2005 BDAA National Design Awards

Chris Vandyke Qld for Shambhala

The design consists of 3 pavilions connected by open breezeways and verandahs. Shambhala combines the best of Asian design with the traditional Queensland vernacular of the veranda.

Rich natural timber posts and walls, and slate grey Colorbond roofs complement the natural earthy tone of the rendered block walls. The building exemplifies the best in environmental design, with the long axis being east to west.

Passive solar design has been achieved with generous overhangs, verandahs and timber louvers. All achieved under strict cyclone regulations.

Judges liked how Shambhala related to the surrounding landscape. A great open plan and great interpretation of the pavilion style.

Mario Tascone WA for Highgate Residence

Care was taken on this small lot to ensure large internal dimensions while maximizing its full potential for outdoor living. The home was designed with parapet walls on both side boundaries.

An internal courtyard, balconies front and rear incorporating a roof garden was a method used to allow greater outdoor space. Tall wide windows and high ceiling levels captured the aspect and volume with the illusion of increased space integrating the home with the outside environment.

Judges liked the contemporary cheerful approach and pleasant stand among the other homes.

Paul Clout Qld for The Promontory

Sleek, white and oh so glamorous, the simplicity of Sixties chic has been reborn on the Sunshine Coast is how the judges described Paul Clouts design.

Some things never go out of style, like the classic combination of bright sunlight and cool blue water reflecting onto pure white walls. Set on a north facing waterfront block, a minimalist approach makes this residence a departure from the usual style by Paul.

One of the main challenges for the designer was to incorporate a 20-metre lap pool into the grounds. To keep this feature relatively private, the pool runs boundary to boundary dissecting the house in two.

At the front of the home, entry is provided through a frameless glass door that opens onto rich timber flooring detailed with sparkling aluminum skirting.

Bob Davey WA for The Strand , Applecross

The clients were a couple who both work from home. The brief was to take advantage of the river views, together with a four-car storage and rear privacy. 

It had a number of difficulties to overcome, namely

• A minimum of 7.5m setback, combined with a 55% open space requirement.
• A park immediately over the road with visible public toilets somewhat to the west.
• A High Water Table because of the location near the Swan river , a restrictive height covenant.

The client accepted that the home could only be single storey for the habitable areas so required ceiling heights be a minimum of 3,000mm.

Judges liked the quality interior detailing and the good solution to the number of challenges.

Maxwell & Sneddon WA for Bagot Rd Residence

The brief was to redevelop 2 small traditional Subiaco cottages in conjunction with the redevelopment of an adjoining church.

The cottages had to be retained in their original form, and two levels needed to be inserted within the existing fabric.

The final outcome of the two converted cottages provides a comfortable living and working environment for potentially 14 people.

Judges commented a sympathetic blend of heritage and contemporary, plus commercial and residential, the project involved a high degree of difficulty in design and execution.

Phillip Buchanan QLD for Stanhill Drive Chevron Island

The client's most memorable comment was " I want the river in my lounge room"

The problem was the great view was to the west and how to avoid cooking the occupants every afternoon. The decision was to build the units side by side to ensure ground level access to indoor outdoor areas, pool and jetty but this reduced the amount of living space to each unit.

The answer was to use all external spaces including the set back areas and make them look like they were part of the internal living spaces.

Judges commented - thoroughly contemporary with an almost classic refinement of detail, with a good response to both its street façade and its river outlook.

Luke Burden NSW for Rossleigh Development

An Aged Persons development, with single level dwellings and basement car parking.

The street contained beautiful examples, in various states of restoration or disrepair, of Federation, Californian Bungalow, or Italianate.

Regulatory requirements were numerous and detailed in providing for all manner of disability.

Due to the sites' configuration and east-west orientation, the most efficient design response was to provide two rows of single level dwellings with a central axis path, unencumbered by driveway or garages.

The Federation genre was an obvious and practical design requirement of Council's Policy for this area.

Commitment to detail, scale and quality of finishes was commented on by judges.

Frank Templeton SA for Ecclentic Blend

The wine business had grown over the years. The result after nearly twenty years was a fragmented concoction of buildings from different eras.

In particular there was a need for more storage space for both barrels and pallets. The design concentrates on cylindrical shapes and is born out of the abstract notion of the wine barrel.

