Top Design Reaps its Own Rewards With Urban Design Award Winners

This June, three projects in the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters were named Best Residential Development, Best Commercial Development and the People’s Choice in the council zone. The awards are aimed at raising the profile and recognition of local designers and developers who improve the character of the City in often under-appreciated ways. “As a community, we should all show a commitment to the future development of our City and promote excellence in design which encourages social, economic and cultural prosperity,” said Mayor Robert Bria of the awards. A diverse field of residential and commercial developments was examined by a panel of industry experts including Peter Dungey, architect and urban designer; David Brown of BB Architects, Peter Jensen of Jensen Planning & Design and the Council’s General Manager, Urban Planning & Environment, Carlos Buzzetti.

Best Residential Development

57 Frederick Street, Maylands

This innovative project is billed as a “structured dance” between “man and nature” where freedom and control are integral to the design. The project prioritises a sustainable approach to design. The pitched roof is perfect for solar panels, while rainwater storage is seamlessly integrated into the property’s boundary. Local climate is well managed with an insulating rammed earth wall on its south side and an open approach to the northern side with automated blinds taking care of winter/summer light and temperature control. Judges noted that the “low-maintenance house has a minimal palate of unpainted materials, from galvanised steel to rammed earth” while the “refined structure and high-tech services are lovingly expressed”.

Best Commercial Development

Base64, 64 North Terrace, Kent Town

This iconic palatial residence imbued with the heritage of ex-premiers and virtues of classic colonial design has been revitalised with contemporary relevance and charm. Co-owner of Base64 Anna Hackett says it was crucial to maintain the structure’s classic heritage and design, but simultaneously “adapt the building for the needs of contemporary and future occupants” where “its occupants are inspired to work”. Its current tenancy of a range of technology firms and start-ups is testament to that goal. Key to its contemporary and serene design are windows in every room overlooking communal gardens and protecting tenants from the noise a busy neighbouring road. “We put a great deal of thought into designing acoustically soft spaces, with new double glazing to buffer the buildings from road noise, sound insulating panels, and soft furnishings,” says Hackett.

People’s Choice Award

8A & 8B Seventh Avenue, St Peters

Smart and snappy design characterise the winner of the People’s Choice Award. This subdivision utilises existing building stock to put forward a vision of modern, sustainable living. Julian Rutt, 8B resident and designer of the project, says that he aimed to “really push the sustainability envelope all in a modern minimalist design palette” with this project. “The sustainability measures are integral, including passive solar design of openings and efficient envelope (with deciduous plantings) to minimise solar ingress in the hotter months while allowing the sun in during winter to reduce the need for heating and cooling and artificial lighting,” he says. Further sustainable elements of the design “reduce stress on local infrastructure during peak electricity demand [and] peak storm water discharge and have lower waste levels leaving site”. Rutt’s brother-in-law Matt Winefield lives in the adjoining 8A, and says that the choice to build upwards instead of outwards “allows us to still have room at the back for veggies, fruit trees, chickens and a duck” This article is sponsored by the City of Norwood Payneham & St Peters