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Intergrain Timber Vision Award Winners 2011

Judged by a panel comprising esteemed Melbourne architects Nigel Bertram and Susi Leeton, along with Jason Anderson from the DuluxGroup. Collectively, this year’s winning projects embody Australia’s distinct design aesthetic and illustrate the long relationship it has with timber in design.

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Commercial Exterior Winner: Creeds Farm Living and Learning Centre

- TANDEM Design Studio
- Designed by Tim Hill
- Located in Epping North, Victoria

Designed with sustainability in mind, this multifunctional community building impressed the judges with its pragmatic, well considered and integrated use of timber.

In line with the designer’s strong belief in timber as an important building resource, the material plays a central role in the structural design of the Centre, from the radiata pine supporting beams, to the plantation merbau shade screens and cedar joinery.

"This project is a true testament to how timber can be incorporated into the design of a building to add value, not only as an aesthetic device but as a practical, durable and high performance component at the core of good design," the jury said.

Commercial Interior Winner: Saffire

- Circa Architecture
- Designed by Peter Walker
- Located in Coles Bay, Tasmania

The judges praised the design for its complex geometry and superb craftsmanship, especially enjoying the innovative use of timber in the striking undulating ceiling.

As a luxury resort, Saffire offers state of the art comfort on a grand scale, with expansive living spaces and world class views, while simultaneously capturing distinctive elements of the surrounding Tasmanian environment with its natural, coastal evoking form.
"Even on a scale as large as this, they’ve succeeded in creating an efficiently designed structure that achieves an impression of remarkable lightness and flexibility and showcases the versatility of timber," said the jury.

Residential Exterior Winner: Hills Plains House

- Wolveridge Architects
- Designed by Jeremy Wolveridge
- Located in Metcalfe, VIC

As the home of the architect, Hills Plain House with its simple form has a subtlety and honesty about it that moved the judges.

The idea for its rectilinear form was drawn from the Victorian-era farm structures of the surrounding region, which were developed in response to their environment. Characterised by a palette of natural materials, the building’s exterior has been superbly executed to achieve a simple yet striking design.

"The beauty of this design is that it is a simple idea, executed skillfully using quality natural materials,” said the judges. “The result is a highly resolved structure that will weather gracefully over time."

Residential Interior Winner: Queenscliff Residence

- John Wardle
- Designed by John Wardle
- Located in Queenscliff, Victoria

The judges were impressed by the rich, textural and innovative combination of materials in the interior of this stunning coastal property.

With a highly finished blackbutt used throughout, from the solid strip flooring and stair to the veneer that covers much of the joinery, the natural light is accentuated through each room to create a warm and inviting living space.

"The complementary layering of materials, from the hardwood interior floors to the woven wicker wall, through to the exterior cladding, screens and shutters that can be seen through the windows makes this house a winning design," said the jury.

Young Architect Winner: Weian Lim

- Kooyong Residence
- Matt Gibson Architecture + Design
- Located in Armadale, Victoria

Weian Lim joined Matt Gibson Architecture + Design after graduating from the University of Melbourne in 2009. As part of the design team, Weian Lim has been instrumental in realising many of the firm’s projects from concept stage through to final development, including the award winning The Coop Pop Up Store located at Melbourne Central shopping centre and this, the Kooyong Residence.

Previously a grand Victorian villa, this renovation saw the original building clad entirely in glass and timber and a curved form employed to achieve a warmth and femininity that provides a pleasing balance to the rigidity and masculinity of the existing masonry building.

People’s Choice Winner: Sanura

- Poune Design
- Designed by Poune Mitchell
- Located in Tallebudgera, Queensland

In the inaugural People’s Choice Award, the rich timbers and bold design of Sanura caught the attention of the Australian public, with many commenting on the great ease with which the building blends in with the surrounding natural environment.

Comments from the voters included “Style, simplicity, beauty, function!” and “Clean lines, strong geometry, balanced volumes, warm materials – great architectural statement.”