MEDIA RELEASE

September 17, 2019

Australia By Design Top 10 again showcases concrete’s versatility

A former dairy farm in the Byron Bay hinterland that is slowly being regenerated as a subtropical rainforest sanctuary has come out on top in this year’s By Design television series.

Described as a multi-generational, enduring piece of architecture, the collection of concrete and stone buildings designed by CHROFI and scattered across the 92-hectare Lune De Sang property is at once functional and uplifting.

The attention to detail and commitment to excellence is exemplified in two bold work sheds. The first of these features L-shaped sections of concrete and glass, the former supported on one side by a stone wall made from locally sourced boulders. The second shed is defined by its cantilevered, concrete beam roof.

The stunning Pavillion building - part community space, part private residence - showcases the form and raw finish of the insitu, off-form concrete framing elements, juxtaposed with glass and timber.

Now in its third year and with CCAA as a principal sponsor, Australia by Design uncovers outstanding projects that exemplify excellence in Australian architectural design. At the conclusion of each episode, an expert panel of architects and industry leaders nominate two projects to go through to the ‘best of the best’ final episode, where the top 10 is determined and one project is named Australia’s ultimate architectural statement of the year.

Although concrete has featured in some way, shape or form across this year’s Top Ten, there are a number of projects (in addition to Lune De Sang) that stand out for their exploration of the material.

At number nine is the Riverbank Pedestrian Bridge, designed by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer. Constructed of concrete with an overlay of coloured glass ‘tiles’, the project was applauded by the judging panel not just for the way it linked the two sides of the river, but in capturing reflections of water and trees.

Number eight is Castle Cove House, described by the judges as a beautiful piece of off-form concrete architecture that, despite its soaring concrete cantilever, is designed to recede into the landscape.

“Everything is slightly twisting, slightly turning, slightly rolling, so you generally have a sense that you are ‘in’ the site,” says Gerard Reinmuth of Terroir.

That sense of oneness is exemplified by the concrete corridor along the front of the house, which is oriented to the landscape and actually wraps around a prominent scribbly gum.

Number seven is the North Bondi Amenities block, designed by Sam Crawford Architects. Described by the judges as ‘delightful, robust and safe’, the project features concrete block walls clad in timber, topped by an off-form concrete slab and roof garden. The concrete block walls have a series of slots to encourage ventilation, but privacy is assured by the clever placement of the timber slat cladding.

A highlight of the project is the communal cast concrete wash basin and outdoor showers, positioned on the outside of the building to extend its amenity into the public domain.

At number five and designed by spaceagency, the Avenue House in explores off-form concrete finishes in key living spaces. The outdoor area features an amazing sculptural insitu concete screen wall.

Designed by Candalepas Associates, the Punchbowl at number three turns the traditional form and idea of a place of worship on its head.

It is designed to be open and welcoming to the broader community. The client also wanted a building that would last 100 years – making the choice of off-form concrete as the principal structural solution a no- brainer.

Internally, the building features a stunning raked off-form concrete ceiling, comprising 102 quarter-sphere domes and referencing back to traditional motifs in Islamic architecture.

Each of the domes were cast off individual fibreglass moulds, with a 30mm pipe cast into the centre of each to allow the ingress of natural light.

CCAA CEO Ken Slattery says this year’s Australia By Design finalists have again pushed the boundaries of architectural form and function.

“We’re especially delighted that the inherent qualities and features of concrete - its sustainability credentials, strength, durability and design flexibility – have majorly contributed to the success of this year’s projects,” he says.

“These projects yet again demonstrate the relevance and importance of concrete in Australia’s built environment, and lay a platform for even bolder concrete designs and applications in the future.”

Australia By Design – 2019 Top 10

1. Lune De Sang, Byron Bay, NSW – CHROFI 2. Tramsheds, Harold Park, NSW – Mirvac Design 3. Punchbowl Mosque, NSW – Candalepas Associates 4. Green Square Library, NSW – Stewart Hollenstein 5. Victoria Avenue House, Perth, WA – spaceagency 6. Sorrell Street House, Paddington, Qld – Shaun Lockyer Architects 7. North Bondi Amenities Block, NSW – Sam Crawford Architects 8. Castle Cove House, NSW – Terroir 9. Adelaide Riverbank Pedestrian Bridge, SA - Tonkin Zulaikha Greer 10. Freycinet Lodge, Tas – Liminal Studio

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