The 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards offer an exciting showcase of architectural projects, each displaying a unique blend of design principles, cultural contexts and environmental considerations. Here are five projects that have earned their places on the shortlist, each marking a distinctive contribution to Victoria’s architectural landscape.

1. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa by Hayball

Engulfed by the natural splendour of the 15-hectare site on the Mornington Peninsula, the Alba Thermal Springs & Spa presents an interplay of architecture and environment. Its design is both a reverence and a response to the existing terrain and coastal Moonah woodland. The main building, characterised by its unembellished concrete forms and the symphony of a natural material palette echoes the organic melody of the surroundings.

2. Delatite Cellar Door by Lucy Clemenger Architects

The Delatite Cellar Door, a sustainable architectural delight designed by Lucy Clemenger Architects, is a fusion of aesthetics and functionality. With interconnected timbercrete pavilions and horizontal timber cladding along the ridgeline, the Cellar Door enhances the wine-tasting and dining experience. A meticulously chosen palette draws from the natural hues of the surrounding landscape, infusing the design with a rich textural warmth. This project emphasises the use of sustainable and locally-sourced materials.

3. Nightingale Village by various architects

Nightingale Village, a collaborative creation of six leading architecture firms, is a vibrant example of community-centred design. The project contains 203 homes across six zero-gas buildings to create a medium-density neighbourhood. Each structure is meticulously crafted according to social, environmental and financial sustainability principles, reflecting a deeply ingrained commitment to people over profit. Read more about Nightingale Village here.

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4. University of Melbourne Student Precinct by various architects

A project that seeks to embrace diversity and connection, the University of Melbourne Student Precinct is an architectural synthesis of new constructions and carefully refurbished heritage assets. This precinct exhibits a student-centric design approach, featuring a landscape-led pedestrian terrain that acts as a cultural connector at the heart of student life. The project foregrounds the voices and perspectives of students, while also prioritising a recognition of First Nations cultures.

5. Encore Cremorne by Fieldwork

Situated in the dense urban fabric of Melbourne’s Cremorne, the Encore Cremorne fuses old and new. The project integrates a modern seven-storey glass office tower with a restored early 20th century warehouse. The warehouse’s original features have been restored, while the higher office tower’s southern elevation facilitates the dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and reflection. A landscaped terrace on the first floor and a rooftop garden offer office-goers vibrant settings for work and leisure.

Victorian Architecture Awards
architecture.com.au

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