Troppo Architects Byron Bay

Our story began with the publication of ‘Influences in Regional Architecture’ in 1978 – Australia’s first history of architecture outside the urban arena. The registered practice commenced in Darwin in 1980 with the aid of an NT Government history grant to research (and eventually define and publicise) the History of Tropical Housing in Australia’s Top End. This knowledge has in turn enabled us to create a new and relevant contemporary architecture for the local climate and cultural setting: a contemporary architecture with a traditional base. In the meantime this regionally responsive approach has also been applied to projects in the Kimberley, Perth, Esperance, and inland WA; Adelaide, coastal, rural and far-northern SA; Melbourne and Victoria; Alice Springs and the Centre; Townsville, and north and far north Queensland; and most recently, inland and north-coast NSW… And the public promotion of environmentally responsive design still remains a driving focus. Troppo is amongst Australia’s most awarded practices; and have been published nationally and internationally, including in New Directions in Australian Architecture (2002) and the recent World Atlas of Architecture (2004)(2009). A monograph of the practice’s work (1999) is currently in reprint (2005). In 2010 Troppo were recipients of the 2010 Global Sustainability Award at a ceremony in Paris. Troppo founders Phil Harris & Adrian Welke, are the 2014 recipients of the AIA Gold Medal “In recognition of their distinguished services in the execution of an outstanding body of architectural works that pioneer a unique and special Australian approach to Architecture. The ability to enthuse, educate, convince and change peoples views on architecture, make them outstanding recipients of the 2014 Gold Medal” Paul Berkmeir, Australian Institute of Architects National President