Top projects honoured at Queensland architecture awards

The Australian Institute of Architects celebrated Queensland’s best architecture for 2024 at their annual State Awards ceremony on Friday 21 June at Brisbane’s City Hall.

The State Awards jury, comprising esteemed architects and leaders in the Queensland design industry, recognised more than 42 projects spanning 20 categories such as public, residential, education, sustainable architecture and urban design.

Of the event’s winners, children and families emerged as the real beneficiaries of the night. A prominent theme among the winning projects was inclusive design catering to diverse households — from young children and teenagers to intergenerational families.

Queensland architecture playscape — *Bradbury Park Playscape. Photo: Christopher Frederick Jones*

Transformative playground earns top Queensland architecture award

The top honour of the evening went to Bradbury Park Playscape, designed by Alcorn Middleton, who walked away with the Queensland Architecture Medallion. The playscape, located in Kedron on Brisbane’s northside, also won The FDG Stanley Award for Public Architecture and The Karl Langer Award for Urban Design.

The park offers diverse play experiences featuring dynamic high-activity zones, social gathering spots and peaceful hideaways. The unique design ensures the playground meets the needs of not only young children but also teenagers who are often neglected in public space planning.

Describing the playscape as a “delightful and democratic sculpture that invites visitors from afar, drawing them towards a myriad of enchanting spaces”, the jury was impressed with the emphasis on playspace for all ages and abilities, exemplifying the transformative power of architecture.

Alcorn Middleton was praised by the jury for outstanding achievement in creating a public space that fosters community interaction at every level.

“This project establishes a fresh standard for public playgrounds, emphasising the importance of creativity and inclusivity in outdoor recreational areas,” the jury said in a statement.

Making a positive impact on social housing projects, The Mari-Mari-Ba Affordable Housing and Bushland Communal Hub took home a slew of awards. The project, located in Eight Mile Plains on Brisbane’s southside, received the State Award for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing, the Hayes & Scott Award for Small Project Architecture and the inaugural Social Impact Prize, an initiative of the Queensland Awards Jury.

Deicke Richards designed Mari-Mari-Ba as part of the redevelopment of the former Joyce Wilding Hostel, which served as a refuge for First Nations women and children. “Mari-Mari-Ba establishes a new standard for supported emergency accommodation, showcasing that such facilities can achieve quality economical design while delivering meaningful and empathetic outcomes for those in need,” the jury stated.

This year’s Regional Project of the Year prize went to Mundingburra Housing by Counterpoint Architecture. The social housing pilot project in Townsville delivered 18 new homes for the community. The jury praised the project for its ability to “achieve a remarkable accomplishment in transforming perceptions of social housing”. The winners also earned a Commendation for Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing.

Other notable awards

The jury awarded the Robin Dods Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (New) to Marc & Co for their Warwick Brick House, touting it as “a testament to thoughtful design”. The new home for an elderly couple consolidates the master suite and living spaces on one level for seamless accessibility.

The River Loop House by Vokes and Peters received The Elina Mottram Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions). The jury praised the sensitive renovation of this modest mid-century home as exemplifying “the flawless craft of masterful hands at the top of their game”.

Speculative Architecture won the Art & Architecture Prize for their collaboration with Artist in Residence Taloi Havini on “The Local”, an exhibition for the Museum of Brisbane. The exhibition was described by the jury as “an immersive experience that breaks away from the traditional gallery space”.