Architecture

The Alastair Swayn Foundation has announced it is now accepting applications for its 2025 grants program, with successful applicants to be awarded funding for design-related research.
The 2025 grants program opens on 3 June, with three funding streams available: International Research Grant, Australian Design Grants and Design Audio Grants. Individuals, groups and organisations can apply for any of the streams until 3 July.
The International Research Grant, which awards $20,000, supports successful candidates to undertake international research that strengthens the dialogue between Australian and global design practice. The Australian Design Grants will allocate $10,000 to recipients to conduct architecture and design research that tackles key challenges or opportunities across Australia’s designed and built environments. Design Audio Grants will award $8,000 to content creators for the production of design and architecture focused podcasts, radio series or open lecture recordings.
Simon Robinson, a previous International Research Grant recipient and the director of the not-for-profit multidisciplinary design and research practice Office, explored public housing renewal through a global lens.
“Through this grant, I was able to visit and catalogue 19 international examples of successfully refurbished multi-residential buildings. The grant has allowed us to broaden the discourse around public housing renewal, ensuring that global precedents inform local decision-making. I hope this research contributes to more sustainable and community-focused approaches to housing policy in Australia,” said Robinson.
“I am incredibly thankful to the Alastair Swayn Foundation for making this work possible and for fostering critical conversations across design, policy, and social impact.”
For full details or to apply, visit the Alastair Swayn Foundation website. More

Entries are now open for the 2025 Holdmark Innovation Award, an annual accolade that recognises innovation and excellence in the built environment.
Now in its third year, the award will be presented to one exemplary Australian-designed project completed in 2024 that demonstrates forward-thinking solutions to challenges faced by Australia’s urban environments. A prize of $10,000 will be awarded to the winning project.
Buildings, built structures or a key component in a structure’s design or construction can be entered. Innovation may be demonstrated through the application of emerging technologies, regenerative practices, pioneering research or sustainable construction methods.
The jury comprises Sydney Design Week curator Keinton Butler; director of design excellence at Government Architect NSW Olivia Hyde; Professor Greg Morrison, School of Engineering, Design and Built Environment at Western Sydney University; chief operating officer of Holdmark Property Group Kevin Nassif, and co-director of Youssofzay Hart Belqis Youssofzay.
Previously awarded projects include Phive in Parramatta Square by Design Inc. with Lacoste and Stevenson, and Manuelle Gautrand Architecture, which received an award in 2023. Additionally, Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit by Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity was honoured with the award in 2024. Phive was selected as the winner for its “ingenious rooftop design” and effective passive climate strategies while Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit was recognised for “its delivery of an energy-efficient space with both social and sustainability agendas at its core.”
Director of architecture at Kennedy Nolan Michael Macleod said, “Innovative projects can only have significant impact if people hear about them. We found the Holdmark Innovation Award to be a unique opportunity,” said Macleod.
The Holdmark Innovation Award program is presented by Powerhouse in partnership with Sydney Design Week principal partner Holdmark Property Group. Applications can be made until 30 June 2025. The award will be presented to the successful recipient at the annual Sydney Design Week event in September 2025. For more information, visit the Powerhouse website. More

