Family Focus Triumphs in Architectural Awards

WORDS: Ocean Road Magazine Editorial Staff PHOTOGRAPHY One Surf residence Photography: Brock Beazely Photography

Families at the forefront of award-winning design

The winning designs at the Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Regional Architecture Awards, announced on Friday 24 May, showcased the power of architecture to benefit families. 

Designs catering for a range of households — including young children through to intergenerational families — were recognised at the awards. 

The Australian Institute of Architects Awards Jury selected five residential projects for key accolades, including Project of the Year.

 

Families at the forefront of award-winning designs

Tallowwood Cabin, designed by Fouché Architects claimed Regional Project of the Year and a Regional Commendation for new residential architecture. The design is a secondary dwelling to accommodate the homeowners’ parent. 

The jury had high praise for the project. “Windows frame outside views like paintings, the Bushfire Attack Level flame zone (BAL-FZ) rating requirements and fire shutters are sophisticatedly integrated into the façade design… This modest project skilfully resolves both form and function.”

House of the Year was awarded to The Grove, designed by Jamison Architects. With Burleigh Heads National Park as the backdrop for this home, the jury described the design as having a “… harmonious relationship with the site”. The architect and client worked together to turn challenges into opportunities. This too, was recognised by the jury who noted, “Every room has purpose, charm, and character.” The design also received a Regional Commendation for new residential architecture. 

The Island House, designed by BDA Architecture – won the People’s Choice award and a Regional Commendation. Other residential award-winning projects included onesurf residence, by Blueprint Architects, and PALA Residence, designed by Studio Snell – each receiving Regional Commendations. 

Currumbin State School OSHC rounded out the Regional Commendations. Its new ‘outside school hours care’ building, designed by Resonance d+a, integrated an outdoor play area as a separate ‘breathing’ space. This innovative approach was applauded by the jury. “This excellent solution demonstrates the benefits of a positive client/architect relationship.”

Building of the Year awarded to re-purposed community spaces 

The Warehouses, designed by J.AR OFFICE, were honoured with two top prizes – the Philip Follent Building of the Year award and a Regional Commendation for commercial architecture. The five existing structures on the site have been adapted and updated for new uses as retail, community and workspaces. The jury highlighted the architects’ “… skilful edits, fabric retention or removal, and sensitive use of colour and materials”.  The design has also been recognised for its social impact. 

2024 Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Region Jury Citations

Tallowwood Cabin

Fouché Architects

Gold Coast and Northern Rivers – Regional Project of the Year

Gold Coast and Northern Rivers – Regional Commendation

Citation:

The modest footprint of an existing clearing resulted in the Tallowwood Cabin’s tight and efficient floor plan. The façade is bold and abstract yet blends well into the surrounding landscape. Internally, the design language is consistent throughout, with most furniture built in. Windows frame outside views like paintings, the Bushfire Attack Level flame zone (BAL-FZ) rating requirements and fire shutters are sophisticatedly integrated into the façade design, and the open-air shower is a standout feature. This modest project skillfully resolves both form and function

The Grove

Jamison Architects

Gold Coast and Northern Rivers – Regional House of the Year

Gold Coast and Northern Rivers – Regional Commendation

Citation:

The Grove has a peaceful quality that is expressed through a quiet and harmonious relationship with the site. The architect and client worked together to turn the challenges of the site into positive opportunities. Every room has purpose, charm, and character. The materials and details are executed seamlessly to create a house that is a home.