities and the design profession.
COMMENDATION
Wilkins Residence (Robert Andary Architecture, Nu Space Developments)
JURY COMMENTS
Robert Andary has responded to a challenging brief with a design that simultaneously improves the traditional street relationship of the original house while providing a flexible rear courtyard. This is achieved by extending the verandah and relating primary spaces to the street and a space that can change size to suit different activities to the rear.
It creates an orchestrated sense of expansiveness and generosity from the street entry to the rear of the property while carefully maintaining privacy on a small property. This expansiveness is reinforced by an increasing sense of light.
The additions are clearly articulated using a stair with double height void and a contrasting durable material palette both internally and externally. Integrated environmental devices are sensitively concealed minimising the impact of new technology on the old street and original residence.
A view down the laneway reveals an elevation that is less manicured and more consequential relating to the pushing and pulling of interior spaces but resulting in an appropriate dialogue with the random aesthetic quality of the adjacent laneway.
THE HAROLD KRANTZ AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE
– MULTIPLE RESIDENTIAL (Sponsor The Laminex Group)
OVERALL WINNER 32 Henry Street, Fremantle
PRACTICE spaceagency
BUILDER Northerly Group
JURY COMMENTS
The Henry Street Apartments create a rich and wonderful new layer for contemporary living within the heart of Fremantle. The architects demonstrate exceptional skill and maturity using refined and direct detailing that overlays the new work with an existing heritage ruin. The apartments are carefully considered with an emphasis on the relationship between the interior and the site. Material and detailing is restrained, creating a strong formal quality with a clarity and richness that ensured it was the clear winner in this category.
COMMENDATION
Islands, 21 & 23 Ocean Drive, North Coogee (Architectus + Cameron Chisholm Nicol (Architects in Association), Pindan Pty Ltd builder)
JURY COMMENTS
This project uses a simple staggered urban plan to build a strong relationship with the site. The careful placement of the large apartment blocks allow for the latent beauty of the site to be revealed. An internal street at ground level creates separation and reduces the scale and bulk of the apartments, while also providing visual and physical access. Internally, careful planning through the use of double ended apartments provide good cross ventilation and allow alternative habitation options depending on time and season. Given the size and scale of the project the architect the architects have achieved a distinctive and refined result.
COMMENDATION
Balcatta Courtyard Houses for Department of Housing, Lot 118 Wilcock Avenue, Balcatta (iredale pedersen hook architects, Tara Constructions)
JURY COMMENTS
The jury felt this project makes an important contribution to lifting the quality of government provided housing. The Architects clearly demonstrate that high quality architecture can be achieved with very limited means. The internal courtyards provide abundant natural light and ventilation to all spaces while also creating privacy and separation.
THE MARGARET PITT MORISON AWARD FOR HERITAGE (Sponsor The Heritage Council of WA)
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Saint Mary’s Cathedral, Victoria Square, Perth (Peter M. Quinn Architect, EMCO Building)
JURY COMMENTS
St Mary’s Cathedral Perth is a place of considerable cultural heritage significance. Since its foundation in 1865, the cathedral has been the heart of diocesan worship of the Roman Catholic community in Western Australia and, located on a prominent hilltop, has remained a Perth landmark. It is important for its aesthetic contribution to the core of historic buildings at the eastern end of Murray Street and is the centrepiece of a concentrated group of historic Catholic buildings around Victoria Square.
Until the recent conservation program at the place, the cathedral, which comprised sections from distinct construction phases, remained an incomplete work. The earliest fabric dating from 1865 was significantly altered in 1905, whilst plans for a new cathedral in 1923 were only partially realised, awaiting completion by future generations.
The brief for the restoration and completion of St Mary’s Cathedral required that the place continue to serve contemporary liturgical needs, expanding its capacity whilst providing excellent sight lines and acoustic environment, and preserving as much as possible of the earlier sections of the building.
