2021 SA
Architecture
Awards Winners

2021 SA Architecture Medal | Meals on Wheels SA Head Office | JPE Design Studio | Image David Sievers

2021 National Architecture Awards

2021 SA Architecture Awards - results

The Australian Institute of Architects Awards program offers an opportunity for public and peer recognition of the innovative work of our SA architects. The program also provides the Institute with a valuable mechanism to promote architects and architecture within South Australia, across Australia and internationally.

Chapter specific Awards

SA Architecture Medal

Meals on Wheels SA Head Office | JPE Design Studio

The inaugural SA Architecture Medal recognises the project that makes the most significant contribution to the architecture of South Australia this year.  With a number of very high-quality projects in contention, it was a very close-run decision to award the SA Architecture medal to the Meals on Wheels Headquarters.

This building coherently resolves the complex program of the facility, incorporating workplace, logistics and food preparation. It is the heart of a travelling network of providers of both food and regular human contact for many of the state’s most isolated and vulnerable people, providing significant benefit to the community.

The architects have created a strong street presence and have turned the corner with subtle use of geometry, material textures crafted in the brickwork and a composition of solid and void that responds to both the dominant arterial road and the adjacent domestic residential character. The transparency of the operation to the street provides an openness and visibility, physically connecting the public to the organisation.

The resolution in planning clearly responds to the clients’ requirements separating administration from food production but retaining the two functions on one campus and enabling a connected organisational culture. The design creates a series of places within, and around, the building that have their own identity with a clear transition from public to private. Further consideration and collaboration in design is shown through the integration and expression of landscape, building services and structural elements appropriate to each space.

This project is an exemplar of how highly resolved, thoughtful and well executed architecture can add value to place and people.  Meals on Wheels achieves this by responding to and enriching the character of the area, and supporting optimised delivery of this important community service.

City of adelaide prize

Her Majesty's Theatre | COX Architecture

The redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre reinforces Adelaide’s reputation as an important cultural centre by establishing a second city theatre designed to attract top performers and accommodate the largest touring musicals.

Through complex planning within strict site constraints, the redevelopment provides equal and inclusive access and extended functionality, reinvigorates Grote and Pitt Streets, and incorporates a new annexe for patron amenity together with a larger auditorium and fly tower.

The project pairs the existing historic fabric with finely crafted contemporary work by South Australian artisans that pays homage to the theatre’s original 1913 configuration. The careful reinstatement of autographed blockwork backstage reveals and celebrates past performers. Interpretive signage and names of artists and other personalities associated with the theatre’s history record a rich story that is at the same time local, significant and personal.

Her Majesty’s Theatre is brought back to life through this redevelopment, and is awarded the City of Adelaide Prize for enhancing the public experience, contributing to the cultural and economic growth of the city, providing tourism opportunities and re-activating this central city historic building and precinct.

City of Adelaide Prize Commendation

Vietnamese Boat People Monument ‘Guiding Light’ | Rosella Badios

The Vietnamese Boat People Memorial is a beautifully crafted and emotive tribute to those that made the grueling journey across open seas, and those that perished along the way in search of new beginnings. The artworks represent family, strength and survival across generations. Careful siting draws visitors in to experience the space and offers opportunity to reflect, interpret, engage and learn through respectfully located signage. The memorial is a powerful and ultimately uplifting addition to public art within the City of Adelaide, resonating with communities beyond those that it commemorates.

City of Adelaide Prize Commendation

Modernist Adelaide | Stuart Symons

Modernist Adelaide describes a suite of activities, events and resources which celebrate the architects, clients, design and history of Adelaide’s modernist buildings of the 1940s-70s. Regular city walking tours, exhibitions, presentations, media interviews, a book and social media are engaging and educational, as well as accessible and affordable. Unique to Adelaide, they provide broad reach to a diverse audience, raise public appreciation and debate on the retention and reuse of the city’s heritage fabric, and contribute to the economic growth of the city through heritage tourism.

City of Adelaide Prize Commendation

Sheridan Kiosk | BB Architects

The conservation and adaptive reuse of the Sheridan Kiosk sensitively restores one of North Terrace’s little gems. Since its construction in 1925, modifications to the building and its surrounds had negatively impacted on its use, significance and physical presence. Through the careful retention of original historic elements, keeping contemporary additions to a minimum, the Sheridan Kiosk has been brought back to life and now acts as an important entry focus for the Lot Fourteen development and successfully reinforces the public realm of North Terrace.

The City of Adelaide Prize - People's Choice

Vietnamese Boat People Monument ‘Guiding Light’ | Rosella Badios

Emerging Project Prize

Emerging Project Prize

Kingswood House | Archaea

Kingswood House communicates an intelligible sensitivity in architectural presentation and sings a playfulness within its intersecting angular forms and finely detailed curved interiors. More than this, it speaks to the sensitivity and playfulness required of a collaboration between Archaea director, Sally Wilson, and recent architecture graduate, Emily Parkinson, in designing this detail-rich and deeply personal residence.  It also marks a new stage in the practice, with Archaea adding product design to it’s services. 

