Recognition for Walton Stores

AFTER winning the 2017 Australian Institute of Architects’ “Regional Project of the Year” for Darling Downs/West Moreton, Toowoomba civil precinct Walton Stores has now impressed the rest of the state.

The much-loved foodie hub received a commendation for urban design at the AIA’s 2017 Queensland State Architecture Awards in Brisbane last night.

Walton Stores by Aspect Architects and project managers Newlands Group harnesses the beauty and historic building vernacular of its CBD location.

The precinct quickly gained attention around the state for attracting a modern casual dining scene to Toowoomba.

It also has a series of meeting spaces and urban courtyards.

The original architecture is enhanced by the addition of bold architectural and urban forms in appropriate locations.

Materials such as timber, steel and large operable glazing panels were selected for their appropriateness of integration with the existing architecture, durability, cost, tactile nature and ability to add human scale and personality to the precinct.

Taking out the Urban Design Award was Munro Martin Parklands in Cairns by CA Architects and winning The Karl Langer Award was the Sunshine Coast University Hospital by Architectus Brisbane and HDR Rice Daubney as Sunshine Coast Architects.

Winners were selected by the state jury from a field of 82 entries that received regional commendations earlier in the year.

Named award and award winners now progress to the National Architecture Awards, which will be announced in Canberra later this year.

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