The design approach to expand the original narrow nave with gently curving transparent walls, contrasting with the solid masonry of the early forms, has created a new light filled interior and contemporary ambience. The loss of portions of the 1865 nave is regrettable, however, in making the new work clearly identifiable and simultaneously uniting the earlier and highly significant fabric of the place, the jury considered that the architect has produced a commendable response to the challenging brief. Attention to detailing and finishes and interpretation of traditional ecclesiastical elements display sensitivity to the spirit of the place.
COMMENDATION
Caves House Redevelopment, Yallingup Beach Road, Yallingup (CMP Architects, Alan Thomas builder)
JURY COMMENTS
Developed in stages from 1903, Caves House at Yallingup is highly valued by the community of Western Australia for social and cultural reasons, and for the important and highly significant role it continues to hold in the State. After a century of continuous use, the place had become run-down, in need of both restoration and upgrading. As part of a larger redevelopment of the site, the hotel (part of a group of buildings collectively known as Caves House), was restored to reflect contemporary accommodation and servicing requirements.
The hotel (1938-39) is a very fine and substantial example of a building in the Inter-War Old English style, and is a landmark in its setting – one that is widely recognised. The exterior of the building is visually complex, strongly articulated, and well constructed. The interiors are designed with a strong influence of the Inter-War Art Deco style, which is unexpected from the exterior. These interiors, particularly the public rooms on the ground floor, complete with original furnishings are of a particularly high order of design, and the architects have paid great respect to this fact with restoration work at the hotel.
The Jury, in commending the Caves House Redevelopment, considered that the architects had reinvigorated the facility after thoughtful analysis of its cultural heritage values. The works successfully upgraded the facility with only minor disruption to the historic built fabric of the building, and according to well-considered heritage constraints.
THE JOHN SEPTIMUS ROE AWARD FOR URBAN DESIGN (Sponsor The City of Perth)
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Broome North (CODA Studio Pty Ltd)
JURY COMMENTS
The proposed planning controls for North Broome resulted from the comprehensive analysis of all of the major factors affecting the selected area located to the north of the present Broome townsite. The detailed analysis led to a logical methodology for the preparation of controls specific to that locality and may well become the prototype for future regional planning in Western Australia.
Landcorp is to be congratulated for having the foresight to engage the Architects at the beginning of the project so that a framework is established up front which acknowledges the uniqueness of the location and which capitalises on the outstanding opportunities offered by the site. It will be interesting to follow the direct application of modernist design and sustainability principles on this regional development.
THE ROSS CHISHOLM AWARD FOR COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE (Sponsor Midland Brick)
OVERALL WINNER Durack House, 2 Victoria Avenue, Perth
PRACTICE Woodhead
BUILDER Diploma
JURY COMMENTS
Durack House displays all the core values of architectural design and is distinguished by the manner in which it integrates commercial amenity with civic qualities and environmental responsibility. Durack House operates as a functional and effective office building that achieves a 6 Star Green Star design. It is a testament to the value of architecture that ensures a thoughtful and clear conceptual framework throughout the architectural process.
COMMENDATION
Jandakot Office Building Lot 7, Hope Road, Jandakot (Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland, Loxam Developments Pty Ltd)
JURY COMMENTS
Jandakot Office Building combines sound organisational principles with a clear compositional strategy to create an office building of merit. The architecture achieves a consistent level of design quality across all areas and is commended for establishing a level of architectural quality that sets high standards for future buildings in the area.
COMMENDATION
The Garden, 742 Newcastle Street, Leederville (Taylor Robinson, Jaxons builder)
JURY COMMENTS
The Garden is commended for its inventive use of materials and the cunning spatial strategy used to create a new eating and drinking setting within the derelict grounds of the historic Leederville Hotel. As a commercial enterprise ‘The Garden’ has benefited significantly from the high level of design skill used to assemble this sensitive urban collage within a framework that will enable cohesive future expansion of this hospitality precinct.
