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National Conference – How Soon Is Now Pt. 2

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The Emerging Architect Prize recognises an individual emerging architect or emerging architectural collaboration’s contribution to architectural practice, education, design excellence and community involvement, which advances the profession’s role within the public arena. Entrants need to be nominated by a member of the Australian Institute of Architects.

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A 7:30 kick off to the AWS EmAGN Breakfast was always going to be challenging on day two of the 2016 Architectural Conference and How Soon is Now proved to be predictive as I opened my eyes and rolled out of bed looking for the clock to determine when I was due to be there.

The previous evening I had visualised the three wise men giggling as they messed around with the studio photocopier late one night in the search for creativity. After all there was only so many times one could photocopy ones cheeks! Fortuitously one of the wise men had bumped the bookcase and a copy of Venturi’s Learning from Las Vegas had dropped on to the head of the wise man with the least cranial protection. Inspiration at last! The resulting tug of war over the book as it straddled the photocopier led to some distorted images of the page it had fallen open to and the wise men barely recognised Vanna Venturi House (though these images were as good as anything else they had come up with in the session).

Having satisfied myself that Architects were indeed visual thinkers I was left to rue the missed opportunity to refresh my glass before Award presentations began, a feeling that had been assuaged while Ian McDougall of 2016 Gold Medallists ARM Architecture held the floor.

The directors of ARM Architecture (which I have discovered is “known for its wit, experimentation and fearlessness with architectural language and form”), showed us that the possession of a good dose of Australian irreverence seems to be beneficial in determining Gold Medal winners, going by recent past winners.

The awards had continued to roll out between some tears and some typically self-deprecating humour  from Peter Maddison – Presidents Award, Amy Muir – Emerging Architect Award, Peter Nguyen – Student Prize, Jeremy McLeod – Sustainability Award, Brian Barr – International Award, Michael Ostwald – Neville Quarry Architectural Education Prize, and Mat van Kooy / Qianyi Lim / Chris Gilbert / Katy Moir / Hannah Slater –  the Dulux Study Award recipients.

But the next morning I once again reveled in the joy of Adelaide’s 20-minute city (beating Tim Williams 30-minute city hands down!) as I pulled up in the loading zone outside PUBLIC CBD to celebrate the EmAGN 10 year anniversary with the 2016 Emerging Architect Prize winner Amy Muir from Victoria, safe in the knowledge that unlike our Big Brother Eastern State capitals, the car would still be there when I returned with, at worst, a fine that was not going to require the sale of a kidney in order to pay off.

Having successfully negotiated the distribution rights for a restorative latte with support from a smashed avocado with toast (“could I get some fresh chilli with that please?”), it didn’t take more than a minute or two to discover I was surrounded by an extraordinary group of emerging architects. In fact, I could not help but be impressed with 2015 WA Chapter winner – Kylee Schoonens (of the Fratelle Group). I found myself wishing I had more time to connect with each of those surrounding the table, just to see what made them tick.

“How Soon is Now” proved to be too soon and day two beckoned. After all, it is the nature of conferences that such paths are crossed briefly and that it is impossible to predict where the grit that forms the pearl will originate from.

Still ahead lay Astrid Klein, Urtzi Grau & Cristina Goberna Pesudo, Kevin Low, Ken Maher, Sadie Morgan, Abbie Galvin, Tim Williams, Andrew Beer, Matt Davis, Vicente Guallart, Greg Mackie, Thomas Fisher, Sandra Kaji-O’Grady, Timothy Hill, Kerstin Thompson, Charles Rice & Nasrine Seraji.

 

– Edward Lukac (National Conference Event Correspondent for AWS)

Edward is the State Manager of Archicentre SA since 2009, AIS SA Chapter councillor since 2013 and AIA residential task force member. He regularly presents architecturally related public workshops and seminars to both adults and children aiming to engage the public with architecture. Edward has been Principal of ELA since 1992 – providing cost effective architectural residential solutions because good design changes lives.

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AWS Sponsors Building Tours at Glenn Murcutt Foundation Australia Symposium

Architectural Window Systems (AWS) is proud to sponsor the Murcutt Building Tours, a centrepiece of the inaugural Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation Symposium, to be held in Sydney from 11 – 13 September 2025.

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The Symposium, presented by the Murcutt Foundation, celebrates more than five decades of architectural practice by Glenn Murcutt AO, Australia’s most celebrated living architect. The program offers three days of tours, talks and events for architects, students and design professionals, culminating in a rare opportunity to engage directly with some of Murcutt’s most acclaimed works.

As part of its ongoing support for architectural excellence and sustainable, place-based design, AWS is sponsoring the Murcutt Building Tours on Thursday, 11 September, providing a rare, guided experience led by Murcutt himself through two iconic residential projects:

  • Nicholas House
  • Simpson Lee House

“I am so pleased that so many have taken the chance to see these two projects that were designed in such close collaboration with the clients at the time, and which have been so well loved and cared for over the many decades since. It is such a joy to share this work,” Glenn Murcutt AO.

“Glenn Murcutt’s works embody a profound sensitivity to landscape, climate and material — and they are best understood by being experienced firsthand,” said Angela Bevitt-Parr, National Marketing Manager at AWS. “AWS is proud to support this extraordinary opportunity for architects to deepen their understanding of Murcutt’s work and philosophy through direct engagement with these exceptional places.”

Beyond the tours, the Symposium will feature keynote addresses from Glenn Murcutt AO and Francis Kéré (fellow Pritzker Prize Laureate), the inaugural awarding of the Murcutt Pin, and a full day of talks exploring the themes that have informed Murcutt’s unique model of practice.

