Yukeembruk ANU | Bates Smart

Yukeembruk is ANU’s newest student village, a collection of six buildings that sit respectfully in their bushland surrounds. It is a residential hub for 700 undergraduate and postgraduate students, connecting the southwest corner of ANU to Kambri, its campus heart.

Anchored by Black Mountain, Sullivans Creek and the mature Eucalypts, the architecture is composed of a restrained materiality; brick, concrete, glass and timber accents, to avoid competing with the landscape.

Two undergraduate halls and two smaller postgraduate halls are organised around a central pedestrian spine, complete with bike storage facilities, a basketball half–court and a community green. Indoor and outdoor communal spaces are mostly located at ground; large common areas, masterchef–style kitchens and dining areas, BBQ courtyards, study spaces and music/project rooms. At the site’s centre is a one–storey pavilion that functions as a community hall, with a long–span dining room and flexible space for lectures and student gatherings.

Yarralumla House | Jean Architects

Step into a residential endeavor that combines timeless charm with contemporary allure. Tucked away in the cul–de–sac of Yarralumla, this residence captures the spirit of Mid–century design while seamlessly integrating indoor and outdoor living.

Central to the architectural vision is a transformative concept: establishing a harmonious connection between the living spaces and the backyard. This vision materialises through the implementation of a split–level design, guiding occupants from the existing house to the garden level.

The dwelling undergoes a metamorphosis, guided by two distinct design narratives. The original segment pays homage to the enigmatic allure of the night, embracing a dark and moody aesthetic. In contrast, the newly added section, strategically oriented towards the backyard, blossoms into a lively celebration of light and colour.

Y Suites, Canberra | ANTONIADES ARCHITECTS

Y Suites is a 733 bed Student accommodation development located in the heart of Canberra Civic and close to ANU. The development is offering students the opportunity to have off campus living with exceptional level of facilities and amenities. The island site offered the unique opportunity by allowing the development to play an important role in activating the precinct and facilitating a holistic architectural response that has contextual fit and presence within the Civic. Extensive common area facilities are allocated within the podium levels, whilst break out spaces are also included on every level above the podium to enhance the social dynamic and interaction of the students across the building.

Well-Connected | Enfold with Allan Spira, Architect

Guided by social and sustainable values, Well–Connected is an exemplary demonstration in the careful integration of new areas and refinement of existing spaces to deliver a greatly improved, yet modest home which significantly enhances the quality of life for its young family within.

Newly defined spaces serve as hubs for social interaction, enriching the lives of the owners as they occupy different areas of the home. The incorporation of passive design principles and attention to detail enhances thermal efficiency and elevates comfort levels well beyond standard requirements.

Values of sustainability and social connection are prioritised, while moments of architectural delight provide further validity to the investment of this project. Well–Connected stands as a testament to the possibilities of sustainable and social values led design – promising years of enjoyment and fulfillment for its occupants ahead.

Un Peu Perrault | MyMyMy Architecture

**Un Peu Perrault is a Testament to Light Touch Architectural Transformation**

Un Peu Perrault, by MyMyMy Architecture, stands as a testament to the transformative power of sensitive light touch architecture to enhance family connections and elevate daily life. Carefully balancing preservation of the original building fabric with the integration of a bright, inviting extension, the project caters to the evolving needs of the family.

Seamlessly blending innovation with functionality, MyMyMy Architecture’s design fosters moments of tranquillity and familial joy through meticulous attention to detail. Key features include a zigzag folded and perforated steel screen, which redefines street presence, and strategic apertures that infuse interiors with warmth.

This new addition by MyMyMy Architecture is an exercise in restraint. Un Peu Perrault serves as a symbol of architectural metamorphosis, seamlessly melding interior comfort with exterior aesthetics.

Un Peu Perrault is situated in Downer, ACT, on the land of the Ngunnawal people.

Timber House | Mather Architecture

Timber House showcases how existing buildings with character and charm can be successfully transformed for modern family living. The 62 sqm extension and clever reconfiguration of functional spaces has brought new life to this 1970s home originally designed by Harkin & Ziersch Architects from Melbourne.

