The 2026 Queensland Architecture Awards have unveiled a slate of projects that are not just buildings, but bold statements of innovation and reinvention. These designs are not just about functionality; they are about pushing boundaries, challenging conventions, and creating spaces that inspire and captivate. From the bustling city of Brisbane to the serene Gold Coast, these award-winning projects are a testament to the power of architecture to transform and elevate our built environment.
One of the standout projects is the North Quay commercial high-rise, a collaboration between Hassell, REX, Richards & Spence. This tower is not just a tall building; it's a statement of ambition and a celebration of the relationship between architecture and its surroundings. The elevated commercial lobby and shaded open-air public plaza beneath it create a vibrant, inviting space that fosters a connection between the tower and the city. The bas-relief sculpture by Bruce Reynolds, 'City Reach', adds a layer of artistic expression, enhancing the building's visual appeal and its connection to the Brisbane River.
Another notable project is 'Birdwood', a residential masterpiece by Peter Besley. This home is a radical reimagining of the traditional Queenslander, challenging the sedate and well-understood conventions of this iconic style. By overturning and redefining the design, Besley has created a house that is both adventurous and imaginative, offering alternative and innovative ways to respond to Queensland's climate. The judges praised the daring of this project, highlighting how it brings to life new possibilities for residential architecture.
The Dolphin Court House on the Gold Coast is another residential award winner, designed by ME. This canal-side multigenerational home is a testament to the power of considered design. The judges admired its calm and confident addition to the Gold Coast waterfront, with a design that is both ostentatious and thoughtful. The carefully orchestrated procession from gate to courtyard to living spaces, highlighted by a sculptural staircase, creates a warm, tactile, and consciously Australian interior that is both functional and aesthetically pleasing.
The University of Queensland's Plant Futures Facility is another standout project. This research centre, designed by m3architecture, features multi-hued layered brickwork and curved edges that create a conceptual walled garden. The building masterfully fulfills a challenging windowless brief, preserving climate-controlled artificial internal environments. Externally, it resembles a club sandwich, while internally, whimsical curvilinear mirror walls give it a 'Kubrickian-like' atmosphere, creating a unique and captivating space.
The heritage awards were also a highlight, with the upgrade of a turn-of-the-20th-century police station in Warwick being a standout project. Phillips Smith Conwell Architects completed the project with only crucial keyhole modifications to the original building, while the integration of the heritage component and the new contemporary annexe was done attentively. This project reflects a range of regional sensitivities and a mature handling of site elements, preserving the historical significance of the building while adding a contemporary touch.
The interiors category was won by Golden Avenue, a Middle Eastern restaurant in Brisbane's CBD. J.AR Office's design for this restaurant is a bold and indelible contribution to the city's epicurean culture. With its rich balance of delicate Murano glass and robust concrete, granite, and marble, the design exudes a quality of decadent subterranean permanence and durability. The restaurant is a memorable venue that is an institution in the making, offering a unique dining experience that is both opulent and inviting.
In my opinion, these projects are not just about winning awards; they are about pushing the boundaries of what is possible in architecture. They are about creating spaces that inspire, challenge, and captivate, and they are a testament to the power of design to transform and elevate our built environment. These projects are a reminder that architecture is not just about functionality; it's about creating spaces that have a lasting impact on the people who inhabit them and the communities they serve.