Archaea demonstrates a sincere commitment as an emerging practice to deliver architecture of great value to clients while also ensuring that the knowledge and design processes required are passed onto the next generation.

Sally Wilson’s committment to amplify the capabilities and skill of emerging architects are aspirational. Kingswood House is an apparent apex of the lessons learned and dedication to craft throughout the early stages of Sally’s career. Beyond this, Sally’s willingness to serve as a mentor to Emily exemplifies the importance of graduate growth and guidance.

We look forward to watching the future of this practice and the fruit this will bear for the architectural community and the wider built environment.

Sir James Irwin President's Medal

Dr Rachel Hurst FRAIA

Underlining the importance of teaching, and inspiring and shaping young architects in the profession, this year’s Sir James Irwin medal is awarded to Dr Rachel Hurst. Having guided thousands of students through the long degree course, Rachel’s passion for the profession is evident. She sets high standards for herself, her students and colleagues, continually refining her techniques and embracing new approaches. This enthusiasm for revealing the importance of architecture to both students and the wider profession resonates with graduates and all who have had the fortune work with her.

Alongside her teaching, Rachel is deeply embedded within the architecture and design profession. She is a contributing Editor for Architecture Australia, and prolific contributor to a range of national design journals such as Architecture AU, Monument, Artichoke and Houses.

She has managed to negotiate the often-tricky interface between national and local spheres of practice. While her teaching and writing has contributed to a national profile, she has remained (until very recently) firmly based in Adelaide and contributed to the profile of South Australian design across Australia. As a highly engaged member of the RAIA, Rachel is a regular juror for national and state awards and accreditation processes, both within the profession and academia.  She was made a Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects in 2019 for her contributions to the discipline.

Graduating from the South Australia Institute of Technology, she worked as a private practitioner and Principal at multiple firms across Adelaide, specialising in small and medium scale projects.  She brought skills developed in practice to her new role as a Lecturer in Architecture, Design Studio and History & Theory, which she commenced with UniSA in 1990. Rachel excelled as an educator and has received multiple teaching awards recognising her commitment to teaching the next generation of designers.   
Developing a collaborative research and teaching programme with colleague Jane Lawrence in the 1990s, the shared area of interest around the everyday became the focus of her PhD by practice. Completed at RMIT in 2016 and titled The Gentle Hand and the Greedy Eye: an everyday baroque practice in architecture, it encompassed nearly 500 publicly exhibited creative works. Her PhD was awarded the Pinnacle and Judge’s Choice Awards for Publication in the 2016 Australian Graphic Design Awards, and finalist in the NGV Cornish Family Art Book Publishing Prize 2017.

Emerging Architect Prize - Chapter winner

Dino Vrynios | DAS Studio

The Emerging Architect Prize is considered against contributions made to the Architectural profession across four defined criteria. This year the panel saw nominations from several worthy candidates, strong in many spheres. However, from these, one contender was regarded by jurors as excelling across all categories and unanimously regarded as a stand-out.

Starting post-graduate working life as an integral part of a highly regarded Adelaide based architectural practice, the Emerging Architect winner for 2021 was able to find time within an intensive working schedule to also invest considerable efforts into the AIA.  This included co-founding and championing the Festival of Architecture & Design, and establishing the Future Forums initiative, a program that continues today with a series of events taking place in 2021.

Acknowledging the toll that a heavy workload takes on mental health, he saw a reassessment of priorities and a shift in career path. This led to the establishment of a new practice in 2019 with his partner. The practice ethos recognises the desire to conceive a better way to craft architecture: one that allows creativity, quality of product and work life balance all to thrive in tandem. It also allowed him to pursue an interest in modular construction.

This practice has proven to be extraordinarily successful. Rapid growth over the last 2 years has seen it become ‘home’ to an expanding group of mostly young graduates and recently registered architects.

Dino Vrynios has made the most of his 12 years since graduation. Progressive in his approach across architecture, education and mental health awareness, he was also recognised as a 40 under 40 business leader in SA in 2020.  Dino now leads Das-Studio with partner Sara Horstmann, mentoring many emerging architects in the process.

The AIA is honoured to present Dino Vrynios with this year’s Emerging Architect Prize for South Australia.

