The Princess Theatre auditorium’s conservation works, a National Gallery of Victoria installation and Preston and Bell train stations are among the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards winners. Pictures: Conservation Studio Australia, Ben Hosking, Peter Bennetts, Australian Institute of Architects.
An egg-like breathing art installation, a haunted Melbourne theatre’s conservation and a $564m level-crossing removal which saw two train stations redesigned are among the eye-popping projects recognised by a prestigious architecture awards program.
The 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards winners were announced by the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) last night.
Out of 228 nominations, 39 awards and 22 commendations were presented.
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“This year’s awards recipients have indelibly shaped our built environment, showcasing the world-class ingenuity and expertise that resides in our state,” AIA’s Victorian president David Wagner said.
Design practice Public Realm Lab received three awards including the Victorian Architecture Medal for redeveloping Mildura’s 1900s-era industrial Powerhouse facility on the Murray River, formerly occupied by the State Electricity Commission, into a community and creative precinct.
The historic structures were adapted for events, exhibitions and retail alongside a central green performance and gathering space.
Powerhouse Place in Mildura took out three awards. Picture: Tom Ross, Australian Institute of Architects.
The Princess Theatre auditorium conservation works underway. Picture: Conservation Studio Australia, Australian Institute of Architects.
In Melbourne, the Princess Theatre auditorium restoration efforts by Conservation Studio Australia received the Heritage – Conservation gong.
When the blockbuster Harry Potter and the Cursed Child concluded at the theatre, its interiors were returned to their circa-1922 glory in consultation with Heritage Victoria.
The Princess’ interior has traditionally been repainted to suit each new show’s run.
The musical Sunset Boulevard starring Sarah Brightman and Tim Draxl is now showing at the Princess Theatre. Picture: Jason Edwards.
The theatre’s interior is traditionally repainted for every new show’s run. Picture: Conservation Studio Australia, Australian Institute of Architects.
Hit musical Sunset Boulevard, starring leading lady Sarah Brightman and Melbourne’s own Silvie Paladino alternating the role of silent movie star Norma Desmond, recently opened at the theatre.
There’s no word on whether opera singer Frederick Federici’s ghost, who famously haunts the theatre, has dropped in to catch the Andrew Lloyd Webber production.
The NGV installation titled (This Is) Art that actually breathes in and out. Picture: Ben Hosking, Australian Institute of Architects.
The Koorie Heritage Trust Stage 2 works in Melbourne received two awards. Picture: Peter Bennetts, Australian Institute of Architects.
Also in the CBD, a National Gallery of Victoria garden installation created by architect Nic Brunsdon and art and technology studio ENESS has been commended for Small Project Architecture.
Titled(This Is) Air, the inflated sphere changes shape as it expands and releases oxygen throughout the day.
Standing at more than 14m tall, the “architectural lung” was commissioned for 2023’s NGV Triennial.
The Preston Level Crossing Removal Project saw the train station undergo a makeover. Picture: Peter Bennetts, Australian Institute of Architects.
The station’s facade represents a barcode, similar to those used by vendors at nearby Preston Market, with the colours in between inspired by fruit and vegetables sold at the market. Picture: Peter Bennetts, Australian Institute of Architects.
Wood Marsh Architecture and Tract’s concept for Bell and Preston train stations’ redevelopment under the state government’s level crossing removal program took out Public Architecture and Urban Design awards.
The multi
The Geelong Arts Centre Stage 3 works transformed the site into Australia’s largest regional performing arts centre. Picture: John Gollings, Australian Institute of Architectures.
A colourful corridor is the perfect place for a selfie. John Gollings, Australian Institute of Architectures.
The $150m Geelong Arts Centre’s stage three works by ARM Architecture received The Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture.
Revitalising the centre involved adding a 550-seat theatre, 250-seat warehouse-style performance space, cafe and other features next to the existing 875-seat Playhouse Theatre and studios.
It now stands as Australia’s largest regional performing arts centre.
St George’s Performing Arts Centre, at St Michael’s Grammar School in St Kilda. Picture: Scott Burrows Photographer, Australian Institute of Architects.
Kneeler Design Architects won an award for its work on the heritage-listed church.
The awards lauded several school buildings including the St George’s Performing Arts Centre at St Michael’s Grammar School in St Kilda.
Kneeler Design Architects won the John George Knight Award for Heritage after turning the heritage-listed St George’s Uniting Church into an updated performance space.
Pupils enjoy their new learning space at Wangaratta District Specialist School which received the EmAGN Project Award. Picture: Derek Swalwell, Australian Institute of Architects.
Circular shapes and green tones inside the school. Picture: Derek Swalwell, Australian Institute of Architects.
A Wangaratta District Specialist School learning area, from Sibling Architecture, received the EmAGN Project Award.
The Emerging Architects and Graduate Network (EmAGN) represents AIA members who are within 15 years of graduating with an accredited architecture qualification.
North Melbourne Primary School’s Molesworth St campus was commended for its unique look. Picture: John Gollings, Australian Institute of Architects.
The school has become a meeting place for local residents. Picture: John Gollings, Australian Institute of Architects.
ARM Architecture’s vision for the $55m North Melbourne Primary School’s Molesworth St campus was commended.
With 525 school students and a 66-child kindergarten on-site, the educational hub features 21 classrooms, learning spaces, a library, gym and music and performing arts hub.
Described as a “vertical school”, is has become a community gathering place and local landmark.
