BVN Architecture http://www.bvn.com.au/ Latest updates to the BVN Architecture website. en-au webmaster@bvn.com.au 720 BRAGGS wins Top Architecture Award in SA http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/braggs_wins_top_architecture_award_in_sa.html BRAGGS wins Top Architecture Award in SA
 

The Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture, the highest honour given in the South Australian Architecture Awards, was given to The BRAGGS, University of Adelaide designed by BVN Donovan Hill in association with Hames Sharley at the awards presentation in the Adelaide Entertainment Centre last Friday 14 June 2013.
 
The BRAGGS houses the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing (IPAS) and an undergraduate teaching facility at the University of Adelaide and incorporates research and undergraduate laboratories as well as a 420 seat lecture theatre.
 
According to the jury “The Braggs Building was a clear winner of this award.  We were impressed with its clear conceptual basis drawn from the research programme it houses.  It is strongly expressive of and responsive to the medium of photonics through its use of glass and light.”
 
Ms Abbie Galvin, Principal, BVN Donovan Hill noted that “The central philosophy of the building is to enable researchers from different disciplines to come together to enable a transdiciplinary approach to research.”
 
The highly facetted facade is a response both to the activities within the building and the site conditions.  By making the long southern facade all glass and creating a full height atrium along its perimeter, an abundance of light and transparency is available for all the adjoining laboratories and teaching spaces.
 
The glass facade was designed to represent the different wavelengths of light, resulting in a crystalline form that shimmers through its refraction of light throughout the day, at the same time symbolically representing the research core of the Institute for Photonics and Advanced Sensing that it houses.
 
The jury found that: “The strong logic underlying planning and form is demonstrative of a thoroughly considered project that effectively communicates the nature of science, technology and light.”
 
The BRAGGS project was possible due to funding made available by the Australian Government through the Education Investment Fund with additional funding contributions from the University of Adelaide. 
 
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 11:00:03 +1000 GMT NOTP-98S37C-20130618-105944 SYDNEY'S CENTENNIAL PARK TO HAVE ITS FIRST MASTER PLAN http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/sydneys_centennial_park_to_have_its_first_master_plan.html SYDNEY'S CENTENNIAL PARK TO HAVE ITS FIRST MASTER PLAN
 
 
Centennial Parklands has released its 25-year Strategic Vision for the Parklands – and concurrently announced the start of the Centennial Park Master Plan process.

Explaining the process, Centennial Parklands Director and Chief Executive Kim Ellis stated "Centennial Parklands is recognised as one of the world's great public parklands. Around 30 million visitations are made to the three parks – Centennial Park, Moore Park and Queens Park – making us a critical part of the Sydney fabric.

"We have developed a 25-year vision for the three parks and are delighted to confirm the support of the NSW Government to starting the delivery of this vision. $27 million will be invested over the next four years to ensure these Parklands remains an iconic sporting, recreational and entertainment destination."

"As part of this Vision, we will be delivering the Centennial Park Master Plan – a first for the Park, despite it being 125 years old. Centennial Park was named at its birth as The People's Park, and later by author Patrick White as 'the lungs of the city'. Today we begin a plan to ensure future generations will be able to enjoy this Park as we do today."

Centennial Parklands aim for this to be a 'living plan' will that will evolve and be updated over time. The vision pulls together a range of proposals and projects drawn from several existing and new sources. A number of projects come from existing strategies and master plans (such as the Plan of Management 2006-2016; the Queens Park Master Plan; the Moore Park South Master Plan; and the Tree Master Plan) and other projects are new initiatives that have evolved in response to the changing environment within which we operate (such as the response to the new South East Light Rail project; the response to extensive urban consolidation and development along the Parklands boundaries; growth in demand for existing and new services from a growing population).

The project team to deliver the Centennial Park Master Plan consists of nationally and internationally renowned agencies.

BVN Donovan Hill will lead the project, and their impressive team comprises:

• BVN – Lead Consultant – Masterplanning, Urban Design, Architecture 

• The People for Places and Spaces – Placemaking, Activation, Stakeholder Engagement 

• Richard Evans – Economic Strategy and Commercial Opportunities 

• GTA Consultants – Traffic planning and Movement Analysis 

• WT Partnership – Quantity Surveying and Financial Modelling 

• Aspect Studios – Masterplanning, Urban Design, Landscape Architecture, Arboriculture 

• Civatas – Strategic Urban Landscape Overview and International Benchmarking 

• JBA Planning – Statutory Planning, Recreational Planning, Economic Strategy 

• Godden Mackay Logan – Heritage Assessment. 

Ellis concluded "we are delighted to have such a high-powered and highly respected team on board to undertake this important project. People love Centennial Park and we expect a high level of interest during the community consultation process."

