2025 Malcolm Middleton Award
Malcolm Middleton Award for Housing Innovation
Winner
Project: Blok Three Sisters
Location: Point Lookout, Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island)
Team: Blok Modular in collaboration with Vokes and Peters
The Blok Three Sisters project exemplifies the principles of QDesign through its innovative modular approach, seamlessly integrating sustainability, flexibility, and community connection.
Designed by Blok Modular in collaboration with Vokes & Peters, this multi-residential development on Minjerribah (North Stradbroke Island) honours place and memory, providing three sisters with a contemporary, yet deeply personal retreat. The design prioritises natural light, ventilation, and coastal resilience, ensuring longevity and environmental harmony.
Prefabricated in Brisbane and assembled on-site, the project showcases efficiency without compromising architectural integrity. Its thoughtful spatial arrangement fosters both privacy and shared experiences, reinforcing the essence of family and tradition.
A benchmark for modular housing, Blok Three Sisters sets a new standard for adaptable, high-quality urban design in Queensland.
Image credit: Christopher Frederick Jones.
Image credit: Christopher Frederick Jones.
Image credit: Christopher Frederick Jones.
Commendation
Project: Mundingburra Housing
Location: Mundingburra, Townsville
Team: Counterpoint Architecture, Ellis Developments, Department of Housing and Public Works-Qbuild and Department of Housing and Public Works-Social and Affordable Housing Growth
Mundingburra Housing is an exemplary model of medium-density public housing in North Queensland, delivering high-quality, climate-responsive homes informed by deep community insight.
Anchored by a central landscaped spine, the design fosters connection, inclusivity, and passive surveillance, enhancing both liveability and a strong sense of community.
The Jury commends its contextual sensitivity and enduring social impact, delivering housing that is dignified, sustainable, and proudly embraced by residents and community.
Image credit: Andrew Rankin.
Image credit: Andrew Rankin.
Image credit: Andrew Rankin.
Commendation
Project: Rivière
Location: Kangaroo Point, Brisbane
Team: Aria with Bates Smart
The Rivière project represents a point in the market well above entry level but nonetheless an important component for good city making.
This well expressed project does not shy away from a busy urban roadside setting but does this with elegance and a thoughtful delivery of both a good streetscape and a well-protected series of common spaces within the project ground plane and roofscape.
Some planning compromises are offset by the highly efficient plan delivering a value dividend for the space constructed and solar orientation benefits. It is important to support mid to high range project typologies to ensure overall standards are met.
Image credit: Cieran Murphy.
Image credit: Cieran Murphy.
Image credit: Cieran Murphy.
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