Melbourne Design Studios has just taken out the Building Designers Association Victoria’s (BDAV) 2018 Building Design of the Year award for their work on the project ‘No Two The Same’, which features six townhouses designed in response to the Melbourne climate.
Awarded over the weekend, the judges found that each townhouse within ‘No Two The Same’ offered a holistic and contemporary approach to sustainable design and passive solar design principles.
The judges explained that the Melbourne Design Studio’s response to planning, layout design and interior design in conjunction with their design execution and respectful use of materials were aspects that all came together, stating that Melbourne Design Studios have exceeded their expectations.
The BDVA commented that the contemporary, highly-crafted design reflects the craftsmanship associated with the area’s industrial past, allowing the six townhouses to sit comfortably within the surrounding urban fabric, further explaining that the project incorporated a minimalist, but warm and welcoming house design with both the natural and urban environments blending seamlessly together.
The project’s use of timber elements, beautiful laser-cut screens, sustainable design approach, natural light-filled interiors, and thoughtful use of courtyards and north facing gardens were all reasons why it won the award.
A non-residential winner of the night was awarded to Form & Function Building Design for their outstanding work on the St Josephs Parish Project, taking out the Non-Residential Design: Alterations/Additions award on the night.
“This wonderful gothic church has undergone an extensive restoration process,” commented the judges.
The alterations by Form & Function Building Design express a symbology and reference the church, reinforcing that old and new can sit comfortably with each other, defining the distinctions of their intended uses.
“The new amenity has made this building a local landmark, and also highlights the importance of preservation and showcasing of our heritage places,” the judges said.
Another winner of the night was Crosier Scott & Associates for their work on Ego Pharmaceuticals Headquarters. They managed to take out the top spot for the Non-Residential Interior Design category. The BDAV judges commented that the team’s work on the interior project encompasses excellence in design, allowing for flexible but functional workspaces and fully addressed the clients’ brief to make the space an interesting and an exciting place to work.
“[The project] captures the spirit of the successful family company, blending efficiency in a fun work environment, and incorporating a sense of surprise. The design uses soft edges and curvaceous forms rather than hard straight lines in a reflection of the company’s products and logo,” they said.
“The floating DNA stair is the highlight of this design ethos and forms the pivotal point by which all other areas are connected. This whimsical, fun interiors project responds successfully to the clients’ goals, and makes coming to work just that bit easier,” exclaimed the judges.
This was only a brief selection of winners from the night. The full list of winners (including residential and non-residential) can be found here.