The ACT Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects has welcomed draft reforms released by the state government to increase the supply and diversity of housing within the territory’s existing urban footprint. The proposed policies target zoning changes within existing Canberra suburbs to unlock available land and enable more low-rise, “missing middle” housing types across the city.
According to a communique from the state government, the focus of the Missing Middle Reforms is to facilitate the construction of 30,000 new homes by 2030, yet the release noted that “the reforms go beyond simply building more homes. The aim is to create more diverse housing options that blend seamlessly into Canberra’s suburbs.”
In addition to the zoning changes, the ACT government is working with experts from the local design and construction industry to develop a Missing Middle Housing Design Guide, which will provide guidance on the design of multi-occupancy houses on a block, townhouses, terrace homes and low-rise apartments that respect the local neighbourhood character.
Architect and director of DNA Architects Rob Henry has been consulting with the ACT government on the Missing Middle Housing Reforms on behalf of the Institute.
“Providing high-quality, social and affordable housing is essential to building an inclusive and equitable city,” Henry said. “By ensuring housing solutions are well-designed, sustainable, and integrated into diverse neighbourhoods, the ACT can meet the needs of vulnerable populations and low-income residents.”
“Architects are already working to create designs that prioritise energy efficiency, adaptability and liveability, enhancing the long-term value and social outcomes of housing projects while supporting broader housing affordability goals,” he continued.
The state government is inviting feedback on the proposed reforms until 3 July.
The Institute has welcomed the consultation put forward by the ACT government. They intend to review the proposed guides and amendments to ensure they address the short-term demand for missing middle housing types as well as future urban expansion.
“The recognition of place is paramount to building communities, not just houses,” said Henry. “To ensure long-term growth and mobility, the ACT must preserve and expand public transport corridors, including future extensions of the light rail network.”
Canberrans can have their say on the reforms online. More

Updated plans for the third and final stage of the Melbourne Jam Factory precinct redevelopment have been lodged.
Built in 1858, the Jam Factory was first established as a brewery, later becoming a factory for producing preserves and jams, before eventually evolving to become a retail and cinema precinct in the 1990s. Now, the factory site is set to be transformed once again into a mixed-use hub with retail, residential, accommodation and hospitality offerings.
American-born international architectural practice Skidmore, Owings and Merrill (SOM) alongside local architects Buchan were engaged to design the precinct, in conjunction with Gurner’s in-house architect and interior design business Gurner Design House. Townshend Landscape Architects was appointed to design the landscape.
According to a communique, the latest proposal substitutes the previously approved box-style commercial tower fronting Chapel Street with “sculptural fluted towers.” Additionally, the allocation of 600 residences has increased to 800 dwellings. As a result of these changes, the estimated cost of the project has increased to $3.75 billion, up from the earlier estimate of $2.75 billion.

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The precinct will additionally accommodate 20,000 squares metres of retail, commercial and hospitality spaces; a reimagined Village Cinemas; two hotels; a 1,600-square-metre, north-facing public piazza; and a through-site link that leads visitors past retail and dining offerings.
The heritage facade along Chapel Street will be restored and the heritage chimney will be reconstructed as part of the project.
Construction has already commenced on the project, with demolition works underway. Once complete, the total area of the Jam Factory precinct will match the size of the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), covering an area of 20,000 square metres. More

The 2025 Rigg Design Prize, Australia’s most prestigious contemporary design award, will open on 19 September, showcasing the nation’s emerging design talent. Marking a significant shift, the tenth edition focuses exclusively on 35 outstanding Australian designers under the age of 35, working across ceramics, glass, furniture, woodwork, metalwork, textiles, lighting, and contemporary jewellery.
Traditionally awarded to established and mid-career practitioners, this year’s prize highlights fresh voices and innovative approaches within Australia’s design landscape. The participants will debut new works at the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV), offering visitors an intimate look into their creative processes, ideas and motivations.
Selected from across Australia, the 35 finalists who were invited by the NGV to compete for the $40,000 Prize are:

