Profile
Tzannes is an Australian studio and a leader in the design of the built environment. Our work spans across architecture, urban design, interiors and product design. Driven by curiosity and passion for design excellence, we are recognised for our creative work that is evidence-based and Country-focused. We establish long-lasting relationships with our clients and collaborators with whom we share a commitment to deliver sustainable and enduring design.
Approach
Design
We are committed to design excellence and a more sustainable built environment through the application of advanced science, technology and engineering. We are guided by the wisdom of Traditional Custodians, empowered by the ambitions of our clients and inspired by the places. We value the trust we have earned as architects, placemakers and product designers. Our designs have been proven to appreciate in value over time in this fast-changing world.
Imagination
The future is what we make it. At Tzannes, we work closely with our clients to realise their objectives, to enhance the human experience and to heal Country for the sustenance of all living beings. Integrating rigorous design thinking with an inquisitive mindset, we embrace the challenges of today to shape a better future.
Culture
Our integrity is unwavering. From our workplace culture to our relationships with Traditional Custodians, clients, collaborators and the wider community, our actions are founded on ethical principles. Authenticity and transparency lie at the core of our practice. These characteristics empower us to stay true to our word and the values that underpin our design thinking.
Collaboration
Drawing upon diverse perspectives and experiences and through design debates and discussions, unexpected lines of enquiry emerge, new ideas and solutions are unlocked and design propositions are strengthened. The creative relationships fostered in this environment free us from silo mentalities and empower the team to achieve the best outcomes for our clients, the broader community and the places we are entrusted with.
Services
Architecture
Urban Design
Interior Architecture and Design
Product and Furniture Design
Team
Leadership
Team
Awards
Over the past 40 years, our commitment to design excellence has been recognised with over 200 international, national and state awards. Notable accolades include the prestigious Robin Boyd and Wilkinson Awards for residential architecture. We have also been honoured for our work in commercial buildings, sustainable timber structures, interior architecture and, more recently, the Red Dot and Good Design awards for innovation in street furniture design and product design.
Awards Highlights
2009
Central Park
Central Park Masterplan is a successful urban renewal, awarded as a result of a competition designed in association with Cox Richardson. Central Park has become an important exemplar for urban design and master planning, winning the AIA Lloyd Rees Award for excellence in Urban Design in 2017, and in 2019 was honoured internationally at the Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat in the District/Masterplan Scale Category.
2017 / AIA (NSW) / The Lloyd Rees Award / Urban Design
2019 / Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat / Category Winner District/Masterplan Scale
2019 / The Urban Developer – Development of the Year Award – Urban Regeneration Winner
1983 – now
Residential Design
Cementing our reputation as leaders in this field, over the years Tzannes has been recognised with a number of named awards for excellence in residential design. The ‘named award’ is the first and highest award in each sector of the Australian Institute of Architecture national awards, and is given to the work judged to be the most significant for the advancement of architecture in that category. There is only one winner of the named award in each category in any year and, in a highly competitive field, Tzannes are proud to have been recognised by the industry nine times.
The Wilkinson Award (4), The Robin Boyd Award (2), The Blacket Award (1)
2019
Dangrove Art Storage Facility
Among Dangrove’s nine awards is Australia’s most prestigious honour in its category, the Australian Institute of Architects’ Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture, presented to Tzannes in 2019. The jury citation states: “Dangrove is a two-storey private facility designed specifically for the storage, evaluation and curation of one of Australia’s largest private art collections. In this masterful project, Tzannes engages complex technical pragmatics and the sublime in equal measure.”
2019 / The Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture | Dangrove | Tzannes | NSW
2016
Street Furniture
In 2016, street furniture by Tzannes for the City of Sydney was recognised nationally and internationally with, among others, two Red Dot and two Good Design Australia awards in the categories of product design, furniture and lighting and urban design. Tzannes are thrilled to have been honoured in this competitive field among such outstanding designers and products.
