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Australia's design scene has always been a melting pot of influences, reflecting the country’s intricate cultural heritage, our beloved sunshine-soaked lifestyle and deep appreciation of the outdoors and the natural world. These defining characteristics tie in with the idea of sustainability, and in recent years we have seen Australian design become increasingly environment-centric.
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The Sustainability Awards' Small Sustainable Practice category recognises modest architecture and design firms with a mighty impact. Last year, the spotlight shone brightly on Melbourne's Maxa Design, a team of seven with a passion for crafting exceptional, sustainable homes.
Gone are the ageing tropes of public buildings as sterile, uniform environments. Modern public buildings are hubs for innovative architecture, balancing form over function and always keeping their main priority in mind - to serve the public.
The Sustainability Awards' Best of the Best category recognises the pinnacle of Australian achievement in sustainable design and construction. Last year's winner, Ferrars & York, stands as a testament to the transformative power of sustainable principles in multi-residential dwellings.
Our readers are likely aware of the significant changes introduced in the National Construction Code (NCC) 2022 – particularly when it comes to energy efficiency and condensation management for residential buildings. These changes are now active in most States, with more stringent requirements mooted for NCC 2025.
When it comes to insulation, performance matters. But as any designer or specifier knows, verifying the credentials of individual products – let alone all the products in a job – is an impossible task. This is why third-party certifications are essential in the modern construction industry, and play an important role in assuring compliance with Australia’s construction codes
HY William Chan is a driving force in Sydney's sustainable architecture scene. His journey as a fledgling architect embodies the qualities of each of our Emerging Sustainable Architect winners, and his win in the category in 2023 only extends this success further. While his past achievements spoke volumes – advocating for social inclusion, shaping public spaces, and championing climate action – Chan hasn't stopped there.
While large commercial projects might lack the nimble adaptability of smaller-scale ventures, they have the robustness and resources to drive genuine change on a much bigger scale. The architecture and design industry is eagerly embracing this potential, reimagining these spaces as catalysts for environmental innovation, occupant safety and well-being – and celebration of our diverse society.
While we often (understandably) focus on the architecture and design industries, it’s important to remember that there is a big, wide world out there. And when it comes to building, what works in Adelaide doesn’t necessarily work in, say, Tokyo – particularly where sustainability is concerned.
There are no two ways about it, hospitality and tourism are just naturally associated with good times – as they should be. But, with the rise of climate crisis concerns, the global hotel industry has found itself at a critical juncture – the luxurious facades of high-end venues are masking a carbon footprint that, while currently accounting for around one percent of global emissions, is poised to expand alarmingly alongside the industry's growth.
The Australian educational and research landscape is witnessing a transformation, not just in curriculum and pedagogy, but also in the very design and function of its buildings. Just as we recognise our educational institutions as places of innovation and inspiration, so too are we recognising that their buildings must be the same.
The Editor’s Choice Award is given to the entry that stands out from the pack in several very special ways and one that we feel deserves to be recognised for its unique principles and its outstanding as well as, unwavering commitment to sustainability and design.
