21 June

The Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed reports today of support in the Coalition Party Room for the majority of recommendations made in the recently released Independent Review into the Future Security of the National Electricity Market.

National President, Richard Kirk, praised Chief Scientist Dr Alan Finkel and the panel for delivering a deeply considered and courageous set of recommendations to address Australia’s energy challenges.

‘The expert panel has shown great foresight and courage in recommending the adoption of a Clean Energy Target – a recommendation we fully support and urge all parliamentarians to accept,’ Kirk said.

‘The measures outlined will – if implemented – go a long way to ensuring Australia enjoys a secure, reliable and environmentally responsible energy future. But the energy debate now needs to be broadened to look deeper into demand side solutions.

‘There are some easy wins that have been largely overlooked as part of the Finkel report on the demand side of the energy equation.’

According to research from the Australian Sustainable Built Environment Council (ASBEC), Australia’s building sector can deliver up to 28 per cent of Australia’s 2030 emissions reduction target, save a staggering $20 billion in energy savings and create healthier, more productive cities.

‘Measures that address demand must be part of the overall package of solutions to achieve long-term energy security and emissions reductions,’ Kirk said.

‘While we unreservedly welcome the acknowledgement in the report that there are gains to be made from better energy efficiency in the built environment and retrofitting existing premises, it does not factor in the full potential on offer, nor do its recommendations map out a clear path to seeing that potential achieved.

‘If governments don’t address demand by regulating better design, consumers will pay more. Recent further hikes in electricity prices represent a potentially disastrous scenario for many households.

‘Good design is a very powerful tool for reducing energy consumption in both the residential and commercial sectors. It takes the pressure off supply, while at the same time saving consumers considerable out-of-pocket costs for their energy use.

‘As the Finkel report shows, considerable investment in new and cleaner generation is required to maintain security of supply and lower emissions.

‘Governments can ease the growing burden on supply, reduce emissions and lower the risks to energy security by seeking demand-side savings in the built environment.

‘Given that buildings contribute to nearly half of the country’s electricity consumption, the building sector offers a great opportunity for more energy productivity gains.

‘Rising temperatures are a serious issue for Australia so it is more urgent than ever to have resilient design providing homes and office buildings that are cheaper to light, heat and cool.

‘Smarter design is critical to achieving savings as demonstrated over the past decade, when improvements in the energy performance of buildings through good design has saved over $28 million (gross) in avoided energy bills. Yet much more is needed, particularly in the residential sector, if we are to achieve the Paris COP 21 targets adopted by government.

‘The Institute calls on governments to introduce nationally consistent policies such as stronger minimum standards for commercial and residential buildings through the National Construction Code, as well as more stringent performance standards for equipment and appliances.

‘Policies are also needed to support higher performance in the short to medium term through incentives and programs utilising government market power to drive energy productivity improvements, including a national plan towards 2050 zero carbon buildings.’

16 June, 2017

The Northern Territory’s best architecture has been celebrated at the 2017 NT Architecture Awards held on Friday 16 June in Darwin.

Bullocky Point Education Precinct by MODE was the most awarded project of the night being lauded by the jury as a building that ‘is most assuredly a work of the Northern Territory’ and that ‘represents excellence in architecture and site planning, respect for context, the best interpretation of heritage and an outstanding resolution of client requirements’.

The project received the chapter’s most prestigious honour, the Tracy Memorial Award, along with the Northern Territory Chapter Award for Educational Architecture and an Award for Interior Architecture.

Troppo Architects took home an Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing for Tropology for DHA, a tiny pair of two-storey small-lot houses that represents a new and welcome alternative to current Territory housing options that increase density without the loss of lifestyle or amenity.

‘Dual occupancy is no longer a frightening concept for good tropical housing or for the DHA. Tropology leads the charge for the future densification of the tropical north’, the jury noted.

Remote and regional projects were also recognised in this year’s Awards. ‘A critical addition to the development of the Ghunmarn Cultural Precinct’, Djilpin Arts Pavilion by Insideout Architects, Tania Dennis was honoured with the Indigenous Community Architecture Award.

