Viridian Noosa resort named Sunshine Coast building of the year as receivership sales continue

Three very different projects claimed the top awards from the Australian Institute of Architects Sunshine Coast Architectural Awards.
Currimundi Beach House (pictured below) near Caloundra won House of the Year for Loucas Zahos Architects, which now has a collection of nearly a dozen AIA Queensland awards.

The house is a series of different-sized pavilions that lead from living and sleeping spaces to a canvas roof over a timber deck.
“The holiday house captures the essence of being away from routine, inviting relaxation, retreat and enjoyment of the spectacular beachfront location,” noted the judging panel.

Joint winners of the Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year are the $300 million Viridian Noosa residence and resort (pictured above) – which fell into receivership last year – by JMA Architects and the Caboolture Hub (pictured below) by Peddle Thorp and James Cubitt Architecture.

The award for the Noosa resort, which is on a former banana plantation and bounded on one side by national park, was for its third stage.
“A direct response to the complex site is reflected in individual variations in each unit, focussing on rainforest, ocean or hillside views, while maintaining privacy. The strategy for materials is site responsive with lightweight villas occupying the challenging steep hillsides. The project displays a high level of attention to planning,” the panel commented.
The joint winner, Caboolture Hub, is a stylish cultural space with an art gallery, library and learning centre beside the town square designed by the internationally acclaimed architectural firm Peddle Thorp.
“A light-filled central atrium connects the primary spaces. Moving through the building, there is delight in the transition between spaces,” says the jury commentary.
House of the Year: Currimundi Beach House by Loucas Zahos Architects. Image: Adam Sebastian West
Joint Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year: Viridian Noosa: Stage 3 by JMA Architects. Image: Tom Kanchanasinith
Joint Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year: Caboolture Hub by Peddle Thorp and James Cubitt Architects. Image: Roger D’Souza




