The much loved Her Majesty’s Theatre Redevelopment by COX Architecture was a big winner at the 2021 South Australian Architecture Awards run by the Australian Institute of Architects. The rejuvenated venue won the Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture, the David Saunders Award for Heritage Architecture and the City of Adelaide Prize.
Constructed in 1913, Her Majesty’s Theatre (HMT) is Adelaide’s oldest continually operating performance venue. COX Architecture showcased the theatre’s contemporary expectations while celebrating its historic integrity and character. With the original facade intact, the new theatre was rejuvenated into a viable contemporary venue that embodies and celebrates the original Edwardian features, Art Nouveau curves and rich history that has graced the stage and audience in years past.
Awards Director for 2021 Catherine Startari (GHD Woodhead) said ‘it is evident from the projects submitted that great architecture comes from an innovative use of space and materials, carefully considered detailing and sustainability principles. It is not always easy to balance these criteria with the clients brief, but it was interesting to learn how architects navigated the process to deliver some extraordinary design outcomes.’
Kingswood House by Archaea was the recipient of the John Schenk Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) and the inaugural winner of the Emerging Project Prize. The Award recognises an emerging practice’s commitment to deliver architecture of great value while also ensuring the knowledge and design processes are passed onto the next generation. Jurors recognised that ’Kingswood House communicates an intelligible sensitivity in architectural presentation, singing a playfulness within its intersecting angular forms and finely detailed curved interiors.’
The winner of the John S Chappel Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) St Peters House by Con Bastiras Architects is another great story advocating the extended role of the architect and highlighting the exceptional results that can emerge from a symbiotic client/architect relationship. A single storey red brick house nestled in the historic inner Adelaide suburb of St Peters, jurors praised the simple materials used cleverly and powerfully to create value. ‘The contextual relationship pivoting shopping block and historic precinct is deftly handled converting a potential sticking point into a tool to drive a unique street frontage. ‘ The budget of just under $500,00 was also noted as a major achievement.
In the Interiors category, EOS by SkyCity a collaboration between Walter Brooke & Associates + Hecker Guthrie was lauded for its timeless elegance with the Robert Dickson Award for Interior Architecture. The jurors were impressed by the curated minimal material palette executed with a high level of detail and thoughtful consideration. ‘The profound sense of calm and tranquillity pervading the hotel providing counterpoint and retreat from the hyper stimulation of the casino. The interiors gently celebrate the boutique without bombast or pomp.’
Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture winner, Meals on Wheels SA Head Office by JPE Design Studio brings together administrative, office and commercial kitchen functions together in a consolidated cook and chill facility. Representing the expansion and modernisation of Meals on Wheels South Australia, this new two storey commercial building expresses a sense of warmth, openness, and approachability that reflects the heart of this non-for-profit organisation.
The recipient of the President’s Medal was awarded to Dr Rachel Hurst FRAIA in recognition of the importance of teaching, and inspiring and shaping young architects in the profession. Having guided thousands of students through the long degree course, Rachel’s passion for the profession is evident. She sets high standards for herself, her students and colleagues, continually refining her techniques and embracing new approaches. This enthusiasm for revealing the importance of architecture to both students and the wider profession resonates with graduates and all who have had the fortune work with her.
Alongside her teaching, Rachel is deeply embedded within the architecture and design profession. She is a contributing Editor for Architecture Australia, and prolific contributor to a range of national design journals such as Architecture AU, Monument, Artichoke and Houses.
From a total of 77 nominated projects, 42 honours were awarded in the live-streamed presentation with Named Award and Award winners in each category now progressing to the National Architecture Awards.
The SA Emerging Architect Prize and a new award – the SA Architecture Medal – the highest honour awarded by the SA Chapter will be presented to the winner across all categories at a bricks-and-mortar celebration at the National Wine Centre on Sat 12 June.
Full list of winners:
Commercial Architecture
Keith Neighbour Award – Meals on Wheels SA Head Office by JPE Design Studio
Commendation – AWL Wingfield Redevelopment by Cheesman Architects
Educational Architecture
Dr John Mayfield Award – Wilderness School Learning Commons by COX Architecture
Commendation – Breda Byrne Wing Upgrade, Loreto College by MPH Architects
Commendation – McAuley Community School by Swanbury Penglase
Enduring Architecture
Jack Cheesman Award – The Youth Court by Public Buildings Dept. (Architect Adrian Evans)
Heritage
David Saunders Award – Her Majesty’s Theatre Redevelopment by COX Architecture
Commendation – Sheridan Kiosk by BB Architects
Commendation – CAA Higher Courts Redevelopment by Hassell with Baukultur
Interior Architecture
Robert Dickson Award – EOS by SkyCity by Walter Brooke & Associates + Hecker Guthrie
Award – Margie’s Dream by Architects Ink
Award – Walkerville Residence by Williams Burton Leopardi
Commendation – Blackfriars Priory School Aquinas Centre by Swanbury Penglase
Commendation – iTL Italian Kitchen by Walter Brooke & Associates + Genesin Studio
Commendation – North Adelaide Residence by Williams Burton Leopardi
Public Architecture
Jack McConnell Award – Her Majesty’s Theatre Redevelopment by COX Architecture
Award – CAA Higher Courts Redevelopment by Hassell with Baukultur
Commendation – Conyngham Street Depot by Greenway Architects SA
Commendation – Norwood Oval Redevelopment by Tridente Boyce
Commendation – Lockleys Oval Redevelopment by Walter Brooke & Associates
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
John Schenk Award – Kingswood House by Archaea
Award – …number 78 by Black Rabbit Architecture + Interiors
Award – Walkerville Residence by Williams Burton Leopardi
Commendation – Reading the View by Mulloway Studio
Commendation – Skye Residence by Williams Burton Leopardi
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
John S Chappel Award – St Peters House by Con Bastiras Architects
Award – Hillside House by Architects Ink
Award – First Creek House by Troppo Architects
Commendation – House One by Architects Ink
Commendation – One KI by Built Design Architects
Commendation – Tennyson Residence by Enzo Caroscio Architecture
Commendation – House in the Hills by James Allen Architect
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Commendation – Third Avenue by Studio Nine Architects
Small Project Architecture
Marjorie Simpson Award for Small Project Architecture – Old Government House – Coach House by Arcuate Architecture
COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture
Award – Lockleys Oval Redevelopment by Walter Brooke & Associates
Chapter Prizes
City of Adelaide Prize – Her Majesty’s Theatre Redevelopment by COX Architecture
Commendation – Sheridan Kiosk by BB Architects
Commendation – Vietnamese Boat People Monument – ‘Guiding Light’ by Rosella Badios
Commendation – Modernist Adelaide by Stuart Symons
City of Adelaide Prize People’s Choice – Vietnamese Boat People Monument – ‘Guiding Light’ by Rosella Badios
Sir James Irwin President’s Medal – Dr Rachel Hurst FRAIA
SA Emerging Project Award – Kingswood House by Archaea