THE JULIUS ELISCHER AWARD FOR INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE & LIGHTING AWARD (Sponsor Mondoluce)
OVERALL WINNER enex100 Food Podium, Food Podium, Level 3, 100 St Georges Terrace, Perth
PRACTICE Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland
BUILDER Brookfield Multiplex Pty Ltd
JURY COMMENTS
The jury were impressed by the project’s strong concept and excellent realisation, from large scale gesture to detailed resolution. The architects have drawn on the imagery of mineral exploration in W.A. connecting the historic façade, a remnant of a previous mineral boom, with today’s 21st century high-rise development. Lighting is used to dramatic effect and is combined with sculptural elements to connect the first floor space to the street. Acoustic treatment and selected furniture create surprise and variation between the different zones. Of particular note is the integration of art works commissioned for the project, which distinguish the ‘food podium’ as an urban dining destination.
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
La Salle College Senior Learning Centre Conversion, 5 La Salle Avenue, Middle Swan (Parry & Rosenthal Architects, EMCO Building)
JURY COMMENTS
The jury commend the architects’ role in successfully combining progressive educational aspirations with a highly appropriate, well-conceived, architectural response. The project is simultaneously unassuming and sophisticated.
The architects saw an opportunity to creatively re-use an existing building which had out-grown its function, they recognised that the space was potentially well suited to a new role and were able to deliver, on a limited budget, a high-quality learning environment for senior students which nurtures maturity and engenders responsibility and pride in a ‘university-like’ atmosphere, helping to prepare the students for the next phase of their education.
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Curtin Stadium, Curtin University of Technology, Building 111, Bentley Campus, Kent Street, Bentley (James Christou + Partners Architects, DORIC Constructions (Australia))
JURY COMMENTS
The jury recognise the complexity of the challenge involved in creating a number of different spaces, linking together to form the stadium complex. Central to the stadium is a multi-purpose space equally suited to large formal functions such as graduation ceremonies, examination hall and sports stadium. The Jury was impressed by the element of discovery and surprise integrated into transition spaces through the clever use of flush-detailed 'secret' doors, providing a clean and un-cluttered backdrop for movement, with the extra width allowing these corridors to serve as multi-function spaces. The project successfully combines a well controlled, robust material pallet with sophisticated acoustic attenuation, efficient cross ventilation and natural illumination and appropriate furniture and fittings, resulting in high quality interior spaces that can accommodate a broad range of activities.
COMMENDATION
Brisbane Street Additions (rad architecture, Owner Builder Jayson Puls)
JURY COMMENTS
The collaboration between the architects and the owners of this project is commended by the jury, for the commitment and perseverance required to realise this intriguing, bespoke addition to an existing 19th century cottage. The raw expression of construction and material characterises the interior spaces: the earthy basement room, the external shell expressed in the interior of the mid level and the ethereal effect of the upper level bedroom. The complex geometries have required careful attention to detail.
COMMENDATION
Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland Studio, 360 Murray Street, Perth (Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland, Alpoclad Australia Pty Ltd)
JURY COMMENTS
The jury were impressed by this deceptively simple interior. The big idea of ‘a space within a space’ can be instantly appreciated, while the intriguing mesh curtains add an unexpected raw glamour. The restricted palette of black and white against the natural materials of brick and timber enhance the clarity of the existing structure and the new insertion. The richness of ideas is expressed in the many small details; magnetic paint, concealed storage wall, large mobile desks, in-floor recessed service strips reflected in the ceiling by recessed lighting troughs, make this studio space functional, adaptable, robust and elegant.
COMMENDATION
Broome Street, Cottesloe (Richard Szklarz Architects)
JURY COMMENTS
The jury were impressed by the spaces created within the house, the successful integration of internal and external areas, allowing the north courtyard to be the focus of the living area. Extensive use of glass allowed the living area to seemingly extend from boundary to boundary. An honest, consistent and restrained palate of materials created continuity, interest and warmth.
