Tourism and community projects win at the 2016 Tasmanian Architecture Awards

Tourism projects and community buildings were big winners at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2016 Tasmanian Architecture Awards. This year’s awards demonstrate the important role that architecture plays in Tasmania’s booming tourism economy.

Winning tourism-focused projects include Cumulus Studio’s striking Devil’s Corner cellar door and lookout at Bicheno; JAWS Architects’ Three Capes Track Cabins, which provide stunning views from their sensitive positioning atop the sea cliffs of the Tasman Peninsula; and Birrelli Art + Architecture + Design’s clever insertion of accommodation pods in the grounds of the heritage-listed Hatherley House in Launceston.

The President of the Tasmanian Chapter of the Australian Institute of Architects Brad Wheeler says this year’s entries also demonstrate the value architecture can bring to the community.

‘Tasmanian architects have a fantastic record designing award-winning buildings and spaces that benefit our island state’s communities, and this year is no exception.’

‘From student accommodation and facilities to sports pavilions and tourist attractions, architects have again helped to provide buildings and places that enrich all our lives and provide economic benefits for our state,’ said Mr Wheeler.

Winners in the community, public and education categories of the awards include Dock 4 Architects’ Clarence High School Sports Pavilion, Edwards + Simpson’s new community stadium in St Helens, and several University of Tasmania projects.

The residential architecture categories were again hotly contested. Archier won the pinnacle Esmond Dorney Award for residential architecture as well as the main prize for sustainability for their clever Five Yards House. Rosevear Stephenson also won two awards for their sensitive work transforming a Battery Point Georgian into a contemporary home.

Stuart Tanner’s Dunalley House – a new build since the devastating 2013 fires – was recognised for its robust yet minimal design, and also took out the People’s Choice Prize.

The Hobart College at Mt Nelson won the Enduring Architecture Award for buildings over 25 years old, and Circa Morris-Nunn’s Mountain Retreat Medical Centre in South Hobart was awarded the prestigious John Lee Archer Triennial Prize for the best example of public and commercial architecture of the last three years.

A full list of winner can be found here.