A challenging project to secure Queensland’s Old Government House for generations without detracting from its past has been awarded top honours in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2010 Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards.
The project - Old Government House Conservation and Adaptation by Conrad Gargett Architects - was awarded the 2010 John Dalton Award for Building of the Year.
Queensland state awards director, Bud Brannigan, says: "The designers have successfully provided a considered and sensitive response to a project that was not without considerable challenges, and the refurbishment allows the public to use and enjoy this building for many years to come, while not destroying or detracting from any of its historical importance and ambience. It is a superb example of how an historic building can be restored and revitalised for the benefit of the wider community as a whole."
All up, 133 architectural projects were entered in this year’s Brisbane regional awards, with a total of 35 regional commendations awarded.
The jury presented the House of the Year Award to Stonehawk by base architecture. Brannigan says the project was "an exceptional solution to an everyday problem.
"This single family house on a west facing steep suburban site is a close fit but flexible house for a young family. Against the trend, this house embraces multiple use rather than multiplicity of space within a considered architectural framework which deals with the programme, the orientation and the environment."
Thirty-three other commendations were also presented, including:
Commercial Architecture
- Santos Place by Donovan Hill
- Patricks Berth 10 Autostrad Terminal by Fiala Ooi Architects
- North Lakes Health Precinct by Daryl Jackson Architects
- 400 George Street by Cox Rayner Heritage Architecture
- Former West's Furniture Showroom by Riddell Architecture
Residential Architecture - Houses
- Z House by Donovan Hill
- Steendyk Home and Studio by Steendyk
- Point Lookout Retreats by Paul Butterworth Architect
- Bulimba Boathouse by Owen & Vokes
- Arbour House by Richard Kirk Architect
- Boolarong and Kinkabook by Shane Thompson/BVN
Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing
- Aquila Apartments by Plazibatt + Jemmot Architects
- Jasper Lane by BVN
- Eden SW1 by JMA Architects
- Yeronga Village by Arkhefield
- The Ivy by BVN Small Project Architecture
- Balmoral Residence by Kieron Gait Architects
- Kauri by Base Architecture
- Garage Cafe by Arkhefield
Sustainable Architecture
- Willawong Bus Depot by City Design
All commendation recipients are now in the running for Queensland Architecture Awards, to be announced in Brisbane June 19.
