TAFE SA Building Design student George Brown has taken out a national award with his design of an eco-friendly community centre.

George, who is studying the Diploma of Building Design (CPP50911), is the winner of the Student Design category of the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) 2021 Design Awards, which were announced late last year.

His concept design for the Aldinga Arts Eco Village Community Centre features a range of innovative materials which combine to produce a warm, sustainable and resource-efficient building.

George created the concept design as part of his course work at TAFE SA before deciding to enter the project in the BDAA’s annual awards.

“I was really happy with the final design, and with the photo realistic renders you get a really good idea of what it would look like. I’m proud of the result,’ he says.

The design project is part of the subject - Develop concepts for small-scale building design projects and finalise solutions with clients – and includes a detailed brief from members of the eco village.

With an interest in sustainable design, George says he appreciated the chance to explore ideas and research eco-friendly materials.

“It was a good learning experience, and our lecturer was really supportive and encouraged us to think outside the box and really focus on the design aspect,” George says.

“It was great to not be limited by a real-life budget, but at the same time I tried to be mindful of costs.”

George’s concept design for the community centre incorporates strawbale walls, exposed timber roof structures, lime rendered walls, charred timber cladding and a green roof.

“I focused on getting air flow through the building and making the most of the north sun aspect,” he says.

The project is featured in the BDAA’s online magazine, Winning Design, alongside other 2021 Design Award recipients.

More information about studying Building Design can be found on the TAFE SA website.