A beach house with a brutalist character has taken out the top prize at the 2026 North Queensland Australian Institute of Regional Architects Awards.
Airlie Beach House 1 by Glyde Bautovich Architecture and Urban Design was named the recipient of the esteemed Walter and Oliver Turnbridge Award for Building of the Year. Built from concrete and blockwork to withstand cyclones, the project incorporates lush landscaping and a triangular mangrove-inspired motif. The house also earned a commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New).
Conceived as both a learning environment and a social anchor that prioritises shared spaces, natural light and ventilation, Calvary Prep by Counterpoint Architecture won the Regional Project of the Year. The project additionally received a commendation for Educational Architecture.
All awarded and commended projects from the region are shortlisted for the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland Architecture Awards, set to be announced in June 2026.
The winners are:
Walter and Oliver Turnbridge Award for Building of the Year
Airlie Beach House 1 – Glyde Bautovich Architecture and Urban Design
Regional Project of the Year
Calvary Prep – Counterpoint Architecture
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Educational Architecture
Commendation
Calvary Prep – Counterpoint Architecture
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Commendations
Airlie Beach House 1 – Glyde Bautovich Architecture and Urban Design
Markina – Counterpoint Architecture
People’s Choice Award
Calvary Prep – Counterpoint Architecture