FORM - AIA Awards 2016 by The Adelaide Review

THE ADELAIDE REVIEW AUGUST 2016

PLANNING

I N N O VAT I O N

AIA AWARDS 76

Pink Moon Saloon by Sans Arc Studio. Photo: David Sievers.

DESIGN

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ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2

Engaging an architect is an unfamiliar experience for many people. Commissioning a building is a personal journey that produces the best outcomes when there is shared understanding, open communication and trust between client and architect. Award-winning projects are invariably the result of such close and collaborative working relationships. The Institute’s Find An Architect section of the website provides information about the approach, areas of practice specialisation and previous project experience of architecture practices. It provides a valuable starting point for identifying an architect that will suit you and your project. The Modern Movement style of architecture, or Modernism, originated in Europe during the inter-war years. Modernist architecture sought to use new materials and technology that were being developed at the time to express the changing social and political mood and to forge a new culture that was independent of the past. After the horrors of World War I it was time for a new beginning. Modernism was architecture’s response.

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Modernist architecture is characterised by the use of structural frames in steel or concrete, which allow, open-planning and light facades with large areas of glass. This was a dramatic contrast with traditional masonry construction that was common in Europe up to that time. The expression of volume rather than mass became possible and façade design was no longer dictated by the structure. New structural systems and materials also allowed flat roofs, which were another clear break with the pitched roofs of traditional architecture. This provided additional outdoor space in crowded European cities. Applied decoration, which was associated with the history that people were seeking to leave behind, was abandoned. The building’s structure, which would previously have been concealed, was exposed and became the decoration in its own right. “Ornament is crime”, “truth to materials”, “less is more” and “form follows function” became the catch cries of the new style. After World War II, Modernism became common throughout the world, spread by the significant emigration of Europeans post war and ever increasing global connectivity. Over time, the original principles of Modernist architecture evolved in response to regional contexts, the personal interpretation of architects and developments in materials. Today, Modernist architecture encompasses a range of styles that reflect changing attitudes to globalisation, environmental concerns and innovations in the construction sector. This desire to express progressive and innovative thinking, coupled with a love of the expansive volumes and clean forms that characterise Modernist architecture continue to make the style popular with

many people. It is commonly used for commercial and institutional buildings due to its flexible, adaptable planing and economic use of materials. However, Modernist design continues to be seen across all building types, including residential, with occupants valuing the light, spacious and uncluttered environments that characterise the style. Modernist architecture, as with any building, expresses the thinking and technology of the time in which it was constructed. What was cutting edge at the time it was built will inevitably appear retro years later. Photos of early Modernist buildings show what are now vintage cars and fashions, Bakelite light switches and exposed wiring. Revolutionary steel structures and window frames, large expanses of glass and concrete blocks have become commonplace or replaced by newer construction systems. However, while Modernist buildings from earlier times are obviously of their era, they continue to offer their occupants the benefits of architectural design unrestrained by formulaic historical conventions. Older Modernist buildings also provide a distinctive and unique aesthetic that evokes the optimism and progressive thinking that characterised post WWII society.

Photo: John Gollings

BY GREENWAY ARCHITECTS

Commendation for Public Architecture

The Australian Institute of Architects Architecture Awards Program recognises and celebrates design excellence. Entries to the Awards Program are judged across 12 categories and span a range of building types, scales and budgets. Entries are judged against a rigorous set of criteria which assess the projects’ responses to the client’s brief, environmental performance, technical resolution, aesthetics and value for money.

he awarded projects in 2016 demonstrate the complex problem-solving, technical knowledge and creativity that are required to achieve an excellent building. Creating an attractive and harmonious environment is only one aspect of a successful building. It also needs to meet the users’ functional requirements, comply with Australian Standards and regulations and respond to the context and environment in which it is located.

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Commendation for Urban Design –––––––––––––––––––––––––

/TONSLEY BY OXIGEN

––––––––––––– /THIS SPECIAL AIA AWARDS EDITION WILL BE AVAILABLE ON ADELAIDEREVIEW.COM.AU IN AUGUST AS A FLIPBOOK –––––––––––––

Commendation for Urban Design –––––––––––––––––––––––––

/HENLEY SQUARE REMADE BY T.C.L WITH TROPPO ARCHITECTS

Commendation for Urban Design

Photo: David Sievers

Photo: Sam Noonan

F O R M EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURE SPONSORED BY FIELDERS –––

Photo: Peter Bennetts

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (NEW) SPONSORED BY BORAL –––

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The Dr John Mayfield Award for Educational Architecture

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BY ASHLEY HALLIDAY ARCHITECTS

