Evelyn Reynolds

Held at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre in Sydney from 20 to 22 October 2022, Design Show Australia presented more than 100 exhibitor stands and a full program of speaker sessions across three stages. Here, we pick some of our stand highlights from the 2022 Sydney show.
Snelling
This multidisciplinary lighting, furniture and objects studio based in New Zealand presented an intimate “cave” of their creations. Shaped by Bec Snelling’s formal training as a fine artist and her years of experience as a designer, the sculptural yet functional pieces literally glistened and shined on the stand. The result was a space that felt like an art gallery rather than an exhibition stand.

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Design Show Australia at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre Sydney. Image:

Courtesy of National Media

Nau
At the Nau lounge from Cult Design, Adam Goodrum’s new Lincoln sofa was on show alongside the new Nest Monochrome tables and Furl coat stand. Also on show were the Nami Dining Table and Sia Chair by Tom Fereday and the the Jolly pendant light by Kate Stokes. Styled among an understated backdrop of layered sheer curtains from Kvadrat Maharam, the stand felt like a beautiful residential setting.
Sugi
While tiny, this stand had big impact. Lined with Sugi’s Japanese cedar in different finishes, it gave the impression of a peaceful Japanese cabin – a huge feat in a busy trade show. The simple, authentic design by New Zealand-based Scott Fitzsimons Studio was a favourite of mine, and really captured the honest material, which is available from Japanese Timber Australia. And it smelled good too!
Australia’s Next Top Designer
Shining a spotlight on emerging designers and makers, Australia’s Next Top Designer’s Showcase presented an array of original and exciting products and concepts shaping the future of design. Some favourites of mine were the Channel Lamp by Anonymous Design Haus, the glass sculptures by Sasa Barnes, and the Shaved Timber vessels by Bolaji Teniola. The next gen of designers are certainly ones to watch.

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Design Show Australia at the International Convention and Exhibition Centre Sydney.

Artichoke Lounge
What type of proud editor would I be if I didn’t mention our very own Artichoke Lounge? Designed by Lisa at Freehand Design Studio with product from the Nau collection from Cult Design, the stand presented the perfect opportunity to lounge around, get some work done and pick up a free magazine in the process – all while being surrounded by Adam Goodrum’s Chameleon table, his Don, Molloy, Softply and Mega Tulip chairs and Tom Fereday’s Sia chair. More

Former prime minister Paul Keating and NSW premier Dominic Perrottet joined forces for a press conference in which both launched a “misguided and completely unwarranted attack” on the Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW chapter, labelling it “fruitcakes.”
The press conference was held on 20 October to announce height and floor space limits to development at Central Barangaroo, following the latest modification (9) that seeks to increase the gross floor area and approved building envelopes.
Premier Dominic Perrottet said, “Today, we provide certainty to Infrastructure NSW in relation to development here, ensuring that it is in keeping with this local area. Ultimately, by preserving the public amenity and public space, we ensure that Barangaroo is there for the people of NSW, not for vested interests.
“By restricting the floor space limit, we’ll ensure better public space, less shadowing, and ultimately […] better sightlines from Observatory Hill down to Central Barangaroo.”
Former prime minister Paul Keating said Barangaroo is a “world ranking outcome” and slammed the Australian Institute of Architects for its continued advocacy for due process and public benefit.
He also criticised Hill Thalis Architecture and Urban Projects’ competition-winning proposal for Barangaroo. “That dull proposal issued by Philip Thalis […] was basically keeping the concrete wharf and grass with a few buildings down one end and we’re supposed to say, ‘Oh, fantastic’. It was a piece of rubbish, that’s why it got ignored,” Keating said.
Keating was a member of the jury that unanimously awarded the competition to the Hill Thalis-led team.

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The original competition winning proposal by Hill Thalis Architecture + Urban Projects, Paul Berkemeier Architect and Jane Irwin Landscape Architects.

“If you need kitchen amendments, or another odd toilet off the corridor, Philip Thalis is your person.”
Keating praised the Wilkinson Eyre-designed Crown casino tower as “probably the most beautiful in Australia, easily. And at 75 storeys it’s one of the most important on its kind in the world.
“[But] we’re supposed to join with those fruitcakes at the NSW Institute of Architects to say, ‘Oh no, this is shocking, we can’t have that.’
“What really gives them horrors at the Institute of Architects is that the public love this place. The public are down here all the time. You know that public, just those ordinary people, what do they matter? They’re not members of the Institute.”
Perrottet also added, “I agree with the former prime minister. The Institute of Architects have no idea.”

