Architecture award for school building

MACARTHUR Street Primary School’s updated amenities pavilion has won the Small Project Architecture Award at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards.

The toilet block designed by Searl X Waldron Architecture was selected by a panel of independent judges as part of the awards process which aims to celebrate innovative, sustainable, and collaborative architectural excellence.

“Very rewarding to see this little bathroom refresh recognised for its opportunistic approach to doing more,” a statement from Searl X Waldron said.

The pavilion was also shortlisted in the Victorian Architecture Awards’ Regional Architecture category.

It was a Victorian finalist in the recent 38th annual Dulux Colour Awards in the commercial and multi-residential exterior category.

Bright mint green, red, blush pink and yellow stripes are a feature of the exterior, as is a mural by local illustrator Travis Price which depicts a girl’s face and the word, MACARTHUR in big black letters.

Drawn over the top of the lettering are things symbolic of Ballarat and school, like a swan on water, and a pencil, ruler, and skipping rope.

Fifteen named awards, 24 architecture awards, and 22 commendations were presented at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards.

“This year’s awards recipients have indelibly shaped our built environment, showcasing the world-class ingenuity and expertise that resides in our state,” said Australian Institute of Architects’ Victorian chapter president, David Wagner.

“The impressive range and diversity of winning projects are a testament to the strength of the architectural profession in Victoria, illustrating architecture’s broad reach in urban, suburban, and rural contexts.”