Mundingburra Housing and Riverway Library win architectural awards

Two key Townsville projects were recognised for their innovative designs at The Australian Institute of Architects awards. See why.

Counterpoint Architecture's Mundingburra Housing project and the Riverway Library designs won The Australian Institute of Architects awards. Picture: Andrew Rankin Photography.

Two Townsville projects, the Mundingburra Housing project and the new Riverway Library, have received recognition at The Australian Institute of Architects awards.

The Australian Institute of Architects is the peak body for the architectural profession and works to improve the quality of our built environment by promoting quality, responsible and sustainable design.

The Friday evening awards ceremony showcased the talent and vision of architects across multiple categories including education, residential and public sectors.

Located at Briarfield St, the $7.13m state government funded 18 apartment development called Mundingburra Housing was named project of the year for setting an exciting new benchmark for social housing.

Designed by Counterpoint Architecture, the complex was a pilot project for social housing.

Commended by the jury for “proudly blending into the neighbourhood”, the design was described as playful and purposeful with a communal area at the heart of the complex encouraging neighbourly interaction and a sense of belonging.

Mundingburra Housing, designed by Counterpoint Architecture. Picture: Andrew Rankin Photography.

Landscaped footpaths link to each home, providing shade and visibility, while colour was used to enliven the homes which, jury described as “creates a sense of individuality and pride for the occupants” and “an exemplar for future state government housing”.

The project has also received a Regional Commendation for Residential Architecture (Multiple Housing) and has been recognised for social impact.

In a dynamic makeover breaking from tradition, Counterpoint Architecture was also successful with their design of the $8.5m Riverway Library, which was awarded a Regional Commendation for Public Architecture.

Jury members commented that the project, which breathes new life into Riverways’ old theatre, “redefines the traditional concept of libraries”.

The Project of the Year (Mundingburra) is shaded fuscia and ll commended projects are shaded blue. Picture: Supplied.

The library now boasts a cafe, function area, podcast suites, maker’s space, and kids’ play zone.

The jury praised the architect’s thoughtful design, stating that “the library has become a vibrant hub for lifelong education and communal interaction”.

Originally published as Mundingburra Housing and Riverway Library win architectural awards