Emerging Architect SA Judging panel:

  • Anthony Coupe (Chapter President) FRAIA
  • Erin Crowden (EmAGN National President) RAIA
  • Lauren Jeans (EmAGN SA Co Chair) RAIA
  • David Handsaker (Heritage Committee SA) RAIA

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture

Lockleys Oval Redevelopment | Walter Brooke & Associates

The Lockleys Oval Redevelopment provides a combined home for multiple local sports and community organisations, with shared facilities allowing for a higher standard of accommodation than the former separate clubrooms. A neutral colour palette, featuring Matt Surf Mist COLORBOND® cladding provides a backdrop for each group to brand the facility during their season, fostering identity and belonging for all within the communal whole.

The building acts as a focal point for the wider community and is visible from all sides across the sporting fields and Karrawirra Parri. The design responds to this context, with curved elements highlighting entry points and steel louvre panels neatly screening services. The steel structure also enables column-free viewing from the ground level and balcony above.

Custom Orb® cladding has been utilised to provide visual interest through light and shadow and curved forms, and to reference the previous clubrooms, which were predominantly sheds. Custom Orb® also met the requirements for an affordable yet robust building, that will withstand the rough and tumble of active community use and the exposed environmental position while retaining its crisp appearance. It is a quintessentially Australian material for a building that responds to the Australian sporting tradition.  

Commercial Architecture

The Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture

Meals on Wheels SA Head Office | JPE Design Studio

An architectural expression of the organisation’s operations and social values, the Jury believes the Meals on Wheels SA Head Office thoughtfully unites staff and visitors by bringing together administration, commercial production, storage and distribution facilities into a single home worthy of the Named Award.

Responding to its city fringe context in a considered yet bold manner, the building’s robust and articulated form works to hold its corner street location providing moments of interest, relief and expression. The care in formulating a refined palette of highly crafted brickwork is offset through the incorporation of translucent and porous materials that respond to use and orientation.

As a multi-purpose commercial facility, the design demonstrates a sophisticated level of resolution between workplace and production to blur traditional lines of separation and create a contemporary commercial environment for staff and visitors. 

The project showcases an exemplary level of considered design and architectural craft, striking an elegant balance between commercial imperatives and design flourish. The Meals on Wheels SA Head Office provides an outstanding platform to support the organisation’s efforts long into the future.

Commendation for Commercial Architecture

AWL Wingfield Redevelopment | Cheesman Architects

Located in a busy industrial precinct, the new AWL facilities have been thoughtfully designed creating a welcoming presence for the locality, brand and site.  With a modest budget the carefully curated two storey facility provides a designated home for each of the varied and valuable services the AWL provides.

The energy and research into human and animal welfare, undertaken by the design team, is a commendable achievement providing a new invigoration to the AWL staff and volunteers creating a sympathetic stress-free environment for animals and people alike.

Educational Architecture

The Dr John Mayfield Award for Educational Architecture

Wilderness School Learning Commons | COX Architecture

The Wilderness School Learning Commons is a striking addition to the school campus that seamlessly integrates an elegant new building with the adjacent Administration building and the re-purposed portion of an existing 2-storey building.

The external material palette, dominated by the beautifully detailed new stone façade, comfortably nestles the building in its neighbouring setting. This has been successfully achieved by respectful consideration of scale and providing transparency and connectivity to adjacent learning spaces.

The interior material palette is equally sophisticated, successfully exuding a sense of warmth and elegance which is enhanced by the central light-filled atrium. The attention to detail both externally and internally transforms its campus setting.

The careful planning of the building has created a variety of teaching spaces that enable students to learn in formal and informal spaces, promoting intimacy and a sense of connectedness. This has created opportunities for younger and older students to interact as they move between internal settings and further promotes a sense of community and collaboration.

COX Architecture have successfully collaborated with their client and team to deliver a building which will “inspire, shape and change” learning for Wilderness students by creating a beautiful, dynamic environment that promotes innovation, creativity, and connection.

Commendation for Educational Architecture

Breda Byrne Wing Upgrade, Loreto College | MPH Architects

Working within the masterplan framework, the Breda Byrne Wing Upgrade breathes new life into previously dark and dated spaces providing natural light, improved visual connection and transparency between spaces.  MPH Architects also realised an opportunity to provide an additional outdoor learning space.

The refurbished spaces provide opportunities for current learning pedagogies that are contemporary, comfortable, and flexible utilising a simple yet elegant material palette with exposed building services.  The project demonstrates great value for money producing a vibrant educational environment.

Commendation for Educational Architecture

McAuley Community School | Swanbury Penglase

Creating a contemporary learning environment driving education and pedagogical change for younger learners, the McAuley Community School provides engaging, inclusive, and purposeful spaces, wrapped in an external form celebrating its coastal and community context. The interior’s physical and visual connections, both within, and to the surrounding landscape, have been well realised in creating an exciting student-centred environment. The revitalisation of the former Marymount Middle School campus and the creation of a 6 Green-Star rated facility is also to be commended.

