A wildlife hotel and restaurant inspired by Steve Irwin’s legacy has been named the Regional Project of the Year at the 2023 Australian Institute of Architects’ Sunshine Coast Architecture Awards.
Crocodile Hunter Lodge by WD Architects sits next to Australia Zoo in Beerwah. “Crocodile Hunter Lodge translates the well-known and loved Australia Zoo playfulness into a refined high-end dining and cafe experience with skilful restraint,” the jury said. “Rammed earth walls are a delightful feature throughout the internal spaces of this reimagined ‘agricultural shed’.”
The project also received a Regional Commendation in the Commercial Architecture category.
Family Tree House by Phorm Architecture and Design.
Image: Christopher Frederick Jones
Winning the Gabriel Poole Award for House of the Year was Family Tree House by Phorm Architecture and Design. “The Family Tree House is a thoughtful renovation of a much-loved beach house that reconnects it to both public (street) and private (backyard) domains,” the jury said. “Modesty and patina are celebrated, with the quality and versatility of spaces taking precedence over size and quantity.”
Kawana Waters State College S Block by Arklab Architecture received the People’s Choice Award, alongside a Regional Commendation for Educational Architecture.
Kawana Waters State College S Block by Arklab Architecture.
Image: Scott Burrows
All commended projects are shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards, which will be awarded on 22 June 2023.
Regional Project of the Year
Crocodile Hunter Lodge – WD Architects
Gabriel Poole Award for House of the Year
Family Tree House – Phorm Architecture and Design
People’s Choice Award
Kawana Waters State College S Block – Arklab Architecture
Regional Commendations
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
J and M House – Hogg and Lamb
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Family Tree House – Phorm Architecture and Design
Frangipani – Sparks Architects
The Barn – Sparks Architects
Sunshine Coast City Hall by Cottee Parker Architects and Comuniti.
Image: Willem-Dirk du Toit
Educational Architecture
Kawana Waters State College S Block – Arklab Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Crocodile Hunter Lodge – WD Architects
Sunshine Coast City Hall – Cottee Parker Architects and Comuniti
Urban Design Architecture
Sunshine Coast Design and Education Campaign – Sunshine Coast Council
Sustainable Architecture
Sunshine Coast City Hall – Cottee Parker Architects and Comuniti