Watch the Strategic Land Use Vision and learn more at 

http://www.centennialparklands.com.au/vision
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:41:16 +1000 GMT NOTP-98RW56-20130618-095837 Research hub takes top honour in SA Architecture Awards http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/research_hub_takes_top_honour_in_sa_architecture_awards.html
Research hub takes top honour in SA Architecture Awards

 
From 43 down to 20, South Australia’s best architectural projects were announced on Friday (14 June) at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2013 South Australian Architecture Awards.

The Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture, the state’s highest honour, went to leading university research building The Braggs, University of Adelaide designed by BVN Donovan Hill in association with Hames Sharley.

For photonics and advanced sensing, this new research facility symbolically represents its internal function through an external crystalline form that shimmers through its reflection and refraction of light throughout the day.

The jury noted, “The Braggs Building was a clear winner of this award. We were impressed with its clear conceptual basis drawn from the research program it houses. It is strongly expressive of and responsive to the medium of photonics through its use of glass and light.

“The strong logic underlying planning and form is demonstrative of a thoroughly considered project that effectively communicates the nature of science, technology and light.”

Max Pritchard Architect impressed the residential architecture jury with an ‘elegant and refined’ glass house in the Barossa Valley taking away the John S Chappel Award for Residential Architecture – Houses.

“Situated on top of a rolling hill and imbedded partially within the ground, the architect has confidently executed a building that is a delight to behold and experience,” the jury says.

Roach House Belair by Rod Roach Architect, entered by David Ey was awarded the Derrick Kendrick Award for Sustainable Architecture.

“This house has endured and has stood the test of time and remains quite simply an exemplar of intelligent and economically sustainable design.

“Among other enduring aspects of this house, we felt strongly that this is a clever example of fundamental ecologically sustainable development principals at work,” the jury says.

Walking away with the Robert Dickson Award for Interior Architecture was Hassell’s Murray Bridge Library.

On this award, the jury says, “The new Murray Bridge Library, with its views over the river has radically changed the way local users interact with their library.

“The success of the briefing, community engagement, design process, and execution can be seen in the huge increase in users of the library, and the general attitude and satisfaction of the staff, who are clearly very proud of their new facility.”

MPH Architects took away the COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture for the Thebarton Community Centre.

The jury noted, “The centre brings together a variety of user groups in a contemporary building that successfully negotiates budget and local government constraints with the ambition for a local landmark.

“The use of steel played an integral role in realising the building’s geometries, which have been drawn from site and conceptual logics.”


Other awards presented on the night included:

Public Architecture

Architecture Award – Flinders Centre for Innovation in Cancer by Woodhead
Commendation – Thebarton Community Centre by MPH Architects
Commendation – St Peter’s Town Hall Complex by Phillips/Pilkington & Flightpath Architects (in association)
Commendation – Flinders University Biology Discovery Centre by Hassell

Residential Architecture – Houses

Architecture Award – Residence 2012 by Walter Brooke & Associates
Architecture Award – Rose Park Residence by Dimitty Andersen Architects
Commendation – Goolwa Beach House by Grieve Gillett Pty Ltd
Commendation – The Captain by C4 Architects

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

Architecture Award– Alta by Tectvs
Commercial Architecture
Commendation – Australian Federal Police Headquarters by Walter Brooke & Associates

Sustainable Architecture

Architecture Award – Goolwa Beach House by Grieve Gillett Pty Ltd
Architecture Award – Barossa Valley Glass House by Max Pritchard Architect
Commendation – Fan and Flare by Khab Architects

Small Project Architecture

Architecture Award – Sticky Rice B&Bs by John Adam Architect
Commendation – Burnside Substation by Tectvs

Heritage

Architecture Award – St Peter’s Town Hall Complex by Phillips/Pilkington & Flightpath (architects in association)
 
COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture

Commendation – Benson Radiology Salisbury by Tridente Architects

The City of Adelaide Prize

Bonython Park Upgrade – New Playspace by WAX Design Pty Ltd and Ric McConaghy

Archicentre Renovation Award

Commendation – Hazelwood Park Residence by Energy Architects

Projects that received a Named Award or an Architecture Award now progress to the 2013 National Architecture Awards to be announced in Sydney on 7 November.

For more information on each project, visit the South Australian Architecture Awards 2013 website. 
]]> Tue, 18 Jun 2013 10:41:16 +1000 GMT NOTP-98S2T8-20130618-104020 TAXMAN GETS KEY TO NEW HOME IN CBD http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/taxman_gets_key_to_new_home_in_cbd.html TAXMAN GETS KEY TO NEW HOME IN CBD

 

The numbers finally add up today when the Australian Taxation Office’s new home in the CBD is officially completed.

The A-grade 15-storey building at 55 Elizabeth St will be the last office tower to open its doors in the city for at least the next two years.

Grocon project manager Paul Bickham said the company, which developed and built the tower, also fitted it out for the ATO which will start moving 1300 staff into 19,000sq m of office space over the next couple of weeks.

“It will certainly liven up this end of the street,” he said.

Mr Bickham said the BVN Donovan Hill designed 5 Star Green Star building is targeting a 5 Star NABERS energy efficiency rating.