Enduring Architecture

The Jack Cheesman Award for Enduring Architecture

The Youth Court of south australia | SA Public Buildings Dept (Architect Adrian Evans). SACON (architect Denis Harrison)

The Youth Court of South Australia building opened in 1975.  Formerly known as the Juvenile Court, it was designed by architect Adrian Evans, and delivered by the Public Buildings Department. This was a new type of Court in Australia at the time, marking a progressive approach to youth justice, and Adrian worked closely with client representative, SA Family Court Justice John Marshall, to develop the brief.

A key design objective was to create a building devoid of institutional overtones, thereby evading a potentially confronting physical environment. The resultant partial two-storey scale of the building minimises height and bulk, while aiding integration with the surrounding streetscape.

Lush landscaped courtyards throughout the building’s design deliver natural light and external views to various areas, including courtrooms and original entry. Further light is introduced via timber clad cylindrical skylights over the public waiting area and stair. These design features create a calming atmosphere: a highly valued solution to help diffuse the inevitable emotional turmoil experienced by Court attendees.

While the desire to reduce institutional design was paramount, security remained a high priority. A series of concrete ‘blades’, whose bespoke design and construction were incorporated into both public and private areas, provide the required level of security without compromising natural light and views.

The building remains of high integrity.  Courtrooms retain the original joinery and acoustic wall linings; concrete security blades have been retained; courtyard spaces remain; and durable materials including the use of red brick, internally and externally, still prevail.  Minor modifications including audio-visual facilities, surveillance, point of entry security, upgraded registry services, meeting rooms and administration areas cater for current needs.

This building is considered worthy of recognition as a work of enduring architecture: its judicial use continues unimpeded and the integrity of the original well-crafted design remains intact.

 

 

Heritage Architecture

David Saunders Award for Heritage

Her Majesty's Theatre Redevelopment | COX Architecture

The redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre by Cox Architecture has given vibrant new life to the last remaining Tivoli theatre in Australia.  Originally constructed in 1913, Cox have satisfied two key objectives – to celebrate the theatre’s rich history and to redesign and expand for modern requirements and a prosperous future.

The famous 1913 photograph from opening night, with patrons packed to the rafters from all three levels, was used as a primary inspiration. Later modifications had removed the upper tier and radically reduced seating capacity by more than half.  The original art nouveau curves of the balustrading and proscenium have been reanimated with sculptured timber. The realigned grand staircase complements the cascading interior.  Features like the “memory walk” in the foyer floor, the reconstruction of the Green Room’s “wall of signatures” spanning a century of celebrities, and inclusion of original pressed metal ceiling design interpret Her Majesty’s past.

Even though only two external walls were retained, the careful execution of the architecture and the historical references signal a deep respect for the theatre’s former glory.  The intangible stories and reflected cultural histories have returned the architecture to centre stage and restored to Adelaide an entertainment venue to be proud of. 

Commendation for heritage Architecture

Sheridan Kiosk | BB Architects

The Sheridan Kiosk, has been skilfully brought back to its original use and providing a dynamic entry focus for the Lot 14 precinct.  Built in 1925, conservation involved careful stripping back of unsympathetic later changes, revealing original significant historic elements.  Contemporary kitchen and toilet facilities have been cleverly inserted and steel doors and copper roofing will ensure a long serviceable life.  The “do as much as is necessary but as little as possible” approach provides a thoughtful conservation methodology for the project.

Commendation for heritage Architecture

CAA Higher Courts Redevelopment | Hassell with Baukultur

Architects were tasked with a complex brief to contemporise the State’s High Court facilities, upgrading both the Supreme Court building, constructed in 1869 and the Sir Samuel Way Building. The skilful design solution needed to consider functional, operational and safety requirements while reconciling years of unsympathetic development across multiple buildings.

The result is a competent, articulate design that creates a new, legible single point of entry that flows through to an axial courtyard, cleverly landscaped to resolve levels, define new from old and offer contrast to the warm and sensitively lined new court rooms.

This adaptation is both poetic and pragmatic, innovatively restoring pride in the State’s Supreme Court.

interior architecture

The Robert Dickson Award for Interior Architecture

EOS by Sky City | Walter Brooke & Associates + Hecker Guthrie

EOS by SkyCity exudes a timeless elegance with a calming sensibility. A brilliant response to a brief that called for a world-class, unique and exclusive five-star boutique hotel in the heart of Adelaide.

The interiors are driven by a curated minimal material palette executed with a high level of detail and thoughtful consideration. Leaving nothing to chance, the spatial experiences have been mindfully choreographed with seamless integration of wayfinding and interior palette.

A profound sense of calm and tranquillity pervades the hotel; providing counterpoint and retreat from the hyper stimulation of the casino. The interiors gently celebrate the boutique without bombast or pomp.

