The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards

Words by Ashley Gladwish

The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards showcases another incredible year of exquisite work, illustrating that there is no limit to Australian talent.

Hosted by the Australian Institute of Architects, Victorian Chapter President Amy Muir said, “As reflected in this year’s awards, it’s been a significant year for architecture. In Victoria we have a rich and ingrained culture supporting strong and diverse architectural endeavours. It is always so encouraging to see architects continuing to challenge the status quo in order for our cities and communities to evolve.”

The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiafirst Lessons House Ray Dinh Architecture (photog Peter Bennetts) Min
First Lessons House by Ray Dinh Architecture - Photographed by Peter Bennetts.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australianightingale 1 Breathe Architecture (photog Peter Clarke) Min
Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture - Photographed by Peter Clarke.

Across 14 categories, 108 of the entries have been shortlisted. The residential category, broken into three categories, illustrates the detail in assessing residential work as structures can articulate a stand alone house, multiple housing and alterations and additions.

Categories like sustainable architecture and public and educational architecture give room to the new wave and progressive thought process that designing for the future will require. 18 Innovation Walk Revitalization Project by Kosloff Architecture, artist Callum Morton and Monash Art Projects (MAP) ‘re-skinned an existing 8 story 1960’s modernist building’ by Stephenson and Turner in 1969, to revolutionise the building to embrace a ‘contemporary manner.’ Integral to the design was ensuring a ‘significant improvement to the environmental performance by providing services that can feed laboratories in the future.’

The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiapark House Kerstin Thompson Architects (photog Trevor Mein) Min
Australia Park House by Kerstin Thompson Architects - Photographed by Trevor Mein.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiaaveri Jackson Clements Burrows (photog Richardwong) Min
Averi by Jackson Clements Burrows - Photographed by Richard Wong.

In the public architecture category, Atrium of Holy Angels Mausoleum by Harmer Architecture, is celebrated for it’s communal element using 8 points of access and circular structure to illustrate ‘a centuries old tradition of arranging places for burial.’ Located at Fawkner Memorial Park, intentional elements in the design and coloring ensure a ‘comforting and welcoming atmosphere.’

The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiaboneo Country House Johnwardle Architects (photog Sharyn Cairns) Min
Boneo Country House by John Wardle Architects - Photographed by Sharyn Cairns.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiaptleoestate Jolson Architecture & Interiors (photog Lucas Allen) Min
Pt Leo Estate by Jolson Architecture & Interiors - Photographed by Lucas Allen.

Amy Muir continues, “This shortlist defines the many forms outstanding design can take, from projects that provide innovative educational spaces offering varying ways for students to learn and engage, to new housing typologies that create a platform for better community engagement.”

The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiavictorian College Of The Arts Former Mounted Police Stables Kerstin Thompson Architects (photo Trevor Mein) Min
Cictorian College Of The Arts Former Mounted Police Stables by Kerstin Thompson Architects - Photographed by Trevor Mein.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiatowers Road House Wood Marsh Arch (photog John Gollings) Min
Towers Road House by Wood Marsh Architecture - Photographed by John Gollings.

The winners of this year’s program will be presented at the Victorian Chapter’s annual Awards Presentation Dinner, held on the 29th of June.

To view all Exhibition of Entries, visit No Vacancy Gallery from the 22nd of May until the 3rd of June.

The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiahenrystreethouse Eugene Cheah Architecture (photo Trevor Mein) Min
Henry Street House by Eugene Cheah Architecture - Photographed by Trevor Mein.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiaelwoodhoouse Woods Bagot (photo Trevor Mein) Min
Elwood House by Woods Bagot - Photographed by Trevor Mein.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiadatum House Figr Architecture (photog Tom Blachford) Min
Datum House by FIGR Architecture - Photographed by Tom Blachford.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiaatrium Of Holy Angels Mausoleum Harmer Arch (photog Jonathan Hadiprawira) Min
Atrium Of Holy Angels by Mausoleum Harmer Architecture - Photographed by Jonathan Hadiprawira.
The 2018 Victorian Architecture Awards Feature Article Australiabunjil Place Fjmt (photog Andrew Chung) Min
Bunjil Place by FMJT - Photographed by Andrew Chung.