THE IWAN IWANOFF AWARD FOR SMALL PROJECT ARCHITECTURE (Sponsor The Australian Institute of Architects (WA Chapter))
OVERALL WINNER Swan TAFE Thornlie Heavy Plant Mechanics Seminar Building, Burslem Drive, Thornlie
PRACTICE Armstrong Parkin Architects
BUILDER Badge Constructions (WA) Pty Ltd
JURY COMMENTS
This project embodies the very spirit of the Small Project Architecture category. The brief called for three tough and durable classrooms on an existing TAFE campus; a trying context, with recourse to a restricted material palette of colorbond and concrete block. Each classroom is rotated providing its own specific site address – the western courtyard, southern green and eastern campus entrance. Each address is formed by a deep-revealed, carefully scaled bay window making the interior richer and the site more embraced. Screens of blockwork and precast concrete at the head of each bay window temper the light within. Large pre-cast elements allow for deep-set heads and sills. Ceilings inflect up or down in response to the shape of the roof over and the room’s position within the envelope as a whole. In this way each classroom is made unique despite consistency of brief and material.
The building’s entry, a glazed corner, rests neatly adjacent a screened and protected courtyard.
Simply put this project makes so much out of so little. The building is weathering superbly.
An essay in ingenuity, architectural knowledge, material and clarity.
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Prevelly Beach House, Lot 12 Lakeview Crescent, Prevelly (spaceagency, Willconstruct builder)
JURY COMMENTS
This is an intensely resourceful project building on this firm’s experience in re-making unloved (even undesirable) existing buildings. Asbestos beach shacks such as this are routinely demolished in pursuit of ‘the new’ causing the character and tradition of similar beachside locations to become something else- extensions of Perth’s suburbs. This almost imperceptible but substantial renovation project offers up both reasons to retain such buildings and a sophisticated manner of doing so. The shack remains a shack, its innate textures, patterns and qualities remain but have been broadened. Landscape, verandah, pergola, interior, surface and furniture are all carefully and quietly worked as new layers into or around the existing. Rudimentary materials and details are elevated to the level of beauty at the hand of the architect and builder. As such space and light and life follow suit.
COMMENDATION
Edith Street, 2c Edith Street, Mosman Park (Officer Woods Architects, Owner Builder)
JURY COMMENTS
This writer’s tower and undercroft is a superb, robust achievement. Built on a difficult quadplex site next to a road-side soak , it is gymnastic in ambition and a virtual practice manifesto. Set above the site the writer’s tower is an experiment in thickness, depth and plasticity. Below this a shaded multi-use outdoor space completes the existing garden courtyard. Access between upper and lower levels is via an ingenious stepped pine stair. Within the tower and on its tiny north-facing balcony both space and scale are wonderfully manipulated. Furniture nestles between thickened, deep revealed windows. Through intelligence, structural frugality, directness of detail the broad consequences of working in this way are substantial. In the client’s own words the writer’s tower provides them, and anyone in a similar situation, a chance to ‘stay put and bring up a growing family right where they want to remain’. This is a substantial achievement and broadens the capacity for architecture to make a social difference.
COMMENDATION
Public Transport Authority (PTA) Perth Underground Information Centre, Murray Street Entrance to Perth Underground Train Station, Perth (iredale pedersen hook architects, Lakis Constructions Pty Ltd)
JURY COMMENTS
A finely executed information centre located at the base of the new 140 William Street development in central Perth. Nestled into a tight space above the principal public entrance it acts as both sign and intense interior. Finely tuned to its task this space warps, folds and deflects to accommodate its functional programme. Material use is seamless between floor wall and ceiling. Beautifully crafted ‘staron’ ribbons hold the difficult-to-handle parts of the rooms together becoming threshold, reveal, window head, bulkhead, writing table and reception counter. This interior is at its best when experienced by leaning into each of the space’s four corners and looking across its centre. Wit is brought to bear by locating coloured timetables into matching recesses in the walls of the project. Spatially complex, finely tuned to its task and delightful.
