The 2014 Gold Coast & Northern Rivers Regional Architecture Awards were announced on Friday, 28 February, at Dreamworld and the Big Brother House.
From the sixteen projects entered – including sport, health and community facilities, private homes, commercial and multiple housing projects, interior and urban design – ten were selected by the Australian Institute of Architects jury. A new award of Regional Building of the Year was given to recognize the best local project by a local architect, and a special prize was awarded for Enduring Architecture. Projects receiving a Regional Commendation now progress to the state Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced in Brisbane on 20 June 2014.
On this year’s jury were: Liam Proberts of bureau^proberts (jury director), Paul Uhlmann (Paul Uhlmann Architects), David Brown (Sunland Group), Katherine Rickard (Mode Design), Chris Gee (Coast Arc), Catherine Baudet (Ferrier Baudet Architects), Mark Jones (Architectus) and Paul Curran (PUSH).
Building of the Year
Abedian School of Architecture (Robina) – CRAB Studio
Jury citation: A clear expression of an aspirational approach to design education. The idea of a collaborative learning is evident and complete in the entire building through its exquisite concrete structure, walls and surfaces to the furniture and elements of design process that inhabit the space.
House of the Year
Dolphin Court Residence (Palm Beach) – ME
Jury citation: This waterfront dwelling demonstrates a refined piece of site planning and building detailing, enhancing its function as a family home. This is an excellent resolution of canal and cul-de-sac living, providing a sense of delight, referencing past coastal values and capturing the spirit of place.
Regional Building of the Year
Capri on Via Roma (Surfers Paradise) – BDA Architecture
Jury citation: A lively reinvention of Sir Bruce Smalls’ 1960s Capri Commercial Centre optimises its waterfront location with expansive decking areas, capturing postcard views of Surfers Paradise. Exposed services and slab soffits sit comfortably with coloured seamless slab floors, while strong skillion roof forms recall the beach house heritage of the northern Gold Coast.
Enduring Architecture
Sheraton Mirage (Gold Coast) – DBI Design (formerly Media 5)
Regional Commendations
Abedian School of Architecture (Robina) – CRAB Studio
Capri on Via Roma (Surfers Paradise) – BDA Architecture
Dolphin Court Residence (Palm Beach) – ME
Gold Coast University Hospital (Southport) – GCUH Architecture (PDT + STH + Hassell)
Griffith University (G11) Learning Commons (Southport) – ThomsonAdsett
Helensvale Branch Library and CCYC (Helensvale) – Complete Urban and Lahz Nimmo Architects in Association
Hinze Dam Visitor Centre (Advancetown) – Malcolm Middleton Architects with AECOM
Sanctuary Cove Golf Club (Sanctuary Cove) – Cox Rayner Architects
Ten7 (Palm Beach) – Shane Denham Arhcitects
Tweed Health for Everyone: GP Superclinic (Tweed Heads South) – Fulton Trotter Architects