The 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards offer an exciting showcase of architectural projects, each displaying a unique blend of design principles, cultural contexts and environmental considerations. Here are five projects that have earned their places on the shortlist, each marking a distinctive contribution to Victoria’s architectural landscape.

1. Alba Thermal Springs & Spa by Hayball

Engulfed by the natural splendour of the 15-hectare site on the Mornington Peninsula, the Alba Thermal Springs & Spa presents an interplay of architecture and environment. Its design is both a reverence and a response to the existing terrain and coastal Moonah woodland. The main building, characterised by its unembellished concrete forms and the symphony of a natural material palette echoes the organic melody of the surroundings.

Five outstanding projects shortlisted for the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards
Photograph by Willem-Dirk du Toit.

2. Delatite Cellar Door by Lucy Clemenger Architects

The Delatite Cellar Door, a sustainable architectural delight designed by Lucy Clemenger Architects, is a fusion of aesthetics and functionality. With interconnected timbercrete pavilions and horizontal timber cladding along the ridgeline, the Cellar Door enhances the wine-tasting and dining experience. A meticulously chosen palette draws from the natural hues of the surrounding landscape, infusing the design with a rich textural warmth. This project emphasises the use of sustainable and locally-sourced materials.

Five outstanding projects shortlisted for the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards
Photograph by Derek Swalwell.

3. Nightingale Village by various architects

Nightingale Village, a collaborative creation of six leading architecture firms, is a vibrant example of community-centred design. The project contains 203 homes across six zero-gas buildings to create a medium-density neighbourhood. Each structure is meticulously crafted according to social, environmental and financial sustainability principles, reflecting a deeply ingrained commitment to people over profit. Read more about Nightingale Village here.

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Five outstanding projects shortlisted for the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards
ParkLife, photograph by Tom Ross.

4. University of Melbourne Student Precinct by various architects

A project that seeks to embrace diversity and connection, the University of Melbourne Student Precinct is an architectural synthesis of new constructions and carefully refurbished heritage assets. This precinct exhibits a student-centric design approach, featuring a landscape-led pedestrian terrain that acts as a cultural connector at the heart of student life. The project foregrounds the voices and perspectives of students, while also prioritising a recognition of First Nations cultures.

Five outstanding projects shortlisted for the 2023 Victorian Architecture Awards

5. Encore Cremorne by Fieldwork

Situated in the dense urban fabric of Melbourne’s Cremorne, the Encore Cremorne fuses old and new. The project integrates a modern seven-storey glass office tower with a restored early 20th century warehouse. The warehouse’s original features have been restored, while the higher office tower’s southern elevation facilitates the dynamic interplay of light, shadow, and reflection. A landscaped terrace on the first floor and a rooftop garden offer office-goers vibrant settings for work and leisure.

Victorian Architecture Awards
architecture.com.au

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