The annual Far North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards were celebrated on Friday 17 May. The judges awarded the Cairns Convention Centre (designed by Cox Architecture and CA Architects) the Eddie Orbin Award for Building of the Year. Meanwhile, the Cairns State High School Multipurpose Hall, Bou-wa (designed by TPG Architects) was awarded Project of the Year.
Both designs look set to bolster the Cairns community. How? The design of the Convention Centre can now accommodate larger events (likely to generate more revenue for the venue). Similarly, the design of the Multipurpose Hall now provides educators and students with additional spaces for learning, sports and performances.
Convention Centre design capitalises on the beauty of its site
Cox Architecture and CA Architects were awarded the Eddie Oribin Building of the Year for their design of the expansion of the Cairns Convention Centre. Also receiving a regional commendation for Public Architecture, the design skillfully honours the surrounding landscape.
Vistas of the nearby World Heritage tropical rainforests are invited inside the Centre through large windows, now oriented towards uninterrupted views. The Awards’ Jury Co-Chair, Sandy Cavill, described the design as “… a clever response to the place and identity of tropical Far North Queensland”. Sea-grass carpets, Cape York hardwoods, and botanical colour selections have all been deployed to reflect the surrounding landscape.
The jury commended the project for “… maximising the venue’s performance and attractiveness as a Convention Centre”. The new design creates flexible spaces that give the Centre’s clients options to host multiple events simultaneously. Another great strength of this design is its potential to attract larger events and generate tourism opportunities for the region.
A new aesthetic for state school buildings
Cairns State High School Multipurpose Hall, Bou-wa (designed by TPG Architects) was awarded Regional Project of the Year and a regional commendation in Educational Architecture. The design now allows for several of the school’s programs to operate at the same time.
Principal Chris Zilm praised the design for improving functionality and providing educators with the flexibility to configure the space in a myriad of ways. Three new courts, a stage for a 70-piece orchestra and an assembly hall are now all incorporated. The jury also applauded the architects mindful consideration of the summer heat and monsoonal rains of Cairns. Now with the additional indoor space, the school’s sports timetable can be extended.
TPG Architects worked closely with First Nations students, staff and community members. Principal Zilm described the outcome as defining “…a new aesthetic for State School buildings, sensitive to the story of the local people and environment.”
The awards jury further noted, “the name, Bou-wa and the custom graphic embedded on the perforated shade screen strengthens the connection with Country and contribution of the Yidindji Traditional Custodians.”
Public hospital design wins People’s Choice
The importance of good design, across all areas of the community, was evident at the awards. Specifically, the healthcare sector took centre stage when the Atherton Hospital Redevelopment was awarded the People’s Choice Award. The design, by Peddle Thorp, was applauded for its ability to foster a sense of familiarity and belonging — in part, thanks to access to nature that creates immediate connections for staff and patients.
-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