2016 / Red Dot Awards / Urban Design / Product Design
2016 / Good Design Award / Furniture and Lighting / Urban Design and Public Spaces
2021
Timber in Commercial Projects
With a combined total of 20 industry awards including the Milo Dunphy Award for Sustainable Architecture and the Australian Timber Design Awards Excellence in Timber Design, International House Sydney and Daramu House have ignited the world’s interest in the latest tall building timber design technology.
2018 / AIA (NSW) / Milo Dunphy Award for AIA Sustainable Architecture Commercial Architecture / International House Sydney
2021
Daramu House
Daramu House has received a 2021 International Architecture Award in the Commercial Architecture category, given by The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre for Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies. The International Architecture Awards are dedicated to the recognition of excellence in architecture and urbanism from a global point-of-view.
The World’s Foremost International Distinguished Building, Landscape Architecture, and Urbanism Awards Program
Year
Project
Award
Category
2024
2022
Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas
The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award
Commercial Architecture
Ecoustic Neilson Acoustic Tile
Good Design Australia / Good Design Award
Hardware and Building
Opera Residences
The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / Honorable Mention
Multi-Residential
2021
The Judith Neilson Institute for Journalism and Ideas
Australian Timber Design Award / Excellence in Timber Products / Timber Veneers
Australian Timber Design Award / Excellence in Timber Applications / Furniture & Joinery
AIA NSW / Commendation Heritage Architecture Creative Adaptation
Commercial Architecture
Daramu House, Barangaroo
The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / Green Good Design Awards / Green Architecture
The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award / Commercial Architecture
Commercial Architecture
2020
Daramu House Art Wall
Good Design Australia / Architectural Design Interior Design
Commercial Architecture
Daramu House, Barangaroo
Wood Solutions Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence In Timber Design / Public or Commercial Building
AIA National / Commendation / Commercial Architecture
AIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture
AIA NSW / Chapter Award / Commercial Architecture
Commercial Architecture
2019
Dangrove Art Facility
NSW Master Builders Association / Award / Industrial Buildings
AIA NSW / Sir Arthur Stephenson Award / Commercial
AIA NSW / Award / Commercial
AIA National / Harry Seidler Award / Commercial
Commercial Architecture
Dangrove Art Facility
The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award / Museum and Cultural Buildings
Public Architecture
Dangrove Art Facility
AIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture
IDEA Award / Overall Winner
IDEA Award / Public Space
Interiors
International House Sydney
Property Council of Australia / Rider Levitt Bucknall NSW Development of the Year / Large Projects
Commercial Architecture
Day Street Apartments
The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award / Multi-Family Housing
Multi-Residential
Central Park Sydney by Tzannes and Cox Richardson and Foster + Partners
The Urban Developer / Development of the Year / Urban Regeneration
The Urban Developer / Excellence in Sustainability Award / Sustainability
Council of Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat / Category Winner / District Masterplan Scale
Urban Design
2018
Day Street Apartments
AIA NSW / Award / Urban Design
Urban Design
Dangrove Art Facility
Australian Institute of Steel / Excellence Award / Commercial Architecture
Commercial Architecture
International House Sydney
World Architecture Festival / Best Use of Certified Timber / Commercial Architecture
AIA National / National Award for Commercial Architecture
AIA NSW / Excellence Award for Sustainable Development
Urban Task Force / Excellence Award for Sustainable Development / Commercial Architecture
Urban Development Institute / Excellence in Commercial Development
Commercial Architecture
2017
Point Piper Residence
World Architecture Festival / Finalist / Residential
Single Residential
Central Park Sydney by Tzannes and Cox Richardson and Foster + Partners
AIA National / The David Oppenheim Award / Sustainable Architecture
AIA NSW / Award / Sustainable Architecture
