The Lavarack Army Base in Townsville, with aspects designed by BVN Donovan Hill, has recently won its 15th award since it's completion in 2002.
The latest prize, a Regional Commendation in the 2013 North Queensland Architecture Awards was given for the urban design of the 3rd Battalion The Royal Australian Regiment (3RAR) precinct that was designed in association with Conrad Gargett Riddel.
The jury said:
"This project is a continuation and development of the architecture of this important defence project...that is well suited to the climate and the defence force. They commended the ‘clearly thought through design strategy’ that has resulted in buildings that will stand the test of time and are pleasant to use."
These elements combined with attention paid to orientation, managing the strong tropical light and maximising air flow through the buildings have, according to the jury, ‘resulted in workplaces that demonstrate best practice.’
Lavarack Barracks is located on a 400 hectare site and is home to the Australian Army’s 3rd Brigade and a number of supporting units.
The urban design of the Stage 4 Redevelopment included siting and orientation of offices, workshops and logistical facilities to reflect their working functions and the tropical climate and landscape in which they operate.
The awards so far include the Robin Boyd Award for residential buildings by the National Awards jury and also the Robin Dods award which is a prestigious Queensland prize for residential buildings as well as the Harry Marks Award for Sustainable Architecture.
David Kelly, Principal, BVN Donovan Hill said:
"Lavarack Barracks set a new benchmark for good design in defence projects back in 2002 and this latest award demonstrates the Department of Defence’s ongoing commitment to well designed facilities to support their personnel."
Images courtesy of BVN Donovan Hill
