Australian Institute of Architects, Media Release, 23 May 2025
Residential architecture excellence celebrated at Darling Downs and West Moreton Architecture Awards.
Building of the Year
Binnum Homestead has won the William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year at the Darling Downs and West Moreton Australian Institute of Architects Regional Awards.
Designed by Alexandra Buchanan Architecture, the 1884 sandstone homestead overlooks the Condamine River at Binnum Farm.
The jury commended the extension of the historic Binnum Homestead, describing the project as a standout example of contemporary design seamlessly integrated into a heritage building without compromising its legacy.
“Providing refuge from the wind and wildlife for a young family, framed views of agricultural and historic artefacts on the property are a constant reminder of the rural context,” said the jury.
The project also received a commendation in the Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) category.
Regional Project of the Year
The Long Pavilion in Cabarlah, Toowoomba was awarded the Darling Downs and West MoretonRegional Project of the Year.
Designed by local practice Feather & Lawry Design, the architects drew inspiration from two iconic rural Australian structures, the shed and the sports pavilion, fusing them into a modern family home.
“The client’s love of sport and entertaining is prioritised through views to the oval from the home’s public spaces,” said the jury.
The jury praised the project’s “climate-responsive design” and use of materials to adapt to Toowoomba’s temperate weather conditions.
The project also received a commendation in the Residential Architecture – Houses (New) category.
People’s Choice Award
Bunya Centre Day Surgery in Toowoomba has won this year’s Darling Downs and West Moreton People’s Choice Award.
Designed by Jacobs, the jury hailed the project as “a robust building that responds to a larger site masterplan, considers its surrounding heritage context and celebrates the historic Bunya Pine” found throughout Toowoomba.
Bunya Centre Day Surgery also received a commendation in the Public Architecture category and was shortlisted for the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture.
Commended and shortlisted
Rail Trail Refuge, designed by REFRESH* Studio for Architecture, received a commendation in the Commercial Architecture category and was shortlisted for the EmAGN Project Award.
Located in Linville, northwest of Brisbane, the Rail Trail Refuge provides new overnight accommodation for cyclists travelling the Brisbane Valley Rail Trail.
The jury applauded the design as achieving “exceptional value for the client and delivering a potential prototype for small-scale, regional tourism.”
All awarded, commended and shortlisted projects from the region are now in the running for the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Architecture Awards, set to be announced in June 2025.
