Monash University’s student housing project by BVN and the Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki by FJMT with New Zealand-based Archimedia have won Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) International Awards.

Monash University, Student Housing, Clayton Campus designed by BVN. Photographer: John Gollings

The Awards are an annual showcase of the best architecturally-designed built works outside the UK. The winners progress as finalists to the RIBA Lubetkin Prize, awarded to the best international building announced later this year.

Monash Student Housing was designed in conjunction with BVN, a national innovative architecture and design practice, the site comprises two five-storey buildings, each housing 300 students, and is characterised by an exterior façade of timber detailing and floor-to-ceiling windows.

It was the first University project completed under the National Rental Affordability Scheme (NRAS), which was established as part of the nation building fund formed in response to the Global Financial Crisis.

BVN Principal Ninotschka Titchkosky said the building responded to the need for higher-end facilities for students by moving away from dormitory accommodation to providing self-contained bedroom/study space.

“We kept the design focused on the experience of the residents, rather than just the pragmatic fulfilment of the spatial brief,” Ms Titchkosky said.

“The studios include unimpeded views through full-height windows together with a kitchen, ensuite bathroom and built-in furniture giving the rooms a hotel quality."

The Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki was a collaborative project between Francis-Jones Morehen Thorp (FJMT) and New Zealand-based Archimedia. Photography: John Gollings

It recently won New Zealand's highest architecture award, the New Zealand Institute of Architects' 2012 Architecture Medal.

"The Auckland Art Gallery is a most deserving winner of the Architecture Medal," says the convenor of the awards jury, Wellington architect Hugh Tennent.

"There were high hopes for this building, and big challenges to overcome. The architects had to work with an existing heritage building and a sensitive site on the edge of Albert Park, as well provide all the spaces and amenities required by a twenty-first century art gallery."

Monash University’s Executive Director of Facilities and Services, Stephen Davey, welcomed the award for Monash Student Housing: Education Building, which provides an affordable, environmentally and socially sustainable dwelling for students at the Clayton campus.

Davey said Monash had set a standard for student housing and that the building was designed with an environmental and inclusive consciousness.

“It is positive to see Monash Student Housing recognised by an international body such as the Royal Institute of British Architects,” Davey said.

“This outstanding result represents an application of modern sustainable design principles on a significant scale, and in a relatively low-cost design and build project.

“The site creates spaces for students that promote collegiality and there been a significant investment in environmental sustainability including large solar systems, water recycling and natural ventilation.”

They were among 12 buildings to the receive RIBA International Awards, other winners including Foster + Partners’ high-density urban development Troika in Kuala Lumpur and the world’s tallest building designed by a British architect, the Guangzhou Finance Centre by Wilkinson Eyre.

The full list of twelve RIBA International Award winners is:

  • Clayton Campus — Monash University, Melbourne, Australia - VN Architecture
  • Balsillie School of International Affairs, CIGI Campus, Canada - Kuwabara Payne McKenna Blumberg Architects
  • Guangzhou International Finance Centre, Guangzhou, China - Wilkinson Eyre Architects
  • Innhouse hotel Kunming, China - Integer Intelligent and Green
  • Yotsuya Tenera, Tokyo, Japan - Key Operation Inc / Architects
  • One KL, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - SCDA Architects
  • The Troika, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia - Foster + Partners
  • Auckland Art Gallery — Toi o Tamaki, Auckland, New Zealand FJMT + Archimedia - architects in association
  • Solaris Fusionopolis 2B, One North, Singapore - TR Hamzah and Yeang
  • Urban housing and crèche, Geneva, Switzerland - Sergison Bates Architects with Jean-Paul Jaccaud Architectes
  • Frick Chemistry Laboratory, Princeton University, USA - Hopkins Architects
  • Sperone Westwater, Bowery, New York City - Foster + Partners
  • The Architects' Journal is the media partner for the RIBA Awards and trade media partner for the RIBA Award Stirling Prize.