Bigger Big Rig recognised at Regional Architecture Awards 2023 in Toowoomba

An iconic Roma fixture has been awarded a prestigious architecture award at the industry’s night of nights in Toowoomba. Here’s what architects said was planned for the site in the near future.

Bigger Big Rig wins Regional Commendation for Public Architecture category at Regional Architecture Awards 2023. Picture: Supplied by John Wilson Media.

Roma’s Bigger Big Rig project won a prestigious Regional Commendation in the Public Architecture category at a Toowoomba awards night last Friday.

The Regional Architecture Awards recognise exceptional buildings and projects that demonstrate how design brings value to communities, from domestic to civic buildings.

Judges applauded the Bigger Big Rig’s striking geometric structure and how it was an engaging site that communicated the history of rigging to visitors.

Aside from being Maranoa’s tallest building, the Bigger Big Rig boasts a 360-degree viewing platform, a tree top walkway and a future ziplining attraction.

The mastermind behind the building’s design, DM2 Architecture, explained how the triangular shape was chosen to support the three activities associated with the structure.

Bigger Big Rig wins Regional Commendation for Public Architecture category at Regional Architecture Awards 2023. Picture: Supplied by John Wilson Media.

“We chose the triangular form of the primary structural frame due to the fundamental strength inherent in the shape and the facets created oriented perfectly to address the three primary planning axes identified in the masterplan – viewing the Big Rig and providing takeoff platforms for the Treetop Walkway and a future zip line attraction,” they said.

Bigger Big Rig wins Regional Commendation for Public Architecture category at Regional Architecture Awards 2023. Picture: Supplied by Brad Muller.

“We love the iconic nature of the structure, and its purpose, to bring joy, wonder and excitement to those brave enough to experience the attraction.”

The Bigger Big Rig has also become a popular local exercise spot and venue for major community events including Easter in the Country and the Maranoa Christmas

Party events.

All of the region’s commended projects have now been short-listed for the Australian Institute of Architects’ Queensland Architecture Awards.

The state awards will be judged and awarded in June 2023.

“Congratulations to DM2 Architecture for receiving a Regional Commendation in the Public Architecture Category for their Bigger Big Rig Project,” Maranoa Region Mayor Tyson Golder said.

“The Big Rig Tower and Tree Walk is a huge milestone in the Maranoa region’s tourism industry since it opened in May 2022 and has been a must-do destination in Outback Queensland”.