The University of Newcastle\u2019s NeW Space building in the epicentre of Newcastle has emerged with a swathe of honours from the Australian Institute of Architects\u2019 2018 Newcastle Architecture Awards.<\/p>\n
The result of a successful collaboration between Melbourne practice Lyons and locally-based EJE Architecture, the building was recognised not only with the most prestigious award presented, the Newcastle Jury Prize, but also Awards in the Educational Architecture, Interior Architecture and Urban Design categories.<\/p>\n
The jury was highly impressed by this \u2018vertical university campus\u2019 observing that it is \u2018an exemplar of design for \u2018new generation\u2019 learning, urban renewal, and of civic place making, drawing together a complex brief of interlocking educational and public spaces\u2019. They also noted that \u2018the University\u2019s strategy of buying prime urban sites in the civic heart of Newcastle has been suitably matched and rewarded by the architects\u2019 detailed site analysis, historical and cultural research and embrace of innovation in education at a global level\u2019.<\/p>\n
The city of Maitland also featured in the awards with Jury Chair, Sam Crawford, observing that \u2018it was especially exciting to witness councils like Maitland City Council actively and imaginatively pursuing meaningful improvements to their town\u2019. A new grandstand at Maitland No.1 Sportsground, a collaborative effort between the Maitland City Council, NSW Government Architect\u2019s Office and CKDS, was recognised with the Award for Public Architecture. Another civic project, the refurbishment of the Auditorium of the Maitland Town Hall was recognised with a Commendation in the Heritage category.<\/p>\n
The best new house in the Newcastle region was awarded to Brass House by Anthrosite, a house intimately situated within its context of the Glenrock State Conservation Area, while the Award for Alterations & Additions went to Welsh + Major for their subtle but meaningful improvements to the Blue House, formerly a 2000 Menkens Award-winning project.<\/p>\n
Three Piece House by Sydney-based TRIAS picked up both the Award for Sustainable Architecture and a Commendation in the Residential Architecture \u2013 Houses (New) category, and the tiny elevated platform of the North Avoca Studio by Matt Thitchener Architect was the recipient of both the COLORBOND\u00ae Award for Steel Architecture and a Commendation in the Small Project Architecture category.<\/p>\n
With a record number of entries, this year\u2019s program showcased the breadth of work undertaken with the increased number of entries in the Educational, Multiple Housing, and Public Architecture categories reflecting the Hunter\u2019s growth, changing demographics and community needs.<\/p>\n
\u2018Architects are contributing to providing better environments in Newcastle across all spheres \u2013 and Newcastle seems to have an abundance of refreshingly down to earth, friendly, welcoming architects and supportive, happy, enlightened clients who are immensely proud of their projects\u2019, said Mr Crawford. \u2018All of this bodes well for the future\u2019.<\/p>\n
The award winners were announced at a presentation held at the Merewether Surfhouse on Friday 23 March. Awarded projects are now eligible for the NSW Architecture Awards which will be announced on Friday 6 July.<\/p>\n
Full list of winners:<\/p>\n
Newcastle Jury Prize<\/strong> Public Architecture<\/strong> Educational Architecture<\/strong> Residential Architecture \u2013 Houses (New)<\/strong> Residential Architecture \u2013 Houses (Alterations & Additions)<\/strong> Residential Architecture \u2013 Multiple Housing<\/strong> Commercial Architecture<\/strong>
\nNeW Space, University of Newcastle by Lyons + EJE Architecture<\/p>\n
\nAward<\/em> – Maitland No.1 Sportsground by Maitland City Council in association with the NSW Government Architect’s Office and CKDS
\nCommendation<\/em> – Opal Hillside by dwp | design worldwide partnership<\/p>\n
\nAward<\/em> – NeW Space, University of Newcastle by Lyons + EJE Architecture
\nAward<\/em> – St Patrick’s Primary School, Lochinvar – Stage 1 by SHAC<\/p>\n
\nAward<\/em> – Brass House by Anthrosite
\nCommendation<\/em> – Three Piece House by TRIAS
\nCommendation<\/em> – Light House by Jodie Dixon Architect<\/p>\n
\nAward<\/em> – The Blue House by Welsh + Major
\nCommendation<\/em> – Hund Haus by Jodie Dixon Architect
\nCommendation<\/em> – Eighty-Four Gordon by SDA<\/p>\n
\nCommendation<\/em> – Corlette Street by CKDS Architecture
\nCommendation<\/em> \u2013 Capri by SDA<\/p>\n
\nCommendation<\/em> – Newcastle Private Hospital Kingston Extension by dwp | design worldwide partnership
\nCommendation<\/em> – Nelson Bay Golf Club by EJE Architecture<\/p>\n