A community housing project on Shiel Street in North Melbourne won a national award for multi-dwelling residential architecture.
Clare Cousins Architects designed the eight-level building with 78 one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments for Housing Choices Australia.
The North Melbourne development that won of the National Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
“This is exceptional community housing that sets a clear precedent for honest, well-designed affordable homes that provide transformational support for those who need them the most,” the jury citation said.
The Truganina Community Centre in Melbourne’s west and the Eva and Marc Besen Centre in Healesville both won national awards for public architecture.
Kerstin Thompson Architects designed the latter, which was an addition to the Tarrawarra Museum of Art in the Yarra Valley.
The jury said it was a “quite extraordinary” way to showcase more than 300 stored artworks that would otherwise be hidden.
Jasmax (Canvas Projects) designed the Truganina Community Centre, which provides kindergarten, healthcare, library and council services to surrounding greenfield estates.
The jury said the building – opposite what remains a barren field – engendered belonging “within one of the most economically challenging, socially complex and culturally diverse emerging Melbourne communities”.
“Generous daylight, open sightlines and tactile, natural materials enhance a sense of safety and warmth,” the citation said.
The national award for small project architecture was given to the Geelong Laneways: Malop Arcade project.
NMBW Architecture Studio and ASPECT Studios transformed a two-storey shop into a green pedestrian passage between Malop Street and Dennys Place in Geelong’s CBD.
Kennedy Nolan’s Gunn Ridge House won a national award for residential architecture following its renovation of a historic home.
The firm also won the national award for interior architecture at Melbourne Place, a new 14-storey hotel on Russell Street.
“The interiors draw inspiration from the city’s best features: dimly lit laneways, hidden bars and a fearless use of colour,” the jury citation said.
Fieldwork’s nine-storey Everlane Cremorne building won a national award for commercial architecture.
Commendations were also handed to the Paula Fox Melanoma and Cancer Centre in Parkville, the renovated Carlton Cottage in Carlton, and Pascoe Vale Primary School.
Kennedy Nolan’s Melbourne Place was also given a commendation for commercial architecture.
The jury chair, Jane Cassidy, said the 43 projects honoured on Thursday offered innovative solutions to housing, climate and cost-of-living challenges.
The award-winning Northern Memorial Park Depot in Glenroy.Credit: Peter Bennetts
“These models can and should inspire better communities across our country,” she said.
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