Architecture

The 2023 National Architecture Awards, held at the National Gallery of Australia, has shined a spotlight on Australia’s most prestigious and respected projects of the year, with this year’s ceremony reflecting an increase in regional works.
Forty-seven distinguished projects have earned an award or commendation from a pool of more than 70 shortlisted entries. Common threads among the named projects were sustainability, adaptive reuse, collaborative design, connection to Country, and a broad community focus.

Jury chair and former Australian Institute of Architects president, Shannon Battisson said the award-winning projects can be used as a source of inspiration for Australians during a time of environmental and economic crisis.

“Australia is in the depths of a once-in-a-generation housing crisis and a climate crisis. We are in dire need of new approaches to our built environment and this year the jury were united in our desire to seek out and draw attention to the best examples of design innovation in the country. There was a shared respect for what we wanted the awards to say about the broader climate, sustainability and culture situation. Our hope was to send a message to all Australians about where our industry should be going in terms of sustainability, learning and listening to Country,” Battisson said.

This year, the jury undertook one of the biggest regional tours they have ever conducted, with 28 per cent of the winning projects located in regional Australia.

“The jury felt the importance of celebrating good architecture across the breadth of Australia. Building in the regions has a different set of complexities to building in metropolitan areas – the constraints and opportunities are different. This year, the jury made a concerted effort to visit regional projects and hear the stories of architects and their clients creating amazing projects against the odds of distance, tight budgets, material and labour shortages as a result of the pandemic, and political uncertainty. The assumption that regional projects are easier to design and execute is false. They contain their own unique set of intricacies” Battisson said.
One superlative, regional project is the Rockhampton Museum of Art by Conrad Gargett, Clare Design and Brian Hooper Architect. Described by the jury as “a true public building,” this Sir Zelman Cowen Award-winning project was praised for its “immeasurable” contribution of cultural and economic benefits to the city of Rockhampton.
The 2023 jury comprised Shannon Battisson, Shaneen Fantin, William Smart, Stephanie Kitingan and Scott Burchell. You can read the jury chair’s overview here.
During the ceremony, the Australian Institute of Architects also awarded the 2003 Gold Medal, originally awarded to Peter Corrigan alone, to Maggie Edmond and Peter Corrigan. You can read Philip Goad’s tribute to Edmond here.
The winners are:

Public Architecture
The Sir Zelman Cowen Award
Rockhampton Museum of Art – Conrad Gargett, Clare Design and Brian Hooper Architects

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The Sir Zelman Cowen Award for Public Architecture: Rockhampton Museum of Art by Conrad Gargett, Clare Design and Brian Hooper Architects. Image:

John Gollings

National Awards
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Modern building – SANAA and Architectus
Melbourne Holocaust Museum – Kerstin Thompson Architects
National Commendations
Bendigo Law Courts – Wardle
Dove Lake Viewing Shelter – Cumulus Studio
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
The Robin Boyd Award
19 Waterloo Street – SJB

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The Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New): 19 Waterloo Street by SJB. Image:

Anson Smart

National Awards
Merricks Farmhouse – Michael Lumby with Nielsen Jenkins
Spring Creek Road Farm House – Architect Brew Koch
National Commendation
Mossy Point House – Edition Office
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
The Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award
Sunday – Architecture Architecture

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The Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions): Sunday by Architecture Architecture. Image:

Tom Ross

National Award
Balmain House – Saha
National Commendations
Harriet’s House – SO Architecture
North Perth House – Simon Pendal Architect
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
The Frederick Romberg Award
Nightingale Village – Hayball and Breathe and Architecture Architecture and Austin Maynard Architects and Clare Cousins Architects and Kennedy Nolan

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The Frederick Romberg Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing: Nightingale Village by Hayball and Breathe and Architecture Architecture and Austin Maynard Architects and Clare Cousins Architects and Kennedy Nolan. Image:

Tom Ross

National Commendations
Forrest Hall – KHA (Kerry Hill Architects)
Habitat on Juers – Refresh Studio for Architecture
Turner Avenue Homes – Push and David Pennisi
Educational Architecture
The Daryl Jackson Award
Boola Katitjin – Lyons with Silver Thomas Hanley, Officer Woods, The Fulcrum Agency and Aspect Studios

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The Daryl Jackson Award for Educational Architecture: Boola Katitjin by Lyons with Silver Thomas Hanley, Officer Woods, The Fulcrum Agency and Aspect Studios. Image: Lyons

National Awards
Cranbrook School, Hordern Oval Precinct Redevelopment – Architectus
Inveresk Library, University of Tasmania – Wardle
National Commendations
Cannon Hill Anglican College, D-Block – Reddog Architects in association with Blueline Architecture
Research School of Physics Stage 1 Building, Australian National University – Hassell
Commercial Architecture
The Harry Seidler Award
Delatite Cellar Door – Lucy Clemenger Architects

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The Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture: Delatite Cellar Door by Lucy Clemenger Architects. Image:

Derek Swalwell

National Award
JCB Studio – Jackson Clements Burrows
National Commendations
Poly Centre 210 George Street – Grimshaw
Yirranma Place – SJB
Interior Architecture
The Emil Sodersten Award
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal – ARM Architecture

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The Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture: Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal by ARM Architecture. Image:

Chris Bennett

National Award
Bass Coast Farmhouse – Wardle
National Commendation
Art Gallery of NSW, Sydney Modern building, Gallery Shop – Akin Atelier
Heritage Architecture
The Lachlan Macquarie Award
Sydney Opera House Concert Hall Renewal – ARM Architecture
National Award
University of Melbourne Student Precinct – Lyons with Koning Eizenberg Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway Architects, Architects EAT, Aspect Studios and Glas Urban
National Commendation
Thomas Dixon Centre – Conrad Gargett
Small Project Architecture
The Nicholas Murcutt Award
Victorian Family Violence Memorial – Muir and Openwork

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The Nicholas Murcutt Award for Small Project Architecture: Victorian Family Violence Memorial by Muir and Openwork. Image:

Peter Bennetts

National Award
The University of Queensland Cricket Club Maintenance Shed – Lineburg Wang with Steve Hunt Architect
National Commendations
Dimensions X / Farm Stay – Peter Stutchbury Architecture
Postal Hall – Trower Falvo Architects with Alessio Fini
Urban Design
The Walter Burley Griffin Award
University of Melbourne Student Precinct – Lyons with Koning Eizenberg Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway Architects, Architects EAT, Aspect Studios and Glas Urban

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The Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design: University of Melbourne Student Precinct by Lyons with Koning Eizenberg Architecture, NMBW Architecture Studio, Greenaway Architects, Architects EAT, Aspect Studios and Glas Urban. Image:

Peter Bennetts

National Award
Herston Quarter Redevelopment Stage 1 and 2 – Hassell
National Commendations
Dairy Road – Craig Tan Architects
Nightingale Village – Hayball and Breathe and Architecture Architecture and Austin Maynard Architects and Clare Cousins Architects and Kennedy Nolan and Openwork and Andy Fergus
Sustainable Architecture
The David Oppenheim Award
Nightingale Village – Hayball and Breathe and Architecture architecture and Austin Maynard Architects and Clare Cousins Architects and Kennedy Nolan and Openwork and Andy Fergus
National Award
Boola Katitjin – Lyons with Silver Thomas Hanley, Officer Woods, The Fulcrum Agency and Aspect Studios
National Commendation
Lane Cove House – Saha
International Architecture
The Jorn Utzon Award
Paris Apartment – Wood Marsh

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The Jorn Utzon Award for International Architecture: Paris Apartment by Wood Marsh. Image:

Tommaso Sartori

Colorbond Award for Steel in Architecture
AB House – Office Mi—Ji
National Commendation
Celilo Springs – Western Architecture Studio
Enduring Architecture
Brambuk: The National Park and Cultural Centre – Gregory Burgess Architects
National Emerging Architect Prize
Ben Peake More

