John McGrath Kia | Open Principle Architects

In 2021 KIA globally launched a bold reinvention of Corporate Identity and brand, including a new logo, change in strategic direction and new Store Identity. The new design philosophy ‘Opposites United’ is inspired by nature, combining contrasting qualities and juxtaposing polar opposites to achieve a new outcome. This philosophy is notable in the contrast between the achromatic exhibition area and the warm sensibility of the customer area, with articulation that inspires movement between the two. These two distinct spaces are delineated and ‘fused’ together by the emphatic red angled loop that balances dimensions and proportion. Open Principle Architects were privileged to work with John McGrath Auto Group and Kia to launch Australia’s first rebranded dealership setting the national standards for the continuation of Store Identity upgrades.

Illume | Cox Architecture

Illume aims to demonstrate how contextual considerations about site together with preferencing the basics of light and air can create a truly liveable multi–unit housing solution. The project consists of two sperate buildings that site above a common landscape which itself conceals the basement levels below. The larger of the two buildings contains just under sixty units, ranging in size, from one bedroom through to four–bedroom apartments. The smaller of the two buildings only contains three apartments, each of which occupies entire floor. It is appropriately dressed in gold brickwork in response to the two original Heather Sutherland and Malcom Moir houses across the street. Altogether, the project exemplifies the criticality of the fundamentals of context, topography, light and air in the context of multi–unit housing as distinct from individual dwelling.

House on a Path | Joanna Nelson Architect

A 1970s house on an experimentally planned suburban site in Canberra has been reorganised and reoriented through two precisely placed but loosely programmed additions to ‘front’ and ‘rear’.

Japanese influences are evident in the original house and courtyard and Radburn planning principles in the battle axe block – the unfenced ‘front’ boundary is to a public pedestrian path while the ‘rear’ driveway leads to the street.

The principal architectural idea is to amplify these distinctive attributes while providing legible entries and introducing circular routes.

The additions internalise seven external openings – slotting under the existing eaves to the ‘rear’ and matching the footprint of a demolished deck to the ‘front’. The additions function equally for utility, or to detour, gaze out and welcome in.

Inside, these circular routes enrich living patterns while outside, a new circular path skirts a new pool and gathers up narrow and generous spaces into a continuous whole.

HighGround | Mather Architecture

Doing more with less is the underlying principle driving the design at HighGround in Denman Prospect. Designed across three tiers, each building offers a different unit typology, providing housing choice, diversity and affordable housing options. With generous 3–bedroom townhouses, compact townhouses, as well as 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, HighGround seeks to provide options for a variety of living situations. All homes feature a multi–purpose space or study essential in our modern and flexible work from home environment. Each dwelling, whether it be townhouse or apartment, is designed with livability, efficiency, and warmth in mind. All living spaces are flooded with natural light from the northern aspect, while balconies offer views over the Molonglo Valley. The exterior material tones are warm, yet fresh and clean lines provide a flattering backdrop for the landscaping. Interiors are inspired by natural materials and warm undertones of raw cotton, leather, and charred timber.

Havard St Terraces | Mather Architecture

This project demonstrates where less is more. This site was originally anticipated for 4 x 2 storey townhouses. Working with the developer, we identified a gap in the market for smaller, single level, compact and more affordable homes. Nestled into a compact site, the dwellings are surrounded by roads. In order to address this, the front and rear skillion roofs slope down into the inner courtyards bringing natural light and soft landscaping into the centre of the homes. Materials were selected for their honesty and durability. Externally, face brick end and party walls articulate each dwelling while lightweight FC cladding complements the glazing geometry. A simple pop of colour identifies each front door. Raked ceilings with boarded lining increase natural lighting and perceived space into the living areas. The front seat and screen act create a subtle yet functional entry space separate from the main living zones.

Hackett Gardens House | Ben Walker Architects

The project comprised the design of a new single storey house in the northern Canberra suburb of Turner. The building forms a “U” shaped plan with an internalised large central court. This layout provides the desired privacy from the public realm, but allows for open and generous views from living spaces into the central court.

A series of indented solar courts provide light and refuge between the wings – subtly demarcating the transition between zones and providing foreground views to landscape. Saw tooth roof elements contain highlight windows that provide northern sun to rooms that may otherwise be landlocked and generous interior volumes.

The 8 star house includes highly insulated triple layered walls. Ceilings and burnished concrete slab are heavily insulated, with both internal and external membranes providing excellent air tightness. Windows integrate high performance triple glazing and a PV system provides a substantial portion of household energy use.

EW House | Thursday Architecture

East West House draws inspiration from Eastern cultural values within a contemporary Western setting. Initial conversations with the client explored an understanding of their time spent living and working in Asia and their connection to Asian cultural values. Our design response was to interpret the traditional concept of the Siheyuan, or courtyard house within an Australian suburban context as part of the brief resolution to value outdoor space as much as indoor space. The design centres around the internal courtyard, seamlessly integrating the home with its surroundings while also emanating a feeling of privacy and seclusion from the outside world.

Deloitte Canberra | SQC Group

Deloitte’s forward–thinking Canberra Office is a 6,100m2 state–of–the–art space designed for hybrid work and collaboration. The workplace vision positions the office as an epicentre of emanating energy, converging, and propelling forward from the building’s atrium, symbolising Deloitte’s influence rippling outward to Canberra and beyond.

The office design, focused on human–centric solutions, features multifunctional areas, and wellness–centric retreats. It reimagines traditional layouts by combining workstations and built zones, maximising natural light, and fostering inclusivity.

Accessibility is paramount, with adjustable workstation, diverse seating, and seamless navigation for all abilities. The project aims for Green Star–Interiors and WELL Gold certification, emphasising sustainability through repurposed furniture and local sourcing. Biophilic elements throughout bolster well–being, integrating nature into the workspace.

Deloitte’s workplace praised for its harmonious ambiance sets new standards in inclusive, sustainable, and adaptable office design that prioritises employee well–being and environmental responsibility, all while elevating the concept of adaptable and engaging office landscapes.

Collegians Centre Radford College | Stewart Architecture

The Collegians Centre is a new multi-function facility at Radford College that provides flexible spaces that can be used for indoor sport, school assembly, day to day classes, training and other educational activities. As a facility and as a building, the Collegians Centre forms the centrepiece of the developing sports precinct at the eastern edge of the campus, and it also defines the campus public face on College Street. Engineering solutions are combined with a finely tuned interior design to create legible and elegant spaces that are highly functional, durable, and will contribute to the promotion of an inclusive, safe, healthy, and stimulating learning environment.

Collector House | Open Principle Architects

Collector House is designed as a 4 bedroom family home using Open Principle Architects’ philosophy of ‘low consumption housing’. The house wraps the existing significant vegetation in plan, whilst using the natural gradient in section to elevate the primary private living function, optimising views and natural northern light gain. Water tanks that service the project are concealed under the elevated rear section of the house leaving the remaining block for land and playscaping. Construction utilises highly insulated wall, floor and roof systems. Air tightness is achieved through internal vapour barrier and fresh air provided by ERV systems.