Architecture Awards celebrate SA’s design talent
The 2025 South Australian Architecture Awards showcased the outstanding designs and talent shaping the today and into the future.
This year’s South Australian Architecture Awards celebrated the transformative power of architecture with a gala night showcasing the diversity, innovation and passion of the state’s built environment.
The annual event – the most anticipated night in the Australian Institute of Architects SA Chapter calendar – took place on Saturday at the iconic Queen’s Theatre in Adelaide, recognising design excellence and innovation across SA.
“This year saw an outstanding range of entries from both metropolitan and regional South Australia,” said 2025 Awards Director, Stephen Ward.
“The awards celebrate the significant role architects play in shaping communities, supporting sustainability and enhancing quality of life; but they also spotlight projects that contribute to our state’s cultural identity, economy and liveability – across housing, public spaces, education, health and heritage.”
Indigenous culture and sustainability were strong factors in the judges’ awarding of the prestigious SA Architecture Medal to the Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building, a groundbreaking 22,000sqm facility designed by Architectus that integrates medical research and clinical expertise within a vibrant community setting. The first completed building in the new Flinders Village, the building features state-of-the-art laboratories and flexible workspaces designed to foster collaboration and innovation. Inspired by First Nations narratives of Kaurna Country, its distinctive external expression is defined by contour lines and a colour palette that responds to the land, sea and sky, both inside and out.
Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building.
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“The Flinders University Health and Medical Research Building stood out for its exceptional synthesis of architectural ambition, technical complexity, cultural depth and environmental responsibility. The jury praised the building’s bold civic presence, its careful mediation of a complex site and its inviting, flexible interiors designed to foster collaboration.”
“What truly elevated the project was its deep cultural narrative – developed through meaningful consultation with the Kaurna community – which informed both the architectural expression and occupant experience. The result is a landmark building that advances architecture’s role in science, culture and community, and sets a new benchmark for educational and research facilities in South Australia.”
The dazzling Chihuly in the Botanic Garden by Botanic Gardens and State Herbarium was the proud recipient of two awards – the City of Adelaide Prize for Design Excellence and the People’s Choice Award.
From September 2024 to April 2025, the event elevated Adelaide’s much-loved Botanic Garden to a world-class art hub with the installation of magnificent sculptures by Dale Chihuly, one of the world’s most celebrated contemporary glass artists.
Fifteen towering glass artworks – including two pieces specifically created for Adelaide – were strategically placed throughout the landscape, drawing visitors from across Australia and the globe. In the evenings, the artworks transformed under mesmerising night lighting, accompanied by live music from local artists.
Chihuly in the Garden. Picture: Nathaniel Willson
“There were many standout projects for me this year, reflecting the breadth and ambition of design in South Australia,” Stephen said.
“Chihuly in the Botanic Garden was a remarkable cultural activation that attracted more than a million visitors and brought international art to a beloved public space.”
The awards also saw the launch of a bold new initiative that recognises creative partnership across architecture, design, the arts and creative industries, the SA Creative Collaboration Prize, which will be awarded for the first time in 2026.
“The introduction of the SA Creative Collaboration Prize is significant because it formally recognises the powerful role that creative partnerships play in shaping South Australia’s built environment,” Stephen said.
“It highlights the importance of process — not just outcomes — by celebrating projects where architects work in genuine collaboration with artists, designers and makers to push boundaries, explore new ideas and deliver cultural and community value. The prize also signals a national first for the Institute, reflecting a growing momentum toward multidisciplinary practice and deeper engagement across the creative industries.”
Coopers Brewery.
Coopers Brewery by Studio Nine Architects received the Keith Neighbour Award for Commercial Architecture, with the judges commending the architects for delivering a bold and immersive architectural statement that seamlessly blends hospitality with industry, celebrating Coopers’ heritage while elevating its brand through innovation and community connection.
The University of Adelaide’s Union House won architects Swanbury Penglase the David Saunders Award for Heritage, revitalising level 5 of the State Heritage listed Union House to create a multi-purpose hospitality and hosting venue while retaining the integrity of the original 1975 building.
The Stopover located in Cooke Plains also impressed, taking out The John Schenk Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations + Additions) which proves that quality design should never be compromised — no matter how remote the location,” Stephen said.
The Stopover.
“This adaptive reuse project offers beautifully crafted, sustainable accommodation for seasonal workers, travellers and family, showing that regional South Australia deserves architecture that is both generous and enduring. Each of these projects shows architecture’s capacity to elevate the everyday — enriching place, fostering connection and delivering enduring functionality.”
Hotels, visitor attractions, family homes, studios and schools are among the 47 projects that received an award or commendation this year.