Judges comments were A simple family of forms based on the circle creates a well modulated and quietly dramatic sequence of spaces, from the elegant new exterior landscape to the equally elegant interiors.

The use of just a few expensive materials invests this otherwise simple concrete block and plasterboard building with dignity and warmth.

Erling De Beer WA for Rydlyme International

Design briefs don't get much more concise than the one provided by the owner of Rydlyme International. "Design me a landmark signature building that positively reflects our company image".

The design approach was to utilize standard construction materials in a way that would be cost effective, yet innovative. The use of standard aluminum window sections, assembled on an angle, provided a strong innovative solution to achieve this.

This was further complemented by using a concrete panel, placed on an angle to frame the glass box. A reception desk provided a strong visual statement to the entrance.

Judges agreed that the design brief was overwhelmingly achieved by utilizing standard commonly used materials in an innovative way,

Ian Darnell QLD for Wickham Freightlines Depot

The "boys" of this family owned transport company wanted an office modelled exactly on a Kenworth prime mover.

Simple construction methods delivered this outcome without compromising the design feature.

Inspiration came in the form of retaining the simple rectangular shape but incorporating design elements such as curved awnings, a stack (downpipe) , the large glass windscreen and tilted wall.

The overall effect is a cab over style truck with a Kenworth grille, hand painted lights, and windscreen wipers. Completing the truck feel of the interior was powder coated steel stringers and treads. Smart glass overcame the west facing large windscreen.

The judges commented, this special project in rural Qld reminds us there is still room for humor in design.

Steve Shirecore WA for Webb & Brown Neaves Offices

As a client was a Builder of quality homes the client required a distinctly corporate atmosphere, clearly modern with a contemporary feel.

The building is subject to a typical Mediterranean climate, with the main elevations facing North and East making sun shading of glazing relatively easy to control.

The majority of the floor area is located on the first floor.

The ground floor is primarily used as an entry foyer with double volume spaces and a grand stair.

Frameless glass balustrade, polished concrete finishes and the restrained use of colour is complemented by stainless steel feature panels at the entry and the lift shaft which is visible at all times in the reception.

Judges commented that finishes and detail certainly contributed to corporate image.

Mario Tascone WA for Highgate Residence

This was Mario's own home so he had a clear brief re interiors. …very contemporary.

Solution cast aside conventional ideas.

For example the use of shadow line ceilings in-lieu of cornices and minimal cabinet designs with honest simple colours was integral to the design.

All fixtures and fittings have a square simple look eg: square recessed light fittings, pillar style tap wear, square semi-recessed white china basins, square lined toilet suites, square styled door handles and cabinet tops.

New contemporary/abstract original paintings where purchased and hung to enhance the internal environment.

The home has been fitted out with discrete technology not instantly visible eg: a home theatre system with in-built speakers in the bulkheads and long white lacquered TV unit in the lower living area.

Morris & Wibberley WA for Subiaco Sustainable Demonstration Home

The designers task was provide for the construction of a residential display home for the purpose of education, marketing and demonstration of environmentally friendly and energy efficient methods of construction.

This included:

• Energy efficient lighting and management systems
• Greywater and solid waste recycling;
• Photoelectric energy;
• Energy efficient glazing;
• Energy efficient methods of construction;
• Low allergenic construction finishes;
• Passive solar design;
• Energy efficient kitchen/laundry appliances;
• Landscaping which is water sensitive, food productive
• Construction had to adhere to environmentally sound methods of construction, site waste management, and water and energy management.

Judges commented on the remarkably comprehensive approach to a fully sustainable project home, which is sure to signifiantly influence, the market

Frank Templeton for Ecclentic Blend

Judges were totally impressed by the simple family of forms based on the circle, which created a well-modulated and quietly dramatic sequence of spaces, from the elegant new exterior landscape to the equally elegant interiors of the new reception foyer and restaurant.

The designer's slogan  'an eclectic blend'  may be accurate, but it is altogether too humble to describe the design skill applied in this project.

Judges commented and I quote verbatim " there is an almost academic sophistication in the way positive forms and negative spaces echo each other, the scale of spaces is contrasted, and together with the contrast of stone and glass and a mastery of lighting, give the visitor a complex experience within a deceptively simple architectural framework. 

Because of its very public nature, this project can most effectively instruct not just members of the public, but other designers, on the merits of good design. 

So effectively designed to project the hospitality of the wine industry, the building will delight many. "

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