Joinery slips effortlessly between integrated form and standalone element, consciously balanced by complementary bespoke furniture items and feature lighting.

The exceptional cohesion from public spaces through to private spaces connects guests to this new, calming, realm of luxury from their first point of arrival through all of the touch points. The clarity of the design response is celebrated throughout the project with subtle but effective gestures.

The interiors are an exemplary exploration of luxurious spatial restraint within a building typology seldom afforded room to breathe – testament to the tireless efforts of a highly dedicated and talented team with a clear vision for the outcome. EOS by Sky City, is a project not only to be seen, but to experience.

Award for Interior Architecture

Margie's dream | Architects Ink

Margie’s Dream pays homage to a quintessential Mediterranean mode of modernity. Ubiquitous ‘whiteness’ anchors volumes, capturing spaces in a serene pose of structured calm, “a tranquil oasis in a suburban context.”

This robust addition to the circa 1888 display home, sees a highly refined fusion between old and new.  Traditional features delicately intertwine with contemporary refinements within the existing villa and formality slips away to reveal the crisp whiteness, sharp shadow play and warming limestone tones in the addition.

The seemingly spartan interiors of the addition harbour artfully crafted detail allowing the building form and joinery to effortlessly blend, providing an uninterrupted canvas for highly curated furniture to pop with restrained fervour. The high level of design resolution and execution ensure that complex details appear simple.

A seamless and cohesive architectural and interior response results in a successful reply to the client’s brief.  A minimal palette including solid stippled walls and limestone form a single spatial experience, both indoors and out. This disciplined materiality and exacting detailing ensure the interior does not require any embellishment. 

Margie’s Dream is a bold exploration in restraint, never shying away from its intent. It is a testament to the unwavering skill of the architect and vision of the client.

Award for Interior Architecture

Walkerville Residence | Williams Burton Leopardi

Walkerville Residence is a home that evokes both a sense of family and sophistication.

The existing villa has been beautifully renovated to increase functionality and instil personality into each of its spaces.  

Considered and thoughtful detailing is the thread that weaves together each of the spaces, allowing the family art collection to provide individuality and spontaneity, creating highly inviting spaces that beckon the viewer.

The existing villa opens up and transitions from the formality of the traditional spaces into a grand double height extension, capitalising on the natural light and vistas to the gardens.

A curated and beautiful use of sensuous materials, colour and dramatic feature lighting create a calmness to the interiors. A sense of carefully considered proportion and scale between the loose furniture and fixed joinery items has a sense of casual orchestration – everything has its place within an uncontrived contemporary context.

A stunningly elegant and timeless family home.

Commendation for Interior Architecture

Blackfriars Priory School Aquinas Centre

With a strong focus on responding to the brief, interior spaces encourage collaboration and interaction between students and teaching staff. 

Strategies of visual connection maintain high levels of acoustic separation and the removal of traditional barriers fosters dialogue between student and teacher.

The successful interior resolution has a maturity often seen in tertiary environments, with a high quality of detailing encouraging students to take pride and ownership of their learning environment.

Commendation for Interior architecture

iTL Italian Kitchen | Walter brooke & Associates + Genesin studio

iTL Italian Kitchen presents a beautifully detailed, complex array of material and colours that resonate with the fragrance of Italy.

The restaurant seating hugs the outer envelope of the building connecting it to exterior entertaining spaces beyond, while interacting with the variety of internal food and beverage zones.

Upon entry the gondola like bar sets the scene for an authentic and thoughtfully considered space to create an elegant yet relaxed dining experience. 

Commendation for Interior architecture

North Adelaide residence by Williams Burton Leopardi

North Adelaide Residence presents a series of successfully reapportioned spaces making the most of the existing footprint of previous additions.

The development of the interior decisively informs architectural gestures as seen in the delicate handling of the kitchen through the considered use of a contemporary bay window.

Consistent ‘relief’ detailing between inserted joinery and built form spans from old to new.  This design signature straddles programmatic zones, and is transferable across material finishes, creating stability and balance throughout the entire space.

public architecture

Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture

Her Majestys Theatre Redevelopment | Cox Architecture

The redevelopment of Her Majesty’s Theatre is both an architectural and cultural celebration sympathetic to nostalgic public connections to the old theatre and its national importance. The redevelopment led by COX Architecture successfully maintains the historical integrity of the original 1913 building façade (designed by architects David Williams and Charles Good) and has transformed the theatre into not just a viable modern venue but a place that can deliver a unique public experience on a national level. Past, present, and future narratives sit alongside one another comfortably with reference to past performers and a level of materiality that embraces the atmospheric aura of an iconic art deco theatre.

