The 2014 Darling Downs/West Moreton Regional Architecture Awards were announced on Friday 14 March at Insight Gallery, Toowoomba. From the eleven projects entered, including a library, a church, schools, medical and care facilities and private homes, four have been awarded. Projects receiving a Regional Commendation now progress to the state Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced in Brisbane on 20 June 2014. As well as the William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year, a special Enduring Architecture prize was also presented.
On this year’s jury were: Liam Proberts of bureau^proberts (jury director), Paul Uhlmann (Paul Uhlmann Architects), Gavan Reilly (Gavan Reilly Architect), Greg Kratzmann (Greg Kratzmann Architects), Kerry Martin (Aspect Architects and Project Managers), Catherine Baudet (Ferrier Baudet Architects), Mark Jones (Architectus Brisbane) and Paul Curran (PUSH).
William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year
Faith Lutheran College Library (Toowoomba) – Fulton Trotter Architects
Jury citation: This library addition to the college campus creates a much needed focal point for the school. It lifts the perception of the campus to a higher level. A multi -functional space has been added that connects to the rural landscape and creates a valuable and engaging covered gathering space as well.
House of the Year
Thorn (Ipswitch) – Aardvarc
Jury citation: A small, well considered house that captures the casual atmosphere of original Queensland verandahs, allowing full appreciation of the site’s views and breezes. The sustainable nature of the design stays within the tight budget but provides a positive design solution that delights and engages the client.
Enduring Architecture Prize
St Alban’s Church (Cunamulla) – Lund Hutton Newell Black & Pulson
Jury citation: This is a remarkable building and stands the test of time with its materials and form and clearly demonstrates the power of architecture.
Regional Commendations
Faith Lutheran College Library (Toowoomba) – Fulton Trotter Architects
Thorn (Ipswitch) – Aardvarc
Ipswich Government Office Building – Cox Rayner Architects