Architecture

Construction on regional Victoria’s Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is now underway, following the recent completion of the new Twelve Apostles viewing platform.
The new visitor centre, designed by Grimshaw Architects and Aspect Studios, will include an exhibition space, retail and hospitality offerings, office spaces, and a rooftop lookout with views of the Shipwreck Coast, as well as additional car and bus parking and new and upgraded road infrastructure. A new welcome garden will also be established.
The facility will serve as a space for educating visitors about the history of coast and the shipwrecks it has become renowned for.
The new centre forms part of the $126 million Twelve Apostles Precinct Redevelopment, funded by the Geelong City Deal – a 10-year plan between all three levels of government aimed at revitalising and encouraging greater visitation to Geelong and the Great Ocean Road.

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The Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation (EMAC) has been involved throughout the design process. EMAC CEO Marcus Clarke said “the design is one that reflects Kirrae Whurrong culture and our shared history, while harmonising with the natural landscape.”
“It’s about sharing Land, Sky and Sea Country stories and giving everyone the opportunity to learn and experience these,” he said.
The Twelve Apostles is one of the most visited natural attractions in Australia.
Federal Minister for Regional Development and Local Government Kristy McBain said the site attracts almost two million visitors per year.
“It’s an exciting time for the Shipwreck Coast as we work together with the Victorian Government and local councils to continue making the region an amazing place to live, work and visit,” McBain commented.
The Twelve Apostles precinct projects are part of the wider Shipwreck Coast masterplan by McGregor Coxall and Denton Corker Marshall. The masterplan covers a 28-kilometre stretch of Great Ocean Road between Princetown and the Bay of Islands with a total of 72 projects. The Twelve Apostles viewing platform, also designed by McGregor Coxall and Denton Corker Marshall, was completed in early 2024.
Grimshaw Architects and Aspect Studios were appointed to design the visitor centre in April 2023. Construction on the Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre is anticipated to be complete in 2026. More

A proposal from the City of Darwin to develop a new Civic Centre has recently been approved by the Northern Territory Development Consent Authority (DCA), with the council having announced that works will commence shortly. Designs for the project by CA Architects were unveiled in November last year.
City of Darwin CEO Simone Saunders said the newly developed Civic Centre would transform the precinct with a community plaza and enhanced connection to Civic Park, while creating more community amenities.
“The new Civic Centre will be accessible and inclusive, featuring a larger library with an expanded footprint as well as meeting rooms and function spaces that can be booked by the community,” Saunders said. The public program of the building will be accompanied by office space – a portion of which will be used by City of Darwin’s administration and technical services staff.

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The new building will be built on the site of a current car park adjacent to Darwin’s existing civic hub, which will be demolished upon completion of the new centre. In its place, a new plaza will be created.
According to their media release, the council envisions the plaza as “a space where people can visit, connect with others, and engage in community and business activities and events.” They note that “the new plaza will also respect and give prominence to Galamarrma, the Tree of Knowledge” – an existing Banyan tree within the existing entry courtyard that’s significant to the local community.
The City of Darwin has partnered with local construction company DCOH in order to build the $150 million building. In a media release, the council notes that they are investing $77 million into the project, including $41 million into the council’s portion of the new building, $30 million in public car parking and $6 million in landscaping and revitalisation of the current Civic Centre site.
The remainder of the construction costs will be covered by DCOH, who will own and operate the commercial space on floors 11 to 20 of the building. According to council, the partnership “creates efficiencies in the costs to build the new Civic Centre, however City of Darwin will retain majority ownership of the land and the building.”
Managing director and CEO of DCOH Shane Dignan said the development approval brings excitement for DCOH in their efforts to contribute to local industry.
“Growing Darwin and the territory is something DCOH prides itself upon, and we are thrilled to be taking the next step towards this with the new Civic Centre” he said. “A lot of hard work has gone into this architectural landmark project since its inception.”

