At the 2024 Tasmanian Architecture Awards earlier this year The EmAGN Project Award was presented to the EmAGN members of Bence Mulcahy with H2o architects for the he Friends’ School Redevelopment Project.
We are also chuffed to receive a Commendation for Educational Architecture for the same project.
EmAGN jury citation:
“The EmAGN Project Award is given to The Friends’ School Redevelopment Project, as testament to the collective efforts of EmAGN members in leadership, collaboration, and architectural expertise.
The initial partnership with H2o Architects provided Bence Mulcahy with the opportunity to contribute to the practice’s first, large-scale education project. Further to this, project procurement following the Development Approval stage, provided the young practice with an opportunity to independently take the project through to completion.
Their collaborative approach led to a design outcome which seamlessly integrated this larger-scale urban development within its historic surroundings. This was evident in the Revell Centre heritage streetscape studies, which demonstrated the team’s dedication to thoughtful intervention given the sensitive context. The use of subtle design gestures exemplifies their commitment to architectural excellence.
The project was led and staffed by a team of emerging architects, including the Practice Director, whose guidance inspired a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring the delivery of architectural excellence. The team’s proficiency in collaboration and client engagement were pivotal in shaping the project’s trajectory, and navigated the intricate demands of the heritage site. Meticulous documentation, attention to public realm features, and adept handling of contractual issues further enriched the project’s quality.
The project’s success is a testament to the team’s ingenuity and collaborative spirit, setting a standard for emerging architects in the industry.”
From our client
“The School campuses are not easy sites on which to work. The Friends’ School has many heritage listed buildings with restricted access. Additionally, the School remained in session with roughly 600 students and nearly 100 staff on the campus, so noise awareness, safety of current users (students, staff, and parents), security and continued learning were major considerations which resulted in some constraints throughout the entire construction process of approximately two years. Bence Mulcahy proved to be flexible, organised, and available to accommodate adjustments of the project brief. The School is very pleased with the outcome of the project.”
Bence Mulcahy team: Shamus Mulcahy, Sophie Bence, Hannah Webber, Bek Verrier, Johnny Mckenzie, Michael Renshaw, Dylan Rowbottom, Tim Hurburgh H2o architects
Built by Fairbrother
Gandy and Roberts Engineers, COVA, Lee Tyers Building Surveying, Playstreet Landscape Architects
Photos by Adam Gibson Photography