‘The success of the Djilpin Arts Pavilion is reflective of the collaborative spirit between the local community and architects that continues to underpin the evolving nature of the precinct. The jury was briefed by members of the Indigenous community who expressed enthusiasm for the project and the way in which it had enhanced their enterprise.’

The Yali McNamara Award for Small Project Architecture went to Bower Studio, Melbourne School of Design, University of Melbourne for their ‘legacy project’, Wave Hill Walk-Off Pavilions, which commemorates a defining moment in Australia’s Indigenous and non-Indigenous history.

Finally, in an acknowledgment to the importance that well-designed interpretive facilities play in the visitor experience of the unique Northern Territory landscape, the Watarrka National Park Visitor Information Shelter by Tangentyere Design was awarded The George Goyder Award for Urban Design as well as the COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture. The jury commented that ‘this project enhances the visitor environment and has seamlessly combined the spiritual needs of the traditional owners with the functional requirements of rangers for the wellbeing of visitors’.

Winners were selected from a field of 20 entries with Named Award and Award winners now progressing to the National Architecture Awards to be announced in Canberra on Thursday 2 November.

Full list of winners:

Commercial Architecture
The Peter Dermoudy Award – Casuarina Square, The Quarter by Altis Architecture Pty Ltd

Casuarina Square, The Quarter by Altis Architecture Pty Ltd.
Photo: Darwin Photography Professionals

Educational Architecture
The Northern Territory Chapter Award – Bullocky Point Education Precinct by MODE
Award – Braitling Preschool by Susan Dugdale and Associates
Commendation – New Henbury School by Department of Infrastructure, Planning and Logistics, Northern Territory Government with MKEA Architects Pty Ltd
Commendation – CDU Theatre Redevelopment by DKJ.projects.architecture

Bullocky Point Education Precinct Interior Fitout by MODE. Photo: Gary Annett

10 June 2017

Wineries have made a big splash at the 2017 South Australian Architecture Awards held at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday 10 June.

Penfolds Magill Estate by Denton Corker Marshall took out two Named Awards, the Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture and the Robert Dickson Award for Interior Architecture. Petaluma Cellar Door by Grieve Gillet Anderson received a Commendation for Commercial Architecture and St Hugo by studio-gram with JBG Architects was awarded a Commendation for Interior Architecture. Rounding out the heavy prominence of gourmet destinations that befit this food and wine state, Twenty Third Street Distillery by Walter Brooke, received a Commendation for Heritage.

This year saw a number of projects of such a high standard they took out awards in more than one category. These include the striking Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk by Grieve Gillett Andersen recognised with the Gavin Walkley Award for Urban Design as well as the City of Adelaide Prize and the City of Adelaide People’s Choice Award. Crayon House, also by Grieve Gillett Andersen received the John S Chappel Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) and an Award for Sustainable Architecture.

A total of 36 Named Awards, Awards and Commendations were presented on the night from a field of 79 entries. Named Award and Award winners will now progress to the National Architecture Awards to be announced in Canberra on Thursday 2 November.

Full list of winners:

Commercial Architecture
Keith Neighbour Award – Penfolds Magill Estate by Denton Corker Marshall
Commendation – Plant 4 Bowden by Ashley Halliday Architects
Commendation – Micro X by Tridente Architects
Commendation – Petaluma Cellar Door by Grieve Gillett Andersen

Educational Architecture
Commendation – Flinders University Student Hub and Plaza by Woods Bagot

Heritage
David Saunders Award – Lounder’s Boathouse by Mulloway Studio
Award – North Adelaide Barn by Williams Burton Leopardi
Commendation – Twenty Third Street Distillery by Walter Brooke

Interior Architecture
Robert Dickson Award – Penfolds Magill Estate by Denton Corker Marshall
Award – Walter Brooke Studio Fitout by Walter Brooke
Commendation – number 6 by Black Rabbit Architecture and Interiors
Commendation – St Hugo by studio-gram with JBG Architects