/CARDIJN COLLEGE MUSIC CENTRE

/STRETTON CENTRE BY HASSELL

BY TRIDENTE ARCHITECTS

The Jack McConnell Award for Public Architecture

Commendation for Educational Architecture

Photo: Ashley Halliday

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The John S Chappel Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

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BY GRIEVE GILLETT ANDERSEN

Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

/GRASS TREES BY MAX PRITCHARD GUNNER ARCHITECTS

Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

Photo: Sam Noonan

/FRIEDRICHSTRASSE HOUSE BY TROPPO ARCHITECTS Pink Moon Saloon. Photo: David Sievers

Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

PINK MOON SALOON

B Y N AT H A N J A M E S C R A N E

here is no doubt most people will recognise the winner of this year’s City of Adelaide Prize Pink Moon Saloon. Since it opened late last year, the now famous façade, sandwiched between two buildings on Leigh Street, has been featured on architecture blogs and ‘hot’ lists around the world.

Sans–Arc Studio were creative and innovative in their approach to Pink Moon Saloon, and have produced a building that is environmentally thoughtful and engaging. They have presented something unique to Adelaide, and reimagined an area within the dining precinct which offers customers a welcoming and charismatic experience.

The City of Adelaide Prize’s judging panel called the building an “inventive and brave concept", rightly so, as it reactivates what was a bin laneway. It is a simple, but well–executed and –crafted piece of architecture which utilises its interior spaces cleverly. It is a transformative use of an otherwise deserted space, which breathes warmth and charm into the streetscape.

Inside, there are a range of spaces, which are connected by a central courtyard. What is intelligent about the design is its acknowledgement, and then engagement, with such a narrow space, allowing it to feel intimate. What Sans–Arc highlighted is the adaptability of spaces around the city, and the way in which they may be reimagined to create wonderful and alluring dining moments in our state.

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Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (ALTERATIONS & ADDITIONS) ––– /VEIL AND MORTAR BY KHAB ARCHITECTS

The John Schenk Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

Photo: Aaron Citti

CITY OF ADELAIDE PRIZE

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/GIBSON & 7TH BY WILLIAMS BURTON LEOPARDI

/FADE TO GREY

COMMERCIAL ARCHITECTURE ––– Photo: Christopher Morrison

Photo: Sam Noonan

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – MULTIPLE HOUSING –––

/BASE 64 BY WILLIAMS BURTON LEOPARDI

The Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture

Commendation for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

BY GRIEVE GILLETT ANDERSEN

Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions) –––––––––––––––––––––––––

/LOCH BY JOHN ADAM ARCHITECT

/CAWLEY TREE HOUSE BY C4 ARCHITECTS

Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)

/SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DRILL CORE REFERENCE LIBRARY

/BERESFORD WINES CELLAR DOOR & TASTING PAVILION

BY THOMSON ROSSI

BY ALEXANDER BROWN ARCHITECTS

Award for Commercial Architecture

Commendation for Commercial Architecture

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Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations & Additions)

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SA EMERGING ARCHITECT PRIZE 2016

ANTHONY BALSAMO

B Y N AT H A N J A M E S C R A N E

or Anthony Balsamo, the winner of this year’s SA Emerging Architect Prize awarded by the Australian Institute of Architects, architecture has much to offer to people outside of the architecture and design communities. “I am interested in where architectural thinking can sit in other parts of the community,” says Balsamo, an associate director at Walter Brooke & Associates. “As a design service industry, we are often perceived as providers of physical outcomes only - drawings, models, buildings. Architects have much to offer in the space of ideas, and ideas are valuable.

has been deeply involved in developing the Festival of Architecture and Design (which will return next year after taking a sabbatical this year) as a creative director. He also worked closely with Adelaide City Council to create an annual public design competition called Design Festival. Balsamo has a deep interest in how temporary interventions in spaces can leave a legacy, and impact the use and re–imagination of those spaces for years afterwards.

“We should broaden our engagement with the community and explore new ways of thinking about lifestyle, technology and the arts. We are good ‘dot joiners’, which makes us relevant to many industries.”

“I have seen some great examples overseas where cultural events and festivals are successful and transformative for cities,” he says. “Scandinavian countries do this very well. There are also some terrible legacies, Hannover World Expo 2000, for example, which reported massive debt and left spaces that are isolated, desolate and dilapidated.”