COMMENDATION
East Perth Compact 36, 66/60 Forrest Avenue, East Perth (Anthony Hines, Architect, Anthony and Les Hines builder)
JURY COMMENTS
This 36sqm apartment renovation is an essay in smallness and compression. Previously a single space, the apartment is re-made into five intense and distinctive interiors – lobby, bed, shower hallway, WC and living space. Having their own subtly differing qualities these five either merge with or are separated from each other through hidden screens, doors and skins. In doing so the new apartment is made more private, functional and intense. Finely tuned to the owner’s living patterns every cubic centimetre is considered and put to work. Centring the project is the main bed, raised a metre or so off the floor to allow a storage crawl space under while above it forms a privileged and private view across the living room to the Darling Scarp in the distance. In such confined space the section gains surprising and successful attention. This project feels more like Tokyo than Perth posing questions as to how space can be given new value in this part of the world.
THE WALTER GREENHAM SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE AWARD (Sponsor AECOM)
OVERALL WINNER Durack House, 2 Victoria Avenue, Perth.
PRACTICE Woodhead
BUILDER Diploma
JURY COMMENTS
Durack House is a fine example of a six-star “Green-Star” office building – meaning that it has been assessed as a world-class example of built sustainable design. The building was developed within the Green Building Council of Australia’s Office Tool, and in the context of a strict commercial brief. The developers are to be commended in taking this additional step to produce an audited sustainable office.
The project terminates the southern end of Victoria Avenue responding well to the mass of the larger Family Court on the opposite side of the street, clearly defining the entry into the city from the south up Victoria Avenue. The steep contours of the street make for an unusual entry into the foyer of the building via a diagonal approach ramp that runs below a dramatic brise-soleil from operable louvers in a dramatic red shroud.
The red shroud acts as a counterpoint to green tree canopy of Victoria Avenue and is reflected in the glazed podium of the Family Court directly across the road enhancing the streetscape experience for pedestrians and drivers.
ARCHITECTURE AWARD
Sheffield House, Level 3, 713 Hay Street, Perth (Cameron Chisholm & Nicol (WA) Pty Ltd, Q Contracting)
JURY COMMENTS
Sheffield House is a majestic Inter-War Chicagoesque building that is part of an important collection of historic buildings facing on to the Hay Street Mall.
CC&N have clearly demonstrated their commitment to creating a sustainable and enhanced studio for their new offices by taking the opportunity to bring new life to a dilapidated example of Perth’s 1920s building stock, providing a good example of what might be done to other important historic buildings in the city.
Their own brief was to produce a design of real integrity that allowed their staff to interact with the environmental controls of the building by observing the external weather and tuning their office system to suit- via natural ventilation and mechanical system when needed. The original building form – of a square ‘donut’ wrapped around a central light – well suited this approach, providing both a sensible level of active and passive systems and a delightful bright studio environment.
All parts of the fitout were well considered including daylight controlled lighting, low VOC and recycled/recyclable furnishings and a minimal use of ceiling linings that reveal and articulate the structure and services of the old building and its new parts. Sheffield House scores well on many criteria beyond just sustainable design. This is a good example of leadership in the profession of architecture – CC&N practice what they preach.
COMMENDATION
Peg’s Place, Lot 110 Astley Street, Gosnells (Architect Gerard Siero, Owner Builder)
JURY COMMENTS
The Architect has produced an innovative sustainable home for a dedicated owner-builder client in her early seventies. Peg’s Place is a semi-circular brick house with an earth berm protecting the outside of the circle while the inside of the circle forms a delightful protected courtyard that will be enclosed to the north by a mixture of deciduous and evergreen trees.
This small circular house provides a welcoming interior formed from smooth cream face bricks, timber beams and timber and welded steel windows. The floor is from polished concrete and makes use of earth pipes to provide summer cooling and winter solar gain for passive heating.
The integration of the garden, verandah and house make for a well-resolved concept, and the owner is to be commended for successfully owner-building such an unusual and complex house. As landscaping and house are fully integrated aspects of the concept and environmental control, the place will really reach its best when the landscape is fully developed and matured.