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)
The John Schenk Award – Dutton Terrace Alterations by Ashley Halliday Architects
Award – North Adelaide Barn by Williams Burton Leopardi
Award – number 6 by Black Rabbit Architecture and Interiors
Commendation – House Maud by Taylor Buchtmann Architecture
Commendation – Kool Haus by sw-architects
Commendation – Tennyson by John Adam Architect

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
The John S Chappel Award – Crayon House by Grieve Gillett Andersen
Award – Karkalla Dunes by Max Pritchard Gunner Architects
Commendation – Frewville Lo-Fi by Taylor Buchtmann Architecture
Commendation – Cardillo House by Max Pritchard Gunner Architects
Commendation – House in the Adelaide Foothills by Warwick O’Brien Architects
Commendation – Clare HPR by BB Architects

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Commendation – Kalyra Heights Village Extension Belair by Flightpath Architects

Small Project Architecture
Marjorie Simpson Award – Great Southern Rail Platinum Club by Woods Bagot
Commendation – Gallery 7 by Mulloway Studio
Commendation – Agile X Uni SA Pavilion by Uni SA

Sustainable Architecture
Award – Plant 4 Bowden by Ashley Halliday Architects
Award – Crayon House by Grieve Gillett Andersen
Commendation – WSP Parsons Brinckerhoff Workplace by JPE Design Studio
Commendation – Flinders University Student Hub and Plaza by Woods Bagot
Commendation – Clare HPR by BB Architects

Urban Design
Gavin Walkley Award – Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk by Grieve Gillett Andersen

Enduring Architecture
Jack Cheesman Award – Adelaide Super-Drome by Carlo Gnezda and SACON

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
Award – Port Augusta Sterile Insect Production Facility by Phillips/Pilkington Architects

The City of Adelaide Prize
Prize Winner – Anzac Centenary Memorial Walk by Grieve Gillett Andersen
Commendation – Peter Rabbit by James McIntyre
Commendation – Rundle Mall Redevelopment by HASSELL

View the SA Awards gallery here.

FRIDAY 2 JUNE

The Australian Institute of Architects supports calls to strengthen the decision-making power of Australia’s Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

National President, Richard Kirk, said National Reconciliation Week provides an opportunity for all Australians to consider how we can close the gap between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and non-Indigenous Australians and be more inclusive in the way we offer solutions.

‘Indigenous tradition, culture and heritage must be recognised at the highest levels and Australia’s First Peoples must be involved in all decisions made about their communities,’ Kirk said.

‘There must be meaningful community decision-making power in the procurement of Indigenous housing, to ensure the best fit for purpose outcomes and to obtain community benefit beyond the immediate goal of ‘bricks and mortar’.

‘Despite commitments from various state, territory and federal governments, the standard of Indigenous housing and essential infrastructure remains well below that available to the non-Indigenous population.

‘As well as building more housing for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and better maintaining existing stock, housing decisions must belong to local communities and job creation must be a central consideration in this process.

The Australian Institute of Architects’ National Council adopted an Indigenous Housing Policy at its biannual meeting earlier this month. The policy clearly states the need for a strong Indigenous voice in the creation of housing policy to ensure community ownership of the decisions that affect the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

‘We must develop a diversity of dwelling types and tenancy options to meet the needs of a diverse population and to provide the same economic options to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that are available to non-Indigenous Australians,’ Kirk said.

‘Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander architects and non-Indigenous architects have dedicated themselves to understanding the complexities around culture and design so that Indigenous housing can be addressed differently to the past. The Institute’s new policy will provide direction to the architectural profession about how best to engage Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities as part of their work and provides a sensible set of principles by which governments can manage their Indigenous housing programs.’

TUESDAY 9 MAY

The Australian Institute of Architects wholeheartedly welcomes the Commonwealth Government’s housing affordability package released in tonight’s Federal Budget.

