General News
15 June, 2022
First Nations Communities Win At Far North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards
A health and wellbeing centre, an eco-tourism welcome facility and a Traditional Owners administration building – all designed for and with First Nations communities – are among the winners of the Australian Institute of Architects’ Far North Queensland Regional Architecture Awards 2022.
Judges praised award-winning architects for their culturally inclusive and environmentally sensitive designs.
The Far North Queensland Awards come at the close of Reconciliation Week 2022, a national event where Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians to come together to reflect on their shared histories and futures.
Gurriny Yealamucka Health & Wellbeing Centre by POD (People Oriented Design) with Coburn Architecture was awarded a commendation in the Commercial Architecture category, the Far North Queensland Regional Project of the Year Award and the People’s Choice Award.
The centre provides primary health and community outreach services to the First Nations coastal community of Yarrabah, a town an hour’s drive east of Cairns. The building fits into the unique environment, with sturdy materials responding to nearby beaches, wetlands, and tropical ranges. Landscaping incorporates locally significant plant life.
These features are visible through expansive windows, while a central courtyard is an inviting respite area.
“The building takes social and cultural considerations into account. This creates a sense of community pride and ownership,” the Jury said.
Waiting spaces for independent families and cultural groups are available.
“Just walking into the building gives you a welcoming feeling,” Centre Chairperson Leslie Baird said.
“I like that [the centre] has a clinical side and a family wellbeing side. It has a community friendly atmosphere.”
Far North Queensland Regional Commendations Mundingalbay Yidinji EcoCultural Arrival Facilities by Philip Follent Architects Pty Ltd received commendations in the Small Project Architecture and Sustainable Architecture categories. The structure provides a shelter for visitors arriving at a remote jetty. Judges commended the new addition as valuable to the environmental tours run by Traditional Owners, the Mandingalbay Yidinji people.
“[The] project provides an artistic outcome with imagery related to the Indigenous culture of the area whilst creating an architectural identity for the significant East Trinity Reserve,” the Jury said.
The Eddie Oribin Award for Building of the Year and a commendation in the Commercial Architecture category were awarded to Clarke and Prince Pty Ltd’s Western Cape Communities Trust Administration Centre. The building is a hub for 11 Traditional Owner groups in the Cape York region. A striking exterior populated with symbolic totems is paired with practical and flexible rooms inside.
“Through extensive engagement with the Western Cape Communities Traditional Owner groups, this project successfully integrates holistic cultural narratives throughout the building’s site, landscape, architecture and interiors,” the judges said.
Other Far North Queensland regional commendation winners are as follows:
• Commendation (Residential Architecture- New), Far North Queensland House of the Year – 8 Beachfront Mirage by TPG Architects
• Commendation (Commercial Architecture) – 36 ABBOTT STREET CAIRNS – Artwork spaces by edgearchitecture
All of the region’s awarded projects have now been shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards. The state awards will be judged and awarded on June 24, 2022.
