By STEFANIA CEFOLA
A YOUNG budding Tasmanian, from Richmond, has taken out one of the nation’s most prestigious design awards.
Marko Frangiouthakis, 21, of Richmond, was named the first Tasmanian to win the Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA) student design competition for his proposed studio apartment design.
Marko, 21, of Richmond, is keen to continue building his design repertoire as he works for Ian Picone Designs.
Following his success in the 2010 state design awards, where he was placed first in the student category, Marko was thrilled to discover that the Building Designers Association of Tasmania (BDAT) chose to submit his impressive design in this year’s national awards.
To his amazement, his entry was announced the winning design at the annual National Design Awards ceremony held in South Australia’s Barossa Valley, in what was a landmark Tasmanian award haul.
The design, a self-contained pavilion-style boutique accommodation, named The Den, was based at a small acreage within the heart of the Coal Valley wine region, located near Richmond.
Remedying the ailments of fast-paced modern living, the proposed building was conceptualised in its surrounding canopy of bush, trees and ferns, with panoramic vices overlooking the water.
Marko said his creative design, which was produced using 3D architectural design software, was inspired by the Australian native bush landscape and sloping topography of the land.
“The core aspects of the project were designed to basically offer a simple and relaxed ‘home away from home’ for the clients – who were actually my parents,” he said.
“What I love most about the space is that it makes you feel alive. The large windows are modern, but at the same time, functional – they connect you straight to the outdoors.”
The Den features an open plan layout, mezzanine flooring, a contemporary raked ceiling, a traditional Greek courtyard sheltered by vines, and an outdoor deck for entertaining.
An internal ‘floating’ staircase and spacious glass windows were designed to invite natural sunlight to bathe the interior of the apartment, while at the same time, softening the structure’s sharp lines and modern visual appeals.
The Den’s innovative design is a direct nod to Marko’s family roots. With his parents, Emmanuel and Elene Frangiouthakis, sharing a rich Greek cultural heritage, Marko understood it was essential to incorporate this into the overall design aesthetic.
“My creative vision was of a structure that had a strong modern Australia influence, while also reflecting elements of authentic Greek architecture.
“Last year, when I travelled to the Greek Islands, I documented my inspiration by taking lots of photos and jotting down notes as I took in the unique structural designs.
“This inspired my eventual design, which was based on the Greek village of Santorini.
“The town is famous for its Mediterranean-style buildings and the way the blue of the water and sky contrasts with the white stone walls and raw materials,” he said.
Over the past two years Marko has completed studies at Tasmanian Polytechnic while balancing a job working as builder’s laborer under the management of architectural designer, and current employer, Ian Picone.
Marko said Tasmania should be given the recognition it deserves in the architectural design stakes.
“Having the opportunity to represent Tasmania has been such a fantastic experience,” he said.
“It proves that our local talent can match it with the best in Australia.
“We’ve got such huge potential – interesting land, beautiful views and a mountainous landscape, which makes us innovative in so many ways.”
The Building Designers Association of Tasmania (BDAT) is a member of The Building Designers Association of Australia (BDAA), a company that represents incorporated building associations throughout Australia.
For more information on BDAT visit www.bdat.com.au
