Our Northern Territory Award categories for 2016 were:

⦁ High Density Development
⦁ Environmental Excellence
⦁ Masterplanned Development and
⦁ Innovation in Development.

Our Judging Panel for the 2016 Awards was:

The Hon Gary Nairn, Chairman Northern Territory Planning Commission; and Tony Cox, Manager, Clouston Associates Darwin

Our 2016 finalists were (note that several projects were finalists in multiple categories):

Tech Tower (The Tomazos Group) -. a nine-storey mixed-use apartment complex in the Darwin CBD comprising of a ground floor commercial office tenancy and ninety, 1, 2 and 3 Bedroom residential apartments. The apartments all offer views via spacious open-air balconies and facilitate an affordable, attractive city lifestyle. Amenities include a luxury lap pool, decked pool area, communal BBQ facilities and amenity rooms and a fully equipped gymnasium.

The building exhibits exemplary, affordable and futuristic urban design for residential and commercial space in central Darwin. Features include the architectural form of the building, use of modern construction methods and materials and the curved shape form and lighting display on the north and south exterior facades of the building.

The Asche Duplex (Defence Housing Australia) – demonstrating 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.

Passive design principles include the orientation of the house, high ceilings with louvered windows and the strategic placement of rooms to encourage cross-ventilation and reduce dependency on air-conditioning. Light coloured building materials with a low thermal mass have been incorporated into the construction of the homes.

A variety of indoor and outdoor spaces have been created to cater for easy migration around the homes. Wide opening doors integrate the living spaces to create an adaptable floor plan that adjusts to individual needs. A downstairs day-bed provides a cool place for resting, and easily transitions into an additional room for guests. There are two large bedrooms upstairs with louvered windows and high ceilings, offering both a functional yet aesthetically pleasing space.

H105 (Halikos) – Incorporating a hotel at ground level and 136 high quality apartments over seventeen levels, H105 is a contemporary and modern hotel and apartment complex delivering incredible views of Darwin and its harbour. The project was completed in July 2015.

Innovative features of the building include creative disguise of three storeys of car parking behind a striking perforated metal feature screen which reflects the sky as the light changes throughout the day; specialized building materials; and a unique framing system and building techniques. Air conditioning systems are hidden from view on the roof or in carpark levels, through use of innovative technology.

The podium level incorporates an entertainment/recreational area which includes a pool and modern well equipped gymnasium.

Zuccoli Stage 1 (Urbex and the Land Development Corporation) – established in 2012, the Urbex and Land Development Corporation partnership 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 our 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. Other features of the suburb include strong pedestrian connectivity, tree-lined streets, natural water ways, parkland and a display village complete with demonstration homes. Work has also commenced on the construction of Zuccoli Plaza, a village shopping centre incorporating 14 shops including an IGA supermarket, gym, medical centre, chemist and coffee shop.

2016 NT Winners

High Density Development sponsored by nbn

In the high density development category the winning project, the Halikos 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.

Environmental Excellence sponsored by the Land Development Corporation

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.

Masterplanned Development sponsored by Defence Housing Australia

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.”

Innovation in Development sponsored by Venture Housing Company Limited

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 2016 Award Winning Northern Territory projects are now finalists in the relevant 2016 National Awards program.  Winners of the National Awards will be announced at a Gala Dinner to be held in Perth during April 2017.