Australian research studio, Monash Urban Lab presented an exhibition at the 2023 Seoul Biennale of Architecture and Urbanism, which was held between September 1 and October 29. Monash Urban Lab was one of three Australian research labs to present within the Global Studios section. The exhibition, titled Ground Melbourne, responded to the biennale theme of […] More

The Royal Institute of British Architects is now accepting submissions for the RIBA International Prize, with the institute on the hunt for superlative projects of social significance.
Established in 2015, the RIBA International Prize is a biennial accolade awarded to a building that demonstrates visionary thinking, originality and excellence of execution, and that makes a distinct contribution to its users, surrounding environment and communities.
Registered architects from anywhere in the world are eligible to enter. There are no restrictions on building size, typology or budget; however, projects must be environmentally and economically sustainable while also providing social value, and projects based in the UK are not able to apply.
RIBA president Muyiwa Oki said the awards celebrate and recognize buildings that boldly push design boundaries, embrace sustainable technologies and drive meaningful change.
“We want to uncover the world’s most ambitious and impactful projects that provide robust solutions to social and environmental issues faced by communities across the globe,” Oki said.
In June 2024, in the lead-up to the disclosure of the winning project, RIBA will present approximately 20 buildings with RIBA International Awards for Excellence. One emerging practice – having operated for 10 years or less – will also be acknowledged with the International Emerging Architect Award.

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Children Village, Brazil, by Aleph Zero and Rosenbaum, was awarded the RIBA International Prize in 2018. Image:

Leonardo Finotti

The winner of the latest RIBA International Prize in 2021 was the Friendship Hospital in Satkhira, Bangladesh, designed by Khashef Chowdury and Urbana. Selected from a shortlist of three outstanding entries, the design team was praised for the delivery of a low-cost yet visually appealing community hospital, the social value of the project, the response to challenging environmental conditions, and the use of local and traditional crafted materials.
Preceding winners include Aleph Zero and Rosenbaum in 2018 for Children Village in northern Brazil, and Grafton Architects in 2016 for the Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología in Lima, Peru.

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UTEC, Universidad de Ingeniería y Tecnología, Peru, by Grafton Architects, was awarded the RIBA International Prize in 2016. Image:

Iwan Baan

Entries for the RIBA International Prize 2024 are open until 17:00 GMT on 7 December 2023. Any lodged projects must have been completed between December 2018 and December 2022, and have been in functional use for at least one year – enabling the jury to review performance data.
Every shortlisted project will be visited by a group of international design experts.
The international prize winner will be announced in November 2024. To find out more, visit here. More

Initial concept designs for the University of New England’s Tamworth campus have been revealed, with social interaction and inclusivity at the forefront of the tertiary facility’s design.
Reflected in the brief for the project was the desire to create a welcoming environment with shared and flexible multifunctional spaces that could be easily adapted to support collaborative group work, research projects or lessons.
In response, the design team led by Architectus, with support from First Nations design partner Yerrabingin and the university, has proposed a 2,000-square-metre, four-storey facility for the existing disused velodrome site on Peel Street in Tamworth’s city centre. The educational facility would be the first university campus in Tamworth.
Plans show that Architectus has sought to achieve design longevity through the inclusion of modifiable, multipurpose learning spaces, and inviting outdoor areas, bikepaths and walkways.

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Biophilic design principles have been pursued through a south-facing glass curtain wall that provides views of the surrounding landscape. Image: Architectus