AIA NSW / The Lloyd Rees Award / Urban Design
Urban Design
International House Sydney
Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence in Timber Design / Public or Commercial Building
Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence in Timber Design / Sustainability
Australian Timber Design Awards / Excellence In Timber Design / People’s Choice /
The Chicago Anthenaeum International Museum and European Centre for Architecture / The International Architecture Award / International Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Sydney Harbour YHA
UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage for Culture / Commendation / Innovation in Heritage – Culture Heritage Conservation Program
Commercial Architecture
2016
City of Sydney Street Furniture
Good Design Award / Urban Design & Public Spaces
Good Design Award / Furniture & Lighting
Red Dot Product Design Awards / Red Dot / Urban Design
Red Dot Product Design Awards / Red Dot / Product Design
Product & Furniture
The Brewery Yard, Central Park
The Chicago Athenaeum: Museum of Architecture and Design and The European Centre Architecture Art Design and Urban Studies
UNESCO / New Design in Heritage Contexts Cultural Heritage Conservation
Public Architecture
2015
2014
Yatte Yattah Residence
AIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture
Single Residential
Cranbrook Junior School
AIA NSW / Award / Public Architecture
Education
OLMC Janet Woods Building
AIA NSW / Award / Public Architecture
Education
2013
Bellevue Hill Residence
AIA NSW / Commendation / Residential Architecture Houses (Alterations & Additions)
Single Residential
2012
Stonecutters and Knox on Bowman, Jacksons Landing
AIA NSW / Award / Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Multi-Residential
2011
Queen Street Residence
AIA NSW / Commendation Residential Architecture – Houses
Woollahra Council Heritage Conservation Award / Joint Winner Category B1 Conservation Area: Alterations & Additions
Single Residential
Glebe Residence
Master Builders Association NSW / Award / Excellence in Housing (Best Use of Steel)
Single Residential
Paddington Corner Terrace
Woollahra Council Heritage Conservation Awards
Single Residential
The Royal Apartments
AIA NSW / Commendation / Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing
Multi-Residential
Hillingdon Ascham School
AIA NSW / Public Architecture
Education
Sydney Harbour YHA
UNESCO Commendation for Innovation in the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Heritage Awards for Culture Heritage Conservation Program
AIA NSW / Commendation / Commercial Architecture
Hostelword / Best Hostel In Oceania
Property Council of Australia / Innovation and Excellence Awards / Best Heritage and Adaptive Re-Use
Property Council of Australia / Best Heritage and Leisure Development
National Trust of Australia NSW / Tourism Projects Corporate/Government
National Trust of Australia NSW / Award Education – Corporate / Government
BPN / Sustainability Award
Hospitality / Commercial Architecture
2010
Bilgola Residence
RAIA NSW / The Wilkinson Award / Single Housing
Single Residential
Roof Pavilion Point Piper
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Small Project*+
Single Residential
Paddington Corner Terrace
HIA CSR NSW Housing Awards / Renovations/Additions Project over $800,000
Single Residential
Kirribilli Residence
Master Builders Association NSW / Housing Award Contract Houses $1.5-2.5m
Single Residential
The Royal Apartments
Master Builders Association / Excellence in Building Award Apartment Developments over $10m
Multi-Residential
Sydney Harbour YHA
Planning Institute of Australia / Planning Excellence Award
Urban Taskforce / Development Excellence Award for Tourism Development
Urban Design
Moncur Street Commercial
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Commercial Architecture
Commercial Architecture
Sydney Harbour YHA
Hostelbookers Awards for Excellence / Top 3 Rated Hostel in Oceania by Customer Ratings
Qantas Australian Tourism Awards / Best New Tourism Development in Australia
Hostelling International / Best Hostels in the World-Most Comfortable Hostel
NSW Tourism / Best New Tourism Development
Urban Taskforce/ Development Excellence for Tourism Development
Hotel, Motel & Accommodation Association / Best Backpacker Accommodation
Australiasian Society for Historical Archaeology / Best Public Archaeology Initiative
NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water / Community Sustainability ‘Green Globe’ Achievement Award
