Education Big Winner at Central Queensland Regional Architecture Awards

J.W. Wilson Building of the Year
Kingsley College – Primary Stage 01 has won the J.W. Wilson Building of the Year and the People’s Choice Award at the recently announced Australian Institute of Architects Central Queensland Regional Awards.

Designed by local practice Design+Architecture to enhance learning for primary students, the project’s flexible indoor spaces extend into outdoor learning areas. This design has led to a noticeable improvement in student behaviour and engagement.
Located along the Fitzroy River in Rockhampton, the jury commended the project for its “sensitive and thoughtful response to the environmental, social, and economic conditions of its rural Queensland setting.”

“Kingsley College exemplifies how thoughtful design can transcend constraints to create a lasting, community-oriented learning environment,” said the jury.

The project also received a commendation in the Educational Architecture category.

Regional Project of the Year
Wintergarden in Bundaberg Central has been awarded the Central Queensland Regional Project of the Year.

Retaining decorative elements of the original 1929 building, Wintergarden provides meeting rooms, commercial spaces and a small assembly hall for local community groups.

The jury hailed the project as a flexible and functional contemporary community performance space that evokes a quiet sense of nostalgia.

“The Wintergarden is a sophisticated approach to the restoration and adaptive reuse of heritage buildings within regional town centres in Queensland,” said the jury.

Wintergarden received a commendation in the Public Architecture category and was shortlisted for the EmAGN Award.

House of the Year
Merinda Sound Beach House has been awarded the Central Queensland House of the Year.

Designed by Maytree Studios, the home in Sunrise Estate surrounds a sheltered courtyard and looks out over the ocean in Agnes Water.

The jury said Merinda Sound Beach House is a beautiful, well-designed home that thoughtfully responds to its peaceful setting.

This home carefully balances a sense of privacy with openness, and cosy corners with spacious areas. Its design includes courtyards and framed views that bring a feeling of calm, while natural light and fresh air make the home comfortable to live in.

Every part of the home has been shaped with a clear understanding of how people relax and recharge when they’re away, said the jury.

Merinda Sound Beach House also received a commendation in the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) category and was shortlisted in the Sustainable Architecture category.

Commended and Shortlisted
St Luke’s Anglican School Performance Centre has been shortlisted across three categories: for Sustainable Architecture, the EmAGN Project Award and the Art & Architecture Prize.

The project includes competition-size sports courts, a 250 square metre stage, servery, uniform store and other facilities.

Keppel Bay Sailing Club received a commendation in the Commercial Architecture category.

Designed by Arkhefield and located on the Yeppoon foreshore, Keppel Bay Sailing Club replaces an existing building with improved sailing club facilities, along with a new conference and hospitality venue. The club features boat storage, training and club rooms, administrative offices, amenities, and a race observation room.

All awarded, commended and shortlisted projects from the region are now in the running for the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Architecture Awards, set to be announced in June 2025.

-Ends-
Full list of Central Queensland award-winners below.
For more information, images or detailed citations, please contact:
Ellen Cutler, Marketing & Communications Officer at Lindy Johnson Creative.
T + 61 499 616 031 ellen@lindyjohnson.com.au