Balsamo has been interested in architecture’s wider engagement in the community since graduating in 2003. In 2008, he was offered the Jack Hobbs McConnell Travelling Fellowship, in which he was able to research festivals and architecture, and how they shape our cities. Since then, he

Recognising and retaining graduate local talent is another passion project for Balsamo. A number of years ago, as a graduate himself, he and a small group of colleagues began discussions around the perceived gap between graduation and working. Out of their regular meet–ups, the group established an

Anzac Hall and Piper Pavilion. Photo: Peter Fisher.

association called the New Architects Group (NAG). From its small beginning, this now nation–wide initiative has been formalised by all of the state chapters of the Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) and provides a vital support network for young architecture graduates across the country. “I am very pleased to see the continued relevance and success that NAG has brought to recent graduates of architecture,” he says. "Being involved in NAG and the Institute of Architects has opened up opportunities for many of my peers and is a crucial link in forging a positive future for architecture in South Australia.”

Balsamo’s contribution to the industry is widespread and highly regarded among his colleagues, and is now formally recognised with this well–deserved accolade. “I wish to thank AWS and the Institute of Architects for recognising my contribution to the profession with this prize. It has inspired me to further push the boundaries and seek new horizons in design and architecture for South Australia.”

Architect: Marco Spinelli, Architects Ink. Photography: Hiro Ishino Photography, courtesy of Ouwens Casserly Real Estate

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Balsamo has also lectured and tutored at Adelaide University and taken part in the AIA’s student mentor program.

AWS are proud sponsors of the Australian Institute of Architects’ Emerging Architect Prize.

INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE SPONSORED BY DULUX –––

THE ADELAIDE REVIEW P E O P L E ’ S C H O I C E AWA R D

Photo: David Sievers

Zoos SA Nature’s Playground

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The jury noted the playground’s evident sense of site, which connects to a treetop walk of the surrounding zoo precinct. A high level of thinking has been engaged in order to design varied and intriguing experiences for users on a number of different planes and sightlines, and to connect to other areas of the site in the near vicinity.

MAKE YOUR DESIGN A REALITY

The Robert Dickson Award for Interior Architecture

/CENTRE FOR SENIOR LEARNING, PULTENEY GRAMMAR SCHOOL /UNISA STUDENT LOUNGE Photo: David Sievers

Again, an imaginative take on an otherwise common project type - a playground - has activated a space. It promises to increase the engagement with the iconic Adelaide Zoo, and its surrounds, through an entirely new development.

Photo: Sam Noonan

he design of Zoos SA’s Nature’s Playground project is energetic and rich and caters for adults as well as children. Transforming an unused corner of the Adelaide Zoo, the teams at Phillips/ Pilkington Architects and WAX Design created a vibrant space, which allows users to experience nature while playing.

BY WALTER BROOKE & ASSOCIATES

Award for Interior Architecture –––––––––––––––––––––––––

BY PHILLIPS / PILKINGTON ARCHITECTS

/ELDERS HEAD OFFICE

Award for Interior Architecture

Commendation for Interior Architecture

BY JPE DESIGN STUDIO

Do you have a building project and don’t know where to start? Working with an architect can help you to realise your dream whatever your scale and budget, large or small. Visit www.ﬁndanarchitect.com.au and ﬁnd the right architect for you. Images (clockwise): Fade to Grey by Grieve Gillett Andersen, Henley Square Remade by T.C.L with Troppo Architects, LOCH by John Adam Architect, Base 64 by Williams Burton Leopardi

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SMALL PROJECT ARCHITECTURE –––

Photo: Christopher Morrison

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HERITAGE –––

/HOUSE ON MAYFAIR Photo: Sam Noonan

BY GRIEVE GILLETT ANDERSON

/BASE 64

The Marjorie Simpson Award for Small Project Architecture

BY WILLIAMS BURTON LEOPARDI

The David Saunders Award for Heritage

/TONSLEY MAIN ASSEMBLY BUILDING AND PODS BY WOODS BAGOT AND TRIDENTE ARCHITECTS

Award for Heritage

/4 STRUCTURES AT HENLEY SQUARE

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BY TROPPO ARCHITECTS AND T.C.L

/TORRENS ISLAND QUARANTINE STATION

Award for Small Project Architecture ––––––––––––––––––––––

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/WATERFALL GULLY SHELTER AND TOILET BLOCK

/SAINT FRANCIS XAVIER CATHEDRAL PIPE ORGAN PROJECT BY GRIEVE GILLETT ANDERSEN

Commendation for Heritage

Photo: Phillip Handforth

Photo: Sam Noonan

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Commendation for Heritage

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Commendation for Small Project Architecture

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SUSTAINABLE ARCHITECTURE –––

F O R M /TONSLEY BY OXIGEN

Photo: Sam Noonan

Award for Sustainable Architecture

THE AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS AWARDS

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Award for Sustainable Architecture

ENDURING ARCHITECTURE –––

B Y D AV I D M A R I U Z

South Australia's architectural elite gathered at Adelaide Oval on July 2 to celebrate this year's winners of the South Australian Architecture Awards.

