Gold Coast celebrates award-winning residential designs

WORDS: Kiri Sawtell PHOTOGRAPHY Scott Burrows

Three residential design projects were honoured at the Australian Institute of Architects’ Regional Architecture Awards by a panel of industry experts. The award-winning projects included an owner-built urban house, a home on the coastal canal and a rural rainforest retreat – all purposefully designed to suit owners’ unique needs and individual lifestyles.

HEY House situated in Main Beach, came out on top, winning The Inaugural Philip Follent Award for Building of the Year. The design by Willemsen Architecture also received a regional commendation for residential architecture (New).

Willemsen Architecture described the sub-tropical home as an extremely personal project for their practice. “It is our family home, and a place that we designed and built as owner builders”.

Impressively, the design sits well on its residential site and contributes to its sense of modern place in the coastal suburb.

The quality detailing is paramount and is supported by smart technology in the home’s functionality. Privacy and orientation have also been well thought through and captured.

The design complements the coastal landscape by using coastal textures and a palette of harmonising colours.

 

Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Regional Commendations

Bal Harbour was awarded a regional commendation for residential architecture (Houses-New). The house was designed by DM2 Architecture and is perfectly situated on a stunning waterfront canal block in Broadbeach Waters. Home to a Gold Coast musician, the building’s design works in harmony with idyllic surroundings and has two purposeful sections connected using a central link, allowing the creation of a separate music retreat and guest suite.

Also taking home a regional commendation for residential architecture (Houses-New) was Long Road House designed by James Russell Architect. The rural residential retreat is situated in rolling hills at the southern edge of Tamborine Mountain. The judges said the house was designed for a trusted long-term friend and “the bond between architect and client was clearly evident”. The standalone house functions as both an escape and a revitaliser for the growing city-based family.

All of the region’s awarded projects have now been shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards. The state awards will be judged and awarded in June 2021.