“We have a bit of the old and a bit of the new here,” he said.

“There’s sandstone columns that run down Elizabeth St and we salvaged some of the timber from the original building on the site.

“It’s used quite extensively through the building.”

The tower was bought before building started through a fund managed by Credit Suisse for $169.5 million. Credit Suisse head, Real Estate Investment Management Asia, Benjamin Tan said 55 Elizabeth St was the company’s first development project and investment in Brisbane.

“We’re looking forward to many more quality projects,” he said.

Grocon chief executive Daniel Grollo said the Melbourne-based company was pleases to have completed its first successful development in Brisbane.

“Brisbane offers us many opportunities and we’re proud to have this as one of the largest projects in the city to be conceived and pre-committed soon after the GFC,” he said.

Grocon has started work on its premium tower at 480 Queen St which was bought for $543.9 million earlier this year by Dexus Wholesale Property Fund.

Work has also just started on the State Government’s new headquarters at 1 William St and Japanese group Daisho’s speculative A-grade tower at 180 Ann St.

The three projects will add about 180,000 sqm to the Brisbane CBD office stock.

]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2013 11:11:48 +1000 GMT NOTP-98L3EM-20130612-111123 55 Elizabeth St Brisbane http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/55_elizabeth_st_brisbane.html
55 Elizabeth St Brisbane
 
 
Brisbane Office Building, Queensland, Australia
BVN Donovan Hill

This is a major 15 storey office development in the sub-tropics. So many contemporary building miss a trick by not talking with their neighbours, but BVN Architecture didn't pass up on this obvious architectural potential: the main facade is divided into three, the lower heavy base aligning with the building adjacent, and the finned upper section starting at the parapet line of the neighbour. The architecture isn't timid or deferential but it is respectful, a fine balance, something many of us architects struggle with!

Significant commercial office development demonstrating sensitive urban design within a heritage context, with activated street frontage and public laneway.

The 15 level commercial office building at 55 Elizabeth Street in Brisbane’s CBD is a substantial development that embodies a respectful and forward-thinking approach to contemporary workplace and urban design for the sub-tropics. The development contributes significantly to the urban character of Brisbane and responds to its heritage precinct both in the immediate experience of the pedestrian and the wider experience within the city skyline.

The building is relatively modest in scale, with a tripartite arrangement which reflects historic CBD development heights, stepping both in plan and section in response to important street views to neighbouring heritage buildings. Each datum of the building reflects the changing contextual qualities and eras at each level – ranging from monumental sandstone planes at entry level to minimalist anodized sunshades to the upper western façade. Recessed into the top of the building is a large covered terrace, providing sweeping views over the Brisbane River and South Bank. This distinctive skyline element hosts a large scale LED artwork by Robyn Bracken.

At street level, activated and landscaped spaces are provided to both the primary street address and also a new public laneway incorporating a café and providing a future cross block link to Charlotte Street. Internally, generous, well-lit office floors provide a contemporary workplace environment, with 18,000sqm pre-leased by the ATO prior to building completion.

VALUE ADD
  • Responds to the important neighbouring context of heritage buildings to create a unique development which is specific to its place in sub-tropical Brisbane
  • Extensive engagement with the public domain through street frontage and public laneway including landscaping, cafes and restaurant activation
  • Building is set back from site boundaries to address daylight, privacy and outlook together with protecting and framing important street views to heritage buildings
  • Accessible covered terrace at the top floor with sweeping views of the Brisbane River and South Bank
  • Integrated skyline LED Artwork display titled “Night Watch” by Robyn Bracken displaying messages to audiences within the arts precinct across the river
ESD INITIATIVES
  • 5 Star Green Star As Built rating
  • Tree planting to the Elizabeth Street footpath and landscaping to podium roof
  • High performance glazing and sun shading systems

“This is one of the largest pre-commitments to a Brisbane CBD office building by a single tenant in the Brisbane market.”
Scott Ponton, Grocon Queensland Development Manager
 
BUILDING INFORMATION

CLIENT: Grocon
LOCATION: Brisbane, QLD
COMPLETION: Dec 2010 - Jun 2013
VALUE: $170m
SERVICES: Full Architectural Services
SIZE: 23,000 sqm

BRIEF ELEMENTS:
14 level commercial office building
Ground level entry lobby and retail
3 basements
Car parking for 50 cars
Bike centre
]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:46:48 +1000 GMT NOTP-98KVVN-20130612-094636 $170 million commercial tower 55 Elizabeth St complete http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/$170_million_commercial_tower_55_elizabeth_st_complete__.html
$170 million commercial tower 55 Elizabeth St complete
 
 
A 15-storey, $170 million commercial tower at 55 Elizabeth St in central Brisbane has been completed by Grocon.

The building has 19,000m2 of floor space and will house more than 1300 Australian Tax Office employees. There will also be ground level retail, a side laneway and a 50-car carpark.

The building has been designed by BVN Architecture with neighbouring heritage buildings in mind, and comprises three distinct segments.