Photo: Kevin O'Sullivan

/SOUTH AUSTRALIAN FORENSIC SCIENCE CENTRE BY SA PUBLIC BUILDINGS DEPARTMENT, GOVERNMENT OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA

The Jack Cheesman Award for Enduring Architecture

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SIR JAMES IRWIN PRESIDENT’S MEDAL –––

COLORBOND® AWARD FOR STEEL ARCHITECTURE SPONSORED BY BLUESCOPE –––

/FRANCESCO BONATO FROM TECTVS

2016 Sir James Irwin President’s Medal

THE CITY OF ADELAIDE PRIZE SPONSORED BY ADELAIDE CITY COUNCIL ––– EMERGING ARCHITECT PRIZE SPONSORED BY ARCHITECTURAL WINDOWS SYSTEMS –––

/PINK MOON SALOON BY SANS-ARC STUDIO

The City of Adelaide Prize

/ZOOS SA NATURE'S PLAY GROUND BY PHILLIPS/PILKINGTON ARCHITECTS AND WAX DESIGN

/ANTHONY BALSAMO

The City of Adelaide Prize – People's Choice Award

South Australian Emerging Architect Prize

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/SOUTH AUSTRALIAN DRILL CORE REFERENCE LIBRARY

/ZOOS SA NATURE'S PLAY GROUND

BY THOMSON ROSSI

BY PHILLIPS/PILKINGTON ARCHITECTS AND WAX DESIGN

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture

The City of Adelaide Prize – Commendation

WALTER BROOKE & ASSOCIATES

F O R M STEP 1 A new railway station! Build a new modern station to the west of the Morphett Street Bridge so that it can accommodate the upcoming electriﬁed rail and the direct arrival of interstate high–speed passenger trains (slow versions of which currently arrive at Keswick).

STEP 2 Riverbank Bridge. Photo: John Gollings.

ARE WE MISSING A KEY RIVERBANK PRECINCT INGREDIENT? The Riverbank Precinct development is exciting, but a key piece of the puzzle has been overlooked.

B Y G E R A L D M AT T H E W S

hat is it about the southern banks of river cities all over the world? It seems governments and developers alike are all drawn to them – from London to Melbourne, Brisbane to now Adelaide, they’re attracting huge attention and investment in the quest to rejuvenate cities.

Firstly, we have Old Parliament House, which I don’t like but that’s largely because I am a contemporary architect. That aside, the building exists and I’d certainly prefer that it remain.

Adelaide has a once–in–a–generation opportunity to make the Riverbank Precinct truly world class. I do, however, have fears that the order in which it is currently being pieced together is back–to–front or at least neglecting a few crucial steps.

Next we have the Casino, which has been ﬂagged for an expansion for some time. Its neighbour, the Adelaide Convention Centre, is expanding and will hopefully be ﬁnished soon.

I’m a fan of the Adelaide Festival Centre. I think its white cubist forms counterpoint the city behind it nicely. The centre’s proposed upgrade and expansion is a positive step forwards.

The land north of North Terrace, which runs between the Morphett Street Bridge and King William Street, has inspired passionate debate for years. There are continuing arguments about what it is and whether it’s part of our parklands or whether it’s part of the city.

And finally, among all of this sits the enormous new ofﬁce tower that the Walker Corporation has proposed and divided opinions with. The building will sit behind Old Parliament House, between the Casino and the Festival Plaza. I think most Adelaidians, who know the area well, are scratching their heads wondering how it will ﬁt.

The key question that needs to be asked is: what should it be? So ﬁrst, let’s have a look at how we have arrived at this point.

Now you may have noticed a trend - the current state of play for our Riverbank is that everything is either expanding or

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planning to expand. But there’s another piece of the puzzle we’re hearing very little about - the Adelaide Railway Station. After decades out in the cold, trains are sparking interest for Adelaide again - a trend being felt around the country. For the ﬁrst time we’re taking the idea of high– speed interstate rail seriously. Our current Railway Station passes underneath the Riverbank Precinct and this is why the expansion of the Convention Centre has been signiﬁcantly more complex and costly than it might have otherwise been.

Demolish the Riverside government ofﬁce building on North Terrace and move those government departments into available commercial space in the CBD.

