A powerful yet poetic home transformation wins Canberra Medallion in ACT Architecture Awards

A home with intrinsic warmth and rawness, and a mid-century shopping centre were among the winners of the 2024 ACT Architecture Awards.

28 projects were awarded in categories from residential new homes and renovations to public works and interiors. There was also 7 named prizes for individuals who have demonstrated excellence in their work.

Jury Chair Jessica de Rome commended the use of seamless fusion of architecture, interior design, and art in this year’s entries.

“It was a privilege to hear the enthusiastic backstories directly from clients, and be welcomed into their homes, schools, offices, and spaces” she said.

“This year’s entrants demonstrate that architecture is impactful at all scales, and much can be done with less. Restraint and rawness were celebrated, as was the finesse of the highly complex and the finely detailed.”

Joanna Nelson Architect won the Canberra Medallion and The Gene Willsford Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) for House on a Path. The principal architectural idea was to amplify the distinctive, experimental attributes of the house and site.

“The design successfully weaves new entries and invites new journeys, which frame tranquil spaces within the home.” the jury said.

The Sir Roy Grounds Award for Enduring Architecture went to Torrens Neighbourhood Centre by Dirk Bolt. Completed in 1967, Bolt’s signature 30/60-degree off-centre roof form is a strong gesture and “demonstrates his careful design considerations creating a generous sheltered area that invites shoppers to stop and chat.”

The Sydney Ancher Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple housing went to Kashmir Apartments – SOHO by Stewart Architecture which “set a new paradigm for medium density residential development by celebrating Canberra’s unique residential heritage and embracing the often-challenging Northbourne Avenue corridor.”

Ben Walker Architect’s Hackett Gardens House achieved The Robert Foster Award for Light in Architecture, Residential Architecture Houses (New) Award and the Sustainable Architecture Award.

The home utilises a highly insulated wall system, well beyond code requirements. The system makes use of multiple layers involving external brick, air cavities, stud, insulation, and an internal brick wall acting as a thermal mass.

The ne installation ‘LESS’ at Dairy Road by Pezo Von Ellrichshausen, Oculus, and Molonglo was the recipient of the Cynthia Breheny Award for Small Project Architecture.

A series of bold concrete pillars serve as a new gateway gesture which anchors the site within the emerging Dairy Road precinct. Upon first encountering LESS, the grid’s bold abstract geometry is both uncompromising and enigmatic and appears like a modern ruin beckoning exploration.

The ACT Awards were announced at the ANU Research School of Physics on June 22. The ANU Research School of Physics was the winner of last year’s National Commendation for Educational Architecture, The Enrico Taglietti Award for Educational Architecture and The Robert Foster Award for Light in Architecture.