The public areas are vastly improved with the acquisition of the adjacent site enabling greater functionality and a multilevel place for refreshment taking in views toward the Central Market Precinct through the respectfully neutral glazed façade. Functionality has been given a high level of importance throughout the redevelopment starting with equal and inclusive access for all patrons, performers, and crew. Her Majesty’s Theatre now boasts a larger accessible auditorium with a back of house facility, commensurate with a high specification that importantly enables the attraction of ‘top shows’ and artists to South Australia. It’s evident that COX Architecture formed a wonderful synergy between client group and contractor to successfully bring ‘Her Maj’ back to life.

Award for Public Architecture

CAA Higher Courts Redevelopment | Hassell with Baukultur

The CAA Higher Courts Redevelopment provides overriding clarity through a series of refined insertions, unlocked spaces and enriched state listed heritage buildings punctuated across two distinct sites. The redevelopment led by architects Hassell Studio and Baukultur instills a sense of calm through use of materiality and the benefits of access to the outside. At the core of the redevelopment is the unashamedly contemporary 2 storey glass pavilion that has resolved complex circulation requirements and has created a place for public congregation, set amongst the backdrop of the heritage buildings delivered under the supervision of colonial architect R G Thomas in 1867.

What was previously a group of disparate buildings now hangs together as a holistic ‘calm’ experience unlocked by the architects’ deft skill and cross disciplinary approach to both internal and external spaces. The court rooms and supporting spaces are now elevated to a contemporary modern court room experience with a unifying palette that incorporates subtle heritage cues with an emphasis on natural materials. The reinvigorated Higher Courts Redevelopment led by Hassell Studio and Baukultur provides a benchmark for the coexistence of heritage fabric amongst incisive and cleverly crafted contemporary spaces that appear to amplify the reading of time within the precinct. This approach has vastly improved the standing of the Supreme and District courts and set a benchmark for future development.

Commendation for Public Architecture

Conyngham Street Depot | Greenway Architects SA

The Conyngham Street Depot is a strong benchmark for the successful inclusion of valuable community programs alongside typical council infrastructure services. Greenway Architects have successfully created an inviting interface utilising the biodiversity nursery operations and the Men’s Shed Program to provide an excellent dialogue with the community. The simple vernacular building with north facing veranda creates a gathering space that is activated by the workshop and the adjacent community spaces.

Conyngham Street Depot demonstrates the potential for improved livability in the surrounding neighbourhood and the secured future of valuable community services.

Commendation for Public Architecture

Lockleys Oval Redevelopment | Walter Brooke & Associates

The Lockleys Oval redevelopment is a facility that sets a new benchmark for multi-sport and community venues. Walter Brooke Architects set out to create an intentional ‘blankcanvas’ that successfully enables a multitude of groups to temporarily brand the facility in their own colours as required. The simplicity in the well-executed planning provides a cohesive and prominent building incorporating the best spectator vision across multiple ovals and courts from the single vantage point. The multipurpose nature of the facility ensures the long-term sustainability of the development and the wider sporting community.

Commendation for Public Architecture

Norwood Oval Redevelopment | Tridente Boyce

The Norwood Oval redevelopment is a well-considered upgrade that builds on the rich history and urban fabric of the originally constructed 1901 Oval.

Tridente Boyce Architects have sought to maximise the existing fabric through clever insertions aimed at vastly improving both the compliance requirements and the match day user experience. The introduction of a new function centre between the stands, connects the oval with the street through a light and delicate screen boasting the club colours and a glazed pavilion with uninterrupted views of the historic oval.

Residential architecture - Houses (alterations and Additions)

The John Schenk for Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions)

Kingswood House | Archaea

The Kingswood House project provides a playful, light-filled contemporary extension to a sandstone cottage reinvigorating the whole site.  Council restrictions resulted in gable roof forms for the second storey rear addition which, while visible from the street, complement the original house. The spaces within these roof forms allow for maximum, but well considered, sun penetration and result in bountiful light interiors. The house radiates warmth through its textures, colours, careful timber detailing of curved walls, and incorporation of breeze block bench support detail in the kitchen. An abundance of thermal mass, coupled with an in-slab hydronic heating and cooling system, demonstrate the considered approach to sustainable design. The lofty double height living room is delineated by a curved slate plinth, providing areas for relaxation and lingering. The durable material selection, relationship with pool and alfresco areas and thoughtful garden landscaping provide a robust context for growing children. 

Archaea have skillfully and economically fulfilled the brief, incorporating the clients’ desires and needs and resulting in a modern, light-filled, environmentally responsive home which embraces the original cottage’s heritage. The clients have praised the architect for her listening and responsiveness to their changing family needs.

AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES (ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS)

…number 78 | bLACK rABBIT ARCHITECTURE + iNTERIORS

…number 78 adds a contemporary extension to an existing symmetrical cottage, seamlessly enlivening the entire site from streetscape to laneway.

