The Adelaide Advertiser-
“The best of South Australia’s property developments have been honoured for their innovative approach to the design of housing and communities, setting high standards for all future development.
The Urban Institute of Australia (UDIA) (SA) Awards for Excellence dinner 2011 gala dinner, attended by 330 people on October 28, also recognised outstanding development projects throughout SA committed to improving infrastructure and working closely with communities.
UDIA (SA) director Terry Walsh says it was exciting to see what the state’s developers have brought to the market.
“This years entries have been very innovative and they show a forward thinking approach to meeting the housing needs of a growing population,” Mr Walsh says. “We are seeking designs and practices that serve as a template for continuing excellence in the creation of vibrant communities.”
“The winning projects are all making an outstanding contribution to the future of the state and delivering solutions to meet the challenges of community with diverse needs.
Mr Walsh says the winner in Affordable Housing category is an example of a developer’s determination to create an innovative project.
The Forme Projex Vespa Apartments at Storr St are an impressive example of city infill development which has given Adelaide a contemporary model for others to follow, Mr Walsh says. The apartments feature a central staircase and parking for bicycles and scooters, not cars- a nod to inner city convenience.
The On Statenborough Seniors Living development on the former Coopers Brewery site at Leabrook is another example of meeting industry challenges.
The Simon Chappel/ David Smallcombe joint venture is a triumph of design and functionality delivering a high-rise apartment complex set in a beautiful landscape, capitalising on an existing creek.
Stuart Moseley, David Smallcombe and Simon Chappel
Mr Walsh says continued close work with communities was undoubtedly a highlight of the industry in 2011.
At Freeling Estate, Lanser Communities has been pivotal in revitalising the town centre while improving facilities for both existing and new residents, Mr Walsh says.
The Cape Jaffa Anchorage residential subdivision and marina development in the South- East has also demonstrated an outstanding contribution to the local community.
During 2011, government-funded projects were acknowledged for their role in maintaining momentum in a depressed SA market.
Housing SA took out a raft of awards for its extensive social housing program including the urban renewal project at Westwood, the affordable projects at 22 Ifould Street and for its environmental excellence at Lochiel Park in Campbelltown.
On other awards, Qattro Built earned praise for its four-townhouse residential development on Port Adelaide’s waterfront, with cleverly designed features including a rooftop terrace and man made marina beach.
In medium density housing, the four-level boutique Aria apartments project in a quiet city side street was a winning development in for Forme Projex.
The independent judging panel has recommended several of the winning state projects proceed to the UDIA National awards for Excellence, to be announced in Perth in March 2012.
