Wardle’s Burnt Earth Beach House in Anglesea has won two national architectural awards. Photo: Trevor Mein
A striking experimental home in Anglesea has taken out two major Australian architecture gongs after impressing judges with its inventiveness.
Wardle architects’ Burnt Earth Beach House claimed the Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture at the Australian Institute of Architects national awards.
The multi-generational home, which replaced a dilapidated Surf Coast shack, was also recognised as one of the top new residential houses in the country.
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The terracotta tiles were sourced from Cotto Manetti in Chianti. Photo: Trevor Mein
It showcases terracotta as you’ve never seen it before, through an invented exterior brick inspired by the Anglesea cliff colours, and as lining for walls and floors inside.
The handcrafted clay bricks were the result of an extensive process that involves extrusion and hand-tearing prior to cutting to achieve a raw, rough-hewed texture.
AIA awards national jury chair Stuart Tanner said that Wardle Studio’s Burnt Earth House had won the judging panel over as an almost jewellery box, set back from the world and where the true beauty was appreciated once you were inside and experiencing the textural feel of its torn clay brickwork and natural light.
“It’s really something quite uplifting when you step inside, and it has this very earth-like quality,” Mr Ranner said.
The judges described the house as a “jewel box of detailing” that tested the skills of the craftspeople involved.
They praised the consistent and innovative use of terracotta, customised furniture and the way the rawness of the torn brick blends with the rugged beachside landscape.
The timber ceiling in the living area reflects the home’s natural bushland surrounds. Photo: Trevor Mein
There’s nothing conventional about the office space. Photo: Trevor Mein
As a beach house, Burnt Earth Beach House extends the usual expectations to create a building for respite that genuinely celebrates its place, natural environment and love and craftsmanship and architecture,” the citation said.
“The result is a warm and welcoming home of high quality inventiveness.”
Stage 3 of the iconic Geelong Arts Centre was also recognised, winning its own National Award for Interior Architecture.
Mr Tanner said the Geelong Arts Centre’s accolade recognised it’s ability to make people feel at home and comfortable as they embraced local culture.
“This is a building where what it’s purpose is has been imbued in the building itself,” Mr Tanner said.
“It’s a place to have wonderful experiences and it’s masterfully planned … this is a building that takes incredible technical prowess. And it’s all about pulling you out of your daily life so you enjoy the event.”
The judges loved the Geelong Arts Centre ceiling, reminiscent of a traditional circus tent. Photo: John Gollings
The grand staircase makes a statement. Photo: John Gollings
There’s nothing pedestrian about the cultural hub. Photo: John Gollings
The jury praised ARM Architecture’s playful and inclusive design behind the building’s distinctive concrete curtain exterior.
“The animated interior is a feast of theatrical references and the audience is emboldened to engage with performances,” the jury citation said.
“The tent-like timber ceiling is reminiscent of a big top, enhancing the spatial narrative and paying homage to early travelling circuses.
“The grand stair, highly detailed, serves not only as a functional element but as a dynamic stage for side performances.”
The curtain raised on the $150m final stage in 2023, which added Story House, a 550-seat multifunctional theatre, Open House, a 250-seat warehouse-style performance space, a cafe and full array of backstage amenities and support spaces.
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