The winners of Viridian’s 2010 Vision Awards were announced on Friday 23 April in Sydney at the Australian Institute of Architects’ 2010 National Architecture Conference.

Now in their second year, the Vision Awards are designed to celebrate and promote the energy efficient and innovative use of glass in Australian architecture. Following the success of the 2009 awards, this year’s awards’ categories were extended to include creative use of glass in interior applications.

Wade Bosse, Viridian Commercial Channel Manager, presented the awards and said the interest from the industry has been overwhelming. “With the Vision Awards only in their second year, the response we have had is just fantastic. Submission numbers well exceeded those of last year and the calibre of entries meant the judges had their work cut out for them in selecting only one winner in each category. There was no award given in the category for Energy Efficiency & Glass Innovation, Residential Design 2010.

“Glass has long been used for visual effect in residential and commercial projects, but now with the growing range of high performance glass products available it has also evolved to become a critical component in helping buildings meet increased energy regulations. This year’s entrants are to be commended for their innovative use of glass in meeting this challenge,” said Wade.

The winners of 2010 Vision Awards are:

• Energy Efficiency & Glass Innovation, Commercial Design – Watermark Architecture & Interiors, for Blackmores Campus project, Warriewood
• Creative Use of Glass in Interior Application, Residential Design – Sam Crawford Architects, for Newtown Terrace, Newtown
• Creative Use of Glass in Interior Application, Commercial Design – Ryan Russell, for Aesop Chatswood, Chatswood

The winners of all three categories received $5,000 prize money for their award-winning designs. Viridian congratulates all three winners and all of the finalists of the 2010 Vision Awards.

“As a multi-program Sponsor of the Australian Institute of Architects, Viridian is proud to be able to support the industry through the Vision Awards and to recognise Australia’s talented architects for their outstanding use of glass,” said Wade.

Viridian is passionate about helping the industry learn more about energy efficient glass systems and solutions. In 2010, in partnership with the Institute and as a member of the CPD Provider Network, Viridian will offer a series of exciting educational seminars across Australia as an exclusive benefit to Australian Institute of Architects’ members.