Patrick Adeney (VIC, Furniture)
Kartika Laili Ahmad (WA, Lighting)
Ella Badu (VIC, Jewellery)
Walter Brooks (NT, Object Design)
Dalissa Brown (NT, Ceramics)
Andrew Carvolth (SA, Furniture)
Nicola Charlesworth & Kim Stanek – Object Density (NSW, Furniture)
Samantha Dennis (TAS, Jewellery)
Carly Tarkari Dodd (SA, Jewellery)
Hamish Donaldson (VIC, Glass)
Jack Fearon – FEARON (QLD, Furniture)
Olive Gill-Hille (WA, Furniture)
Marcel Hoogstad Hay (SA, Glass)
Katherine Hubble (VIC, Jewellery)
Jay Jermyn (QLD, Lighting)
Nicolette Johnson (QLD, Ceramics)
Zaiba Khan (VIC, Jewellery)
Lavinia Ketchell (QLD, Object Design)
Claudia Lau (VIC, Ceramics)
Nicole Lawrence (VIC, Furniture)
Julian Leigh May (VIC, Furniture)
Alfred Lowe (SA, Ceramics)
Marlo Lyda (NSW, Lighting)
Claire Markwick-Smith (SA, Furniture)
Simone Namunjdja (NT, Object Design)
Nathan Nhan (ACT, Ceramics)
Annie Paxton (VIC, Furniture)
Douglas Powell – Duzi Objects (WA, Furniture)
Amy Seo & Shahar Cohen – Second Edition (NSW, Furniture)
Emma Shepherd – Sundance Studio (VIC, Weaving)
Shahn Stewart – Alchemy Orange (VIC, Object Design)
Dalton Stewart (VIC, Furniture)
Georgie Szymanski (VIC, Furniture)
Kohl Tyler (VIC, Ceramics)
Isaac Williams (TAS, Furniture)

NGV director Tony Ellwood AM said: “The 2025 Rigg Design Prize turns the focus to the early-career designers of our country and gives them a career-defining platform to share their work with a wide audience. This prize is an opportunity to acknowledge and celebrate the outstanding creative achievements of our early career designers and will show an incredible breadth of skill and ability from a group who are on the rise in their careers and professional practice.” More

Brisbane Open House (BOH) has announced its full program for this year’s event, which will be held over the weekend of 19–20 July. According to a release from BOH, the 2025 program is the most expansive in five years, more than doubling last year’s offering with 91 buildings on show for attendees.
The line-up includes a range of buildings, structures, places and spaces across Greater Brisbane, including private homes, which also return to the program for the first time in five years.
BOH has partnered with the Australian Institute of Architects to open the doors to ten architect-designed residences, offering visitors insights into contemporary, modernist and sustainable house designs.

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In the city’s north, Blok Stafford Heights by Blok Modular and Vokes and Peters will be open for ticketed tours, as will Floating Gable House by Phorm Architecture and Design. Towards Mt Coot-tha in the west, both Birdwood by Peter Besley, and House of Birdwood by Marc and Co will host guided tours, also to be booked in advance. John Ellway Architect’s Twin Houses is also open for pre-booked tours on the southside of the city.
New additions to the 2025 program include first-time access to Riviere, designed by Bates Smart; Bradbury Park Play Scape, designed by Alcorn Middleton; Milton House; and the Morningside School of Arts and St Laurence’s College.

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Behind-the-scenes access will also be granted to Brisbane Airport as it celebrates 100 years. Likewise, a limited number of visitors will have the rare opportunity to descend 30 metres underground at the Roma Street Cross River Rail Station cavern.
“This is a landmark year for Brisbane Open House, not just in the scale of what we’re offering, but in the depth of experience we’re creating for locals and visitors alike,” said BOH chair Malcolm Middleton.
Returning favourites include Newstead House, Roma Street Fire Station, Brisbane Arcade, ABC Brisbane, Centenary Pool and Government House. The program will also feature guided walks, live music, dance performances, film screenings and the BOH photography competition.
In addition to building tours, the 2025 program includes a series of twilight events including a heritage talk, a guided walk through Kurilpa with local design advocates and a fast-paced presentation night at Arup’s new studio. A panel conversation exploring the living legacy of Torbreck will include Stuart Vokes of Vokes and Peters and Leah Gallagher of Kin Architects, who have each renovated apartments in the iconic building. Both of Kin’s renovations will be open for pre-booked tours.

