Bellingen Shire Courier Sun- September 18, 2018

A diverse mix of public projects on Coffs Coast that showcase outstanding architectural design practice are competing for honours in this year’s coveted Australian Institute of Architects’ NSW Country Division Awards.

“This year’s entries in the NSW Country Awards, which have been running for more than half a century now, range from finely crafted small scale projects to large, complex commercial and public buildings,” said Ashley Dunn, Jury Chair and co-director of Dunn & Hillam Architects.

Bellingen-based Fisher Design and Architecture have three entries in the awards this year – the Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club Refurbishment, Jetty4Shore Revitalisation Project, and the Jetty4Shores Stage.

The proposed Sawtell Surf Life Saving Club Refurbishment by Fisher Design and Architecture provides much needed revitalisation of the existing surf club building, transforming a landmark beachside destination and an iconic public building.

The Jetty4Shore Revitalisation Project is the result of collaboration with local design professionals, artists and the community. A precinct rich in local history and highly valued by residents and tourists, the precinct has been revitalised through integrating landscape, art and built form to create places for people to live and engage with each other.

The Jetty4Shores Stage is a key part of the Coffs Harbour Jetty4Shores Revitalisation Project.  Reflecting the ‘flight of the wedge-tailed shearwater’ the structure is dynamic in form and responds to the coastal environment and the site’s history, and connects visually with neighbouring structures and shelters.

An environmentally sustainable design project in Bellingen by Tricia Helyar Architect is also competing in the Affordable Housing category.

Photos: ST Images- Jetty4Shores Stage and shelters by Fisher Design and Architecture with Mackenzie Pronk Architects.