Biophilic design principles have been pursued through a south-facing glass curtain wall that provides views of the surrounding landscape and a verandah that encircles the perimetre of the facility, creating a covered outdoor area for social engagement. The shape and profile of the facility also mirrors the silhouette of the adjacent mountain range and river bend.
The depicted facade is composed of recycled bricks, textured concrete, paved stonework and steel in natural and grey tones that do not intrude on the environment. Flexible formal and informal outdoor learning zones are delineated by landscaping.
Timber, stucco and corded carpet in warmer hues feature throughout the interior of the facility, while concealed skylights draw natural light into the building.
Architectus principal Karl Eckermann said that the concept designs were formulated with the community in mind, through consultation with First Nations peoples, students and educators.
“Our concept promotes student success, equitable access to learning, and an environment that is inclusive and welcoming. The materials, colours, and soft geometry of the building reflect the landscape, making it an architecturally significant addition to Tamworth,” Eckermann said.
UNE vice-chancellor Chris Moran said that the proposed building design shows an “inspiring physical space” for student support and engagement with the community.
“The designs presented today show how the building’s spaces might flexibly adapt to the community’s needs as the city grows and its education needs change,” Moran said.
The project will aim to achieve a 5-star Green Star rating.
Construction is expected to start early 2024, with project completion forecast for 2025. More

2023 Australian Ceramics Open Studios
More than 200 ceramic artists around Australia are set to welcome pottery enthusiasts into their studios during the annual, nation-wide open studios event on 11 and 12 November. Offering behind-the-scenes access into Australia’s beloved places of creation, attendees will have the opportunity to meet the makers in the community, see how they set up their studio and purchase their handcrafted works, as well as participate or observe fascinating workshops, demonstrations, kiln firings and talks.
Sydney Open 2023

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Yirranma Place by SJB. Image:

Romello Pereira

Presented by the Museums of History NSW, the Sydney Open on 5 November provides visitors a chance to marvel at some of the most loved architectural gems across the city, from historic and culturally significant buildings to award winning contemporary designs. Highlights of the program include Argyle Well, an 1840’s terrace restored and extended with a contemporary addition by Welsh and Major; Mortuary Station, the only surviving example of purpose-built Victorian railway funerary architecture in Australia; Parbury Ruins, an archaeological treasure preserved under a large residential complex; and Yirranma Place by SJB, a restored former church reimagined as a social purpose precinct for philanthropy.
The Living Future Institute of Australia Symposium

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The Living Future Institute of Australia Symposium 2019. Image:

Krunal Padhiar

The Living Future Institute of Australia Symposium returns to Melbourne this 8 and 9 November, with the theme for 2023 ‘Ambition to Action.’ The fifth symposium seeks to empower and invite built environment professionals to contemplate about how their work can promote social justice, cultural richness and ecological restoration. The event will bring together thought leaders, regenerative design experts and built environment professionals such as Martin Heide of NH Architecture, Cameron McIntosh of Arup, and television host and best-selling author, Hannah Molony, who will each discuss the transformation of ideas into actions.
Open House Hobart

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Bozen’s Cottage by Taylor and Hinds Architects. Image:

Adam Gibson

This year’s edition of Open House Hobart will feature more than 70 building inspections, walking tours and speaker series to be held across 11 and 12 November. Some of the incredible homes on show include Bozen’s Cottage by Taylor and Hinds Architects, Pop Top by Licht Architecture, Dorney House by J. H. Esmond Dorney and Fusilier Cottage by Bence Mulcahy. Organised and run by the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects, Open House Hobart is the local version of a global event first held in London in 1992.
Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design

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Butterfly House by Dane Taylor and Greensmith and Co. Image:

Daniel Mulheran

This 25 November, the Illawarra Festival of Architecture and Design will bring together design professionals, architectural innovators and voices from across the Illawarra community, through a series of talks and shared experiences. The festival will be split into three events – beginning with house tours in the morning, a University of Technology Sydney projects feature in the afternoon, and a series of three panel discussions from local industries. The event will offer a unique opportunity to explore the latest trends in design and construction, gain insight from regional communities and connect with design enthusiasts. More

