The best new architecture in Queensland

Queensland’s best new architecture has been revealed in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2025 National Architecture Awards Shortlist

An epic new build on the Sunshine Coast, a $93.5m Brisbane university hub, and a trio of modular beach houses have been named finalists in the country’s most prestigious architecture awards.

The best new architecture across Queensland has been revealed in the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2025 National Architecture Awards Shortlist.

There are 62 building projects from across the country including six from the Sunshine State.

The shortlist represents the cutting edge in architectural innovation from Australia’s sharpest design minds.

James Cook University Engineering & Innovation Place.

Kangaroo Point Bridge.

“The Australian Institute of Architects National Awards program has stood as a benchmark for architectural excellence, recognising projects that endure, these are the precedents that inform the future of our cities and communities,” jury chair Jane Cassidy said.

“The awards celebrate design that is impactful, innovative, inclusive, and deeply embedded in the narratives of Country, community and climate.”

Among the Queensland shortlist is Mapleton House, a new home built on the Sunshine Coast Hinterland.

Construction was finished in 2024 with architecture practice Atelier Chen Hung behind the design.

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Mapleton House.

Blok Three Sisters.

Twin buildings create a visual connection with the features of Mount Ninderry and Mount Coolum, and offer people walking past views from the street.

Another build — Blok Three Sisters — was also short-listed in the residential architecture category.

The collaboration between Blok and Vokes & Peters includes three modular beach houses, built for three sisters whose fond memories of holidaying at the site go back to their teenage years.

The James Cook University Engineering & Innovation Place was acknowledged in the educational architecture category while the Kangaroo Point Bridge stood out in the urban design category.

James Cook University Engineering & Innovation Place.

Niwa House.

Ms Cassidy said the program acknowledged architecture’s role in shaping resilient systems, uplifting communities, and unearthing future leaders.

“It honours projects that embrace sustainability, social impact, budget optimisation and technical brilliance, while challenging traditional paradigms and unlocking economic, environmental and social impact beyond their site boundaries.

“In an era defined by climate urgency, affordability, digital disruption and social complexity, the National Awards provide a compass.

Four Dwellings on 800m2.

They help chart our course toward a built environment that matters — not just now, but for generations to come.”

Attracting hundreds of entrants from Australia and overseas, the shortlist encapsulates all aspects of residential, community and commercial building design across 14 categories.

The winners of the 2025 National Architecture Awards will be unveiled at the 2025 National Architecture Awards on November 6.

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The 2025 National Architecture Awards Queensland shortlist is as follows:

EDUCATIONAL ARCHITECTURE

James Cook University Engineering & Innovation Place | KIRK with i4 Architecture and Charles Wright Architects | QLD | Bindal and Wulgurukaba

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INTERIOR ARCHITECTURE

James Cook University Engineering & Innovation Place | KIRK with i4 Architecture and Charles Wright Architects | QLD | Bindal and Wulgurukaba

James Cook University Engineering & Innovation Place.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (ALTERATIONS AND ADDITIONS)

Niwa House | John Ellway | QLD | Turrbal & Yuggera People

Niwa House.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – HOUSES (NEW)

Mapleton House | Atelier Chen Hung | QLD | Gubbi Gubbi People and Jinibara People

Mapleton House.

RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE – MULTIPLE HOUSING

Blok Three Sisters | Blok Modular in collaboration with Vokes & Peters | QLD |Quandamooka People of the Yuggera Nation

Four Dwellings on 800m2 | Clare Design | QLD | Kombumerri

Blok Three Sisters.

Four Dwellings on 800m2.

URBAN DESIGN

Kangaroo Point Bridge | Architecture and Design: Blight Rayner Architecture with Dissing + Weitling Concept and Reference Design: Brisbane City Council with Arup and COX Architecture | QLD | the Turrbal and Yuggera Peoples

Kangaroo Point Bridge.

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