The Australian Institute of Architects’ 2011 Gold Coast/Northern Rivers Regional Architecture Awards were announced on Friday 1 April, with Southport’s Sphere Residential Community by BDA Architecture taking out the Building of the Year Award.

“Sphere demonstrates the attributes of higher density, low to medium rise master-planned development with considered community form and landscape amenity,” said Queensland Awards Jury Director Malcolm Middleton.

“The progressive build-out of the project experiments with more sustainable project initiatives, with the last stage introducing a fully trafficable green roof producing measurable energy reductions.

“The community is responding positively to the calibre of the streets and laneways established in the overall master plan, and which will connect to the large employment nodes of the university and hospital nearby. The body corporate structure is embracing a mix of student and permanent residents in a positive manner.” 

Cabarita Beach House in Bogangar by Owen and Vokes took out House of the Year, commended for bringing an extraordinary creation to an ordinary site.

“The architects have maximised the use of a standard suburban canal front site and provided the clients with a solution outside the square,” said the jury.

“The attention to detail, the desire to consider the use of individual spaces and not compromise on the design intent throughout construction has resulted in a very special design.”

The People’s Choice Award went to Regatta Parade Residence in Southport.

“The architects [Inarc Design QLD] have extended the client’s brief by providing a living space capturing the riverfront beach and park and bringing it into the living space,” said the jury.

“Detailing is meticulous with a final built form expressing a subtle but significant repositioning of the house form.”

Receiving commendations on the night were Cypress at Byron by Haysom Architects, SM Residence, Calypso Bay, by Reddog Architects, All Saints Primary School Multi Purpose Hall, Boonah, by BA Architects, One Short Street by Inarc Design QLD, and The Hub – Broadwater Parklands by WHITEARCHITECTURE.

Australian Institute of Architects
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