2024 Victorian Architecture Awards winners:
Award for Steel Architecture
Sweetwater House, Christopher Botterill and Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Commendation: The Round, BKK Architects + Kerstin Thompson Architects
Commercial Architecture
The Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award for Commercial Architecture: Sanders Place, NMBW, Openwork & Finding Infinity
Awards for Commercial Architecture: 54 Wellington, Wardle
T3 Collingwood, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Commendation: Galkangu, Lyons
The Princess Theatre’s auditorium now looks similar to the way it did back in 1922. Picture: Conservation Studio Australia, Australian Institute of Architects.
Educational Architecture
The Henry Bastow Award for Educational Architecture: Mount Alexander College (MAC), Kosloff Architecture
Awards for Educational Architecture: Clifton Hill Primary School, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Xavier College Kostka Building, MGS Architects
Commendations: Dandenong High School Design and Technology Hub, Kerstin Thompson Architects
North Melbourne Primary School (Molesworth Street Campus), ARM Architecture
St Patrick’s College Performing Arts Centre, Wardle
Wangaratta District Specialist School, Sibling Architecture
EmAGN Project Award
Wangaratta District Specialist School, Sibling Architecture
Pupils enjoy the playground at Wangaratta District Specialist School. Picture: Derek Swalwell, Australian Institute of Architects.
Heritage Architecture
The John George Knight Award for Heritage: St George’s Performing Arts Centre, Kneeler Design Architects
Award for Heritage – Creative Adaptation: Memorial Hall – Christ Church Grammar School, McIldowie Partners
Commendation: Riverbend Repair, Vaughan Howard Architects
Award for Heritage – Conservation: Princess Theatre Auditorium Conservation Works, Conservation Studio Australia
Interior Architecture
The Marion Mahony Award for Interior Architecture: Geelong Arts Centre (Stage 3), ARM Architecture
Awards for Interior Architecture: Burnt Earth Beach House, Wardle
Fairlie Apartment, Kennedy Nolan
Koorie Heritage Trust Stage 2, Lyons with Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates
Commendations:
Up There. Kennedy Nolan
Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit, Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity
Preston train station’s distinctive exterior. Picture: Peter Bennetts, Australian Institute of Architects.
Public Architecture
The William Wardell Award for Public Architecture: Berninneit Cultural and Community Centre, Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Awards for Public Architecture: Geelong Arts Centre (Stage 3), ARM Architecture
Munro Development and narrm ngarrgu Library and Family Services, Six Degrees Architects
Preston Level Crossing Removal Project, Wood Marsh Architecture
The Boronggook Drysdale Library, Antarctica Architects and Architecture Associates
Commendations: The Round, BKK Architects + Kerstin Thompson Architects
Koorie Heritage Trust Stage 2, Lyons with Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates
Regional Prize
Powerhouse Place, Mildura, Public Realm Lab
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
The John and Phyllis Murphy Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions): Mansard House, Studio Bright
Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions): Bob’s Bungalow, Blair Smith Architecture
Ember, MRTN Architects
Smith House, Fowler and Ward
Commendation: Brunswick Galley House, Topology Studio
(This Is) Art is inspected by a curious onlooker. Picture: Ben Hosking, Australian Institute of Architects.
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
The Harold Desbrowe Annear Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New): Naples Street House, Edition Office
Awards for Residential Architecture – Houses (New): Burnt Earth Beach House, Wardle
Courtyard House, Clare Cousins Architects
Six Ways House, Kennedy Nolan
Commendations: Sweetwater House, Christopher Botterill and Jackson Clements Burrows Architects
Adelaide Street House, Robert Simeoni Architects
Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
The Best Overend Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing: Ferrars & York, Six Degrees Architects
Awards for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing:
Markham Avenue, Architectus
Melbourne Indigenous Transition School Boarding House, McIldowie Partners
Commendations: The Nursery on Brunswick, Clare Cousins Architects
Inkerman + Nelson, MA+Co
The Munro Site – Queen Victoria Market Precinct was awarded with an Urban Design commendation. Picture: Kane Thompson, Australian Institute of Architects.
Small Project Architecture
The Kevin Borland Award for Small Project Architecture: Thornbury Canopy, Gab Olah
Award for Small Project Architecture: Macarthur Street Amenities Pavilion, Searle x Waldron Architecture
Commendations:
Melbourne Now: Community Hall, BoardGrove Architects
(This Is) Air, Nic Brunsdon
Sustainable Architecture
The Allan and Beth Coldicutt Award for Sustainable Architecture: Powerhouse Place, Public Realm Lab
Award for Sustainable Architecture: Northcote House, LLDS
Commendations: Preston South Primary School, Kerstin Thompson Architects
Wilam Ngarrang Retrofit, Kennedy Nolan with Finding Infinity
Inside the Geelong Arts Centre. Picture: John Gollings, Australian Institute of Architecture.
Urban Design
The Joseph Reed Award for Urban Design: Powerhouse Place, Public Realm Lab
Award for Urban Design: Preston Level Crossing Removal Project, Wood Marsh Architecture and Tract
Commendations: Munro Site – Queen Victoria Market Precinct, Bates Smart and Six Degrees
Tarakan Street Social and Affordable Housing, NH Architecture, Bird de la Coeur Architects and Openwork with Tract
Enduring Architecture
Maggie Edmond Enduring Architecture Award: Knox Schlapp Public Housing, Peter Elliott Architecture + Urban Design:
Dimity Reed Melbourne Prize: Koorie Heritage Trust Stage 2, Lyons with Greenaway Architects and Architecture Associates
Bates Smart Awards for Architecture in Media: John Andrews: Architect of Uncommon Sense, Papulu-ku Nyinjjiki (seeing houses), Simon Robinson
Peter + Dione McIntyre 1950-1962 – Counterbalancing Forces
Victorian Emerging Architect Prize:Bradley Kerr, Winsor Kerr director
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