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Brisbane councillor and deputy chair for City Planning and Suburban Renewal Penny Wolff said that the weekend-long program presents a unique opportunity to bring people into the places that define the city’s character — and to celebrate the work of the people who shape it.
“Whether you’re visiting a heritage-listed landmark or stepping inside a building you’ve walked past a hundred times, this event deepens your connection to place. It’s a chance for locals and visitors to understand Brisbane’s design legacy, and the values that continue to shape our future.”
The full program is now accessible on the Brisbane Open House website. Tickets will be released on Saturday 5 July. More

Gavan Ranger, the long-standing chair of the board of Architecture Media Pty Ltd, has announced his retirement and will be stepping down as chair and a director of Architecture Media effective from Friday 6 June 2025. His decision responds to some personal challenges being faced by members of his family, as this will allow him to dedicate more time to them.
Gavan was initially nominated by the Australian Institute of Architects as its representative on the Architecture Media board from 1992 until 1996 when he became an independent representative, eventually being elected chair in 2004.
He has brought a wealth of experience and expertise to the role of director and chair of the board, both as a widely experienced architect and having held a number of major volunteer roles at the Institute.
Gavan has worked on significant projects in both the public and private sectors, and as a principal of major architecture and design practices in Adelaide, Melbourne, Canberra and Brisbane.
His professional roles have been complemented by long-term involvement with the Institute at state and national levels. These roles included chapter and national councillor, SA Chapter President, chair of the National Marketing Committee, honorary national secretary and member of a Chapter Honours Committee. These contributions were recognised by the award of Life Fellow in 1996. Similarly, he is a Fellow of the Design Institute of Australia (DIA), was awarded Design Icon by its SA Branch in 2017, and was inducted into the DIA Hall of Fame in 2019. He is also a Foundation Fellow of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.
During his tenure on the Architecture Media board, Gavan has seen the successful expansion of its print and digital publishing operations, as well as its professional development and highly successful events activities.
Gavan steps down, proud of his contribution to Architecture Media and is confident of its sound future.
He leaves with the best wishes and appreciation of Architecture Media’s board and staff for the work he has led and the considerable time and effort he has dedicated.
Announcement of the next board chair and recruitment for a new director will occur soon. More

The University of Melbourne’s Potter Museum of Art is set to reopen tomorrow following the redevelopment of the institution’s existing building, located on the eastern edge of the university’s Parkville campus.
Originally designed by Katsalidis Architects and opened to the public in 1998, the existing museum received a commendation for Public Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects National Architecture Awards in 1999. It has been closed for refurbishment since 2018.

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A media release from the university noted that the renovation, designed by Wood Marsh Architects, features “teaching and learning studios and upgraded social, events and associated amenities – all of which are accessible through a new, distinctive arched entry on campus.”
Co-founder of Wood Marsh Randal Marsh commented that the “concave and mirror polished stainless steel portal, oriented to one of the university’s main thoroughfares, creates a dynamic new entrance to the Potter Museum of Art.”
Marsh added, “This sculptural element is set-off from the existing buildings facade and leads you into a new vaulted double height foyer. A monochromatic black timber wall directs you along an axis to connect to the existing gallery spaces through an elegant and spacious foyer and restaurant.”

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Chairman of the Potter Museum of Art Peter Jopling commented, “The Potter Museum of Art was established in 1972 at the University of Melbourne, and for over 50 years it has played a significant role in the cultural life of Melbourne, exhibiting contemporary art alongside the university’s collections.
“We are delighted to welcome visitors back into our revitalised museum and to chart a new, bold, and thought-provoking environment for visitors to interact with and enjoy and explore art,” Jopling said.
The university’s statement noted that the new and improved spaces for the museum are designed to facilitate collection-based learning programs. According to the communique, “The Potter is an industry leader in collections and exhibitions-based learning, working with the University of Melbourne’s art collection and the Potter’s exhibition program to engage students from a wide range of faculties and disciplines, as well as wider audiences.”

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The museum reopens with an exhibition titled 65,000 Years: A Short History of Australian Art, which will be on show until 23 November 2025. More