Acclaimed architectural practice Rothelowman has been recognised in three categories at the recent Urban Development Institute of Australia’s 2017 National Awards for Excellence.
At the awards ceremony held in Perth on April 6, Botanica Residences developed by ARIA Property was awarded the Best High Density Development as well as the President’s Award. Additionally, The Barkly, developed by ID_Land, was awarded for the best Medium Density Housing.
The UDIA National Awards for Excellence celebrates Australia’s contemporary knowledge, skills and innovation in the urban development industry. The awards recognise outstanding achievements of high quality developments.
Recognised for its overall excellence, Botanica Residences came away with the coveted President’s Award. This award is given to the project that changes the way people think about development and is the ‘best of the best’ amongst all categories.
Botanica Residences also won the Best High Density Development, whereby projects must showcase elements such as innovation and unique features as well as strong execution and finishes.
Addressing this, Botanica Residences’ built form was created to draw on the strong cognitive links between the modern, commercial surrounds of South Brisbane, and the eclectic and bohemian characteristics of West End.
The building form is unique as it’s created through the provision of two intertwining towers (one black and one white) which meet in a diagonal symmetry allowing the building to be read “in the round”.
Rothelowman principal Jeff Brown explains, “The “white tower” is characterized by a series of profiled precast “leaves” that fall randomly across the façade offering movement and variation, the “black towers” offset and punctuate this movement through simple materiality and texture.”
Influenced by an initial desire to incorporate a vertical landscape as a key component of the design, the building incorporates ‘greenery’ as the focus of transition from the public to private realms and within the communal recreation spaces.
Further showcasing Rothelowman’s excellence in delivering innovation and unique features to their projects, The Barkly is a considered and responsive building. Located within the fast evolving precinct of Melbourne’s inner northern suburb Brunswick, The Barkly has set a benchmark in architectural design for the area.
The building displays an articulated street edge fronting Barkly Street, with two wing forms flanking a landscaped courtyard between. This area features a pool, and is accentuated by curved slab edges, and tessellated balcony surrounds.
Rothelowman Principal Stuart Marsland says, “The Barkly creates a new urban typology that combines a high quality public realm as well as exceptional internal amenity for townhouses.”
Rothelowman managing principal Nigel Hobart says, “It is an honour to be recognised in these awards together with Aria Property and ID_Land.”
“Not dissimilar to other Rothelowman projects, we utlised innovative and unique features to deliver Botanica Residences and The Barkly. It’s exciting that these have been recongised in one of the leading industry awards.”
2017 National Awards for Excellence Winners
- President’s Award: Botanica Residences by ARIA Property Group (QLD): Sponsored by Blacktown City Council
- Masterplanned Development: Blakes Crossing by Lendlease (SA): Sponsored by Rowe Group
- Residential Development: Fairwater by Frasers Property Australia (NSW): Sponsored by Defence Housing Australia
- Medium Density Housing: The Barkly by ID_Land (VIC): Sponsored by NBN
- High Density Housing: Botanica Residences by ARIA Property Group (QLD): Sponsored by Brickworks
- Urban Renewal: Tonsley by Renewal SA (SA): Sponsored by Solido Capital
- Environmental Excellence: Osprey Waters by Mirvac (WA): Sponsored by LD TOTAL
- Affordable Development: Lifestyle Hastings by Lifestyle Communities Limited (VIC): Sponsored by CLE Town Planning + Design
- Seniors Living: Mark Moran Vaucluse by Mark Moran Group (NSW): Sponsored by The West Australian
Image: Botanica Residences by ARIA Property Group. Courtesy of Corporate Art