NO doubt it will go unremarked on by horses, but a new equestrian centre at Merricks has overcome all odds and won a major architecture award.
The winner of Sir Osborn McCutcheon Award in the commercial section of this year’s Victorian Architecture Awards, the equestrian centre is both a training centre and stud.
Extensive use of rammed earth and wood is a feature of the curved building designed by Melbourne architects Watson Architecture + Design and Seth Stein Architects, of London.
The Australian Institute of Architects’ said “any tendency to complicate the program or the resultant built form has been resisted, which adds to provide a powerful visitor experience”.
“Detailing has been taken to the next level with bespoke industrial design elements. Ultimately, the building creates a special and unique place for both valuable livestock and visitors.”
The institute also commended Wood Marsh Architecture for the RACV resort at Torquay. The motoring organisation has come under fire for a building of similar design it plans at Cape Schanck, mainly because of its size and impact on the landscape.
The institute describes the Torquay building as “restrained and does not succumb to residential detailing or a preconceived ‘club’ character”.
At St Andrews Beach Villa Marittima, has won an award in the new house category for architect Robin Williams.