STEP 3 Expand the Convention Centre more substantially to the east (where the Riverside ofﬁce building was) and west, as well as downwards into the former rail lines. This could include a second hotel next to the Morphett Street Bridge, above the Convention Centre expansion.

STEP 4 Create Parliamentary car parking beneath the InterContinental Hotel (where the former rail lines were). This would avoid the need to sell the development rights for the space behind Old Parliament House.

STEP 5 Now that the old railway station is vacant, the Casino can expand to ﬁll the rest of the space in the old building, removing the need for an extension of the building. This could include an upward expansion in the form of a boutique hotel above the Casino.

STEP 6 Expand the Festival Centre now that it isn’t at risk of over–crowding. And just for good measure...

STEP 7

The truth is that planners have missed a crucial ﬁrst step by overlooking the future of the Railway Station. It’s worth analysing this because without understanding why it happened and its consequences, we’re doomed to repeat our mistakes.

Build a new weir on the river near Port Road and continue the Torrens Lake through the western Parklands.

Here’s what I think should have happened, starting from some time around 2010. Cue the time machine.

Gerald Matthews is the Managing Director of Matthews Architects matthewsarchitects.com.au

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[PROMOTION]

Base64, 64 North Terrace, Kent Town

57 Frederick Street, Maylands

TOP DESIGN REAPS REWARDS WITH URBAN DESIGN AWARD WINNERS The winners of this year’s City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters’ Excellence in Urban Design Awards speak with The Adelaide Review about their award-winning work.

he awards aim to raise the proﬁle and recognition of local designers and developers who improve the character of the city in underappreciated ways.

“As a community, we should all show a commitment to the future development of our city and promote excellence in design which encourages social, economic and cultural prosperity,” says Mayor Robert Bria. A diverse field of residential and commercial developments was examined by a panel of industry experts including Peter Dungey, architect and urban designer; David Brown of BB Architects, Peter Jensen of Jensen Planning & Design and the council’s General Manager of Urban Planning & Environment, Carlos Buzzetti.

8A & 8B Seventh Avenue, St Peters

BEST COMMERCIAL DEVELOPMENT

BASE64, 64 NORTH TERRACE, KENT TOWN This iconic palatial residence imbued with the heritage of ex–premiers and virtues of classic colonial design has been revitalised with contemporary relevance and charm.

BEST RESIDENTIAL DEVELOPMENT

57 FREDERICK STREET, MAYLANDS This innovative project is billed as a “structured dance” between “man and nature” where freedom and control are integral to the design. The project prioritises a sustainable approach to design. The pitched roof is perfect for solar panels, while rainwater storage is seamlessly integrated into the property’s boundary. Local climate is well– managed with an insulating rammed earth wall on its south side and an open approach to the northern side with automated blinds taking care of winter/summer light and temperature control. Judges noted that the “low–maintenance house has a minimal palette of unpainted materials, from galvanised steel to rammed earth” while the “reﬁned structure and high–tech services are lovingly expressed”.

Co–owner of Base64, Anna Hackett, says it was crucial to maintain the structure’s classic heritage and design, but simultaneously “adapt the building for the needs of contemporary and future occupants” where “its occupants are inspired to work”. Its current tenancy of a range of technology ﬁrms and start–ups is testament to that goal. Ke y t o i t s c o n t e m p o ra r y a n d serene design are windows in every room overlooking communal gardens and protecting tenants from the noise from a busy neighbouring road. “We put a great deal of thought into designing acoustically soft spaces, with new double glazing to buffer the buildings from road noise, sound insulating panels, and soft furnishings,” Hackett says.

P E O P L E ’ S C H O I C E AWA R D

8A & 8B SEVENTH AVENUE, ST PETERS Smart and snappy design characterise the winner of the People’s Choice Award. This subdivision utilises existing building stock to put forward a vision of modern, sustainable living. Julian Rutt, 8B resident and designer of the project, says that he aimed to “really push the sustainability envelope all in a modern minimalist design palette” with this project. “The sustainability measures are integral, including passive solar design of openings and efficient envelope (with deciduous plantings) to minimise solar ingress in the hotter months while allowing the sun in during winter to reduce the need for heating and cooling and artiﬁcial lighting,” he says. Further sustainable elements of the design “reduce stress on local infrastructure during peak electricity demand [and] peak storm water discharge and have lower waste levels leaving site”. Rutt’s brother–in–law Matt Wineﬁeld lives in the adjoining 8A, and says that the choice to build upwards instead of outwards “allows us to still have room at the back for veggies, fruit trees, chickens and a duck”.

INSPIRED LIVING

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