Shortlisted for both the COLORBOND Award for Steel Architecture and the Sustainable Architecture Award, The Ellenbrook line is positioned to compete with the top projects from around the country at this year’s National Architecture Awards.  

Comprised of 62 individual building projects from every state and territory (plus two internationally), the National Architecture Awards shortlist represents the cutting edge in architectural innovation from Australia’s sharpest design minds. 

At the WA AIA Awards, The Ellenbrook Line was awarded the prestigious George Temple Poole Award, as well as the Public Architecture Award, the Wallace Greenham Award for Sustainable Architecture, and the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture.  

With a 120-year design life, the stations provide durable and resilient infrastructure that will support the communities in this region for generations. The urban design of the precincts, particularly Ballajura and Whiteman Park, support masterplans that will enable growth and ongoing densification within the northeast corridor of Perth.   

Comprising 21 kilometres of new railway track and five new stations and precincts at Morley, Noranda, Ballajura, Whiteman Park and Ellenbrook in Perth’s north-east, the project was described by the jury as being “an exemplar of public transport and community facilities.” 

Woods Bagot Principal Kukame McPierzie says, “We are so proud of this transformational project and the positive impact that the architecture and design will have on the communities of Ellenbrook, Whiteman Park, Ballajura, Noranda and Morley.” 

“These sorts of projects are transformational – influencing people’s experience of their city and impacting many over their lifetimes,” says McPierzie.

The jury commented that the project sets “an impressive new sustainability benchmark for government infrastructure in Australia.”  

The Sydney Metro City Stations have also been shortlisted for the National Urban Design category, with Woods Bagot leading the design for two of the six stations (Crows Nest and Central). Associate Emily Duncan will also go into the running for the National Emerging Architect Prize, after receiving the award for Western Australia. Across the country, Woods Bagot’s projects were celebrated through the state-based awards: StandardX winning the Commercial category and BHP Perth and 25 Martin Place receiving commendations in the Interior Fitout and Commercial categories, respectively. 

Australian Institute of Architects 2025 National Architecture Awards Jury Chair, Jane Cassidy, says, “The Australian Institute of Architects National Awards program has stood as a benchmark for architectural excellence, recognising projects that endure, these are the precedents that inform the future of our cities and communities. The awards celebrate design that is impactful, innovative, inclusive, and deeply embedded in the narratives of Country, community and climate.” 

The Australian Institute of Architects (AIA) will hold its 2025 National Architecture Awards in Canberra on Thursday, November 6, at the National Gallery of Australia. The jury, which includes Jane Cassidy FRAIA (Chair), Ninotschka Titchkosky FRAIA, Philip Oldfield Hon. FRAIA, Martyn Hook RAIA, and Yang Yang Lee RAIA, will announce the winners. The jury’s tour to assess entries will take place in mid-July and early August.   

View the full list of shortlisted projects on the AIA’s website here.  

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Adrien Moffatt
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