A retail interior that works to a sensory experience has earned the top prize at the recent 2015 Australian Interior Design Awards.

The winners were announced last week, with Dust by design practice SIBLING receiving this year’s Premier Award for Australian Interior Design. Dust is an innovative exploration of a gallery inspired retail space.

Integrating a digital experience, the project challenges traditional retail design, building upon a white canvas with mirrored furniture and floor to ceiling lattice structures.

“Dust is a complex and experimental retail project that sets a precedent for concept development and is evidence of concept integrity from online experience to physical experience,” the judges said. “The designers have created a space that celebrates the experimental journey, taking the user beyond a typical retail encounter into an immersive, sensory engagement.”

It was a good awards night for the design firm, which also took home the Emerging Interior Design Practice Award and the Retail Design Award.

Two projects were noted for sustainable features with Bates Smart’s TransGrid Sydney Office and Carr Design Group for Australia Post – StarTrack House receiving the Award for Sustainability Advancement.

TransGrid Sydney Office by Bates Smart

TransGrid Sydney office by Bates Smart

The fluid workspace of TransGrid office features an extensive green focus, reclaimed materials and greenery which sparked the interest of the judges.

“The TransGrid Sydney Office has achieved a 6-Star Green Star ‘As Built’ rating by the Green Building Council of Australia through acute attention to diverse areas of environmental performance,” the judges said. “Natural ventilation, reclaimed materials and furniture standardization express intent and measurability outcomes that contribute to achieving high levels of workplace design sustainability.”

Bates Smart noted that the office features a naturally ventilated winter garden located at the northern end of the building. Its double height capitalises on premium views and sunlight.

Australia Post, StarTrack-House, meanwhile, cleverly utilised glazing and solar power according to the judges.

“The reduction of carbon emissions also highlights a comprehensive design approach that integrates environmental performance,” they said. “The impact of these sustainable considerations has extended beyond the fitout to influence other advances within the entire project.

Australia Post - StarTrack House

Australia Post – StarTrack House

A new category was also introduced this year with the jury awarding the 2015 Interior Design Impact award to Mabel Fidler Building at Ravenswood School for Girls.

Mabel Fidler Building at Ravenswood School for Girls

Mabel Fidler Building at Ravenswood School for Girls

“With its robust palette of materials and crafted details, the building forms a distinctive new entrance to the school, making the learning process immediately evident,” the judges said. “The building links to other buildings with interstitial outdoor rooms and terraces, creating flexible and innovative teaching and learning spaces and providing a social hub for the school and wider community.”

In the residential categories, a common theme was visible – balanced interiors.

Both the Kerferd and Jersey Road projects featured a neutral colour palette and considered design for their locations, history and utilising texture to tell the design story.

Whiting Architects for Kerferd

Whiting Architects for Kerferd

The winners all demonstrated the industry’s strong focus on diligent, considered and functional design.

The industry awards program is in its 12th year and is supported by the Design Institute of Australia. Any Australian based design professional may enter with projects across the globe.

The full list of winners are below:

2015 Premier Award for Australian Interior Design

  • SIBLING for Dust

Award for Sustainability Advancement

  • Bates Smart for TransGrid Sydney Office
  • Carr Design Group for Australia Post – StarTrack House Sydney

2015 Award for Interior Design Impact

  • BVN for Ravenswood School for Girls, Mabel Fidler Building

2015 Emerging Interior Design Practice

  • SIBLING for Dust

2015 Retail Design

  • SIBLING for Dust

2015 Workplace Design

  • SJB Interiors for Kennards Self Storage

2015 Hospitality Design

  • George Livissianis for Cho Cho San

2015 Public Design

  • John Wardle Architects and NADAAA in collaboration for The University of Melbourne – Melbourne School of Design

 2015 Residential Design

  • Smart Design Studio for Jersey Rd

2015 Residential Decoration

  • Whiting Architects for Kerferd

2015 Installation Design

  • Museum Victoria Design Studio for Empty Coolamons: In Memoriam to the Stolen Generations

2015 Best of State Commercial Design

  • Craig Tan Architects for Roji Salon
  • George Livissianis for Cho Cho San
  • BVN for BVN Brisbane Studio
  • studio-gram x mash for Parwana Kutchi Deli

2015 Best of State Residential Design

  • Smart Design Studio for Jersey Rd
  • Surroundings Architects for Dock Street Warehouse
  • Williams Burton Architecture + Interior Design for Medindie Residence
  • Whiting Architects for Kerferd

2015 Best International Design

  • Hecker Guthrie for Gia

For full project images and commendations, click here.