The bottom section contains a sandstone colonnade which matches the sandstone used by the neighbouring historic Family Services building. In the middle section the building is comprised of a more modern office building design with vertical fins, and the top section is composed of anodised sunshades protecting the upper western façade.

The building is also using sustainability measures such as a solar glazed façade that wraps around the bulk of the building for targeted 5-Star Green Star design and as built ratings, and a 5-Star NABERS energy rating.

The owner of the building is Credit Suisse, and Grocon is the developer, builder, and project manager. BVN Architecture was the architect, with Hassell as interior architect. Structural engineering was performed by Bonnaci, mechanical and electrical engineering was completed by EMF Griffiths, and H-Design was the hydraulic engineer.

]]> Wed, 12 Jun 2013 09:40:16 +1000 GMT NOTP-98FA6G-20130607-165644 Brisbane’s newest tower an elegant fit http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/brisbane’s_newest_tower_an_elegant_fit.html Brisbane’s newest tower an elegant fit
 
 
Most commercial high-rise buildings do a good job of standing out impressively, but Brisbane’s newest tower has also managed to fit in elegantly with its diverse streetscape.
 
The new office tower located on 55 Elizabeth St in Brisbane’s CBD has successfully carved out a contemporary space for itself with an unusual tripartite design, but still consciously acknowledge its 19th and 20th century building counterparts. 
 
Taking into account the heritage of the neighbouring buildings, architects from BVN Donovan Hill decided to match the materiality by incorporating prominent sandstone columns that define the lower third of the 15-storey building. 
 
However, in the middle third the materials change to solar glazing with vertical fins, and on the final five floors, anodised sunshades protect the upper western façade to complete the tripartite design.  LED artworks by Robyn Bracken that display messages from the rooftop terrace, visible from the arts precinct across the river, will further add an urban edge to the building.
 
Principal architect of BVN Donovan Hill Phil Tait also notes that considerable thought was put into the impact of the building at the street level.  One example of this planning is the development of a new laneway, which will provide a future cross block link to Charlotte St and hopefully enliven the street by increasing pedestrian movement.
 
The completion of the building will be celebrated today (7 June) with an event attended by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor Graham Quirk, together with Grocon CEO Daniel Grollo.  This is building giant Grocon’s first Brisbane development. 
 
In an Australian first, the construction of the 20,000sqm building was funded by Credit Suisse Asset Management, who also acquired the tower for $170 million.  It will be occupied by the Australian Taxation Office.

]]> Fri, 7 Jun 2013 13:29:27 +1000 GMT NOTP-98F64T-20130607-132916 Delightfully Livable http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/delightfully_livable.html
2013 Australian Interior Design Awards winners announced.
 
 
The winners of the 10th annual Australian Interior Design Awards, a co-presentation by the DIA, designEX and Artichoke, were announced on the 31st of May at an awards dinner held at Melbourne’s historic Plaza Ballroom.

The awards are widely recognised as Australia’s most prestigious interior awards programme, and are designed to recognise ‘original vision, form, materiality and detail in projects spanning retail, commercial, hospitality, residential and sustainability categories’.

The Premier Award at this year’s event was given to Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors for their joint residential project in Victoria, ‘Park House’.

According to the award’s jury citation: ‘Park House is a complete project; a residence that has been designed without influence of fashion or trend.

‘The interiors present an effortless attainment of spatial flows, where elements and space are seamlessly integrated with the architecture.

‘The interiors exhibit a controlled softness using light with sculptural effect.

‘There is an outstanding attention to the design of three-dimensional form, materiality and detail, which is most evident in the provision of incredibly comfortable spaces that would be a joy and delight to inhabit.’

In addition to the Premier Award, the Park House project was also awarded the Residential Design award and the Best of State – Residential award (VIC).

A full list of 2013 Australian Interior Design Awards winners is reproduced below, and more details and images are available on the Australian Interior Design Awards website here.

Congratulations to all DIA members who won awards or commendations on the night.

Premier Award for interior design excellence & innovation
Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors – Park House, VIC

Sustainability advancement
Brooking Design Architects – John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) Kindergarten Beechboro Campus, WA

Emerging interior design practice
Genesin Studio, SA
Commendation
Design Theory, WA

Workplace design
Elenberg Fraser – Slattery Australia office, VIC
Commendation
Clare Cousins – Moor Street Studio, VIC
Group GSA – A Working Community, VIC
Ian Moore – 12 WBT, NSW
Carr Design Group – Boston Consulting Group Canberra, ACT

Hospitality Design
Zwei Interiors Architecture – Code Black Coffee, VIC
Commendation
CO-AP – Merewether Surfhouse, NSW
Sunkland – Common Galaxia
Pascale Gomes-McNabb – Monopole, NSW
BARStudio – Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW

