The 2015 Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Architecture Awards were announced on 6 March 2015.
Seven projects received regional commendations ranging from residential to health, education and public projects. Three awards were given each one for House of the Year, Building of the Year and People’s Choice Award. All the projects that have been honoured will now progress to the Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced on 26 June 2015.
The winners are:
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre by Cox Rayner Architects.
Image: Christopher Frederick Jones
Building of the Year and People’s Choice Award
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre – Cox Rayner Architects
Jury citation: This is a fine piece of public infrastructure sited at the heart of quality waterfront parklands, and incorporates subtropical and urban design principles. It addresses Commonwealth Games overlay and legacy planning. Its adaptive re-use of the site’s previous Southport Pool, with retention of key elements, builds on the Coasts’ cultural heritage. Key to the ongoing design success of this public facility will be a quality design management process, with respect to evolving programs and spatial requirements.
Northern Rivers Beach House by refresh*design.
Image: Damien Bredberg
House of the Year
Northern Rivers Beach House – refresh*design
Jury citation: This understated elevated residence blends well with its subtropical coastal landscape. It exhibits architectural and structural resolution in an innovative way, within a clear functional planning framework. The design management process with this project was well conveyed, and a cost-effective exemplar for this constrained site was achieved. The realisation of Stage 2 with its informed site planning, will contribute well to this evolving coastal community.
Regional Commendations
Varsity College Junior Learning Centre – Fluid Architecture
Marina Residences – Sunland Group
Byron Bay House – Architectus
Miami Hill House – BDA Architecture
Gold Coast Aquatic Centre – Cox Rayner Architects
Northern Rivers Beach House – refresh*design
Griffith Health Centre – Cox Rayner Architects in association with Hames Sharley
On the jury were: Katherine Rickard (MODE, jury coordinator), Matthew Eagle (ME), Chris Gee (Coast Arc).