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In their communique, the council notes that the “project has been in planning for over four years, and the final procurement process had probity oversight in place to ensure all requirements were met.”
The project has amassed mixed reactions. At the DCA meeting on 21 March when the project was granted approval, Australian Institute of Architects chapter president Miriam Wallace expressed to the authority that “the revised design did very little to address the concerns raised by the authority in its deferral” noting that it “provides bare minimum facility to the street and the public realm, and in no way addresses the request to provide an active street facade.” Other architects and Institute members present at the meeting also voiced concerns.
Construction is expected to begin early in this year’s dry season, which runs from May to October, and be complete in 2028. More

Embrace bold hues, tactile elements and artisanal pieces to create conversation starters in the home.
Plume Light by Skeehan for Rakumba
The Plume collection represents the relationship between light and colour while celebrating designer Tom Skeehan’s love of material experimentation. The design explores the distortion of sheet aluminium, with vibrant hues expertly applied by the renowned Fink and Co anodising team. Visit website.
Single Tier Ruffle Table from Criteria
Inspired by collars, drapes and linen valances, the Ruffle Series by Bari Ziperstein emphasises undulating forms and crisp edges. The handcrafted ceramic table is available in a range of brushed-on glazes, from clear citrus yellow and matte neutrals to earthy mottled blue and glossy monochrome tones. Visit website.

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Raking linen rug by Darren Palmer x Unitex
The Raking rug evokes the serene look of a zen sand garden, with its beige hues, subtle arches and repetition that mimic lines drawn in sand. The seven millimetre pile offers gentle comfort underfoot, ideal for bringing softness to timber or concrete flooring. Available in various sizes for living spaces or as a runner for hallways. Visit website.

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Primula side table from Paola Lenti
Italian designer Nicolò Morales finds contemporary expression for traditional clay-working techniques in the design of the Primula side table for Paola Lenti. Its base features handcrafted, hand-decorated sea creature-like majolica elements supporting a round transparent glass fusion surface. Visit website.

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Stella lamp from Ilanel
The Stella lamp is designed by Ilan El and handcrafted in Melbourne, with brushed and anodised aluminium starburst prongs cradling a delicate hand-blown glass orb. Its form blurs the line between futuristic modernity and timeless gravitas, presenting as an art piece and a unique talking point in the home. Visit website.

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Z24 Cupboard from Zanotta
The Z24 Cupboard provides both style and practicality. Its pleated matt veneer doors conceal adjustable tempered glass shelves, with the option to add LED lighting. The zigzag form creates an interplay of light and shadow, adding to the cupboard’s unique charm. Available in vivid statement colours or subdued neutrals. Visit website.

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The Australian Institute of Architects has revealed the complete line-up of speakers for the upcoming 2025 Australian Architecture Conference, set to take place in Sydney from 2 to 3 May.
Mel Bright of Studio Bright, Vinu Daniel of Wallmakers (India) and Dieter Leyssen of 51N4E (Belgium) have been revealed as the final keynote speakers for the conference. They will join the day one line-up of speakers already announced, including Kevin O’Brien of BVN (Australia) and Jing Liu of SO-IL (United States).
The day two speakers include independent expert consultant and advisor Fatou Kiné Dieye (Rwanda); Harold Vermeiren of 51N4E (Belgium); Scott Duncan of Skidmore Owings and Merrill (United States, Australia); Andreia Teixeira of Shop Architects (United States); Neill McClements of Grimshaw Architects (United Kingdom); Laura Harding of Hill Thalis Architecture (Australia); and Damian Madigan of the University of South Australia (Australia), in addition to others.

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The theme for the 2025 conference is Architecture in Action. This theme prompts the invited Australian and international speakers to share stories that illustrate the capacity of design to instigate positive change.
Day one of the 2025 conference will be hosted at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, while day two will be held at the University of Sydney’s Seymour Centre.
Complementing the conference is a line-up of fringe events taking place at various locations across Sydney from 29 April to 4 May 2025. These events include:

Studio Soirées: a behind-the-scenes peek into Sydney’s architectural studios such as Terroir and Aileen Sage.
Sydney Unlocked: guided walking tours led by project architects that showcase sustainable and innovative designs throughout the city.
Archi-Party: an evening of celebration at the University of Sydney’s Chau Chak Wing Museum, where architects can network and explore all four levels of the museum.

The steering committee responsible for shaping the 2025 program comprises Aaron Peters, Adam Haddow, Adrian Fernandez, Felicity Stewart, Nicole Mesquita-Mendes, Sally Hsu, Sharaan Muruvan and Tania Papasotiriou. The committee is joined by Institute representatives Cameron Bruhn, Linda Cheng and Kate Concannon.
Visit the Australian Architecture Conference website to view the full program. More

The $188 million proposal for the redevelopment of Parramatta’s Riverside Theatres is currently on exhibition on the NSW government’s state significant applications portal, with the public invited to have their say on the designs.
Cox, 3XN Architects, Aileen Sage, Turf Design Studio and Bangawarra won a design excellence competition for the project in May 2024. According to the City of Parramatta, the design team “have created a visionary design that blends contemporary architecture with First Nations inspired interiors.”
Envisioned as the centrepiece of Parramatta’s emerging cultural precinct, the proposed revitalisation of the city’s Riverside Theatres aims to transform the venue into an internationally renowned cultural destination. The council noted that their aspiration for the project is to generate a “vibrant hub for creativity in the heart of Parramatta” that attracts visitors and creates opportunities for local businesses.