National President Ken Maher said the Treasurer had been bold in his approach to tackling what is becoming an increasingly serious issue for Australians, but lamented the missed opportunity for the Government to notch up some straightforward wins in areas of density, design and energy efficiency.

‘We commend the Turnbull Government on the comprehensive package to tackle the worsening challenge of housing affordability in Australia.

‘Critically, the measures announced by the Government tonight reach right across the housing spectrum.

‘This budget looks at ways to improve the housing situation of everyone from our homeless and those needing crisis accommodation, right through to public and social housing, first home buyers, affordable rental accommodation and removing the disincentive for pensioners to downsize.

‘Right around Australia, Australian Institute of Architect members are at the leading edge of designing inspirational housing solutions – from housing the homeless in Sydney, to creating strong new public housing communities in Hobart.

‘The new Commonwealth land release scheme, together with the $1 billion National Housing Infrastructure Facility will create important opportunities to further boost supply.

‘The measures to promote further private sector investment in affordable housing are particularly welcome, as is the Government’s substantial transport infrastructure investment of more than $70 billion to 2022-21, including support for fast rail.

‘Regrettably, however, the Government has not taken this package to the next logical step which is to better manage the quality of the new supply they want to bring online.

‘With tens of thousands of new homes needing to be built every year to keep up with demand, it is vital that we ensure those new residences are energy efficient, that due consideration is given to promoting quality, standardised design principles to address issues of accessibility and to facilitate ageing in place.

‘In our cities and suburbs, continuing to expand ever outwards is not a sustainable option. In renewing their commitment to work with the States and Territories to address issues around planning, zoning and regulations, there must be a collective focus on density.

‘Infill has a vital role to play in the future of our cities. Ensuring this density is done well, integrated with well-designed transport including due consideration of amenity and well-designed public spaces, is the key to achieving successful and enduring city deals.

‘Every state and territory in Australia with the exception of Tasmania has now appointed a Government Architect. With the huge infrastructure and city shaping investments the Turnbull Government has announced tonight, it is imperative that they too look to appoint an Australian Government Architect,’ Maher said.

6 May 2017

The profound contribution of Australia’s foremost architects and architectural students has been honoured with the awarding of prestigious national prizes from the Australian Institute of Architects at the National Architecture Conference at Sydney’s International Convention Centre today.

The highest honour, the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal, was awarded to Peter Elliott AM recognising ‘his exceptional contribution through design, through architectural education, through leadership within the profession and through promotion of architecture within the community.’ (Full details here).

Bond University’s Professor Michael Keniger was awarded the National President’s prize by Ken Maher for dedicating his life to ‘nurturing, guiding and inspiring coming generations of architects’ and helping them fulfil the potential of the profession to improve ‘quality of life for all citizens.’

The BlueScope Steel Glenn Murcutt Student Prize was awarded unanimously to James Hargrave of the University of New South Wales for his project proposing urban housing for families, professional couples and the elderly on the southern edge of the Balmain peninsula. The jury lauded the project for demonstrating ‘that urban density can be achieved in a way that is responsive to the urban fabric of inner Sydney, at an appropriate scale and with a landscape that engages with our wonderful harbour.’

Timothy Randall from Monash University was the recipient of the Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture with the jury praising his ‘outstanding leadership, engagement and advocacy skills’ and commending his ‘ongoing energy and commitment across the areas of leadership, advocacy and engagement for now and the future.’

The co-founder of what has become the highly successful EmAGN (Emerging Architects and Graduates Network), Anthony Balsamo of Walter Brooke and Associates, has been awarded the National Emerging Architect Prize ‘in recognition of his significant contribution to the profession through design excellence, education and industry leadership.’

The inaugural Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize winner, announced earlier in the year, Catherine Baudet, was also celebrated for her ‘outstanding leadership supporting
women in the profession of architecture for more than thirty years.’