Installation design
Gloss Creative – Shadow Lands Myer Spring/Summer Collection Launch 2012/2013
Commendation
Robert Simeoni – Interpretive Centre, Good Shepherd Chapel, VIC
Elenberg Fraser – Move-In, VIC
Freeman Ryan Design – Into the Blue: World Heritage Exhibition, NSW

Public design
Brooking Design Architects – John Septimus Anglican Community School  (JSRACS) Kindergarten Beechboro Campus, WA

Commendation
Wilson Architects + Donovan Hill Architects in Association – Translational Research Institute, QLD
Robert Simeoni Architects – Good Shepherd Chapel, VIC
McBride Charles Ryan – Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, The Infinity Centre, VIC

Retail design
Tobias Partners – Tongue + Groove, NSW
Commendation
Russell & George – Crumpler Prahran, VIC
Smart Design Studio – Optique, NSW
Travis Walton – Claude Maus, VIC

Residential design
Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors – Park House, VIC
Commendation
Stephen Collins Interior Design – ABU House, NSW
Nicholas Gurney – The Studio, NSW
MCK Architecture + Interiors – Skirt and Rock House, NSW

Residential decoration
Nexus Designs – Tribeca Loft, NYC
Commendation
Mim Design – SKD Residence, VIC
Greg Natale Design – Paddington House, NSW

Best of State – Commercial design
QLD Wilson Architects + Donovan Hill Architects in Association – Translation Research Institute
WA - Brooking Design Architects – John Septimus Anglican Community School (JSRACS) Kindergarten Beechboro Campus
NSW - Tobias Partners – Tongue + Groove
ACT – Carr Design Group – Boston Consulting Group Canberra
VIC - Elenberg Fraser – Slattery Australia
SA – David Hicks – Kings Adelaide

Best of State – Residential design
NSW – Stephen Collins Interior Design – ABU House
VIC - Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors – Park House
QLD - Wrightson Stewart – Teneriffe Warehouse Apartment
SA – Genesin Studio – Hazelwood Park Residence

Best international design
Nexus Designs for Tribeca Loft – NYC
]]> Fri, 7 Jun 2013 09:31:02 +1000 GMT NOTP-98EVJ7-20130607-092815 Australian Interior Design Awards 2013 Winners http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/australian_interior_design_awards_2013_winners.html Australian Interior Design Awards 2013 Winners


The 10th annual Australian Interior Design Awards has announced its 2013 winners, picked from a pool of world-class entries by both boutique and large firms.

Co-presented by the Design Institute of Australia, designEX and Artichoke, the Awards aim to recognise and celebrate interior design excellence via a credible, self-funded industry-based program.

The Sustainability Advancement Award was awarded to Brooking Design Architects for its John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) Kindergarten – Beechboro Campus, in WA.

The Jury recognised a clear commitment to sustainability and its practical application in the kindergarden project.  This is evident in the project’s “attention to materials selection, benign finishes, energy efficiency, natural light and double glazing,” which were deemed to “highlight a coherent suite of environmental features intelligently addressed through good design.”

Another key standout project recognised at the Awards was the playfully sophisticated Tribeca Loft, which won the Residential Decoration and Best international Design Awards.

This year’s ultimate accolade – the Premier Award for Interior Design Excellence and Innovation – went to Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors for Park House, a residential project in VIC, Australia.

Designed without influence of fashion or trend, the interiors of Park House present an effortless attainment of spatial flows, where elements and space are seamlessly integrated with the architecture. The interiors exhibit a controlled softness using light with sculptural effect.

According to the Jury, “there is an outstanding attention to the design of three-dimensional form, materiality and detail, which is most evident in the provision of incredibly comfortable spaces that would be a joy and delight to inhabit.”

 

The Awards go to:

PREMIER AWARD, INTERIOR DESIGN EXCELLENCE & INNOVATION (supported by Forbo Flooring Systems)

Award

Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors for Park House, VIC

SUSTAINABILITY ADVANCEMENT (supported by Dulux)

Award

Brooking Design Architects for John Septimus Roe Anglican Community School (JSRACS) Kindergarten - Beechboro Campus, WA

EMERGING INTERIOR DESIGN PRACTICE (supported by Space Furniture)

Award

Genesin Studio, SA

Commendation

Design Theory, WA

WORKPLACE DESIGN (supported by The Laminex Group)

Award

Elenberg Fraser for Slattery Australia office, VIC

Commendation

Clare Cousins for Moor Street Studio, VIC

Group GSA for A Working Community, VIC

Ian Moore for 12 WBT, NSW

Carr Design Group for Boston Consulting Group Canberra, ACT

HOSPITALITY DESIGN (supported by The Laminex Group)

Award

Zwei Interiors Architecture for Code Black Coffee, VIC

Commendation

CO-AP for Merewether Surfhouse, NSW

Sunkland for Common Galaxia

Pascale Gomes-McNabb for Monopole, NSW

BARStudio for Park Hyatt Sydney, NSW

INSTALLATION DESIGN (supported by Barrisol Stretch Ceilings)