From the formal entry, the traditional spaces are enhanced with detailed joinery and richly finished bathrooms. Through the hall, a hint of what lies beyond is glimpsed. Resisting the urge for an expansive open plan, the modern extension is anchored by a three-way masonry hearth that draws the eye, adds thermal mass and neatly separates personalised spaces, public from private, all built over a recycled 80’s concrete slab. The subtle white brick fireplaces reflect the traditional masonry and define the level change. A discreet side entry gives life to the existing cellar access in a cleverly combined utility space.

The new gable roof forms are setback from the main roof to provide access to northern winter sun, with operable high-level windows providing natural ventilation and, together with the scaled down southern gables, bathe the extension in in an explosion of natural light, all connecting to the rejuvenated rear yard.

Black Rabbit have skillfully and economically fulfilled the brief, incorporating the influence of the clients’ European Heritage resulting in a modern, light filled environmentally responsive family space while honouring the original cottage’s heritage.

AWARD FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES (ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS)

Walkerville Residence | Williams Burton Leopardi

Williams Burton Leopardi have extensively and sensitively reworked this grand historic home in Walkerville to provide a total luxurious upgrade and two storey extension. A clever addition provides a strategically independent ‘apartment’ for two adult children, elevated over the garage for maximum views and light. A linking element accommodating kitchen, dining and lounge, draws the family spaces together and establishes a new functional and communal heart of the home.

Blurring the boundary between inside and out, a lofty colonnade surrounds the new living room, extending the space into the contemporary formal gardens by Distinctive Gardens.

The grand proportions of the addition speak to those of the original dwelling, with a satiating sense of balance achieved through the contrast of light and open forms against the traditional stone construction.

Williams Burton Leopardi’s materials palette, joinery and detailing exude classical elegance and seamlessly knit the contemporary and traditional interior spaces together.

This project has redefined the layout of the historic home and cleverly extended its function using an architectural language that spectacularly translates across old and new. The result provides meticulously refined, joyous spaces, that enjoy the full benefit of their sophisticated landscape setting.

Commendation FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES (ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS)

Reading the View | Mulloway Studio

Mulloway have enveloped the rear of this Gilberton cottage with a warm, detailed, human scaled extension. A variety of carefully placed openings and window seats capture views to the garden, hills, and sky across a canvas of books and a revitalised courtyard wisteria. Culminating in a James Turrell – inspired towering roof window, each new plane of the renovation is operable, intensifying the client’s interaction with the outside. A modest budget stretched across a highly tailored result provides the owners with a rich array of multi-use living spaces for family and work life.

Commendation FOR RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE - HOUSES (ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS)

Skye Residence | Williams Burton Leopardi

WBL have skilfully reinvigorated this 1980s house in Skye by K Kyun Tai Architects, successfully enhancing the original modern design.  New interventions are subtle, with a sustainable approach driving the design outcome. Changes include re-framing the spectacular views, providing new double glazing, reworking the deck and the introduction of a punctuating breeze block wall that defines the entry point.  The result is an imaginatively planned layout with atmospheric colour tones, complemented by a carefully conceived garden setting by Lee Gray.  

Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

The John S Chappel Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

St Peters House | Con Bastiras Architects

St Peters House is a great story advocating the extended role of the architect and highlighting the exceptional results that can emerge from a symbiotic Client/Architect relationship. Simple materials are used cleverly and powerfully to create value. The contextual relationship pivoting shopping block and historic precinct has been deftly handled. A potential sticking point used as a tool to drive a unique street frontage.

Between historic houses and a non-descript shopping strip, this new house borrows from its neighbours to inform its variety of roof forms and shapes concealing lush courtyards and delightful private spaces. The inspiring partnership between client and architect has resulted in a seamless integration of architecture, interior design and classic vintage furniture collection. Full height doors and well-designed joinery maximise the experience on a limited budget. The jury enjoyed the owner’s affectionate tour and were collectively impressed at the architect’s ability  to deliver the carefully detailed, highly considered spaces using high quality materials on such a lean budget. This is a house that is highly tailored to its owner and is a testament to relentless work and perseverance from both architect and client.

Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

First Creek House | Troppo Architects

With its footprint driven largely by the First Creek flood study, this new residence adopts a successful courtyard-style, wrapping around the revegetated native landscape, and placing entertaining at the heart of the house. The architecture has an uplifting personality, expressed through well-resolved planning that caters for the client’s every need. The pool house and unique outdoor spaces are all on show from the internal courtyard and relentlessly detailed in line with the main house.   Showing a skillful manipulation of honest materials: rammed earth, native timber and Corten steel; this extensive house is well-grounded in its local context.

