Two South Australian firms have been rewarded for their bold visions at this year’s prestigious National Architecture Awards.
Presented by the Australian Institute of Architects, the awards put on a pedestal 43 projects from around the country representing the nation’s best new architecture in residential, commercial and community buildings, addressing the country’s most urgent societal challenges.
Troppo Architects took home the COLORBOND Award for Steel Architecture for their innovative Flinders Chase Visitors Centre on Kangaroo Island.
In its jury citation at the South Australia Architecture Awards, the judges said the building’s innovative use of steel, combined with locally sourced, eco-friendly materials, demonstrated a commitment to both environmental and community-focused design.
Flinders Chase Visitor’s Centre. Source: Troppo Architects
The property’s grand interior. Source: Troppo Architects
Flinders Chase Visitor’s Centre. Source: Troppo Architects
The centre from the air. Source: Troppo Architects
“Steel plays a key role in the Centre’s architecture, particularly in the framing and roofing, providing durability, fire resistance, and low-maintenance performance in a bushfire-prone area,” it said.
“The design integrates solar panel-covered walkways, steel shelters, unique hand basins and rainwater collection systems, showcasing steel’s versatility and contribution to sustainability.
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“The elegant twist to the Grand Gallery roof has been carefully resolved, creating a statement entry to the facilities.
“It is complemented by a suite of skillion roofs to the other pavilions; a terrain of roof forms that generate changing perspectives as you move around the site.”
The building fits nicely into its environment. Source: Troppo Architects
Materials blend sensationally. Source: Troppo Architects
Impressive angles. Source: Troppo Architects
Taylor Buchtmann Architecture was also recognised with a national award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions) for their creation The Stopover – a dilapidated former grain store reimagined as rural overflow accommodation.
In its jury citation at the South Australia Architecture Awards, the judges commended it for offering farmers respite from the environment, while also framing it.
“The original materials are balanced with contemporary patching, insertions, and overlay,” it said.
The Stopover by Taylor Buchtmann Architecture. Supplied
A simple design with a big impact. Supplied
The minimalist design on show. Supplied
Everything in its place. Supplied
“The life of the building is extended by its new use.
“All existing openings were retained, with a single new opening required.
“A pair of timber clad faceted capsules were inserted and an existing veranda partially infilled.
“External detailing is particularly robust in response to nearby buildings, and the challenging environment.
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“The interiors of the capsules were developed as smaller boxes within the larger grain storage volume, and evolved to be ‘lined’ inner spaces continuing the relationship between the existing fabric and the new with greater intensity.
“At its heart The Stopover is a small controlled environment in a large and largely uncontrollable landscape.”
Functional and versatile. Supplied
Simple but effective. Supplied
How’s that for a bathroom? Supplied
Light-filled and functional. Supplied
Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Architecture Awards jury chair Jane Cassidy said these winners set a precedent for Australia’s built architecture and helped address the multiple crises facing society – the housing, climate and cost of living crisis – with innovative solutions.
“These models can and should inspire better communities across our country,” she said.
She also commented on the strength of our public architecture, which sow the seeds of urban renewal.
“These buildings connect communities, promote urban regeneration, and uplift the local economy,” she said.
Jane Cassidy, National President of the Australian Institute of Architects. Supplied
“Similarly, the jury observed that design is increasingly being used as a tool for regeneration – of landscapes, of relationships, and of futures.
“These projects show us that architecture can be a catalyst for healing, equity, and resilience in communities.”
“The prevalence of regional projects indicates that exceptional design isn’t confined to our cities. Architects working in regional locations face unique challenges—limited materials, scarce labour, and higher costs from transport and logistics—yet they deliver exceptional, resourceful design that deserves to be celebrated.”
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