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The revitalised building will feature a collection of performance spaces, including a new 1,500-seat Broadway-style Lyric Theatre replacing the building’s existing Lennox and Raffertys Theatres, a refurbished 760-seat Playhouse Theatre, a 341-seat Black Box Drama Theatre and a 116-seat Studio Cinema. A new bar and cafe is also situated on the river side of the proposed building.
In their architectural report, the design team noted that together with the retained Playhouse Theatre, the new program establishes a cluster of four separate volumes. Clad in glass-reinforced concrete rainscreens, the proposed envelope is intended to link these distinct parts into a unified whole while echoing the dappled light of tree canopies. On the ground floor, an undulating soffit is envisioned to create a soft expression that lends itself to a more human scale.

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The council noted that the “proposed design respects Parramatta’s rich cultural heritage, thoughtfully integrating contemporary architecture with elements that honour the area’s historical significance, creating a harmonious blend of past and present.”
With respect to both new and old parts of the building, council claim that the design is “industry-leading” in accessibility, “ensuring a dynamic and inclusive experience for audiences, artists and the wider community.”
Around the venue, various civic works are aimed at transforming the Parramatta riverfront into a connected and inspiring public place. A new pedestrian- and cycle-friendly path linking several bridge underpasses are intended to provide better access to the river, while a new circular gathering space aspires to provide a landscaped setting for impromptu performances, individual reflection and group gatherings.
The public is invited to have their say on the proposal until 28 April. Following public comment, the project is set to commence construction in late 2025 and open to the community in 2028. More

While the Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed investments in infrastructure and housing in the federal government’s budget for 2025–26, they have emphasised that further action is necessary, urging the appointment of a federal government architect.
The budget, released on 25 March, precedes the upcoming federal election scheduled for 3 May 2025. It allocates $54 million to accelerate the adoption of modern construction methods, such as prefabrication and modular building, in an effort to increase housing supply. The budget included a further $17.1 billion investment over ten years for road and rail projects.
In a recent communique, the national president of the Institute Jane Cassidy has highlighted that while the contributions to housing and infrastructure are valued, a national, design-led approach should be adopted to ensure these public investments address the challenges of rapid urbanisation, climate change and housing affordability, as well as provide lasting social, economic and environmental benefits to communities.
Cassidy stated that in the lead-up to the federal election, the Institute is calling for the appointment of a federal government architect within the Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts to maximise the funding and achieve long-term, high quality design outcomes.

National president-elect Adam Haddow said “a federal government architect would provide strategic oversight and lead the development of smart, scalable solutions to ensure housing, infrastructure, and public spaces are designed for future needs, enhancing liveability and economic productivity. The federal government architect initiative would expand the positive impact of the existing government architects’ network across state, territory and local government levels.”
In addition to the call for national design leadership, the Institute has announced it will be advocating for a list of priorities this election, which include:

The adoption of innovative and modern construction methods to address housing shortages and support the transition to net zero
Healthy, affordable, equitable and sustainable housing that enhances community wellbeing
The strengthening of building codes to support an orderly decarbonisation transition through the National Construction Code (NCC) and the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB)
The inclusion of architects and other licenced professional in design-led projects and policies to improve urban outcomes, safety and consumer confidence.

Although Cassidy welcomed the budget’s provisions for increasing housing supply across the country, she said addressing this need should not come at the expense of safety, quality or sustainability. “Maximising liveability within space constraints requires careful planning of privacy, natural light, ventilation, storage and shared amenities. These factors are critical to quality of life and public health,” she said.
She added that with the growing frequency of extreme weather events, there should be increased investment in climate-responsive design, adaptive reuse of existing structures and reduced embodied carbon in construction materials.

