Outstanding design recognised at Woollahra Design Excellence Awards
Published on 29 August 2019
Winners of the 2019 Woollahra Design Excellence Awards were announced at a ceremony held at Woollahra Council Chambers in Double Bay on Wednesday 28 August.
The Awards recognise buildings and places that make an excellent contribution to the character and heritage of Woollahra, and celebrate and inspire brilliant urban design. Local residents and their architects, planners, builders or consultants were encouraged to nominate projects from within the Woollahra Local Government Area completed within the last five years. Winners in seven categories were selected from 17 shortlisted properties by Judges Michael Heenan, CEO, Allen Jack+Cottier, Bruce Pettman, Director Heritage Asset Advisory for NSW Public Works Advisory, and Caroline Pidcock, Director, Pidcock Pty Ltd.
John Cockings and Associates were the big winners on the night, taking out both the People’s Choice and Heritage categories for their conservation and repair work on amenities buildings within Nielsen Park, Vaucluse. To celebrate Nielsen Park’s historical significance, the innovative design incorporated early images from the Park, sourced from the National Archives and printed onto glass before installation as doors, shower screens, and wall décor. Architect John Cockings commented, “Historical research was carried out to better understand the earliest known condition of the building, its context, and patterns of use… the project was a great experience and the end results with the printed glass pieces were perfect.”
Woollahra Mayor Peter M Cavanagh thanked all the nominees for the high standard of their entries, praising them as great examples of urban design. “The nominees and especially the category winners speak to many of the elements we would like to see in more development applications – size and scale sympathetic to the sites and respect to the history and heritage of our area, while also providing liveable, enjoyable spaces,” the Mayor said.
“Well done to all involved - I can only imagine how happy the owners are with the results!” - Woollahra Mayor, Peter M Cavanagh
Mayor Cavanagh selected Sunny Brae, Vaucluse by David White Architects for the Mayor’s Award for 2019. “I was captivated by the hexagonal Belvedere that beautifully bridges the old and new. This is a house with an interesting history and a sensational view of the harbour,” he said of the design. “The architects have made some beautiful restorations to the building inside and out and I love the way the fireplace has been maintained and the addition of an impressive new library embraces two storeys and is enough to make any avid reader wildly envious. The architects also made good use of the site, with its natural light and open spaces all gracing the character of the property.”
In addition to their awards, all winners will select a charity of their choice to receive a $500 donation.
2019 Woollahra Design Excellence Awards winners:
Heritage (including heritage items and heritage conservation areas) & People's Choice Award
John Cockings - WTB + ETB Nielsen Park
Design - Alterations and Additions (other than multiple housing)
Luigi Rosselli Architects - Homage to Oscar
Design - New Buildings (other than multiple housing) & Sustainability Award
Aileen Sage Architects - Paddington Courtyard House
Design - New Buildings Multiple Housing
MHN Design Union - Belgravia
Mayor's Award
David White Architects - Sunny Brae
Commendations:
Design - New Buildings (other than multiple housing)
CO-AP - Woollahra Courtyard House
Design - Alterations and Additions (other than multiple housing)
Panovscott Architects - Bolt Hole
Design - New Buildings (other than multiple housing)
MASQ Architecture - House at Bellevue Hill
Visit 2019 Woollahra Design Excellence Awards for more information.