2015 ArchiTeam winners announced
Victoria's leading boutique architecture practices have been praised for their ingenuity and contribution to the design community at this year’s eighth ArchiTeam Awards which saw 83 entries of "unparalled" standard featured across six categories.
Adaptive reuse and sustainability were key themes explored as Victoria’s small, medium and emerging practices came together last night at the No Vacancy Gallery, QV Centre to celebrate the achievements of their peers. Projects will be on public exhibition until 6th December.
The awards continue to set new benchmarks, with 2015 attracting the greatest number of entrants since its inception in 2008.
2015 marks an exciting year for the ArchiTeam awards, the projects we have seen this year are a testament to the success of boutique architecture practices and the significant growth experienced in this sector as clients start to really recognise the immense value in engaging smaller or independent practices.
Zoe Geyer, ArchiTeam Awards Director.
The award recipients represent a mixture of commercial, residential, sustainability and community projects, with residential alterations and additions gaining exposure in a new category. The judging panel for this year's awards comprised Founding Director of Breathe Architecture, Jeremy McLeod, Director of Kennedy Nolan, Rachel Nolan and Director of HAW, Stuart Harrison.
The full list of winner's can be viewed below, along with a brief project description as provided by the judging panel:
ArchiTeam Award/Residential (New) Award WINNER:
Ari Apartments by OLA Studio –
An exemplary urban design outcome, Ari Apartments exemplify quality. Located on in Hawthorn East this collection of spacious apartments sets the tone for inner-city living with premium internal amenity, warm interiors and a multitasking timber screen to the façade. The insertion of an external brick paved laneway provides a perfect transition from public to private space, inviting interaction at a pedestrian level and fostering ties to the community.
Residential (New) Award COMMENDATION:
Bridge House by Delia Teschendorff
Sustainability Award WINNER:
NGV Art Fair by Fold Theory –
Clever in its use of recyclable materials, this project proved sustainability need not come at the expense of aesthetics and could be integrated into the design from inception to delivery. Holistic in its approach, the elegant installation saw cardboard transformed into an ephemeral exhibition space to create a fit-out that was true to brief, low-cost and functional.
Sustainability Award COMMENDATIONS:
Active Travel Zone at The Alfred by Robert Nichol & Sons
Wohnen Morgen by Steffen Welsch
Community Award WINNER:
Church St Johns by Tessellate –
Constructed off-site, this project pushes the limits of prefabrication with its skilful composition and articulation. The well-scaled addition complements the original Highton structure whilst resisting the temptation of stereotypical church design.
Community Award COMMENDATIONS:
Active Travel Zone at The Alfred by Robert Nichol & Sons
NGV Art Fair by Fold Theory
Commercial Award WINNER:
Harry Hall – Restaurant and Wine Bar by Davidov Partners Architects
Nestled in a Glenferrie Road shopfront, Harry Hall Restaurant & Wine Bar is the contemporary enoteca juxtaposing old and new to deliver an atmospheric space that seamlessly transitions from day to night. Striped back and honest, the venue favours recycled brick, blonde wood and concealed lighting to communicate an unpretentious, welcoming vibe.
Commercial Award COMMENDATIONS:
Birkenstock HQ by Melbourne Design Studios
Astra Lodge by Grant Amon Architects
Unbuilt Award WINNER:
Power Street Loop Competition / Kata Tjunta Freeway Ecological System by Nervegna Reed
This evocative form sits somewhere between building, sculpture, environmental machine and urban landmark. Is it inverted terrain? Is it a vessel? What is its role? It is these questions that make this proposal such an exciting and engaging proposition for what is a particularly exposed and uneventful inner city site.
Unbuilt Award COMMENDATION:
Melville Road, Brunswick West by Designpractice Architects
Fitzroy II by Claire Scorpo Architects
Residential (Alterations and Additions) Award JOINT WINNERS:
Thornbury by Claire Scorpo Architects
Fabricated offsite, this extension features a simple skeleton frame oriented to allow abundant northern light into the south facing block. Working with budget and time constraints, the addition represents a seamless continuation of the existing spaces with three individually programmed courtyard spaces, a library link and a reading nook crafted in pale timber.
The Portal by Architecture Architecture
A Californian Bungalow in Brunswick West, this residence grew to encompass sun-drenched living spaces and room to live and play freely. Cleverly set-back from the rear of the house, the extension opens up to the northern aspect and draws upon passive solar design principals to achieve environmental efficiency.
Residential (Alterations and Additions) Award COMMENDATIONS:
Theresa St Residence by Sonelo Design Studio
Brunswick Residence by Project 12 Architecture
Fitzroy I by Caire Scorpo Architects