The Institute’s full list of 2025 federal election priorities can be found here. More

Melbourne-based property developer PDG Corporation has submitted a planning permit application for a new skyscraper situated adjacent to the city’s Crown Casino in Southbank. Designed by Cox, the scheme offers residences atop a commercial podium alongside the site’s heritage-listed Queens Bridge Hotel.
Cox has confirmed in a communique that, if built, the 67-storey tower will reach approximately 240 metres in height. According to PDG, the proposed development includes public dining and entertainment facilities, as well as “luxury wellness and lifestyle amenities” exclusive to the building’s 483 residences.
In addition to capturing “optimal views whilst providing efficient shading and thermal performance,” Cox noted that their design for the development draws inspiration from the site’s ecological and geological histories, echoing the erosion patterns of the Yarra River within a stepped architectural form.
Director of Cox Simon Haussegger reflected, “At its core, this project is about honouring the forces that have shaped Melbourne – both natural and human-made. By embedding ecological narratives into the design, One Queens Bridge Street becomes more than a building; it becomes a dialogue between past and future, landscape and city.”
According to the firm’s design statement, the proposed tower is envisioned as an “urban connector,” acting as a gateway between Southbank’s riverfront entertainment promenade and the site’s neighbouring residential and arts precincts. The building’s articulated facade integrates a series of terraces that are intended to create intimate spaces that offer moments of respite and connection to nature.
“One Queens Bridge Street is designed for longevity – its form is conceptually shaped by the elements, but its purpose is deeply human-centric,” senior associate of Cox Ignacio De Mena commented. “By integrating a generous ground plane and an active mixed-use program, the project enriches Southbank’s urban life, and ensures it will remain a dynamic and welcoming destination for generations to come.”
The 1–29 Queens Bridge Street site was previously home to a 90-storey proposal from Crown, which was controversially exempted from local planning controls and approved by state government in 2017. Designed by Wilkinson Eyre in association with Architectus, the previous scheme sought the title of Australia’s tallest building at the time it was lodged for planning. Approval for the proposal lapsed in 2019 when the state government rejected Crown’s request for a permit extension. As a result, the site was sold to PDG in 2024.
Founder and managing director of PDG Vince Giuliano stated that the luxury residences, which enjoy panoramic views of the Yarra River, Melbourne CBD and Port Phillip Bay, are “designed to be liveable, sustainable and ensure lasting value for our clients.”
“We are looking forward to collaborating with the state government, the City of Melbourne, and the local community to further elevate the Southbank Precinct, ensuring it remains Australia’s premier destination for residential living, arts, entertainment and lifestyle,” he said.
The scheme is located down the road from PDG’s Boyd Village development – a mixed-use residential and affordable housing project designed by DKO Architecture that commenced construction in 2022 and reached its peak height in February 2025.
Subject to approval, PDG note that One Queens Bridge is expected to be complete in 2029. More

Dulux has announced the finalists of the this year’s Dulux Colour Awards – a program that recognises innovative and considered use of colour within the built environment.
Selected by a panel of prolific architects from Australia and New Zealand, 88 projects have been selected as finalists from nearly 500 entries received this year.
According to a media communique, the private residential projects in this year’s awards were united by bold palettes with hues of burgundy, gold-yellows and sage greens. Warm whites mainted a consistent presence from past years, and were married with “greiges,” mist greens and soft blues.
Colour and communications manager at Dulux Andrea Lucena-Orr observed, “Year after year, we are presented with an extraordinary array of exceptional colour use that exemplifies the pivotal role colour plays in spatial understanding, placemaking and mood setting.”
The communique notes that this year, finalists challenged architectural stereotypes through palette and application decisions, such as using colour to highlight ceilings, and architectural trims and features. This year’s program also saw a rise in colour-washing as a design device.
The program invites architects, designers, specifiers and students from Australia and New Zealand to submit projects that demonstrate an innovative use of Dulux paints. The categories include Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail; Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality; Commercial and Multi-residential Exterior; Temporary or Installation Design; Residential Interior; Single Residential Exterior; Australian Student; and New Zealand Student.
The 2025 jury comprises director of SJB Andrew Parr, co-founder at At.Space Alex McLeod, co-founder of Luchetti Krelle Rachel Luchetti, co-founder and director of Edition Office Kim Bridgland, principal at Kerstin Thompson Architects and adjunct professor at RMIT and Monash Universities Kerstin Thompson, and colour and communications manager at Dulux Andrea Lucena-Orr
The winners of the awards will be announced on 28 May at the National Gallery of Victoria, with Australian and New Zeland Grand Prix awards selected from the category winners (excluding student categories).
On the shortlist are:
Commercial Interior – Public and Hospitality

