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Missing Middle Design Competition

Testing the suitability and effectiveness of government planning policy and guidance

Missing Middle Awards Night. Credit: NSW Department of Planning and Environment / Salty Dingo
 

The Missing Middle Design Competition, run in 2017, asked the design industry to test the government’s draft design code and guide for complying development for medium density housing. With an overwhelming response of 111 innovative and creative entries, the competition demonstrated how the application of the draft design guide by skilled designers can support good design across a range of housing types. The code and guidelines were subsequently adopted.

A jury of 6 industry experts reviewed and judged the entrants, and a winner, runner-up and commendation for each category was presented at the awards.

The jury were:

  • Peter Poulet, NSW Government Architect and Jury Chair
  • Rachel Neeson, Director, Neeson Murcutt Architects
  • Timothy Hill, Director, Partners Hill
  • Jan McCredie, Urban Design Manager, Parramatta City Council
  • Les Dickson, Building Designer.

These awards showcased how better-quality design can ensure new low-rise, medium-density housing is environmentally sustainable and contributes to the existing character of an area.

Winner
Platform Architects

Runner-up
Olivia Van Dijk Architecture

Commendation
pH+

Winner
Madigan Architecture / University of South Australia

Runner-up
Kieran Ward

Commendation
Henry Foley and Isobel Lord

Winner
Youssofzay + Hart

Runner-up
Trias

Commendation
Eeles Trelease Architects