Three residential design projects were honoured at the Australian Institute of Architects’ Regional Architecture Awards by a panel of industry experts. The award-winning projects included an owner-built urban house, a home on the coastal canal and a rural rainforest retreat – all purposefully designed to suit owners’ unique needs and individual lifestyles.
HEY House situated in Main Beach, came out on top, winning The Inaugural Philip Follent Award for Building of the Year. The design by Willemsen Architecture also received a regional commendation for residential architecture (New). Willemsen Architecture described the sub-tropical home as an extremely personal project for their practice. “It is our family home, and a place that we designed and built as owner builders,” they said.
Impressively, the design sits well on its residential site and contributes to its sense of modern place in the coastal suburb. The quality detailing is paramount and is supported by smart technology in the home’s functionality. Privacy and orientation have also been well thought through and captured. The design complements the coastal landscape by using coastal textures and a palette of harmonising colours.
Gold Coast and Northern Rivers Regional Commendations included Bal Harbour which was awarded a regional commendation for residential architecture (Houses-New). The house was designed by DM2 Architecture and is perfectly situated on a stunning waterfront canal block in Broadbeach Waters. Also taking home a regional commendation for residential architecture (Houses-New) was Long Road House designed by James Russell Architect. The rural residential retreat is situated in rolling hills at the southern edge of Tamborine Mountain. The standalone house functions as both an escape and a revitaliser for the growing city-based family.
All of the region’s awarded projects were shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards judged and awarded in June 2021.
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