Country NSW’s best architecture revealed

The transformation of a former Southern Highlands council building into an art hotel is an “exemplary piece of architecture” that has won the Regional Division Medal at the 2024 NSW Country Division Architecture Awards.

Luke Moloney Architecture’s adaptation of the Moss Vale Council structure, Moss Manor, was also awarded the Heritage, and Commercial honours for the restoration and renovation.

“Externally the contrasting layers of history are seen literally in shades of black and white,” the jury said.

“The plan of the Council building has been slightly reconfigured to accommodate eight guest suites with original interior features retained and or reinterpreted. Significant work was needed to meet building code requirements, this work has been completed seamlessly and beautifully.”

The NSW Country Division Architecture Awards were presented tonight in a celebration of design excellence for architects working outside the metropolitan areas of Sydney and Newcastle.

The awards have been held continuously since 1960 to honour regional architecture.

Maxwell & Page’s Dachshund House was presented the James Barnet Award for its new family home in a semi-rural subdivision.

Jurors noted the design was “a brave counterpoint to the expected brick and gabled roofs of traditional project homes”.

“A brave client and a confident architect have set out to challenge these norms and done it so successfully,” they said.

“Proving that Architecture is affordable and can be for the everyday Australian, architects Maxwell & Page have designed a compact, robust and delightful home for a young family.”

The Artie Smith Oval Cricket & AFL Sports Pavilion in Bomaderry won the Vision Award for its practicality and flexibility, as well as its connection to Country.

“The spaces between and around the functional aspects of the sports pavilion provide choice and amenity for activities that extend far beyond playing and observing sport, celebrating and benefiting from the beautiful existing Eucalypt trees,” the jury said.

“This building is one that the whole community can own and interact with, it feels inviting and a place that will hold important life moments for the community for years to come.”

2024 Country NSW Winners

Regional Division Medal

• Moss Manor – Luke Moloney Architecture

James Barnet Award

• Dachshund House (Dashund) – Maxwell & Page

Vision Award

• Artie Smith Oval Cricket & AFL Sports Pavilion – LocalArchitect South Coast in association with Barnacle studio

Timber Award

• Canopy House – Walknorth Architects

Commercial Architecture

• Moss Manor – Luke Moloney Architecture – Award
• Yeates Wines Cellar Door and Vinestay – Cameron Anderson Architects Commendation

Educational Architecture

• Hilltops Young High School Library – Hayball – Award

Heritage Architecture

• Moss Manor – Luke Moloney Architecture – Award
• Hilltops Young High School Library – Hayball – Commendation

Interior Architecture

• Bowral House – Luke Moloney Architecture – Award
• Highlands House – Luke Moloney Architecture – Commendation

Public Architecture

• Artie Smith Oval Cricket & AFL Sports Pavilion – LocalArchitect South Coast in association with Barnacle studio – Award
• Hilltops Young High School Library – Hayball – Award
• Beryl Jane Flett Studio Theatre – Austin McFarland.Architects – Commendation
• Wiigulga Sports Complex – Populous – Commendation

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

• Bowral House – Luke Moloney Architecture – Award
• Canopy House – Walknorth Architects – Commendation

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

• Armidale House – Richards Stanisich – Commendation
• Dachshund House (Dashund) – Maxwell & Page – Award
• Highlands House – Luke Moloney Architecture – Award
• Robinsons Run – Bennett Murada Architects – Commendation

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

• The Flynn – Chris Jenkins Design – Architects – Award

Small Project Architecture

• Lowe Wines Amenities Building – Cameron Anderson Architects – Commendation