NSW Department of Environment, Climate Change & Water / Business Sustainability ‘Green Globe’ Achievement Award
Master Builders Association / Hospitality Buildings $10-15m
Property Council of Australia / Innovation and Excellence Heritage and Adaptive Re-use
National Trust of Australia / Highly Commended for Heritage Development
Hospitality
Golden Sheaf Hotel
Australian Liquor Industry Award / Best Gaming Venue
Hospitality
2009
Woollahra Hotel & Bistro Moncur
RAIA NSW / Award Commercial Architecture
Hospitality
Sydney Harbour YHA + The Big Dig Education Centre
Australiasian Society for Historical Archaeology / Best Historical Archaeology Report
Hospitality
Golden Sheaf Hotel
Australian Liquor Industry / Best Venue Renovation in Australia
Hospitality
Macquarie Street Apartment
RAIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture
Interior
Parsley Bay Residence
RAIA NSW / Award / Residential Architecture New Houses
Single Residential
2008
Macquarie Street Apartments
Master Builders Association (NSW) Home Unit Renovation / Home Unit Renovation $1.5m and over
Interior
2007
Sherman Studio
RAIA NSW / Award / Conservation and Adaptive Reuse
Commercial Architecture
Isabell Hall Wing, St Catherine’s School
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Public Architecture
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Sustainable Architecture
Education
2006
Sherman Studio
RAIA National / Commendation / Heritage
Woollahra Municipal Council / Conservation Award
Australian Steel Institute / Architectural Domestic & Studio Award
Commercial Architecture
2005
Weisener Residence
RAIA NSW / Award / Single Housing New
Single Residential
The York and North Wing Apartments
RAIA NSW / Award / Multiple Housing
Multi-Residential
2004
Weisener Residence
Master Builders Association (NSW) / Excellence In Housing Contract House $1.5-2.5m
Single Residential
2003
St Catherine’s Sport Centre
RAIA NSW / Commendation / Public Buildings
Education
Federation Drive
Australian Timber Design Award / Recognizing Excellence in Timber Design Landscape and Exterior Structures
Public Architecture
2002
Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra
ANZ International Lighting Awards / Commendation
Public Architecture
2001
Fort Denison
RAIA NSW / Award / Conservation and Adaptive Reuse
RAIA National / Commendation / Heritage Buildings
National Trust Heritage Awards / Heritage
Public Architecture
Anzac Parade Street Lighting Canberra
The Institute of Engineers / Excellence in Engineering and Innovation in Engineering
Public Architecture
2000
Aria Restaurant
Timber Development Association / National Interior Design Award
Interior
490 Crown Street, Surry Hills
RAIA NSW / Award / Commercial Buildings
Commercial Architecture
1998
Centennial Hotel
RAIA NSW / Award / Interior Architecture
RAIA National / Commendation / Interiors
Interiors
Kronenberg House
RAIA NSW / Blacket Award / Residential Architecture New Houses
RAIA NSW / Award / Residential Buildings
Single Residential
1997
Snelling House
RAIA NSW / Robin Boyd Award / Housing
RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture
Single Residential
Nursey House
RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award Finalist / Housing
RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture
Single Residentials
1994
Gungahlin Town Centre (with ACTPA)
Royal Australian Planning Institute / Award / Planning Excellence
AILA / National Project Award / Planning
Urban Design
Bistro Moncur and Woollahra Hotel
Australian Hotels Association of NSW / Award / Excellence for Best Restaurant & Best Redeveloped Hotel (Metropolitan)
Hospitality
1991
Kinsella House
Steel Profile / Architecture of the Decade
Single Residential
1990
Holmes Townhouse
RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture
Single Residential
1989
Kinsella House
RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award / Outstanding Domestic Architecture
RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture
Single Residential
1988
Henwood House
RAIA National / Robin Boyd Award / Outstanding Domestic Architecture
RAIA NSW / Wilkinson Award / Residential Architecture
Single Residential
Federation Pavilion, Centennial Park
RAIA NSW / Award / Architecture
Society of Illuminating Engineers / Commendation
Master Builders Federation / Commendation
1985
Langton Lee Guest House
The Woollahra Awards / Residential Alterations and Additions
Single Residential