College architects in the running for industry gong

The architects behind the stunning design of Cape Naturaliste College have been nominated for an Australian Institute of Architects’ WA Architecture Award.

With 80 entries across 11 categories, the awards showcase a diverse range of projects including the restoration of the historic Melbourne Hotel, a new Health and Science precinct at Curtin University’s Midland Campus; student accommodation and co-working hub Campus Perth; and Raine Square’s redevelopment.

Australian Institute of Architects WA Chapter president Peter Hobbs said the entries reflected demand for buildings with multi-functional spaces, sustainable solutions and amenity for rapidly evolving places and communities.

Cape Naturaliste College was designed by TAG Architects in partnership with Pindan and Gary Holland architects in Bunbury.

Lead architects Jurg Hunziker, Michael Spight and Daniela Casadio said they wanted to design a functional and inspirational building for young adults.

“It was a fairly complex project,” Mr Hunziker said. “It was an occupied school so we had to build one building and then kick out kids from existing classrooms, and only after that could we finalise the job.”

“Mark Gillet (CNC principal) and his team co-operated really well with us and we had some of the students do work experience with the local contractors who were working on the project.

During the project, the school lobbied the Education Department for more funding to improve the gymnasium and hockey fields.

“We wanted to provide a fresh face for the school and the conversations we’ve had with Mark is everyone is quite proud of the school,” Mr Hunziker said. “If you design something well and take some care when putting it together, then people take pride in the facilities.”

The awards will be live streamed on June 26.