Award

Gloss Creative for Shadow Lands Myer Spring / Summer Collection Launch 2012/2013

Commendation

Robert Simeoni for Interpretive Centre- Good Shepherd Chapel, Vic

Elenberg Fraser for Move-In, Vic

Freeman Ryan Design for Into the Blue: World Heritage Exhibition, NSW

PUBLIC DESIGN (supported by The Laminex Group)

Award

Brooking Design Architects for John Septimus Anglican Community School  (JSRACS) Kindergarten – Beechboro Campus, WA

Commendation

Wilson Architects + Donovan Hill Architects in Association for Translation Research Institute, QLD

Robert Simeoni Architects for Good Shepherd Chapel, Vic

McBride Charles Ryan for Penleigh and Essendon Grammar School, The Infinity Centre, Vic

RETAIL DESIGN (supported by The Laminex Group)

Award

Tobias Partners for Tongue + Groove, NSW

Commendation

Russell & George for Crumpler Prahran, Vic

Smart Design Studio for Optique, NSW

Travis Walton for Claude Maus, Vic

RESIDENTIAL DESIGN (supported by Smeg)

Award

Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors for Park House, VIC

Commendation

Stephen Collins Interior Design for ABU House, NSW

Nicholas Gurney for The Studio, NSW

MCK Architecture + Interiors for Skirt and Rock House, NSW

RESIDENTIAL DECORATION (supported by Smeg)

Award

Nexus Designs for Tribeca Loft – NYC

Commendation

Mim Design for SKD Residence, Vic

Greg Natale Design for Paddington House, NSW

BEST OF STATE FOR COMMERCIAL DESIGN supported by The Laminex Group)

Award

QLD – Wilson Architects + Donovan Hill Architects in Association for Translation Research Institute

WA – Brooking Design Architects for John Septimus Anglican Community School (JSRACS) Kindergarten – Beechboro Campus

NSW –Tobias Partners for Tongue + Groove

ACT – Carr Design Group for Boston Consulting Group Canberra

VIC – Elenberg Fraser for Slattery Australia

SA – David Hicks for Kings Adelaide

BEST OF STATE FOR RESIDENTIAL DESIGN (supported by Smeg)

Award

NSW – Stephen Collins Interior Design for ABU House

VIC – Leeton Pointon Architects + Interiors and Allison Pye Interiors for Park House

QLD – Wrightson Stewart for Teneriffe Warehouse Apartment

SA – Genesin Studio for Hazelwood Park Residence

BEST INTERNATIONAL DESIGN

Award

Nexus Designs for Tribeca Loft – NYC
]]> Fri, 7 Jun 2013 09:31:01 +1000 GMT NOTP-98EVKT-20130607-093051 Brisbane's Newest Tower is an Elegant Fit http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/brisbanes_newest_tower_is_an_elegant_fit.html BRISBANE'S NEWEST TOWER IS AN ELEGANT FIT

Fitting in is not something most commercial high rise buildings do.  Which makes 55 Elizabeth Street unusual as its tri-partite design by BVN Donovan Hill consciously acknowledges neighbouring buildings of the 19th and 20th century enabling it to fit elegantly into the diverse Brisbane streetscape.
Its completion is being marked today by an event being attended by Brisbane’s Lord Mayor, the Hon Graham Quirk, together with Mr Daniel Grollo, CEO of Grocon.  This is Grocon’s first Brisbane development that is owned by Credit Suisse and will be occupied by the Australian Taxation Office.
The architects took into account the important neighbouring heritage buildings and matched the materiality by incorporating prominent sandstone columns that define the lower third of the 15 level building. In the middle third the materials change to solar glazing with vertical fins and on the final third that completes the tri-partite design there are anodised sunshades protecting the upper western facade.
Mr Phil Tait, Principal, BVN Donovan Hill noted how considerable thought was put into the impact of the building at the street level, “this resulted in developing a new laneway providing a future cross block link to Charlotte Street, that is activated by a corner cafe that will  increase pedestrian movement further enlivening the street,” said Mr Tait.  Another urban contribution is the LED artwork display titled ‘Night Watch’ by Robyn Bracken that will display messages from the rooftop terrace that will be visible from the arts precinct across the river. 

]]> Fri, 7 Jun 2013 09:22:10 +1000 GMT NOTP-98EVE5-20130607-092146 55 Elizabeth Street http://www.bvn.com.au/projects/55_elizabeth_street.html
The building is relatively modest in scale, with a tripartite arrangement which reflects historic CBD development heights, stepping both in plan and section in response to important street views to neighbouring heritage buildings. Each datum of the building reflects the changing contextual qualities and eras at each level – ranging from monumental sandstone planes at entry level to minimalist anodized sunshades to the upper western façade.

Recessed into the top of the building is a large covered terrace, providing sweeping views over the Brisbane River and South Bank. This distinctive skyline element hosts a large scale LED artwork by Robyn Bracken.

At street level, activated and landscaped spaces are provided to both the primary street address and also a new public laneway incorporating a café and providing a future cross block link to Charlotte Street.

