Retaining the heritage details with contemporary insertions, Refinery House has won the award for Interior Architecture at the 2023 Queensland Architecture Awards.
Hosted at the Brisbane City Hall, the 2023 Queensland Architecture Awards gala was held on Thursday 22 June and saw Refinery House receive the award for Interior Architecture.
Our design sought to highlight the magical juxtaposition between the old and the new, where the reflective modern surfaces mirror and enhance the tones and texture of the heritage elements, creating an interesting play of light and dark.
Purchased by Kokoda Property as a guesthouse for its interstate team, Refinery House is a fully operational home made up of an open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge room at ground level, including a laundry and powder room. The upper floor houses the main suite equipped with ensuite and dressing room, and an additional three bedrooms each with a bathroom.
Of the project, the below was stated in a jury citation:
Refinery House is an exceptional transformation of the former CSR Sugar office headquarters into a fully operational and thoughtfully designed home. Situated in the industrial neighbourhood of New Farm, Brisbane, this two-storey, riverfront property showcases the remarkable work of Kokoda Property, exemplifying their commitment to excellence.
The design approach for Refinery House focused on preserving the existing heritage fabric and structure while integrating modern interior design elements that complemented the building’s character and history. The property stands as a testament to the successful balance between preserving the past and creating a functional, contemporary, and liveable home.
The annual Queensland Architecture Awards is run by the Australian Institute of Architects and is an opportunity for public and peer recognition of the innovative work of Queensland members.
