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There are no two ways about it, hospitality and tourism are just naturally associated with good times – as they should be. But, with the rise of climate crisis concerns, the global hotel industry has found itself at a critical juncture – the luxurious facades of high-end venues are masking a carbon footprint that, while currently accounting for around one percent of global emissions, is poised to expand alarmingly alongside the industry's growth.
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The Australian educational and research landscape is witnessing a transformation, not just in curriculum and pedagogy, but also in the very design and function of its buildings. Just as we recognise our educational institutions as places of innovation and inspiration, so too are we recognising that their buildings must be the same.
The Editor’s Choice Award is given to the entry that stands out from the pack in several very special ways and one that we feel deserves to be recognised for its unique principles and its outstanding as well as, unwavering commitment to sustainability and design.
When it comes to sustainability trends in architecture, there’s a lot to consider. From building practices to core materials and soft furnishings; location and orientation – just about everything comes into play. But possibly the most sustainable architecture and construction methods of them all fall under the category of adaptive reuse renovations.
While the rate of urbanisation isn’t necessarily slowing down, the boundaries between city and nature are somewhat blurring. In fact, our cities are becoming both edible and wilder – and more connected than ever before. Manicured lawns and fussy flower beds give way to veggie patches, uninspired rooftops burst with fresh produce and once-neglected laneways bloom with native wildflowers.
The era of hyper-local, responsive multi-residential development is here. Australian architects and designers are embracing a granular understanding of urban microclimates, harnessing the power of salvaged materials, and prioritising resident empowerment as they forge a new frontier in sustainable design.
Australians are known for their love of space, but with urban land getting pricier and our focus on sustainability intensifying, the small dwelling is having a big moment. Laneway homes, clever additions and rooftop gardens – they're not just about fitting more in, but about living smarter. And Aussie architects and homeowners are leading the way, proving that small-scale alterations can have a huge impact on comfort, efficiency, and even resilience in the face of our unique climate challenges.
Dick Clarke is the epitomisation of a sustainable designer. The Envirotecture Founding Director boasts some three decades of experience specialising in ecologically sustainable and culturally appropriate buildings. His commitment extends beyond residences, encompassing sustainable design principles in vehicles and vessels as well.
Noticed the rise of vibrant co-working spaces popping up in converted warehouses, quirky cafes nestled in repurposed shipping containers or small eco-tourism retreats appearing in the heart of Australian outback? Small commercial architecture is where real innovation is happening right now.
Imagine buildings that heal themselves like the human body, roofs that patiently harvest the sun's energy, and walls made from scientifically engineered materials that are as strong as they are beautiful. This isn't some distant utopia – it's the exciting reality of sustainable building materials and products taking root in Australia.
Australia's varying climates and volatile weather patterns present increasing challenges in keeping buildings at a moderate temperature year round, which leads to heavy reliance on energy-intensive heating and cooling systems and adds an unnecessary cost burden to building occupants. As a result, thermal performance is emerging as an essential point of focus in the drive towards sustainable construction practices.
Forget categories and sub-classifications. The Sustainability Awards' Best of the Best isn't about ticking boxes, it's about unearthing a true gamechanger. A project so groundbreaking, so fundamentally transformative, that it redefines what "sustainable" can truly mean.
