Tourism projects and community buildings were big winners at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2016 Tasmanian Architecture Awards announced in Hobart tonight. 

This year’s awards demonstrate the important role that architecture plays in Tasmania’s booming tourism economy. Tourism-focused projects to win awards include Cumulus Studio’s striking Devil’s Corner cellar door and lookout at Bicheno; JAWS Architects’ Three Capes Track Cabins, which provide stunning views from their sensitive positioning atop the sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula; and Birrelli Art + Architecture + Design’s clever insertion of accommodation pods in the grounds of the heritage-listed Hatherley House in Launceston.

The President of the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects Brad Wheeler says this year’s entries also demonstrate the value architecture can bring to the community. ‘Tasmanian architects have a fantastic record designing award-winning buildings and spaces that benefit our island state’s communities, and this year is no exception. From student accommodation and facilities to sports pavilions and tourist attractions, architects have again helped to provide buildings and places that enrich all our lives and provide economic benefits for our state,’ said Mr Wheeler.

Winners in the community, public and education categories of the awards include Dock 4 Architects’ Clarence High School Sports Pavilion, Edwards + Simpson’s new community stadium in St Helens, and several University of Tasmania projects.

The residential architecture categories were again hotly contested. Archier won the pinnacle Esmond Dorney Award for residential architecture as well as the main prize for sustainability for their clever Five Yards House. Rosevear Stephenson also won two awards for their sensitive work transforming a Battery Point Georgian into a contemporary home. Stuart Tanner’s Dunalley House – a new build since the devastating 2013 fires – was recognised for its robust yet minimal design, and also took out the People’s Choice Prize.

The Hobart College at Mt Nelson won the Enduring Architecture Award for buildings over 25 years old, and Circa Morris-Nunn’s Mountain Retreat Medical Centre in South Hobart was awarded the prestigious John Lee Archer Triennial Prize for the best example of public and commercial architecture of the last three years.

There are three tiers in the awards hierarchy: a commendation, an award, and a pinnacle named award.

Commercial Architecture
Colin Philp Award – Devils Corner by Cumulus Studio
Award – Stornoway by 1+2 Architecture
Award – Three Capes Track Cabins by JAWS Architects

 

Educational Architecture
Tasmanian Chapter Named Award – The Student Lounge by Preston Lane

Heritage
Roy Sharrington Award – Jenny’s House by Rosevear Stephenson

 

Interior Architecture
Award – Brickworks Design Studio by BYA Architects
Award – Stornoway by 1+2 Architecture

 

Public Architecture
Alan C Walker Award – Clarence High School Sports Pavilion by Dock 4 Architects
Award – Break O Day Community Stadium by Edwards + Simpson

 

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Tasmanian Chapter Named Award – Jenny’s House by Rosevear Stephenson
Award – Sofia & Otto’s Playground by Gaetano Palmese Architects
Commendation – [re]barn by Circa Morris-Nunn

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Award – Trinity Hill by HBV Architects w/ Carroll and Cockburn Architects
Commendation – Inveresk Residences by Morrison & Breytenbach Architects w/ Circa Morris-Nunn Architects

 

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Esmond Dorney Award – Five Yards House by Archier
Award – Dunalley House by STA Stuart Tanner
Commendation – Horse Shoe House by Preston Lane

 

Small Project Architecture
Peter Willmott Award – Hatherley Garden Pavilions by Birelli Art+Architecture+Design

 

Sustainable Architecture
Tasmanian Chapter Named Award – Five Yards House by Archier

Enduring Architecture Award
Award – Resource Materials Centre by Tasmanian Government, Dept of Public Works, John Gott and Ben Ryan

 

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
Award – Devils Corner by Cumulus Studio

 

Additional Prizes
John Lee Archer Triennial Prize – Mountain Retreat by Circa Morris-Nunn
2015 President’s Prize – Richard Crawford by Architects Designhaus
Emerging Architect Prize – Bek Verrier, Preston Lane
SWT Blythe Student Prize – Sam Roberts, University of Tasmania