The best of the bush shines in country architecture awards

A Space Age airport, cutting-edge medical centre, cubist coastal cabana and a locally designed high school to be constructed in Uganda are among 19 outstanding projects competing in this year’s coveted Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Country Division Awards.

Spanning seven categories from heritage, commercial and residential works to visionary design, these extraordinary projects showcase world class examples of how architecture is connecting people in NSW to their local environment through leading design.

The entrants come from coastal, bush, arid and even Flame Zone environments. They range from small-scale ‘poetic’ beachside renovations to major rural capital works bridging low impact design and high-utility planning.

Whether a soaring kite-like roof for the local marine rescue, an aged care facility made to look like residential living, or simply a beach block add-on, all share a commitment to excellence and sustainable living.

NSW Chapter President, Shaun Carter, said the awards, now in their 52nd year, are an important way to showcase outstanding architecture outside the main city and metropolitan centres.

“Architecture of the highest quality, that embodies best practice design and spatial planning, can strengthen communities,” Mr Carter said. “The NSW Country Division Awards are an opportunity to celebrate and highlight the significant contribution architects make outside the major population centres.”

“These architects work in their local communities adding to the intellectual, cultural and economic life of the region. It is fundamental that regional economies have access to these high quality professional skills like architecture, spatial planning and problem solving.”

“The nominated projects display a high degree of commitment to sustainability and local environmental amenity – critical factors in architecture, especially in Australia’s majestic regional, rural and remote areas.”

The award winners will be announced at the NSW Country Division’s Annual Conference on 29 September 2016. Cast your vote here.

Full list of nominated projects and award categories:

Heritage

Mayne Street – Gulgong by Cameron Anderson Architects

Public and Commercial Architecture

Dorrigo Health and Wellbeing Medical Centre – Dorrigo by Regional Architects Pty Ltd
New Orange Regional Airport Terminal Building – Orange by Geolyse and Cox Architecture
Calrossy Resource Centre – Dark, Tamworth by Studio Two Architecture
Oberon Village Aged Care Facility – Oberon by integratedDESIGNgroup
Town Beach Public Amenities – Port Macquarie by Chris Jenkins Design

Residential Architecture – Affordable Housing (under $350,000)

Broken Head Studio – Broken Head by Harley Graham Architects
Wingello House – Wingello by Ian Sercombe Architect

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)

Booralong – Possum Creek by Space Studio
Mayne Street – Gulgong by Cameron Anderson Architects
Surf Coast House – Blueys Beach by Ian Sercombe Architect
Tom and Doll’s – Byron Bay by Space Studio

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

Brush Tail Drive Residence – Forest Hills, Tamworth by Studio Two Architecture
Coastlands House – Port Macquarie by Ian Sercombe Architect
Gull House – Byron Bay by Harley Graham Architects
Phoenix House – Port Macquarie by Chris Jenkins Design
The Strong House – Ballina by Barker Studio
White Cube House – Lennox Head by Space Studio

Small Projects

Broken Head Studio – Broken Head by Harley Graham Architects
Light Wave – Byron Bay by Harley Graham Architects

Vision Award

Dorrigo Health and Wellbeing Medical Centre – Dorrigo by Regional Architects Pty Ltd
Cherish High School – Rakai, Uganda by integratedDESIGNgroup and EMI