Five talented emerging architects – Claire Scorpo Imogene Tudor, Alberto Quizo, Morgan Jenkins and Louisa Gee – announced earlier in the year, were chosen from a competitive field of 117 entrants to participate in the tenth annual Dulux Study Tour which will include visits to Barcelona, London and Prague this month.

Full list of winners:

Gold Medal
Peter Elliott AM – Peter Elliott Architecture and Urban Design (VIC)

National President’s Prize
Professor Michael Keniger – Bond University (QLD)

Paula Whitman Leadership in Gender Equity Prize
Catherine Baudet – Ferrier Baudet Architects (QLD)

National Emerging Architect Prize
Anthony Balsamo – Walter Brooke and Associates (SA)

BlueScope Steel Glenn Murcutt Student Prize
James Hargrave – University of NSW (NSW)

Student Prize for the Advancement of Architecture
Timothy Randall – Monash University (VIC)

Dulux Study Tour
Claire Scorpo – Claire Scorpo Architects (VIC)
Imogene Tudor – Sam Crawford Architects (NSW)
Alberto Quizon – CHROFI (NSW)
Morgan Jenkins – Morgan Jenkins Architecture (QLD)
Louisa Gee – Partners Hill (QLD)

6 May 2017

Described by his peers as ‘an architect of great distinction who has possibly affected more lives and contributed more to his city than most could dream of’, Peter Elliott AM has today been awarded Australian architecture’s highest honour, the Australian Institute of Architects’ Gold Medal.

Over a career spanning more than four decades, Peter’s multi-award winning designs have shaped iconic public buildings and spaces across Melbourne. He has been lauded by his fellow architects as ‘remarkably talented’ and demonstrating ‘an undivided, unbreakable and uncompromised integrity’.

Peter’s early projects, including children’s playgrounds, childcare centres, public housing and a few private houses, established his credentials not only as an outstanding architect but also as a community advocate. Peter’s contribution received national recognition early in his career when at the age of just 36, Peter was made a Member of the General Division of the Order of Australia for his services to the community as an architect.

From his first large commission, the Knox Schlapp Public Housing project in Port Melbourne, Peter consolidated his practice, receiving successively larger public commissions, starting with the Carlton Baths and Community Centre in 1986, which won the Victorian Architecture Medal in 1991.

These were followed by notable public works including the conservatory in the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, the Observatory Gate at the Melbourne Royal Botanic Gardens, Spencer Street Footbridge across the Yarra River and the renovation of the State Government Offices in the Treasury Reserve. It was at this time that Peter and his practice also embarked upon what became the multi-decade Urban Spaces Project at RMIT University.

A growing portfolio of city making education and infrastructure projects led to Peter been described as an ‘urban surgeon’. In addition to the large-scale RMIT project, Peter’s commissions included the Victoria University Law School the Melbourne Grammar School Memorial Hall, the Visual Arts Centre for Latrobe University in Bendigo and the School of Performing Arts and Creative Education for Geelong Grammar School. VicRoads Principal urban designer Lorrae Wild says Peter’s ‘timeless and elegant designs’ have ‘changed the face of the Western suburbs of Melbourne, with striking noise walls, bridges and interchanges along the Deer Park Bypass and Western Ring Road.’

Receiving the Gold Medal, Peter paid tribute to his mentors, collaborators and students. ‘I am personally indebted to a small number of exceptional people who took the trouble to foster and mentor me as a young architect. And then there are the many hundreds of people whom I have worked and taught with for more than forty years of practice and academic life, to whom I owe a special debt of thanks for their own blend of talent, inspiration and friendship – for architecture is a collective activity dependent on the cooperation of a multitude of skilled hands and cultured minds.’

Institute National President Ken Maher presented Peter the award at a special ceremony held at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Saturday 6 May on the second day of the annual National Architecture Conference.

The Gold Medal Jury was composed of Maher, Immediate Past President Jon Clements, Peter Stutchbury, Jill Garner and Lindy Atkin.

Previous recipients of the Gold Medal include Glenn Murcutt, Jørn Utzon, Brit Andresen, Harry Seidler and Robin Boyd.