25 YEAR AWARD FOR ENDURING ARCHITECTURE
OVERALL WINNER Law Building, The University of Western Australia
PRACTICE Ferguson Architects
BUILDER G.T. Robinson & Co. Pty Ltd.
JURY COMMENTS
The Law Building at the University of Western Australia designed by Ferguson Architects in association Professor Gordon Stephenson personifies the very essence of enduring architecture.
The building was completed in 1967 and awarded the Royal Australian Institute of Architects Bronze Medal in 1969. It was sympathetically extended in 1986.
Constructed of limestone coloured off the form concrete with terracotta roman tiled roof, it continued the ethos established by the original Hackett Hall and remains an integral component of a much expanded campus. The building fabric is extremely well detailed and was designed to provide effective shading and cross ventilation prior to addition of air conditioning.
The facility continues to fulfil its original function of educating law students and provide an environment highly conducive to learning and student interaction.
In terms of both functionality and building aesthetic, the Law Building remains architecturally relevant and a tribute to the skill of the design team.
An exceptionally well-resolved design, detailing of the highest standard and selection of highly durable materials, has resulted in building that has served the University with distinction for more than 40 years.
COLORBOND® AWARD FOR STEEL ARCHITECTURE
OVERALL WINNER WA Basketball Centre, Underwood Avenue, Mt Claremont
PRACTICE Peter Hunt & Daryl Jackson Architects
BUILDER Perkins Builders & BGC Construction
JURY COMMENTS
The WA Basketball Centre presents a bold and heroic use of steel to provide the solution for this challenging project. The large steel masts were custom fabricated overseas to provide the support for the large column-free spans within. Conventional hot-rolled sections supplement the overall primary structural solution; whilst the extensive use of steel cladding and Cor-Ten steel for the entry portals conspire to elevate this project to a symphony of innovations in the use of steel.
Despite the scale of the project, refined detailing is carried throughout from the massive steel pin points for the structural mast bases down to the southern column galleries and even the arrangement of the stainless steel downpipes.
The natural bush backdrop to the WA Basketball Centre creates an interesting balance – a forest of steel columns nestling against young bush saplings. The jury believes the architects of this project have successfully negotiated the required scale of the building. The architects have delivered a building that inherently uses steel products in various forms as an integral part of the overall solution. The jury recommends the Bluescope Steel Award 2010 to this project.
COMMENDATION
AK Reserve Athletics Stadium, Underwood Avenue, Mt Claremont (Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland, BGC Construction and Perkins Builders)
JURY COMMENTS
The jury were impressed by the innovative use of pre-fabricated steel elements for the canopy of the AK Stadium. This innovative approach enabled the delivery of the project within tight time constraints.
The detailing and resolution of the canopy structure exhibit the fine balance between strategic functional design and a simple elegant solution.
The roof canopy exhibits a lightness that the jury believes plays a successful role creating large public facility that does not overwhelm in terms of scale or overblown complexity.
The jury recommends that this project be recognised for the Steel Commendation for 2010.
MONDOLUCE LIGHTING AWARD
OVERALL WINNER enex100 Food Podium, Food Podium, Level 3, 100 St Georges Terrace, Perth
PRACTICE Cox Howlett & Bailey Woodland
BUILDER Brookfield Multiplex Pty Ltd
JURY COMMENTS
The jury were impressed by the lighting creatively designed and selected not only to create spaces within the food podium but also to create direction, focus, mood and to highlight finishes. An impressive selection of lighting was used – from an array of chromed drop pendants reflecting spaces behind and beyond for direction, large polished light sculptures creating focus to the main podium onto which lighting is projected and fittings in more intimate spaces working with furniture to create a variety of different themed areas. These, along with colour-changing LED backlighting integrated behind the continuous sculptural element, and directional lighting for artwork, all combined to create a very successful, creatively designed lighting and interior project.