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Photo of the Crown Sydney Tower taken from Observatory Park by Xer0_onPC, licensed under CC-BY-SA-4.0

The Australian Institute of Architects hit back at the politicians for “twisting tales.”
In a statement the Institute said it “will continue to advocate for design-centred planning to benefit the entire community rather than a select few.”
“We represent our members and the community to ensure planning processes are robust, equitable and transparent,” said national president Shannon Battisson.
The Institute also told its member that it has written a letter to the premier demanding an apology for the “distasteful, derogatory and false remarks that have, of course, caused outrage among many of our members.”
“The facts of the matter are that at no time in recent months has the NSW Chapter made derogatory comments on the Wilkinson Eyre tower, or on the design elements of the Barangaroo site project itself,” wrote Battisson and NSW president Laura Cockburn. “The Institute does not negatively pass judgement on the work of members of our profession. It is our role, however, to point out government process discrepancies and failures which impact our profession and the general public, and this has been the case historically with the Barangaroo site.” More

Melbourne Polytechnic’s Collingwood campus is undergoing a $40-million revitalization, designed by Tectura Architects. The redevelopment will include the refurbishment and modernization of the existing multi-storey building, to include new teaching and learning spaces, collaboration and library spaces, and front-of-house and student services. Upgrades to the precinct will also include the construction of an entirely new […] More

Architeam has announced the finalists for its 2022 awards, marking its 15th awards year since its inception.
Architeam is a membership association for Australian architects in small, medium and emerging practices. With 1,000 members nationally, the association has been supporting young and small-scale practices for 30 years.
The awards were open to all association members around Australia and included categories for new residential projects; residential alterations and additions; commercial, community and public architecture; unbuilt projects; and awards for innovation and contribution.
This year’s jury comprised chair Adam Newman of NWMN Architects, Fiona Dunin of FMD, Rory Hyde from Melbourne School of Design, Amy Muir of Muir Architecture, Jenni Officer of Officer Woods, Will Fung of CO-AP Architects, and Anthony Gill of practice his of the same name.
Winners will be announced on Friday 18 November to coincide with Architeam’s 30th anniversary.

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Light Scoop House by Molecule Studio. Image:

Tom Ross

Residential New Award
Residential (new) awards were divided into three subcategories: new builds up to $1 million, and new builds over $1 million. Finalists in this category were recognised for their “creativity and innovation”, as well as their responses to site and budget.
Finalists for new residential up to $1 million are:
Jan Juc Studio – Eldridge Anderson Architects
Canning Street – Foomann Architects
Light Scoop House ­– Molecule Studio
Burnley – Sonelo Architects
Finalists for new residential over $1 million are:
Bellbird House – Bower Architecture and Interiors
West Bend House – MRTN Architects
Beach Slice – Steffen Welsch Architects
Bermagui Beach House – Winter Architecture

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Periscope House by Architecture Architecture. Image:

Tom Ross

Residential Alterations and Additions Award
Finalists for Residential Alteration and Additions awards have been broken down into three subcategories by budget: alterations and additions up to $500,000, between $500,000 and $1 million, and over $1 million.
Finalists for residential alterations and additions up to $500,000 are as follows:
Hawthorn I – Agius Scorpo Architects
Mischa’s Place – Circle Studio Architects
Pergola Extension – Krisna Cheung Architects
Arthur – Oscar Sainsbury Architects
Finalists for residential alterations and additions between $500,000 and $1 million are:
Periscope – Architecture Architecture
Weather House – Mihaly Slocombe Architects
Northcote House – Mitsuori Architects
Ponds – WOWOWA
Finalists for residential alterations and additions over $1 million are:
Wakanui Trail House – Ben Callery Architects
Higham Road House – Philip Stejskal Architecture
Carlton North Residence – Project 12 Architecture

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Spring Bay Mill by Gilby and Brewin Architecture. Image:

Adam Gibson

Commercial, Community and Public Award
The award for Commercial, Community and Public architecture could include multi-residential projects over $2 million, offices, hospitality venues, retail shops, community centres, places of worship, showrooms, architectural studios, warehouses and more. The finalists for this category are as follows:
Spring Bay Mill – Gilby and Brewin Architecture
Cowes Primary School New Gymnasium – Project 12 Architecture
Butcher Shop Convert – Tsai Design
Hampton Park Secondary College Senior Learning Centre – WOWOWA
Unbuilt Award
Entries for the Unbuilt Award should reflect unrestrained conceptual ideas, not-yet-realized architectural projects, or designs in other mediums based on architectural principles. This year, there were no finalists for the Unbuilt category: only a winner, which will be announced at the awards night in November.
Innovation and Contribution Award
The Innovation and Contribution Award recognizes contribution and/or innovation to architecture beyond the design and production of buildings. Awards in this category should contribute to industry discourse and can take the form of a blog, publication, organised tour or broadcast. An architectural building may also be awarded in this category if it exemplifies a high contribution to the industry and promotes the profession by provoking discussion or public interest. Finalists for this category are as follows:
Black Diasporas ­– Culture as Creative
Lost Lands Found Fence – Public Realm Lab
Voting for the People’s Choice Award are still open until 27 October More

A $3 billion “city shaping” commercial precinct has been approved for Sydney’s CBD. Central Place Sydney will comprise two towers of 35 and 37 storeys designed by Fender Katsalidis and SOM, and an eight storey “Connector” building designed by Edition Office. The project will contribute to the NSW government’s vision to transform a 24-hectare area […] More

