The project by Regional Architects Pty Ltd won both the Public and Commercial Architecture and Termimesh awards.

The panel of expert industry judges said ‘the Dorrigo Medical Centre project successfully executes a holistic approach to the delivery of the design and construction of a building which reflects the philosophy of this community based medical centre.

“It adopted elements which contribute to the health and wellbeing of all its users, patients and practitioners alike,” a spokesperson for the panel said.

“The selection of timber for many elements including structural, interior lining and framing of external secondary structures is highly appropriate to their application and is integral to the success of the project.

“This innovative and well thought out building would be key to attracting medical practitioners to work in this regional area, by providing positive workplace environments which helps to offset the services imbalance between metropolitan and regional areas.”

The jury citation for the Termimesh award also commends the project for the “great care…taken to select local species and to source most of the timber from local sustainable mills”.

NSW Chapter President Shaun Carter congratulated the award winners, noting that people’s understanding and appreciation of the benefits great design can bring to country areas is increasing.

“Living outside a metropolitan centre doesn’t mean settling for second-class design,” Mr Carter said.

“With technological innovation and infrastructure improvements, communities in country areas have greater access to the good architects and good architecture than ever before.

“As these winning projects demonstrate, architects working in regional areas can craft a design that responds sensitively to the site and deliver a high degree of local environmental amenity.

“The result is buildings with aesthetic integrity and authenticity that embrace sustainability, functionality and beauty to deliver real benefits.”