“Francis Kéré is one of the great humans, and a gifted architect who really shows architecture can make a difference in people’s lives. I have a huge amount of respect and time and a wonderful friendship with this man because of his integrity. I am so pleased that Sydney will get to meet him this year,” Glenn Murcutt AO.

For full event details and to register, visit: https://events.humanitix.com/murcutt-symposium

About the Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation: The Glenn Murcutt Architecture Foundation promotes the work and legacy of Glenn Murcutt AO through education, advocacy and public programs that advance environmentally responsible architecture and foster dialogue around design excellence and connection to place. For more information visit https://www.murcuttfoundation.org/

Image credit:

Simpson Lee house: Anthony Browell.

 

Designing Value – AWS celebrates 30 years

In late 1994, two dedicated fenestration professionals, Gavan Pead and David McCleary, took a pivotal tour of Architectural Profiles Ltd (APL) in Cambridge, New Zealand. Inspired by APL’s customer-focused business model, they envisioned bringing a similar approach to challenge the Australian market’s basic, outdated aluminium windows and doors that dominated at that time.

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This vision led to the founding of Architectural Window Systems (AWS) in January 1995, with Pead as the first General Manager and McCleary as Head of Design. AWS launched with the release of the 502 sliding window and 541 sliding door – affordable, single-glazed products that immediately stirred the market. “In those days, profiles were hand-drawn, and every detail required precise verification,” McCleary recalls. Their commitment to quality was matched by strong supplier support, relationships that remain solid today.

To bring this customer-centric model to life, AWS built a robust network of independent fabricators across Australia, now exceeding 200, with unparalleled reach and service capabilities. Steve Butcher of Great Lakes Glass, an early adopter, recalls that “their passion was infectious, and if they were starting something new, I wanted to be part of it.”

AWS quickly became a trusted name in high-performance aluminium windows, with products designed to meet the needs of architects, designers, builders, and homeowners. With the launch of ThermalHEART™ in 2007, followed by ThermalHEART™ commercial in 2012, AWS introduced its first thermally broken products, raising the bar for energy efficiency. In 2003, David’s son, Mark McCleary, joined AWS, continuing the family’s involvement in the company. In 2021, Mark took over the leadership of research and design, guiding the development of innovative window and door solutions. That same year, AWS introduced ComfortEDGE™, a significant step forward in thermal efficiency. With additional ComfortEDGE™ products set for release in 2025, AWS continues to strengthen its commitment to energy-efficient solutions for the Australian market.

Reflecting on the success of the last 30 years, AWS General Manager Greg Taylor notes that “it’s our model that differentiates us. A supplier that is not only an extrusion supplier, but a reliable, supportive, engaged business partner that understands the need for continuous improvement”.

In 2025, AWS will continue to focus on improvement, introducing a class-leading digital environment for specifiers, fabricators, and staff, along with an automated workflow connectivity solution exclusively for AWS fabricators.

For more information, contact marketing@awsaustralia.com.au

Windows is toolkit

The importance of windows in the sustainable design toolkit

From roof colour to insulation, from appliances to landscaping, all the material selections made in a project form a part of the build’s overall sustainability.

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Architects and Building Designers are tasked with the most important objectives; managing client expectations, design intent, – and of course budget all within site parameters and building compliance.

When it comes to achieving or exceeding a 7-star energy rating as part of the National Construction Code, few of these choices offer as much scope for variation and flexibility as the selection and application of window and door systems as a major component of the thermal envelope of the building.

Well specified windows and doors can be the difference between a thermally efficient design which comes in on budget versus an over engineered, high performing build that can confuse the most experienced specifier and possibly exceed budget – perhaps unnecessarily.

Thermally broken windows have long held the title of one of the most energy efficient solutions by offering the broadest application for use. By insulating the pathway for thermal transmission through the window frame, it’s a clever way to make the most from the durability of aluminium while reducing its conductivity – but extra components inevitably mean more assembly and a comparatively higher price tag.

So, is there a cost-efficient way to maximise energy gains, while maintaining strength and design flexibility without turning to thermally broken windows?

That’s a question both asked and answered by leading supplier of aluminium windows and doors, AWS (Architectural Window Systems). This fundamental question was asked over 10 years ago and it led to the development of a more cost effective, energy efficient solution which also offers a contemporary design aesthetic in the current market.

Cue ComfortEDGE™

ComfortEDGE is an elegant, double-glazed solution for residential applications that rivals the energy efficiency of thermally broken products. Its embedded frames provide a sleek design comprising fewer components than thermally broken counterparts, making it a cost-effective, wholly Australian made option for Australian projects. ComfortEDGE recognises that clever design doesn’t have to be complicated, and skilfully minimises the amount of exposed frame by embedding into the timber reveal, insulating against the environment to improve energy efficiency and thermal comfort.

ComfortEDGE truly is the perfect meeting point of form and functionality. It’s stylish and high performing, with U Values as low as 1.9 – placing you in the best position to meet 7-star energy provisions while keeping your budgeton track.

Back to weighing up your options… How will you know if ComfortEDGE is right for your project?

AWS recommends consulting your specification expert early in the design process, taking a holistic approach to build sustainably and to meet energy compliance on budget. For designers looking to harness the vast possibilities afforded by Australian designed and manufactured architectural windows, give your AWS specifier team member a call and reap the rewards. (AWS 1300 026 189)

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