Internally, generous, well-lit office floors provide a contemporary workplace environment, with 18,000sqm pre-leased by the ATO prior to building completion. ]]> Thu, 6 Jun 2013 15:37:35 +1000 GMT NOTP-98E7HW-20130606-144125 Emergency shelter prototype assembles like an Ikea cupboard. http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/emergency_shelter_prototype_assembles_like_an_ikea_cupboard._.html Emergency shelter prototype assembles like an Ikea cupboard


Australian architecture firm BVN Donovan Hill made an appearance at Melbourne’s recent Emergency Shelter Exhibition in order to demonstrate its new emergency shelter concept. Developed with the aim of providing comfortable surroundings for its occupants, the temporary structure resembles a 3D puzzle and is said to assemble much like an Ikea cupboard.

When the need for an emergency shelter arises, durability and safety are of paramount importance. However, providing these requirements are met, perhaps a focus on producing a pleasant space is a worthy goal too. BVN Donovan Hill asserts that good design can add to the comfort and overall well-being of displaced and vulnerable people who have been forced by circumstance to live in an emergency shelter.

"Central to our thinking has been designing a shelter that provides a sense of joy, delight and spatial experiences that are nurturing in a time of tragedy and displacement," explained Jane Williams, Principal at BVN Donovan Hill. "By questioning what the internal and external qualities could be, we can design shelters that provide meaningful spaces – private space for individuals and families, enabling children to play and groups gather without it being in a central hall used by hundreds of people."

The shelter is constructed from pre-cut, laser-shaped plywood boards, which would be delivered to the site flat-packed. Each section of plywood fits into its counterpart via notched cutouts, no further tools needed. The contours of the wooden shape can be used as beds and stools, and assembly requires only one or two people. The eventual aim is that the shelter could be assembled within one day.

Once the main frame is built, a waterproof skin is added to keep out the elements. For the moment, the outer skin of the prototype is PVC, but BVN Donovan Hill envisions that recycled vinyl billboards or truck coverings could be used in the future.

The interior area of the shelter is 100 sq ft (9.5 sq m), and it weighs approximately 480 kg (around half a ton), so is definitely more substantial than, say, the Cardborigami shelter.

Crucial details such as on-board water and sanitation facilities are not expanded on by BVN Donovan Hill at this early stage of the shelter's development, and for this reason, it should be considered an interesting concept, rather than finished product. We'll yet you know if and when it evolves into the latter.
]]> Tue, 28 May 2013 10:42:10 +1000 GMT NOTP-9852U2-20130528-104136 Emergency shelter prototype assembles like an Ikea cupboard http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/emergency_shelter_prototype_assembles_like_an_ikea_cupboard.html Emergency shelter prototype assembles like an Ikea cupboard


Australian architecture firm BVN Donovan Hill made an appearance at Melbourne’s recent Emergency Shelter Exhibition in order to demonstrate its new emergency shelter concept. Developed with the aim of providing comfortable surroundings for its occupants, the temporary structure resembles a 3D puzzle and is said to assemble much like an Ikea cupboard.

When the need for an emergency shelter arises, durability and safety are of paramount importance. However, providing these requirements are met, perhaps a focus on producing a pleasant space is a worthy goal too. BVN Donovan Hill asserts that good design can add to the comfort and overall well-being of displaced and vulnerable people who have been forced by circumstance to live in an emergency shelter.

"Central to our thinking has been designing a shelter that provides a sense of joy, delight and spatial experiences that are nurturing in a time of tragedy and displacement," explained Jane Williams, Principal at BVN Donovan Hill. "By questioning what the internal and external qualities could be, we can design shelters that provide meaningful spaces – private space for individuals and families, enabling children to play and groups gather without it being in a central hall used by hundreds of people."

The shelter is constructed from pre-cut, laser-shaped plywood boards, which would be delivered to the site flat-packed. Each section of plywood fits into its counterpart via notched cutouts, no further tools needed. The contours of the wooden shape can be used as beds and stools, and assembly requires only one or two people. The eventual aim is that the shelter could be assembled within one day.

Once the main frame is built, a waterproof skin is added to keep out the elements. For the moment, the outer skin of the prototype is PVC, but BVN Donovan Hill envisions that recycled vinyl billboards or truck coverings could be used in the future.

The interior area of the shelter is 100 sq ft (9.5 sq m), and it weighs approximately 480 kg (around half a ton), so is definitely more substantial than, say, the Cardborigami shelter.

Crucial details such as on-board water and sanitation facilities are not expanded on by BVN Donovan Hill at this early stage of the shelter's development, and for this reason, it should be considered an interesting concept, rather than finished product. We'll yet you know if and when it evolves into the latter.
]]> Tue, 28 May 2013 10:42:10 +1000 GMT NOTP-9852ST-20130528-103940 Brisbane Regional Architecture Award Winners http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/brisbane_regional_architecture_award_winners_.html
Brisbane Regional Architecture Award Winners 
 
 
An exemplary landmark tower, a lavishly-crafted laboratory and an elegant, beautifully crafted home have been awarded the highest honours at the Australian Institute of Architects’ Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards. 

