Canberra's rising architecture scene in Australian 2015 ACT Architecture Awards

The Australian Institute of Architects' 2015 ACT Architecture Awards is occuring at a time when the local architecture scene continues to shift in the Australian capital of Canberra, as described by prominent Australian architect Hal Guida. In this spirit, the annual ACT Architecture Awards recognize some of the best architectural design in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT).

The 2015 competition is already in full swing with 48 projects, which were constructed within the last 3-4 years, competing for the top prize. Winners will be revealed on June 20 at QT Canberra.

In the meantime, the public can take part in the competition by voting in the 2015 People's Choice Award for residential projects. Voting closes on June 15.

Check out photos of some of this year's entries and the shortlist below.

Commercial Architecture

• NewActon Nishi Commercial - Fender Katsalidis Architects
• Ori - Nathan Gibson Judd Architect in association with Kasparek Architects
• The Avenue Hotel - Stewart Architecture
• University of Canberra Sporting Commons - Cox Architecture

Educational Architecture

• Canberra College Cares Facility - May + Russell Architects
• Daramalan Sharpe Technology Building - Paul Barnett Design Group
• Deakin Preschool - Clarke Keller
• Duffy Primary School MODUPOD Learning Spaces - NBRS+PARTNERS
• John Paul College Performing Arts Centre - Collins Caddaye Architects
• The Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century - Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn

Heritage

• Conservatory House - Cox Architecture
• NewActon Pavilion Reconstruction - Fender Katsalidis Architects

Interior Architecture

• Akiba - Adam Dettrick Architects
• 'Australia in the Great War', Australian War Memorial - Cunningham Martyn Design
• Australian Institute of Health and Welfare - Cox Architecture
• AXIS Hair - Sugar Designs + PELLE Architects
• NewActon Pavilion Reconstruction - Molonglo Group Offices - Fender Katsalidis Architects
• St Clare's Café - Collins Caddaye Architects
• The Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century - Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn
• University of Canberra - B5 Refurbishment – Lyons University of Canberra Sporting Commons - Cox Architecture

Residential Architecture - Houses (Alterations and Additions)

• Altman Hinkson House - Philip Leeson Architects
• Boomerang House - Joanna Nelson Architect
• Conservatory House - Cox Architecture

Residential Architecture - Houses (New)

• Armstrong / Payne House - TT Architecture
• Box House - Rob Henry Architects
• Esperance - Collins Caddaye Architects
• Harvey Taylor House - Philip Leeson Architects
• Merimbula House - Strine Design
• MP House - Ben Walker Architects
• OS House - Ben Walker Architects
• Stromlo House - Philip Leeson Architects
• Szychowski Residence - adhami pender architecture
• Ulysses House - Jigsaw Housing Wonga Street House - Jigsaw Housing

Residential Architecture - Multiple Housing

• Jamieson Apartments - Cox Architecture
• Linq - Stage 1 - Stewart Architecture
• Lowanna - Marcus Graham Architect
• NewActon Nishi Residential - Fender Katsalidis Architects
• Sorell Apartments - Antoniades Architects

Public Architecture

• PRC Embassy Pool Enclosure - Townsend + Associates Architects

Small Project Architecture

• Altree Court Sun Shade - adhami pender architecture
• AXIS Hair - Sugar Designs + PELLE Architects
• Roji Salon - Craig Tan Architects

Urban Design

• Amaroo Group Centre - Tait Waddington
• Drakeford Drive Pedestrian Bridge - Tait Waddington
• NewActon Precinct - Fender Katsalidis Architects
• St Clare's College: Urban Hub - Collins Caddaye Architects

Sustainable Architecture Shortlist
All entries in the ACT Architecture Awards are considered. The jury selected the following projects:

• Esperance - Collins Caddaye Architects
• NewActon Nishi Commercial - Fender Katsalidis Architects
• Wonga Street House - Jigsaw Housing

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture Shortlist
All entries in the ACT Architecture Awards are considered by the jury and category sponsors in terms of their innovative use of steel.

• Boomerang House - Joanna Nelson Architect
• Box House - Rob Henry Architects
• Conservatory House - Cox Architecture
• PRC Embassy Pool Enclosure - Townsend + Associates Architects

Light in Architecture Shortlist
All ACT Architecture Awards entries are considered. This ACT prize celebrates the use of light in architecture. It recognizes excellent use of light whether artificially, naturally, or a combination of both and the consideration of light as a part of the whole project.

• Conservatory House - Cox Architecture
• PRC Embassy Pool Enclosure - Townsend + Associates Architects
• The Snow Centre for Education in the Asian Century - Daryl Jackson Alastair Swayn

Mervyn Willoughby-Thomas Renovation Award

• Kaleen Conversion - Allan Spira Architect
• Kerry's House - Jigsaw Housing
• Marika's House - Jigsaw Housing
• Narrabundah Duplex Additions - Architecture Bespoke
• Wanniassa Extension - LBW Architects