An upgraded community amenities block has taken out the top prize at the 2026 Darling Downs and West Moreton Regional Architecture Awards.
Ipswich City Council Public Amenities by Alcorn Middleton was named the recipient of the esteemed William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year, recognised for its retention of materials and durability. The project also earned a commendation for Small Project Architecture.
Aphora Architecture’s design for Kallara Cabin, an elemental cabin with a sweeping curved facade that embraces a central fire pit and communal gathering space within the landscape, won House of the Year. The project additionally won the People’s Choice Award, as well as received a commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New).
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 include:
William Hodgen Award for Building of the Year
Ipswich City Council Public Amenities – Alcorn Middleton
House of the Year
Kallara Cabin – Aphora Architecture
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People’s Choice Award
Kallara Cabin – Aphora Architecture
Public Architecture
Commendation
Beaudesert Courthouse – Phillips Smith Conwell Architects
Educational Architecture
Commendation
Hymba Yumba Independent School Performance Hall and Arts Building – Deicke Richards
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Heritage
Commendation
Warwick Police Facilities Upgrade – Phillips Smith Conwell Architects
Residential Architecture – Houses (New)
Commendation
Kallara Cabin – Aphora Architecture
Small Project Architecture
Commendation
Ipswich City Council Public Amenities – Alcorn Middleton
EmAGN Project Award shortlist
Hymba Yumba Independent School Performance Hall and Arts Building – Deicke Richards
Ipswich City Council Public Amenities – Alcorn Middleton
Sustainability shortlist
Kallara Cabin – Aphora Architecture
Ipswich City Council Public Amenities – Alcorn Middleton