NT Developments Take Centre Stage

The Urban Development Institute of Australia (NT) has once again offered the local development industry the opportunity for outstanding projects to be recognised, both locally and nationally, through its annual awards for excellence. This year entries were received in the categories of high density development, environmental excellence, masterplanned development, and the new category of innovation in development.

Winners of the 2016 Awards in the above categories were announced at an Awards Dinner held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Friday October 21st. Graeme Suckling, Chief Executive Officer of UDIA (NT) said “this year’s winners include an innovative, environmentally excellent, Defence Housing Australia elevated duplex, designed by Troppo Architects and built by PTM Homes; a Palmerston greenfield subdivision by Urbex, in a joint venture with the Land Development Corporation, which exhibits excellent retention of native vegetation corridors within its Masterplanned design; and a mixed use CBD high rise building by Halikos Development Pty Ltd which features incredible views of Darwin and its harbour, quality finishes, specialized building materials, and a unique framing system and building techniques.”

In the high density development category the winning project, the H105 development in Mitchell Street, was described by judges as “…a well designed and constructed building with the layout of the commercial tenancy providing great flexibility and functionality. The design provides for a mix of apartments and “two-keyed” apartments, also resulting in great flexibility and finishes are of a high standard.”

The judges were also impressed with the Tomazos entry, Tech Tower, a nine-storey mixed-use apartment complex in the Darwin, stating “…there a number of excellent qualities of this development including the overall architectural design; the common area of the pool and gym; and the efficient use of space in the various floor plans.” Tech Tower was awarded a Certificate of Merit.

This year’s award for Environmental excellence went to the Asche Duplex at Muirhead, entered by Defence Housing Australia. The Asche Duplex, designed by Troppo Architects, demonstrates a new, innovative approach to architect designed homes that can support more compact and sustainable living in the future. The duplex occupies a 675 square metre block and the homes incorporate innovative design techniques and materials that supplement the energy efficiency provided by a solar-powered system.
The siting of the two dwellings maximises airflows through them, minimising the need for air conditioning and also utilises the land area very efficiently, giving the impression that they are sited on a much larger block. In addition, the use of non-conventional materials, such as for walls and flooring, will ensure long-term durability and sustainability.

The Asche duplex project was also successful in winning the inaugural innovation in development award. Judges commented “…considerable innovation in design has gone into this duplex particularly with the layout on a relatively small lot. The many positive features noted in the Environmental Excellence category also apply here. Added to those are innovative features such as the wide opening doors to the third bedroom and the “outside” shower.”

The Masterplanned development category was won by the Zuccoli Stage 1 greenfield development in Palmerston.

Established in 2012, the partnership between Urbex and the Land Development Corporation aimed to design a community which would provide a contemporary lifestyle in a natural environment, featuring large open spaces and a village feel. Its design acknowledges Darwin’s tropical climate and includes a diverse and affordable range of living choices for first home owners and low income earners. Lots are positioned to maximise solar orientation, capture breezes and provide views to retained bushland and parklands.

Judges commented “The planning of Zuccoli has taken advantage of the topography thus maximising aspects for the residential, commercial and recreational areas. The park adjacent to the commercial area is of particular relevance in that regard, and is well planned, designed and built. In Masterplanning Zuccoli the developer has managed the relationship with the Land Development Corporation well, creating a very good public/private partnership for the benefit of the ultimate urban form.”

The winning NT projects will now be automatically nominated in their relevant categories in the National Awards for Excellence, with winners to be announced in Perth during April 2017. Last year’s NT winner of the medium density development award, “Artique” by the Makrylos Group, became our first ever winner of a national Award for Excellence earlier this year.

Winners of the 2016 Awards in the above categories were announced at an Awards Dinner held at the Darwin Convention Centre on Friday October 21st. Graeme Suckling, Chief Executive Officer of UDIA (NT) said “this year’s winners include an innovative, environmentally excellent, Defence Housing Australia elevated duplex, designed by Troppo Architects and built by PTM Homes; a Palmerston greenfield subdivision by Urbex, in a joint venture with the Land Development Corporation, which exhibits excellent retention of native vegetation corridors within its Masterplanned design; and a mixed use CBD high rise building by Halikos Development Pty Ltd which features incredible views of Darwin and its harbour, quality finishes, specialized building materials, and a unique framing system and building techniques.”

In the high density development category the winning project, the H105 development in Mitchell Street, was described by judges as “…a well designed and constructed building with the layout of the commercial tenancy providing great flexibility and functionality. The design provides for a mix of apartments and “two-keyed” apartments, also resulting in great flexibility and finishes are of a high standard.”

The judges were also impressed with the Tomazos entry, Tech Tower, a nine-storey mixed-use apartment complex in the Darwin, stating “…there a number of excellent qualities of this development including the overall architectural design; the common area of the pool and gym; and the efficient use of space in the various floor plans.” Tech Tower was awarded a Certificate of Merit.

This year’s award for Environmental excellence went to the Asche Duplex at Muirhead, entered by Defence Housing Australia. The Asche Duplex, designed by Troppo Architects, demonstrates a new, innovative approach to architect designed homes that can support more compact and sustainable living in the future. The duplex occupies a 675 square metre block and the homes incorporate innovative design techniques and materials that supplement the energy efficiency provided by a solar-powered system.

The siting of the two dwellings maximises airflows through them, minimising the need for air conditioning and also utilises the land area very efficiently, giving the impression that they are sited on a much larger block. In addition, the use of non-conventional materials, such as for walls and flooring, will ensure long-term durability and sustainability.

The Asche duplex project was also successful in winning the inaugural innovation in development award. Judges commented “…considerable innovation in design has gone into this duplex particularly with the layout on a relatively small lot. The many positive features noted in the Environmental Excellence category also apply here. Added to those are innovative features such as the wide opening doors to the third bedroom and the “outside” shower.”

The Masterplanned development category was won by the Zuccoli Stage 1 greenfield development in Palmerston.

Established in 2012, the partnership between Urbex and the Land Development Corporation aimed to design a community which would provide a contemporary lifestyle in a natural environment, featuring large open spaces and a village feel. Its design acknowledges Darwin’s tropical climate and includes a diverse and affordable range of living choices for first home owners and low income earners. Lots are positioned to maximise solar orientation, capture breezes and provide views to retained bushland and parklands.

Judges commented “The planning of Zuccoli has taken advantage of the topography thus maximising aspects for the residential, commercial and recreational areas. The park adjacent to the commercial area is of particular relevance in that regard, and is well planned, designed and built. In Masterplanning Zuccoli the developer has managed the relationship with the Land Development Corporation well, creating a very good public/private partnership for the benefit of the ultimate urban form.”

The winning NT projects will now be automatically nominated in their relevant categories in the National Awards for Excellence, with winners to be announced in Perth during April 2017. Last year’s NT winner of the medium density development award, “Artique” by the Makrylos Group, became our first ever winner of a national Award for Excellence earlier this year.