Press Release

Glasshouse architects, Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Architects, won the Blacket Prize for the best building in regional NSW, and a Commendation for Public Architecture, at the Australian Institute of Architects' 2010 NSW Architecture Awards last Friday night. Only three buildings from a field of 24 were selected in the Public Architecture category.

“I’m sure many of the 200,000 plus people through the doors since 1 July last year would agree with the Australian Institute of Architects judges that the Glasshouse is a significant piece of regional architecture that our region should be proud of,” said Manager, Glasshouse. Mr Joe Conneely. “The Glasshouse winning this prize and commendation shows that the Australian Institute of Architects NSW Chapter acknowledges the vision of the Glasshouse for the future of Port Macquarie.”
This architectural prize and commendation is in addition to the other three awards won by the Glasshouse in its first year of operation. These awards include:-

• Winner: Commercial Project over $20 million Award, Newcastle Master Builders Association Excellence in Building and Construction Awards
• Winner: Local Government 2010 Cultural Award for Aboriginal Cultural Development for the Black & White: Selections From the Thomas Dick Collection
• Winner: Inaugural IMAGinE awards by Musuems and Galleries NSW Organisation Awards for Exhibitions (for six paid staff or less) for the Black & White: Selections From the Thomas Dick Collection

The Jury Citation for the Architecture Awards on Friday cited:

While civic in scale, the Glasshouse, on a key Port Macquarie site, is distinctly different within its streetscape. The building’s function is not immediately apparent from its external form. Its dark, faceted glass facade is a playful addition to the streetscape and conceals, more than reveals, the interior, until early evening, when internal lighting renders the glazing transparent and reveals the drama of the interior. This is when the building’s foyer, a linking space connecting the various functions and backed by a panelled timber screen, comes to life, adding real theatre and activation to the street and the adjoining square. Efficient planning allows the building to accommodate a range of uses and users; important for a regional facility where operational costs are a key factor in the long-term viability. The theatre uses richly patterned and shaped adjustable timber panels to create an intimate space with excellent acoustics and sightlines. The art gallery spaces are elegantly proportioned and complemented by a range of function rooms and support facilities. Archeological remnants of the town’s beginnings are made visible and interpreted across the building’s ground floor paving and revealed in the subterranean display. The realisation of the Glasshouse has been a lengthy process. The architects are commended for their tenacity meeting many technical, political and financial challenges with ingenuity and exceptional skill.

Contact: Terry Sara Communications Manager 6581 8214 or 0412 769 454