Architecture & Design

23/10/2026

Planning policies across Australia increasingly require residential developments to feature varied streetscapes. While mixed-material facades add visual interest, combining different cladding systems introduces technical challenges that go well beyond aesthetics.

Every material transition must comply with NCC standards while accounting for differing structural movement, moisture control, and fixing methods.

The whitepaper from CSR provides practical guidance for architects and specifiers working through these interfaces.

What the paper covers:
🔺Managing performance risks where dissimilar materials meet
🔺 Coordinating supply and trade handovers across a single facade
🔺Standardised, buildable junction details via the CSR Exterior Junction Guide for CSR Cemintel, CSR Hebel, and PGH Bricks

🔗 Click here to download the whitepaper: https://ow.ly/N5ys50ZRfro

22/10/2026

Sustainable living, thoughtfully crafted by Western Architecture Studio. Celilo Springs is a residential project in Mount Lawley that redefines sustainable living in a Perth context, responding to climate, place, and how people actually want to live.

Thoughtfully crafted by Western Architecture Studio, Celilo Springs redefines sustainable living in the heart of Western Australia.

22/10/2026

Journey Beyond is investing $5 million to refurbish Sal Salis at Ningaloo Reef, with Woods Bagot leading the redesign ahead of the eco-luxury retreat's scheduled reopening in March 2027.

Located within Cape Range National Park, the upgrade features 16 upgraded wilderness tents alongside a reimagined central sundeck, lounge, and dining area. Woods Bagot’s interior design draws direct inspiration from the surrounding coastal environment, utilising a weathered palette of teak, reclaimed jarrah, woven rope, and natural fibres designed to patina gracefully in the salt air.

Read: https://ow.ly/tZGb50ZWIi0

22/10/2026

Bates Smart has promoted four senior designers to Studio Director, strengthening its leadership across architecture and interior design across its Sydney and Melbourne studios.

The promotions consolidate the practice's leadership depth and cross-sector capabilities as Bates Smart enters its next phase of growth and citymaking work.

Read: https://ow.ly/FZzZ50ZZVQS

21/10/2026

Plus Studio has unveiled designs for its latest development, a proposed 30-storey mixed-use tower on Doggett Street in Newstead developed in partnership with Pikos Group.

Conceived as a vertical micro-community, the project comprises 161 two- and three-bedroom apartments situated above two dedicated recreation levels featuring a gym, a pool, three plunge pools, multipurpose rooms, and rooftop gardens. Drawing inspiration from morning light and classical architectural principles, the sculptural facade combines layered materials, deep articulation, and integrated planting to contrast with Newstead's industrial streetscape while activating the ground plane with retail.

Read more: https://ow.ly/j8SS50ZWIgJ

21/10/2026

Brisbane City Council has approved HLA Group’s Glasswing, a 19-storey mixed-use tower in Taringa designed by Ellivo Architects.

Located at 10 Morrow Street adjacent to Taringa Station, the scheme departs from traditional tower massing by splitting its floorplate into four distinct, articulated quadrants inspired by the wing geometry of a Glasswing butterfly. The approved development will deliver 116 build-to-sell market apartments alongside 116 short-term accommodation units. Incorporating passive ventilation, solar shading, and integrated greenery, the climate-responsive design provides layered communal amenities across both its podium and rooftop levels.

Read more: https://ow.ly/Joj850ZW95r

21/10/2026

A retired W-class tram has been transformed into a fully functioning, state-of-the-art barista training café

Gray Puksand transformed this decommissioned W-class tram into a training venue at the William Angliss Institute Melbourne Campus, where students gain hands-on operational, customer service, and barista experience, while contributing to Melbourne's vibrant coffee scene.

A retired W-class tram has been transformed into a fully functioning, state-of-the-art barista training café at the William Angliss Institute Melbourne Campus.Designed by Gray Puksand, the unexpected venue marks a continuation of the two-decade-long partnership between the practice and the institut...

20/10/2026

GHD Design has appointed Jane Cassidy as National Practice Leader, guiding the firm's architecture, interior design, landscape architecture, and urban design practices across Australia.

A recognised architect, Director, and GHD Distinguished Technical Leader with over 30 years of built-environment experience, Cassidy is also a Past President of the Australian Institute of Architects. In her new role, she will steer the firm's national practice with a focus on integrated design solutions, sustainable design, and the transition to lower-carbon built environments.

"The transition to a low-carbon and circular urban future is an opportunity to rethink how we create value," says Jane Cassidy, National Practice Leader at GHD Design. "By designing for the long term and working across disciplines, we can create places that strengthen communities, restore natural systems, and leave a positive legacy for future generations."

Read more: https://ow.ly/2mbf50ZYOcH

20/10/2026

Global engineering firm Arcadis is selling the majority of its Architecture and Urbanism division — home to CRTKL and IBI Group — and cutting 1,000 full-time roles as part of a strategic portfolio restructure.

The decision follows WSP abandoning its £3.8 billion takeover bid for the Dutch consultancy. Currently ranking as the world’s third-largest employer of architects, Arcadis is divesting its architecture business alongside its China real estate and development operations, which together represent 26% of net revenues. Moving forward, the firm plans to focus its investment on core growth areas, including transportation, energy and water, and technology facilities such as data centres.

Read more: https://ow.ly/3PqE50ZW94n

20/10/2026

How is artificial intelligence reshaping engineering judgement, creativity, and the fundamental role of the engineer?

In this episode of Talking Architecture & Design, we sit down with Liam O’Donohue, Managing Principal for Australia and New Zealand at Arup, to discuss the evolving role of engineering in an increasingly complex and uncertain future.

Liam breaks down why engineers must look beyond individual assets to consider broader city systems, climate resilience, and emerging technologies. He explores how AI is transforming workflow productivity while highlighting the ongoing necessity of human intuition, ethics, and long-term strategic vision in infrastructure design.

Listen now: https://ow.ly/CjMx50ZZ7UR