Existing features, including timber ceilings and clerestory windows, have been revived and celebrated, with new clerestory windows bringing in additional natural light and a soft illumination to the space. New timber flooring, joinery and ceiling linings result in a delightfully warm and comforting home. Expansive double–glazed windows capture views to outside and lush vegetation, while drenching the living areas with natural light.

Stage 1: new garage/workshop and a self–contained unit under the main home for multi–generational living or guests. Stage 2: master bedroom suite was constructed along with a reconfiguration of internal spaces. Stage 3: new kitchen, dining, and living areas featuring clerestory windows.

The Parks – Red Hill | Stewart Architecture

The Parks Red Hill is a residential development of six buildings bounding Lady Nelson Park. The challenging topography and geometry of the site leads to each building as unique but sharing common architectural design and detailing. Sensitive streetscape character, elegant façades and intriguing roofscape incorporating attic apartments with dormer windows and recessed terraces characterise the development.

Residents engage with their surrounding environment including the park, the local shops, and surrounding streets. The interface with the public realm is achieved through generous setback courtyards, greenery to soften the edges, permeable fencing, wide footpaths with planting, and architectural articulation on the facades.

Generous internal layouts have been carefully designed to provide high quality living space. Quality materials and with no applied finish to allow the façades to age gracefully and with minimal maintenance. Useable recessed balconies, extensive natural ventilation and deep soil planting contribute to a sustainable development.

The National Site of Recognition for Thalidomide Survivors and their Families | PLACE Laboratory with Gian Tonossi

The National Site of Recognition was established by the Australian Government to acknowledge the thalidomide tragedy and as a lasting reminder to all Australians that the lessons of the tragedy must never be forgotten. Thalidomide, introduced in the 1960s, had devastating consequences, causing severe birth defects.

The glass brick structure designed by PLACE Laboratory aims to create a space for empathy, emotional reflection, and education.

Symbolic gestures unfold a narrative as visitors move through the space, with features representing the fragility of life, the ripple effect of thalidomide, and survivors’ strength. Words etched into the walkway convey the impact, acknowledging trauma and loss. A historical timeline educates about the tragedy, while an archway through the structure frames a view of Lake Burley Griffith offering hope and a sense of fulfillment. The memorial provides a serene setting for reflection, emphasizing the ongoing impact of thalidomide on survivors and fostering awareness.

Square House | Mather Architecture

Square House is an elevated late 60’s modernist home situated on a steeply sloping block in Farrer. The aim was to minimise the impact of any additions on the natural environment by creating very minimal extensions that interrupt the perfect square, with a total of 16m2 added to the floor plan. The first ‘pop out’ for the kitchen area adds space under the existing roofline, while the second, projects further out than the existing roofline, utilising the continuous roof through–to–wall properties of longline cladding to create a neat insertion.

New cedar windows provide material warmth and contrast the simple lines of the exterior cladding. Sunshade shrouds on windows to the north and west were added along with stained timber battened garage door, front balustrade, dividing screen, and feature sliding panel. These elements connect the mid–century house with the client’s love of Japanese architecture. The result is a calm, light–filled home

Salthouse Community Centre | The City Renewal Authority with Philip Leeson Architects and Munns Sly Moore Architects

The City Renewal Authority’s Salthouse Community Centre is a testament to the creation of community–engaged and sustainable community spaces. Named after Sue Salthouse, a champion of inclusivity, this innovative project revitalises Haig Park while honouring its heritage.
With a modest budget of $2.2m, the Salthouse embodies sustainable design, utilising salvaged materials and adaptive reuse to blend seamlessly into its surroundings. Its multifunctional rooms cater to diverse needs, fostering a sense of belonging for people of all abilities.
Despite challenges like heritage constraints and the impact of COVID–19, the collaborative design process delivered a great outcome. The City Renewal Authority’s CEO, Malcolm Snow, says that the Salthouse stands as a beacon of activity, enhancing the park’s vitality and connectivity.
“As we celebrate this milestone, we invite the community to embrace the Salthouse as their own, a space for people from all walks of life to meet in Haig Park’s heritage landscape.”