A national design competition to establish a new mixed-use facility at the Suttons Beach precinct on Queensland’s Redcliffe Peninsula has launched.
The competition, commissioned by City of Moreton Bay and overseen by Citylab, will be open to expressions of interest from architects from November.
Mayor Peter Flannery said the objective of the competition was to create a new hub with potential for hospitality offerings, rooftop areas, and bathroom and changeroom amenities.
“Citylab will plan the competition including the design brief, competition structure and jury selection criteria. Council has also consulted with the Australian Institute of Architects to ensure industry best practice and is currently seeking their endorsement for the final competition guidelines and model,” Flannery said.
“We understand the significance of the previous Suttons Beach Pavilion to the local community, and the new building design will consider the history of the site, as well as extensive community feedback.
“The Sutton’s Beach precinct plays a key role in the Redcliffe Peninsula’s tourism offering and once revitalised, will bring new opportunities for employment and economic development to our city, ensuring City of Moreton Bay continues to be a popular place to live, work, visit and invest into the future.”
The 2023/2024 Moreton Bay Council budget has already allocated $1.25 million for the demolition of the existing 1937 beach pavilion and interim landscaping to return the park to community use, with planning for the new precinct occurring simultaneously. Council is hoping to repurpose bricks from the original pavilion in the new structure.
Moreton Bay councillor Karl Winchester said the design competition will ensure the new building has a unique presence, while also providing the most appropriate solution for the popular Redcliffe destination.
“We know the Redcliffe community wants to see this public space brought back to life, while still recognising the history and character of the space,” Winchester said.
“This design competition will consist of two stages – first we will take expressions of interest (EOI) from the architecture community, followed by a concept design development stage.
“We can’t wait to see the Suttons Beach precinct evolve into a vibrant new community space allowing a new generation to enjoy its place in the community.”
Architects on the shortlist will be notified in early 2024, with shortlisted candidates granted funds to advance their concept designs. A jury comprising independent and qualified design experts will announce the project winner in mid-2024.
See the City of Moreton Bay Council’s website for project and competition updates: Suttons Beach Public Space project. More

J. H. Esmond Dorney’s 1970s family home has earned global recognition from Docomomo International.
Dorney first constructed what is now known as Dorney House in 1978. The home sits atop an abandoned fort in Porter Hill, Tasmania, and remains one of the great modern houses of Australia. A humble masterpiece, the circular house features open plan living arrangement with sunken lounge and stunning 360 degree views of Hobart.
Dorney house is admired by many eminent Australian architects, many of whom have visited the heritage-home, including Glenn Murcutt and Carey Lyon.

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The sunken lounge at Dorney House. Image:

Ray Joyce

Born in 1906, J. H. Esmond Dorney trained under Walter Burley and Marion Mahoney Griffin before completing his first project in 1929. His portfolio between 1929 and 1940 featured a diverse range of building typologies from Old English revival (tudor) to streamline moderne. During this period, he predominantly designed flats located in Melbourne’s St Kilda, Elwood, South Yarra, Sandringham and Toorak.
After being drafted in World War II, Dorney relocated to Tasmania where he completed what are now seen as his most revered works. During this time, he transitioned to a modernist style, that was distinguishable by asymmetrical compositions and functional design elements.
Dorney’s Tasmanian projects are seminal to the field of architecture, with the Dorney House being one of his most recognizable and influential works. His Melbourne apartment complexes have also had an enduring affect on the character and aesthetic of Melbourne’s bayside suburbs, however, two separate bushfire incidents resulted in the devastating loss of a significant amount of documentation regarding his Melbourne projects.
A site steeped in history, Dorney House continues to be held in high regard by many within and outside the architecture profession. Ironically, it was actually the third home to be established by Dorney on the Fort Nelson site. The first house was built in 1949, the second in 1966, followed by Dorney House, which was constructed in 1978. Being that the property is located in bushland, both of the earlier homes were destroyed by separate bushfires.
Dorney House was acquired by the City of Hobart in 2006 for $5.5 million. More

City of Sydney has released concept plans for the revitalization of Chinatown on Haymarket’s Dixon Street. Designed by Aspect Studios, with Sibling Architecture, Electrolight, and Studio Yu and Mei, the upgrades will “bring vibrancy back to the heart of chinatown with creative lighting, improved flow and traditional cultural features.” Concept plans indicate the heritage and […] More