Eleven outstanding local projects have been honoured at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2014 Sunshine Coast Regional Architecture Awards, held tonight at Outrigger Little Hastings Street Resort and Spa, Noosa.

Twenty-two projects were entered in the Awards with 11 projects (see list below) being awarded Regional Commendations by the jury and progressing to the Queensland Architecture Awards to be announced in Brisbane on 20 June.

In addition to a Regional Commendation, The Beach Box by OGE Group Architects was presented with the Gabriel Poole Award for House of the Year.

‘The utilisation of ‘once used’ shipping containers provides a robust and cost effective opportunity to re-engage with the beach culture and mixed use zoning of Buddina. The grouping provides separate private zones with pop outs for greater internal widths, linking with decks and courtyards and a simple skillion roof over entry referencing modest beach house vernacular. This playful use of containers, engages simple yet appropriate interiors and integration with the landscape. However, its power lies in the way it engages with the street and greater public domain through blurred internal/external and public/private boundaries, street furniture and through its honest and engaging presentation,’ the jury said.

The Post World War 2 Development on the Coast and the Moffat Beach Pilot Study, coordinated by Roger Todd Architect was awarded Regional Project of the Year.

‘It is hoped this unique study and website will alert council, architects, building designers, town planners and the general public to the long term advantages in better conservation of post-World War 2 heritage. It provides inspiration for new works and adaptive reuse and a platform to continue recording built history and heritage,’ the jury said.

A special Enduring Architecture Prize was awarded to Syrenuse, Mooloolaba by Noel Robinson Architects.

‘Syrenuse apartments by Noel Robinson Architects was built in 1981. Its innovative slab and 6 x 6 grid meant the slender structure could provide fire protection while allowing full height glazing and connection to its view and aspect. Its organic form marked Mooloobah as a contemporary destination at the time and it remains a benchmark for mid-high rise development,’ the jury commented.

Regional Commendations:

Architectural Project	Architectural Practice	Location
Growth	Bark Design Architects	Sunshine Coast
Whyatt House	Robinson Architects	Eumundi
Additions & Alterations to 78 Nothling Street	Tim Bennetton Architects	Moffat Beach
St Patrick’s Primary School Trinity Building + Amenities	Fulton Trotter Architects	Gympie
Panorama Drive	Owen and Vokes and Peters	Doonan
Bower @ Bells Reach	JMA Architects Qld	Caloundra West
Seahaven Resort – Noosa Heads	dm2architecture pty ltd	Noosa Heads
Coolum Tce. House	Majstorovic Architecture	Coolum Beach
The Beach Box	OGE Group Architects	Buddina
Coolum Beach Public Shelters	Majstorovic Architecture	Coolum Beach
Post WW2 Development on the Coast & the Moffat Beach Pilot Study	Coordinated by Roger Todd Architect	Moffat Beach

Sunshine Coast Regional Jury Coordinator and Juror Michelle Wright and Jurors: Gabriel Poole (Gabriel & Elizabeth Poole Design Company), Dan Sparks (Sparks Architects), Tim Ditchfield (Tim Ditchfield Architects), Leon Grazien (Terra Leoria Architects) and Frank Raadschelders (Frank Raadschelders Architecture) assisted the 2014 Awards Jury Director, Liam Proberts, (bureau^proberts), Deputy Director Paul Uhlmann (Paul Uhlmann Architects), and State Jurors Catherine Baudet (Ferrier Baudet Architects), Mark Jones (Architectus Brisbane) and Paul Curran (PUSH) selected the worthy recipients of Regional Commendations, the Gabriel Poole Award for House of the Year.