One of the state’s most controversial redevelopments, aside from, you know, that one (I’m looking at you North Adelaide Golf Course …) has picked up a gong at the Australian Interior Design Awards.
What once was protested is now being celebrated on the national stage, as the Adelaide Aquatic Centre Redevelopment was named best the best commercial interior design project in SA, with JPE Design Studio with Warren and Mahoney and Karl Winda Telfer taking home the chocolates.
Adelaide Aquatic Centre Development. Photography by Tom Roe
Children enjoying the new space. Photography by Tom Roe
One of the redevelopment’s more tranquil spaces. Photography by Tom Roe
An elegant common space. Photography by Tom Roe
Despite the redevelopment raising the ire of the Adelaide Park Lands Association who bemoaned the destruction of mature trees and loss of green space, SA Premier Peter Malinauskas said in May the project had been embraced by the community.
“The investment we made in the new Adelaide Aquatic Centre is already delivering significant dividends for the community, with more than 200,000 people through the doors in just a few short months,” he said.
“It has become a place for South Australian families of all shapes, sizes and ages to find connection, community and physical activity – rather than sitting alone and staring at a screen.
“This is the sort of community infrastructure we have prioritised as a government and we will continue to do so.”
The Adelaide Aquatic Centre Development from the air. Photography by Tom Roe
The facility’s gym. Photography by Tom Roe
No detail was overlooked. Photography by Tom Roe
And it wasn’t the only SA project to pick up a gong, with Simone Haag being recognised for best residential interior design project in the state for Craigweil.
Ms Haag detailed the project thusly on her website.
“The moment of arrival establishes a delicate waltz between eras and identities,” she wrote.
“Stepping in through the terrace, leaded glass, diligently restored and stained in rich amaranth and Egyptian blue, rests alongside a Rainbow Queen totem by Christoph Kiefhaber.
“The two unlikely companions are fused in their shared affinity for colour and bold expression, which become activators of perception within a home that has been cultivated as a vessel for beautiful things.
“Throughout, the home’s foundational palette draws inspiration from classical aesthetics—warm brass accents, velvety textiles, silk draperies, and a sumptuous layering of rugs which subtly reference the botanical notes of a park opposite—creating an environment that exudes warmth, depth, and sophistication.
Craigweil by Simone Haag. Photography by Lillie Thompson
A celebration of texture. Photography by Lillie Thompson
Old and new meet. Photography by Lillie Thompson
A symphony of soft furnishings. Photography by Lillie Thompson
“The design thoughtfully balances ornate heritage details with clean, modern gestures, such as the sleek composition of a Louise Liljencrantz dining table, the edited precision of select Space Furniture pieces, and minimalist lighting fixtures, including the Tryst Three Chandelier by Paul Matter and a sculptural wall arrangement by Sarah Nedovic.
“The motley lineage of decorative pieces positions their aesthetic qualities and functionality as drivers, cultivating a fluid dialogue between past and present. Artworks and bespoke furnishings are carefully selected to dovetail with the clients’ extensive collection, adding a layer of narrative and intimacy to the home.”
2278 projects made the Australian Interior Design Awards shortlist across categories that included residential, retail, hospitality, public, workplace, and installation design,
alongside awards for sustainability advancement and emerging interior design practice categories.
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Australian Interior Design Awards jurors Mardi Doherty and Paul Foskett said the quality of the competition was astounding.
“Engaging with the Australian Interior Design Awards and being showcased the best Australian projects of the year is humbling, the passion and work required to achieve the outcomes is clear from all submissions,” Mr Foskett said.
“Judging helps uplift truly progressive work and helps celebrate all involved.”
Ms Doherty said the industry was going through a period of significant change.
“Economic pressures, rising construction costs and increasing regulatory complexity are challenging designers to be more strategic and resourceful,” she said.
One of the elegant hallways. Photography by Lillie Thompson
Light to invite. Photography by Lillie Thompson
One of the warmer spaces. Photography by Lillie Thompson
“As technology becomes more prevalent, I noticed that designing for ‘community’ was also very evident in the awards submissions this year, be it in residential, workplace, or hospitality.
“Looking ahead, I believe we will see a continued shift away from superficial trends and move towards more thoughtful, resilient design.
“Projects will increasingly focus on material integrity, flexibility, and re-use.
“Smaller projects are becoming more thoughtful, and designers are becoming much more resourceful with the spaces they design.”
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