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The Crossing is an urban apartment building in central Newcastle that departs from the conventional perimeter block type, instead creating a model of grouped series of smaller blocks set on a car parking and retail podium. Due to this purposeful arrangement, almost all apartments are cross ventilated, and a high percentage receive good sunlight. The constructional character is clearly resolved, with strongly expressed concrete bands and balustrades with large panels of infill white brickwork, lightened by panels of perforated brickwork.

(Designed with CHROFI & Dezignteam)

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The Crossing is a mixed-use development located at the threshold between Newcastle’s civic town centre and the harbour. Inspired by the towering volumes and materiality of the historic Great Northern Hotel, The Crossing was conceived as a composition of four brick towers placed on a podium that is textured by punctured openings, exquisitely detailed brickwork and extensive greenery. Light brick wraps around all four sides of the towers and frames views of the harbour and city.

(Designed with CHROFI & Dezignteam)

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Ziwa House exemplifies the potential of an enduring Canberra building vernacular to meet changing living arrangements. A clever attachment to a two-storey duplex in Lyneham is skillfully choreographed to accommodate a series of ancillary uses that serve the clients’ desire for active connection and outlook to natural wetlands at the rear of the site, while retaining the efficiency of the existing dwelling. A high level of detail resolution has been achieved, ensuring a clarity of form is expressed.

JURY CITATION:

This renovation saw the best features of the 1960’s brick dwelling blended with excellent craftsmanship and a greater connection to the surrounding landscape. One particularly impressive addition to the home is the specially designed and crafted timber stairs and balustrade which allows natural light to flow through the room. To remove the load bearing walls to achieve an open layout, the teams installed a steel structure into the existing brick house which created a smooth transition into the extension.

(with builder Braithwaite Building)

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Coolbardie House is a successful exercise in modest and sustainable living. The simple and durable material palette is skillfully enhanced through use of texture and light. An integrated batten screen provides both privacy and identity to the street. This is a home filled with light and spaces organised around a north facing living area that opens to the garden. Although a strong architectural form and character, the house does not dominate, instead providing a meaningful presence in an established suburban context.

JURY CITATION:

Carwoola House has risen from the ashes of the 2017 Carwoola bushfires as a refined response to an unyielding bush setting. The form is carefully crafted and thoughtfully restrained in its material composition with rigorous attention paid to the ordering of spaces. Composed almost entirely of a robust brick palette, a few exacting interruptions shield receded glass elements. Carwoola House offers a citadel on the hill to nurture a restored appreciation of the vast untamed bushlands appeal.

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O’Connor House presents a demure, unassuming elevation to the street. This deliberate effort not to impact on a much loved established streetscape demonstrates a high level of restraint in design that has been maintained throughout with a wonderfully cohesive result. The building reveals a detailed and refined sensibility that is a welcome surprise behind its simple restrained facade. This project is impressive in its deft handling of limitations.

The Emerging Architect Prize recognises an emerging architect’s contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement, which advances the profession’s role within the public arena.

JURY CITATION:

Jessica has focused on forming a deep understanding of the architects role in the overall construction process, in parallel with a strong focus on design. She seeks to balance quality design, sustainability and buildability, while acknowledging the realities of business and practice. Jessica’s ongoing involvement with the Australian Institute of Architects is highly regarded. Jessica is a credit to the profession, a passionate and intelligent architect, and a strong role model to her peers and aspiring architects.