The bold but warm rammed earth fence breaks down at the entry to provide an inviting, accessible and human scaled streetscape. Beyond the fence, exceptional detailing and layers of textural materials give a sophisticated depth. Beautifully executed intimate spaces like the music room, moody powder room and the entrance gallery sit well with the larger well-proportioned living spaces and splendid gallery hallway. The 360-degree resolution of this house is superb, the back of house areas beautifully resolved and the wall of rainwater tanks fabulous!

Award for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

Hillside House | Architects Ink

Hillside House is a new interpretation of the grand allotment and character homes of Springfield, using form and mass to create a strong street presence. The jury were impressed by the re-interpretation of its context with the house playing up to some of the typical moves evident in the surrounding properties – a grand entrance and big, bold street presence – but deliberately eschewing ornament/decoration, presenting as an authentic contemporary interpretation.

The confident use of a single type of textured brick to clad the entire house presents as monolithic but not stark. It is deftly offset by the timber barn ceiling in the North facing living space. The ceiling re-emerges in the bedroom wing paired with finely detailed joinery offering a softness for the series of more intimate spaces each with its own connection to the landscape beyond. 

The house is well-crafted and effortlessly detailed with materials pared back to their essence, echoing the reductive approach to form. This is a generous house with clear architectural intent but one that maintains an intimacy through its detail, material selections and skillful planning.

 

Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

House in the Hills | James Allen Architect

A series of cropped views and compressed spaces open up to embrace the landscape with adaptable outdoor spaces. This house invites both expansion in summer- through large operable openings – or retreating in winter – to cosy window seats nestled amongst stone walls. The simple form is skillfully broken-down into three volumes to sit more comfortably on the large sloping site. Local timber and stone has been used with consummate skill and is coupled with micro details that delight the senses – the front door handle and peep holes were highlights. 

Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

House One | Architects Ink

The floor plan exudes modernist cool using a pared-back palette with subdued beach vibes.

The clever structural approach to use expressed timber structure on a strict modular grid to reduce build times and requirements for trades to return to site is commendable and bodes well for the suite of modular house designs from which House One comes. Uncomplicated detailing with simple, cost effective materials coupled with a limited material palette combine to deliver a coherent well resolved house.

Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

One KI | Built Design Architects

Deftly crafted One KI is at one with its site. Roof forms filigree delightfully over the dunes and decks respectfully extend the architecture to the delicate rejuvenated native landscape.

Good passive orientation, seamless transparency with large glazed areas and framed vistas allow an immediate connection with the coast and climate and  create a highly breathable and comfortable house.  The architect has put a lot of love and sweat into this house and it shows. The detailing exhibits a maturity and a command of connective tissues. 

Commendation for Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

Tennyson Residence | Enzo Caroscio Architecture

The solid masonry form provides shelter from harsh Western beach front but is contrasted by massive openings that drink in the views and maintain a feeling of openness and connection to outside. Seamless integration of indoor and outdoor spaces to both sides of the house provide outdoor options year round. The textural brick, timber screens and soft ‘fuzzy’ landscape elements give a tactility and human scale to the monolithic form. Public/Private balance has been handled well throughout offering the occupants a haven that feels open and strongly connected to the outdoors

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

Commendation for Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing

Third Avenue | Studio Nine Architects

With a variety of forms and materials this urban infill project creates a captivating street presence. The adjustable screening devices change the face of the development and permeability of the facade throughout the day reflecting the occupants’ individual penchant for privacy or connection. A skillful use of cost-effective materials break up the long facades into domestic village-like scale with a twist of an Australian palette. The use of sunshading and view-screening devices help the medium-density scale feel inviting and approachable.

Small Project Architecture

The Marjorie Simpson Award for Small Project Architecture

Old Government House Coach House| Arcuate Architecture

Nestled in the established gardens of the Governor’s former summer residence in Belair National Park, this very modest project successfully responds to the Friends of Old Government House brief to provide more flexibility and enhance visitor experience.

Arcuate Architecture’s approach and philosophy of doing ‘as much as necessary but as little as possible’ employs redundant original building fabric resulting in quirky details that demonstrate a depth of attention that is a credit to the architect’s commitment to the project itself and the client group.

The old timber glazed screens have been repaired and relocated, increasing the precious space available to the visitor centre and create a stronger relationship with the garden and with Old Government House beyond.

This refreshing and contemporary project gives a lift to the identity of this fine historic property and gardens, making a valuable contribution to the State’s built heritage.

The SA Chapter would like to thank its supporters:

Principal Partner: BlueScope, COLORBOND
Major National Partners: Dulux, Brickworks
National Corporate Partners: Bondor, Lysaght, Fielders, Bosch
National Supporting Partners: Built Environment Channel, NBS
National Insurance Partner: Planned Cover
National Media Partner: Architecture Media
State Partners: Revolution Roofing, City of Adelaide
State Supporters: LED Outdoor, Brickworks, AWS, Adelaide Gin
Event Partners: Evright Trophies, Mismatch Brewing Co

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