A controversial government building in the heart of the Sunshine Coast has been recognised with a major construction award.
Sunshine Coast City Hall was acknowledged at the Master Builders Queensland 2023 Housing and Construction Awards, at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.
The striking $100m 10-storey civic building that defines Maroochydore’s new CBD received mixed reactions from around the region upon its completion late last year. While some saw the building as the jewel in the crown of the CBD, many locals expressed their dismay at it via social media, and it was described as an exorbitant “ivory tower”.
But it received rave reviews from the peak construction body on Saturday.
McNab collected the coveted Professional Certification Group Project of the Year award and the Commercial/Industrial Building (over $50m) award for the building of the hall.
A Master Builders media release said the structure “is a modern-day landmark masterpiece, which achieves the highest sustainable outcomes”.
“Designed by award-winning Cottee Parker Architects with sustainability at its core design response, the hall includes features that will reduce environmental impact and embrace the Sunshine Coast climate,” it said.
“With 10 storeys, the project includes retail, civic and commercial spaces, and consolidates the council’s diverse operations into one central building.
“The theatre-style council chambers are at the heart of the project with its breathtaking bespoke feature tiered ceiling and timber wall cladding in natural blackbutt expertly installed by hand.
“Its unique design and iconic façade are inspired by the forms and colours of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most defining landmarks, the Glass House Mountains.”
Related story: Striking $100m city hall officially opened
Judges lauded the project.
“A building design ahead of its time with futuristic curves and finishes,” they said.
“The attention to detail is evident throughout this project, with an impressive quality finish.
“The building incorporates a five-star green rating and the amenities and functionality within this facility have considered all the stakeholders.”
A host of other builders on the Sunshine Coast were recognised in a variety of categories.
Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell congratulated winners from around the state, for “stylish renovations and beautiful new homes to state-of-the-art hospitals, sports hubs, pubs and eco-tourism facilities, and soaring residential towers inspiring the imagination.”
“The efforts from promising apprentices, women leading the way in the industry, and builders showing their commitment to the future ahead, is also something we are always excited to celebrate,” he said.
“Whether a winner or not, their craftsmanship is a credit to the Master Builders name, and each of them is a part of our family. We pride ourselves on always having their back, whether that means being there in times of need or celebrating their achievements.
“It’s our members’ drive, skill and determination to showcase excellence that is helping to ensure our continued success and viability in both the residential and commercial sectors, now and into the future.”
Sunshine Coast winners
- Commercial/Industrial Building from $10 million up to $20 million – Evans Built for SUNCENTRAL A1.
- Commercial/Industrial Building over $50 million – McNab for Sunshine Coast City Hall.
- Display Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Ultra Living Homes for Amara 27 Display Home.
- Individual Home from $750,000 up to $1 million – Troy Ware Constructions for Amaroo House.
- Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings – OneLife Property Group for Luxe by OneLife.
- Truecore Best Use of Steel Frame Housing – Xceed Building Solutions for Amaroo.
- Xact Accounting Rising Star Award – Todd Stolberg from Alternative Construction Projects.
- Professional Certification Group Project of the Year Award – McNab for Sunshine Coast City Hall.
