Jury Verdict
This ordinary country hall has been
infused with new drama, inside and out.
An imaginative young architect has
skilfully combined sensitivity to site and
culture within the restrictions of an
outback town, achieving an outstanding
result under these conditions. Different
spatial volumes and elevational
treatments have been created and
manipulated to achieve a delightful and
playful result which is culturally
specific. It demonstrates sensitive
handling of a rich palette of materials
and colours, where no one element
overshadows the other. The old building has been brought to
life with a climatically appropriate
solution complete with references to the
pastoral and mining industries and
Aboriginal culture. The project’s artistic
interiors, vibrant colours and soft, organic
sculptural manner allow the building to
flow into its outdoor rooms. This design
considers the whole block, not just the
building, and fully integrates outdoor
spaces, inside spaces and the two
public elevations. In a tremendous transformation of the
existing CWA Hall, the building now
stands out as an urban icon in a desert
townscape and makes a primary
contribution to the social fabric of
Tennant Creek. | Central Land Council Regional Office, Tennant
Creek, Northern Territory Architects Tangentyere Design—project architect
Sue Dugdale; associate Edward Toovey.
Structural Engineer Bill Butler and Project BLG
Certifiers. Electrical and Mechanical Engineers
Forrester. Quantity Surveyors Clive Towell &
Associates. Builder Julalikari Workshops.
Photography Sue Dugdale Next Award |