Berry Centre wins International Architecture Award

The Berry Sport and Recreation Centre's Sports Hall has won the top prize in the Sport category at this year's World Architecture Festival (WAF) Awards in Barcelona.

The $1.3 million lantern-like building was up against major projects including the Wimbledon Centre Court redevelopment and a new training facility for the New York Jets gridiron football team in its award category.

Since 2007, this multi-purpose recreation hall has been a wonderful asset for local community organisations, sports groups and school children in the southern NSW town. Designed by Chippendale architects Allen Jack+Cottier, the building is clad in durable concrete and features a creative pattern of skylight holes in the walls that admit sunlight during the day and transform the hall into a galaxy of glowing light by night. The hall enhances the Centreâs ability to offer special experiences to clients, year-round, in the evening and in wet weather through activities like the popular indoor climbing wall and ropes course which offer challenging activities in a safe environment.

Allen Jack+Cottier architect Michael Heenan was at the awards ceremony in Barcelona after which he explained "it's just really exciting ... they said we were the clear winner and no commendations were given."

The WAF award is not the first honour for the hall which was recognised by the Australian Institute of Architects in 2008, winning both a Public Architecture Award (NSW) and the Blacket Prize for Regional Architecture.

The WAF Awards are the biggest international architectural awards program.

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16th September 2008 - ATEC ACTS ON WELLNESS TOURISM