Disability service provider Rocky Bay has released concept designs for a new health and community hub on its recently acquired Belmont site. Hames Sharley’s Perth studio was selected as the preferred design team following a competitive tender process. Rocky Bay managing director Michael Tait said the proposal demonstrated a strong understanding of the organization’s requirements […] More

The Victorian government will deliver Australia’s largest hospital project in history through the creation of a medical mecca containing the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s hospitals.
Designed by Hassell and McBride Charles Ryan, the masterplan will see the redevelopment and expansion of the Royal Melbourne and Royal Women’s hospitals in Parkville alongside the creation of a new biomedical precinct in nearby Arden.
The premier revealed that the medical precinct will be built next to the new Arden train station, with the Parkville and Arden precincts linked by the Metro Tunnel. Once complete, Melbourne’s Suburban Rail Loop will connect the sites to other important health complexes, such as the Box Hill Hospital and the Austin Hospital.
The $6 billion expansion and complete overhaul of the existing hospitals will take place over 12 years, providing an additional 1,800 beds and treatment spaces. Works on the Arden precinct are now underway.

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Designs for Australia’s largest health infrastructure project, including the overhaul of existing hospitals and the construction of a new medical precinct. Image:

Hassell and McBride Charles Ryan

Hassell principal and health sector leader Leanne Guy said the redevelopment will ensure the ongoing viability of the existing facilities into the future, while creating a new precinct to support the needs of the growing state.
“Together, our team understands how to take the Parkville precinct from where it is to where it wants to be, linking key elements of the existing precinct infrastructure so these two great institutions can fulfil their promising future – a future with endless potential.”
Minister for transport infrastructure Jacinta Allan added that the government would support the improved health system via better transport connections.
“We’re also investing in the transport infrastructure we need to make it easier for healthcare workers and patients alike to get where they need to go,” Allan said.
Planned treatments, like births and elected surgeries, will move to the new campus once it is completed. By the beginning of next decade, an additional 10,500 elective surgeries and 2,500 births could be accommodated every year.
Construction will start in 2025, once the Arden station is complete, and will take six years. Stage one of the hospital will be completed in 2031. More

The Intercontinental Sydney has unveiled a $120-million makeover of its home inside the 171-year-old heritage-listed Treasury building.
The revamp by Woods Bagot took several years to realise, with works including the redesign of its 509 guest suites, heritage restorations, and upgrades to the public and wellness areas.
In September, the hotel debuted two new hospitality venues: the rooftop Aster Bar and the new ground floor hotel bar in the former lobby, The Treasury. Thirty-two levels up, the Aster Bar is an elevated sky bar and dining space with spectacular views over the harbour. The arched balconies of the former Treasury building now form
The arched balconies of the former Treasury Building now form the Treasury bar, wrapping the space in the 170-year-old heritage sandstone alcoves and earthy brick archways. The new chevron tiled floor anchors the historic space in a contemporary context surrounded with flourishes of rich greenery.

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The bar sits in the former lobby in a light-filled atrium and gathering space where the two buildings meet. Image:

Trevor Mein

Woods Bagot interior design lead Tracey Wiles said the aim was to integrate and enhance old and new elements of the hotel to blend the 1851 Treasury building with the 32-level tower completed in 1985. In response, the team took a “heritage meets modern” approach to the design language. “The heritage architecture gave us a beautiful palette of colours, textures and classic geometries, crafted in sandstone, brickwork, timber,” said Wiles.
“It was so important for us to understand the historical lineage and the scale of the role we play in that,” she continued. “The spaces retain a long memory of what once was and this is complemented by contemporary insertions that announce themselves proudly, introducing a fresh hierarchy of graphic and biophilic elements.”
The hotel draws from the grandeur of the past and introducing new materials, details and furnishings. Works included the creation of a new entrance and a redesigned reception area, using the same marble used to form the Treasury Bar, acting as a “continuous thread of materiality” as guests move through the hotel.

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The conservatory restaurant on level one is a light=filled breakfast space with open cooking stations and a walk-in pantry. Image:

Trevor Mein

“We designed a plisse stone wall to invite guests from the porte-cochere through to the Treasury Bar,” said project leader Tim Davies. “The feature wall is highly dynamic – a mix of honed limestone with book-matched Verde Oceania marble that forms a unified image at a certain point within the reception.”
Complementing the pleated stone feature wall, Woods Bagot used bespoke spotted gum reception desks to reference the naturalistic forms of Sydney’s coastal edge. The organic shape was achieved using a mix of computer-controlled milling and hand finishing to achieve the unique, textured outcome.
In the rooms, Woods Bagot flooded the space with greens and blues, harnessing the palette of the subtropical Sydney landscape.
“In the guest rooms, embracing the tonal layering of a blue and green palette was a bold approach that works incredibly well in connecting with the amazing views,” said Wiles. “It’s a strong departure from the standard beige on beige you so often see in modern properties.”
Wiles said her favourite aspect of the transformation is the light-filled atrium and gathering space – the former Cortile – where the two buildings met in the heart of the hotel. “There’s something about sitting in history but being in a contemporary environment that is super, super special.” More