The Australian Institute of Architects celebrated top projects in North Queensland, at their annual awards evening on Friday 31 May.
The winning projects showcased the talent and vision of architects across multiple categories including Education, Residential and Public sectors.
In Mackay, students and teachers emerged as the real victors receiving a new STEAM Centre – promoting educational freedom and flexibility.
Meanwhile, Townsville bolstered its community amenities with an exciting new benchmark in social housing, and a vibrant library transformation that defies tradition.
Mackay School STEAM Centre awarded Building of the Year
The Whitsunday Anglican School STEAM Centre, designed by BSPN Architecture, has received the Walter and Oliver Tunbridge Award for Building of the Year. The new STEAM Centre (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts & Design, Mathematics) is an adaptation and extension to the existing school library.
The awards jury described the STEAM Centre as a facility that “empowers teachers and students with educational freedom, encouraging creativity and flexibility”.
Inspired by tertiary education settings, the Centre features new laboratories and versatile maker’s spaces. The design marks a new vision for the school, a welcome result of the partnership between BSPN Architects, the School, and the University of Melbourne.
The STEAM Centre has also received a Regional Commendation for Educational Architecture and the People’s Choice Award.
Regional Project of the Year sets exciting new benchmark for social housing
Mundingburra Housing, designed by Counterpoint Architecture, has been awarded Regional Project of the Year. The complex, a pilot project for social housing, has provided eighteen new homes for the Townsville community.
Commended by the jury for “proudly blending into the neighbourhood”, the design is playful and purposeful. A communal area at the heart of the complex encourages neighbourly interaction and a sense of belonging. Landscaped footpaths link to each home, providing shade and visibility. Colour has been used to enliven the homes which, according to the jury “creates a sense of individuality and pride for the occupants”.
The complex was honoured with high praise from the jury, calling it “an exemplar for future state government housing”. The project has also received a Regional Commendation for Residential Architecture (Multiple Housing) and has been recognised for social impact.
Dynamic library makeover breaks from tradition
Counterpoint Architecture was also successful for their design of the Riverway Library. The project, also in Townsville, was awarded a Regional Commendation for Public Architecture.
The former “Thuringowa Library” has been relocated into the Riverway Arts Centre and Lagoon precinct. The new library is nestled among the Art Gallery, Sport Facilities, and Parklands.
Jury members commented that the project “redefines the traditional concept of libraries”. Now occupying an old theatre, the transformation breathes new life into a beloved community space. The library now boasts a café, function area, podcast suites, maker’s space, and kids’ play zone.
The jury praised the architect’s thoughtful design, stating that “the library has become a vibrant hub for lifelong education and communal interaction.”
-Ends-
All Commended projects have now been shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards. The state awards will be judged and awarded in June 2024.
Award-winning architects and clients are available for interview.
For more information, images or detailed citations, please contact: Emma Hynes, Marketing & Communications Advisor at Lindy Johnson Creative. T + 61 438 071 028 | emma@lindyjohnson.com.au
We thank our North Queensland Regional Awards Partners Architectural Window Systems (AWS), Fielders Lysaght, City of Townsville and STP Consultants.
