The University’s newest campus building in Hobart's CBD has been acknowledged for outstanding educational and sustainable design at the Tasmanian Architecture Awards.
The Forest was recognised with the Sydney Blythe Award for Educational Architecture and the Barry McNeill Award for Sustainable Architecture as it hosted the Tasmanian & International Chapter Architecture Awards presentation dinner on 30 May.
“Ambitious, thoughtful and beloved by students, The Forest is a creative reimagining of what a university campus can be,” the jury said.
The Forest opened in February after being transformed into a contemporary place of learning. It features flexible teaching spaces, collaborative zones for students and community, and a vibrant academic heart.
“When visiting, it is easy to see that The Forest is already well-used and well-loved,” the jury said.
“Acoustic comfort and amenity were clearly successful as we observed hundreds of students working, collaborating, socialising and enjoying a space that felt theirs.”
Designed by Woods Bagot, the adaptive reuse project has carefully preserved and repurposed original features of the site including the Morris-Nunn and Associates’ heritage-listed glass dome and red brick warehouses.
Sustainability was embedded during every stage of the redevelopment, with a 40 per cent reduction in upfront carbon achieved through circular economy principles, material selection such as Mass Timber and innovation through the integration of Hempcrete.
“The Forest is an inspiring demonstration of how architecture can respond to the urgency of climate action, balancing performance, adaptability and felt experience. It sets a confident benchmark for a new generation of low-carbon, resource-conscious buildings,” the jury said.
The University’s Inveresk Library in Launceston, designed by Wardle, was recognised with the Henry Hunter Triennial Prize, awarded to a project that ‘achieves a remarkable balance between community, culture, and sustainability.’
The building honours the site’s industrial heritage, embeds Indigenous stories and connections to Country and offers a welcoming and inclusive space for study and community engagement.
“Through thoughtful scale, intuitive accessibility, and a flexible spatial framework, the building supports a wide spectrum of users — from individuals seeking quiet study to small groups and larger community gatherings — reinforcing its role as an inclusive social and academic hub,” the jury said.
University Vice-Chancellor Professor Rufus Black also received a special recognition, awarded the 2026 Tasmanian Chapter’s President’s Prize for making a significant contribution to the architecture profession.
“Professor Black has demonstrated a strong commitment to the role of universities as civic institutions, with a clear focus on impact, place and community,” the jury said.
“Central to this has been his recognition of the value of architecture and the built environment in shaping Tasmania’s future; championing architectural education, fostering design discourse, and supporting the discipline’s contribution to the state’s cultural, social and economic life.”
Over the years, Professor Black has been closely involved in the design and delivery of the University’s new campus builds and sensitive heritage restorations state-wide.
He has championed low-carbon design and practical sustainability measures, carefully considering supply chains and materiality choices that have led to more than 40% reductions in upfront carbon in some buildings.
In addition to significant reductions in emissions, this work has ensured buildings can be adapted or reused at the end of their life.
Professor Black’s commitment has also enabled the University to secure $350 million in Green Bond funding – an investment from partners specifically directed toward projects that deliver measurable environmental outcomes, including low-carbon campus developments
“Across these developments, there has been a consistent emphasis on sustainability, carbon reduction and circularity, alongside a careful consideration of each building’s relationship to its site and to its occupants,” the jury said.
“These projects are more than academic facilities; they are city making institutions that contribute to the life, identity and vitality of their communities.”
The University’s contribution to the sector and Awards was further reflected through Professor Julian Worrall, Head of the University’s School of Architecture and Design, who served on the 2026 jury panel, and recused himself from deliberations involving projects from UTAS and others where he had been professionally involved.
The full list of the Tasmanian Architecture Awards winners can be found on the Australian Institute of Architects Tasmanian Chapter website. Read the media release.
Images from the Tasmanian Architecture Awards night taken by photographer, Nina Hamilton:
On Friday, 12 June, The Forest was also revealed as a winner in the 2026 Australian Interior Design Awards.
It was recognised with the Premier Award for Australian Interior Design, and named a joint recipient of the Public Design Award category.
"This university project is a celebration of beauty enhanced by the fact that it is underpinned by noble, complex and innovative systems of sustainability, protection, heritage and education. The Forest is exemplary interior design that is world-class, using sustainability principles that are unparalleled,” said the Australian Interior Design Awards jury citation.