The design of an agri-tourism disability enterprise, transformed beach houses, and a boutique farm stay are among the shortlisted nominations for the New South Wales 2022 Regional Country Division Architecture Awards.
Almost two dozen entries were received this year for the awards, which have celebrated the work of architects working in regional New South Wales since 1960.
NSW Regional Country Division Jury Chair Noel Thomson said it was heartening to see the high quality and vibrancy of architectural practice in regional areas.
“These awards showcase the excellent architecture being developed in regional areas,” Mr Thomson said.
“Buildings in regional areas help to encourage social connections in a town. As the custodians of the built environment, architects are well-placed to deliver projects that increase these bonds and lift our regional areas.”
In the Commercial Architecture category, DFJ Architects with Plummer & Smith was shortlisted for the redevelopment of the disability enterprise Summerland Farm in Alstonville, northern New South Wales. Under the masterplan, a tired water park was transformed into a new adventure playground for tourism that includes sculptural elements and lush gardens, while a shed has become a retail hub.
Seven new houses will contest the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) category. They range from Source Architects’ contemporary concrete, steel and glass Balanced House in Orange, to Barker Architects’ sustainable home in East Ballina set on a challenging sloped site, and Walknorth Architects’ Scribbly Bark home built around a courtyard.
Likewise, four projects will contest the Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) category. Local Architect South Coast’s addition of flexible outdoor rooms to a Kangaroo Valley home has increased their connection to the landscape and wildlife outside, while Tziallas Architects’ transformation of a Malua Bay beach house from shack to contemporary home is also shortlisted.
In the Residential Architecture – Affordable Housing (under $400,000) category Source Architects’ design for the Oberon Farm Stay offers clean and crisp interiors that draw the visitor to the expansive hillside views.
Projects are also shortlisted for the Educational Architecture, Heritage, Interior Architecture, Public Architecture, and Small Project Architecture.
Mr Thomson said the projects would be assessed for their philosophy, public and cultural benefits, relationship of the built form to its context, the functional performance against the brief and sustainability, among a range of criteria.
“Congratulations to the architects behind these spectacular projects,” he said. “We celebrate the enduring contribution architects are making to regional Australia,” he said.
Award winners will be announced and presented at the NSW Country Division Awards on October 14 on the Institute’s YouTube channel.
New South Wales 2022 Country Division Architecture Awards Jury
- Noel Thomson (Jury Chair) – Noel Thomson Architecture
- Carly Martin – Akimbo Architecture
- Louisa Gee – Louisa Gee Architects
- David Holm – COX Architecture
- Jarad Grice – Sam Crawford Architects
Media contact: Rosanne Barrett on behalf of the Australian Institute of Architects
M 0425 420 024 | hello@barrettcomms.com.au
