General News
27 May, 2025
Gallery best designed
THE Mulgrave Gallery in Cairns has won the Eddie Orbin Award for building of the year at the Far North Queensland Australian Institute of Architects awards.
Designed by local practice TPG Architects, the Mulgrave Gallery completes the restoration of the Cairns Gallery Precinct.
The precinct includes three repurposed heritage-listed buildings – the Cairns Art Gallery, Courthouse Gallery, and now the Mulgrave Gallery, turning the area into a hub for arts and culture.
The judges praised the Mulgrave Gallery for strengthening Cairns’ rich built history and enhancing the region’s cultural heritage.
The project received a commendation in the heritage category and was also shortlisted in the sustainable architecture category.
Floriana Boutique Hotel on the Esplanade has been awarded the Far North Queensland regional project of the year.
Designed by local practice CA Architects, judges said the 1939 interwar ‘art moderne’ landmark on Cairns’ northern esplanade has been “reborn as a vibrant icon”.
The jury applauded the design as a “masterful blend of historical preservation and contemporary functionality.”
The hotel also received commendations in the heritage and interior architecture categories.
The Duffy residences have been awarded Far North Queensland house of the year.
Designed by local practice NEArchitecture, the project sets a new standard for medium-density housing in Cairns.
Duffy residences at freshwater consist of two compact and separate homes that appear as a single dwelling from the street.
The project also received a commendation in the residential architecture - houses (new) category.
The McLeod St administration redevelopment won this year’s Far North Queensland people’s choice award.
Designed by local practice Clarke and Prince Architects, the project in Cairns North includes office accommodation, workshops, training and maintenance facilities for the area’s Ergon regional electricity network.
Commended and shortlisted was the Cairns Neighbourhood Centre in the public architecture category and was shortlisted in both the sustainable architecture and Colorbond categories.
Designed by local practice JMc Architects, the centre is a multipurpose activity space in Manunda that encourages social interaction and provides access to services for everyone in the community.
All projects now in the running for the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland architecture awards in June.
