The 2013 Newcastle Architecture Awards from the Australian Institute of Architects were announced on Friday 8 March at Newcastle Museum. On the jury were: Debra McKendry (McKendry Hunt Architects), Bob Donaldson (Architecture Foundation), Peter Johnson (retired, EJE Architecture), Ramsey Awad (University of Newcastle) and Emili Fox (Fox Johnston Architects Sydney). Awarded projects will progress to the New South Wales Architecture Awards to be announced in Sydney, 27 June.
2013 Newcastle Jury Prize for Best Overall Contribution to Newcastle Architecture
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) – SKM-S2F and Denton Corker Marshall (architects in association)
Commercial Architecture Award
Charlestown Medical Centre – Schreiber Hamilton Architecture
Commercial Award: Charlestown Medical Centre by Schreiber Hamilton Architecture.
Image: Kevin Schreiber
Jury comment: The Charlestown Medical Centre achieves a high standard of design and form which sets a pleasing benchmark for future developments in the Charlestown Master Plan. The scale and bulk of the building has been skilfully articulated to respond to the site context. The use of many and varied sun control measures provides an interesting fenestration treatment which belies the mass of the building. The building presents a strong and engaging contribution to the streetscape of both Ridley & Smith Streets.
Commendations
Brisans Motorcycle Showroom – Suters Architects
Kingston HQ – Suters Architects
Public Architecture Award
Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) – SKM-S2F and Denton Corker Marshall (architects in association)
Jury Prize: Hunter Medical Research Institute (HMRI) by SKM-S2F and Denton Corker Marshall (architects in association).
Image: John Gollings
Jury comment: HMRI is a world class medical research institute and the jury thought that both the external architecture and the internal planning reflected the importance of the work being carried out within. The two asymmetrical four storey wings, connected by a central two storey pod, align with the ridge of the hill and the broken forms facilitate a breaking down of the scale of the building. Although this is a large building it sits well in its context. The planning of the laboratory wings encourages a free flow of ideas for occupants. The extensive use of internal glazing allows natural light penetration into the laboratories and views across the floor plate as well as distant views to the tree tops and beyond. The jury considers this building to be an outstanding example of Public Architecture and a clear winner in this category.
Commendation
St James’ Primary School Muswellbrook – Webber Architects
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing Award
Grand Central Apartments – EJE Architecture
Multiple Housing Award: Grand Central Apartments by EJE Architecture.
Image: Courtesy EJE Architecture
Jury comment: The Grand Central Apartments by EJE Architecture is a fine example of the integration of two disparate heritage buildings resulting in a modern multi-residential building. The new building by EJE Architecture integrates the two original contrasting heritage facades as it steps away from the streetscape. The new work also reflects and complements the nature of the original buildings and the result is a sympathetic crown above the original buildings. The overall project also sits comfortably with its neighbours and complements the form and the scale of its urban location. The final result is both discrete and sympathetic.
Residential Architecture – Single Housing Award
Helen Street House – Jodie Dixon Architect
Single Housing Award: Helen Street House by Jodie Dixon Architect.
Image: Murray McKean
Jury comment: The architectural expression of Helen Street is both refined and robust. The house has a restrained street presence, discreetly retaining the neighbourhood’s single storey scale. It meshes quietly within the streetscape, but behind its masonry fence, the darkened weather-clad form cantilevers boldly over a raw concrete wall and the full scale of the house is then revealed. There is a great deal to be said for unexpected pleasure. Immediately inside the entrance door your imagination is captured, the entry space links sleeping and living domains and features an indoor pond and garden vista. A window slices through the base of a rusty wall to allow glimpses to the pool outside and guide you into the living space.
Commendations
King Residence – David Boyle Architects
Keir Residence – True North Architects
Small Project Architecture Award
Laman Street Residence – Space Design Architecture
Award / Small Project: Laman Street Residence by Space Design Architecture.
Image: Edward Highton
Jury comment: Laman Street Residence is a meticulously crafted 80sqm house in the Cooks Hill locale. The building sits amongst a series of single and double storey cottages circa 1940 in a Heritage Conservation Area. The building from the street remains unchanged – a freshly painted front entry remains the only indication of any modification. Compact ground level spaces have been reconfigured with the insertion of a courtyard and light well at the rear. This indoor/outdoor space is protected from the elements and offers both an extension of the kitchen area, as well as allowing natural light and breezes throughout the lower level. An original staircase leads to an upper floor bedroom and bathroom space, opening onto a private garden roof terrace set behind the existing roof form. This project challenges the general conception of how much space we really need to live in.
