Good design and building skills continue to have an impact on the Noosa property market.
Whether it be Building Designers Queensland, Australian Institute of Architects, Master Builders or HIA, Noosa is always in the winner’s circle when it comes to awards.
The regional commendations for architecture were announced recently and judging is entering its final stages for the 2021 Master Builders Housing and Construction Awards to be announced in August.
Speaking at the AIA regional awards night at Mooloolaba, national president Alice Hampson said good design was about public interest, community and shared spaces.
It could improve cities, towns and rural landscapes.
And it was important to understand the connection between the built environment and the natural landscape.
Consider the way our geography can be matched with the climate.
To understand the sense of scale of the state in which we live, she said if Queensland was an island it would be second only in size to Greenland.
It is bigger than South Africa, most of Europe, and any state of the US or province in Canada.
Brisbane is closer to Canberra than Townsville.
When building or designing, it pays to embrace vegetation and landscape in commercial projects as well as residential.
The Australian Institute of Architects Sunshine Coast Awards saw a Noosa Heads house, Las Palmas by Tim Ditchfield Architects, receive the Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year.
The house is inspired by the mid-century modernist houses of Palm Springs in California and features a carefully curated sequence of framed views and generous indoor-outdoor spaces.
Covid-19 saw a rethinking of relationships, not just with each other, work and recreation but the way we interact with the environment.
Working at home has underlined the importance of good design, and the need to alter our thinking.
Here, our design and buildings are so intrinsically linked to the natural environment.
That has been evident in the Master Builders awards judging this year.
Real estate principal Tom Offermann said matching the Noosa aesthetic with design really stands out, the way we embrace the environment.
“It only makes sense given the amenable environment in which we live,’’ he said.
“Work with it, open the houses up.
“We do not have to close them up for the weather.’’
If there has been a trend this year with the Master Builders judging process it is the ’70s beach houses have been revisited – perhaps a hint of early Hollywood and Palm Springs – with a Hamptons theme in greys and whites. There is not much blue except for cushions, towels and trim.
Maybe as a reaction to the Covid lockdowns of last year there is a bit more fun – funky family homes or terrace homes and apartments for couples/single parents or downsizers.
There has been a mix of textures including wallpapers, interesting bench tops and the return of the white double kitchen sinks.
A lot is being done with a little … bigger living areas in homes with more functional floorplans, thoughtful use of exterior areas with decks and garden spaces to entertain in.
There has been some interesting interior – from beach casual to suburban chic.
Convenience is matched with location and aspect.
We have also seen the reminder of better hygiene meaning healthier communities.
Flattening the curve became respect for each other.
Master Builders Sunshine Coast regional manager Nicola Scott: said that with Covid restrictions in place throughout the past 12 months we face the potential reality that more time might be spent in our own living environments.
“Planning has taken on the challenge of creating functional and simplistic environments, with homes that cater to families and entertainment,’’ she said.
“The focus has also been on private and functional work environments that offer little disturbance to the beautify and opulence of the home.
“The great use of minimal space has stood out with some homes being constructed on smaller lots.
“People are thinking outside the box to ensure their personal space caters to their needs while also providing the opportunity to have their wants met and our builders are delivering, by constructing homes that suit budgets.’’
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