The Australian Interior Design Awards gala presentation, attended by established practitioners and the rising stars of Australia’s interior design industry, took place at Peninsula in Melbourne’s Docklands on 15 April, 2011.
Co-presented by the Design Institute of Australia, Designex and Artichoke magazine, this eighth year of the Australian Interior Design Awards continued the prestigious program’s search for excellence in residential and commercial interior design from around Australia. The winners of this year’s twelve awards categories represent the diversity and skill of Australian interior design practice – from practices large and small, working with a variety of briefs and budgets.
This year’s Premier Award for Interior Design Excellence and Innovation went to Wolveridge Architects for the Hill Plain House, an innovative project that puts a new spin on the idea of the rural Australian home. In recognizing the project, the jury said: “Use of materials and lighting in the project represent a confident interior design philosophy that achieves regional identity and connection in a fresh and unprecedented way.” The jury also praised the project’s environmental credentials, noting its discreet incorporation of sustainable design principles without resorting to a traditional eco aesthetic.
For the first time, this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards incorporates the Sustainability Advancement Award. Selected from winning projects in other categories, the overarching prize was awarded to BVN Architecture’s Puckapunyal Military Area Chapel, located in regional Victoria.
The jury commented: “The project’s essential purpose and function contribute to a deeper notion of social sustainability that is mindful of diverse cultures and beliefs.”
With nearly five hundred entries received, this year’s program provides a unique insight into the ability and quality output of Australian designers. The Australian Interior Design Awards thanks its generous 2011 corporate supporters: Forbo Flooring Systems, Somfy, The Laminex Group, Dulux Australia, Smeg, Häfele, Space Furniture, Isis and The Hatton.
For a full list of winners, please visit www.australianinteriordesignawards.com.