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Auburn High School Senior Centre – Wowowa Architecture
Melbourne Place – Kennedy Nolan
People’s Coffee Studio – Tate
Bar Julius – SJB
Cibaria – Luchetti Krelle
Harbour Early Learning – Danielle Brustman
Island Radio – Etic
The Eve Hotel Sydney – SJB
Chianti – Genesin Studio
Common Bakery – Rezen Studio
Karratha Senior High School – Iredale Pedersen Hook Architects
Burly Bar – Studio Plenty
Cucina Regina – Tom Mark Henry
Whitsunday Anglican School STEAM Centre – BSPN Architecture
YOMG – Pacific Fair – Elvin Tan Design
Netball North Harbour – Kanat Studio
Quinn Bar – Izzard Design
Commercial Interior – Workplace and Retail

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Atlassian Melbourne Connection Hub – Craig Tan Architects
Epic Melbourne – M. Moser Associates
GPT SpaceCo 550 Bourke – BVN
Leonard Joel Auction House – Studio Doherty
Menopause Specialist – Nickolas Gurtler Office
Nicholas Hall at Wesley Place – Cox Architecture
Professional Services Firm – Unispace
Sarah and Sebastian Armadale – Richards Stanisich
The Meeting Place at 181 William – BVN
Adrian William – Richards Stanisich
Buon Gusto – Studio Shand
Comma – Byron Bay – Duet
Henne Fiveways – Brahman Perera
Matrix Education – Parramatta Campus – SJB
No Gaps Dental – Span Design Studio
The ACO Workshop – Alexander and Co.
Mosmo Studio – Mosmo Living
Edna Store – Kanat Studio

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Commercial and Multi-residential Exterior
Larnangurrak Our Place – Y2 Architecture
Northern Memorial Park Depot – Searle x Waldron Architecture
Double Bay Arches – Stafford Architecture
Hurlstone Memorial Reserve Community Centre – Sam Crawford Architects
Windale Hub – Adriano Pupilli Architects
Blok Three Sisters – Blok Modular in collaboration with Vokes and Peters
Residential Interior

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Blue House – Sibling Architecture
Bridge House – Powell and Glenn
Charnwood – Studio Whiting
Claremont – Wowowa Architecture
Clique House – Wowowa Architecture
Cobden Terrace – Matt Gibson Architecture and Design
Elonera House – Studio Doherty
Gable House – Studio Doherty
Hilltop – Flack Studio
House on a Hill – Allison Pye Interiors with Leeton Pointon Architects and Interiors
Kazoo – Alessandra Smith Design
Rosherville House – Kennedy Nolan
South Yarra House – Studio Doherty
South Yarra Residence – Pandolfini Architects and Simone Haag
Stellar House – Robson Rak
Temple House – Golden
The Collectors – Julia.Cox.Co.
Bay House – Arent and Pyke
Balmain East House – Studio Johnston
Kilmory House – Jillian Dinkel
Redfern – Flack Studio
Wharf House – Arent and Pyke
Coronation House – Brunsdon Studio
Heathcote Valley House – Pac Studio
Lava Flow – Pac Studio
Mt Eden Garden House – Pac Studio
The Leather Jacket – Pac Studio
Single Residential Exterior

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Dunstan – SSdH
Oval House – Topology Studio
House in Erskineville – Architect George
The Daydream House – Goldie Homes
Lava Flow – Pac Studio
Mt Eden Garden House – Pac Studio
Temporary or Installation Design

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Landmark by Lexus – Brahman Perera
Overlay: A New Australian Heritage – CJ Cornish and Locki Humphrey
Carol Jerrems: Portraits – Youssofzay Hart
Kokoda House Teneriffe – Cottee Parker and Carr with Kokoda Property
Australian Student
Fitzroy Creativa – Vicky Licha, RMIT
The Red Centre – Shean Zuriel Eugene, RMIT
Whimsical Piglet – Alexander Ravel Kristono, RMIT
Landscape of Co-existence – Angela Xu and Georgia Reader, the University of Sydney
Need Over Green – Paris Perry, the University of Sydney
The Faith Nungalinya College Accommodation – Dirsten Jude Pornel, the University of Sydney
Movie Theatre Interior – Tao Zou, the University of Adelaide
New Zealand Student
Artistic Activism – Tom Arbuckle, Te Herenga Waka, Victoria University of Wellington
Pātaka Kōrero Fale o Tala: A Storehouse of Narratives in Samoa – Lalitpat Chomchoei, the University of Auckland
Te Anau Downs Outdoor Lodge – Hudson Ross, Otago Polytechnic More