An Indigenous arts and cultural centre on North Stradbroke Island has been honoured with two awards at the Living Future Oceania 2026 Biophilic Design Awards.
The program recognises projects across Australia and New Zealand that use biophilic design principles to create healthier, more resilient and regenerative buildings for people and the environment.
Quandamooka Arts and Culture Centre (QUAMPI) by Cox Architecture was named joint winner of the Buildings Scale Award, sharing the honour with New Zealand residential project Canopy House by Brett Hulley Architecture.
QUAMPI also received the Visionary Award, a new category introduced to “recognise projects of any scale that demonstrate a biophilic design approach that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically restorative.”
The jury highlighted Cox Architecture’s collaboration with the Quandamooka people and the way cultural knowledge informs the design. The project incorporates “walls of local sand, quampi shell and artefacts, alongside a woven Blackbutt timber screen inspired by Quandamooka weaving traditions,” said the jury.
The project was further applauded for its approach to environmental repair, including “site decontamination, soil remediation, rainwater-sensitive design and endemic planting to restore as much as it builds.”
CEO of Living Future Oceania Laura Hamilton-O’Hara said the calibre of projects entered this year was exceptional.
“Our winners demonstrate that biophilic design is no longer a niche concept that projects add on – it is increasingly shaping the way we design homes, workplaces, public buildings and community spaces,” said Hamilton-O’Hara.
“The competition was incredibly strong, with projects showcasing innovative and deeply
considered responses to ecology, culture, community and wellbeing. Congratulations to all
winners, finalists and entrants for helping advance a built environment that reconnects people
with nature and contributes to a future that is socially just, culturally rich and ecologically
restorative.”
Source: Architecture - architectureau
