Architects that adapted old sites or buildings for new developments were under the spotlight at this year’s eighth ArchiTeam Awards announced last night.
The annual awards celebrate Victoria’s small, medium and emerging practices.
Adaptive re-use and sustainability were major themes from this year's winners. OLA Studio's Ari Apartments were inspired by a heritage advertising sign found on site (Residential (New)), while Fold Theory used recyclable materials in its NGV Art Fair installation (Sustainability). Davidov Partners Architects also utilised recycled brick in the industrial style Harry Hall Restaurant and Wine Bar (Commercial).
ArchiTeam Awards Director, Zoe Geyer said the calibre of this year’s 83 entries were unparalleled.
“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," Ms Geyer said.
The award recipients represent a mixture of commercial, residential, sustainability and community projects, with residential alterations and additions gaining exposure in a new category sponsored by Fisher & Paykel.
Judging the entries this year were Founding Director of Breathe Architecture, Jeremy McLeod, Director of Kennedy Nolan, Rachel Nolan and Director of HAW, Stuart Harrison.
ArchiTeam Award/Residential (New) Award WINNER: Ari Apartments by OLA Studio Ari Apartments by OLA Studio[/caption]
Residential (New) Award COMMENDATION: Bridge House by Delia Teschendorff
Sustainability Award WINNER: NGV Art Fair by Fold Theory
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 Church St Johns by Tessellate[/caption]
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 Harry Hall Restaurant and Wine Bar by Davidov Partners Architects[/caption]
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
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; The Portal by Architecture Architecture Thornbury House by Claire Scorpo Architects[/caption]
Residential (Alterations and Additions) Award COMMENDATIONS: Theresa St Residence by Sonelo Design Studio; Brunswick Residence by Project 12 Architecture; Fitzroy I by Caire Scorpo ArchitectsWinners and general submissions will be displayed at No Vacancy Gallery, QV from November 25th to December 6th.