One One One Eagle Street by Cox Rayner Architects and the Translational Research Institute by Wilson Architects + Donovan Hill (Architects in Association) were jointly awarded the John Dalton Building of the Year Award along with a Regional Commendation. 

Loucas Zahos Architects’ Taringa House project received a Regional Commendation and the House of the Year Award. 

Cox Rayner’s riverside commercial tower forms the centrepiece of a trio of towers that marks the renowned precinct, originally master-planned by Harry Seidler. 
‘This project ingeniously resolved complex planning constraints to realise a highly engaging and distinctive architectural centrepiece. 

‘The organic structural-led design solution overtly expresses itself to create a uniquely sculptural building that transcends normal commercial imperatives and delivers an exemplary new landmark tower,’ the jury noted. 

The Translational Research Institute by Wilson Architects + Donovan Hill (Architects in Association) features a memorable landscaped outdoor room that provides respite from the intensity of research. 

‘A great sense of generosity and enjoyability is ingrained into every aspect of this laboratory building. It offers a series of lavishly-crafted spaces across a range of scales that redefine not only the cramped campus in which it is located, but also the laboratory building typology itself,’ said the jury. 

An original worker’s cottage, Taringa House has been expanded with a juxtaposed new addition by Loucas Zahos Architects to accommodate family activity while retaining the traditional frontage, to allow the home to remain firmly settled in the existing street fabric. 

‘A dramatic sectional idea connects an original timber cottage to the lost terrain of the back yard gully superbly. Drawn down into the site one is introduced to a grounded double height space elegantly sitting into the adjacent landscape. A beautifully crafted house displaying sophisticated tectonics with simplicity and warmth.’ 

In total 51 entries from the original 95 submitted were awarded Regional Commendations on the night and now progress to the Queensland Architecture Awards to be announced in Brisbane on 21 June. 

Queensland 2013 Awards Jury Director, Mark Damant, and Regional Jury Coordinator, Sarah Rush, presented the Regional Commendations to Brisbane winners at the Awards ceremony at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
]]> Fri, 24 May 2013 09:36:19 +1000 GMT NOTP-97YVP3-20130524-093605 This Week's Award Winners http://www.bvn.com.au/pages/this_weeks_award_winners.html
This Week's Award Winners 
 
 
The people have had their say, architects have been honoured, shortlists were revealed, comedians commended and upcoming awards have opened this week.
 
Minister for the Arts Heidi Victoria has announced the three manuscripts in the running for the $15,000 Premier’s Literary Award for an Unpublished Manuscript.
 
But there’s more to the Unpublished Manuscript award than the money – the opportunity for publishing success. Cast an eye back on last year’s winner, Graeme Simsion, who took out the award for The Rosie Project, his debut that has since gone on to become a bonafide publishing phenomenon. 
 
The 2013 entrants looking to follow that kind of success include Emily Bitto, Maxine Beneba Clarke and Naomi Bailey (interestingly, all female authors, which is more a trend this year than 20s inspired flapper fashion). Out of the record 130 manuscripts entered in the award, theirs were the standouts.   
 
Asher Keddie has made the transition from TV screen to fine art gallery when the 2013 winner of the Archibald People’s Choice Award was announced.
 
Melbourne artist, Vincent Fantauzzo, was announced as the 2013 winner of the Archibald People's Choice, for Love Face, a portrait of his partner and Australian actor Asher Keddie.
 
Along with the People's Choice Award, the four winners for the Young Archie's were announced, from a total pool of 467 entries.  
 
Winners of the Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards include a laboratory, a house and a landmark tower.
 
Cox Rayner Architects’ One One One Eagle Street and Wilson Architects with Donovan Hill (Architects in Association) for their Translational Research Institute jointly won the John Dalton Building of the Year Award along with a Regional Commendation. Find out the full details here.
 
The Sydney Comedy Festival (SCF) 2013 has announced this year's winners, which include comedians from all over the world.
 
The festival, which came to a close this Saturday, was packed with brilliant performances from a long list of comic acts. UK funnyman Paul Foot took away the Best of the Festival – International Award for his show Kenny Larch is Dead. The other nominees for this award were Trevor Noah, Gina Yashere, Stephen K Amos and Arj Barker.
 
Meanwhile, 11 artists have been awarded Australia Council Creative Australia Fellowships, six extras as well as the expected originals.
 
Australia Council chairman Rupert Myer said although there was originally only Fellowship funding for the equivalent of five awards, the Council had committed to the additional fellowships after being impressed by the exceptional quality of applications.
 
And last but not least, the 2013 Deadly Award nominations have opened. The awards acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islander nationally.
]]> Fri, 24 May 2013 09:31:42 +1000 GMT NOTP-97YVKT-20130524-093053