The overall winner of the Australian Institute of Architects' Newcastle Architecture Awards 2016 was The Axis House by Jonathan Dawes with EJE Architecture.

The same project received a commendation in the Colorbond Award for Steel Architecture.

EJE Architecture was the most recognised firm on the night, receiving seven prizes.

The jury said, "Alterations can be a challenge when dealing with new and old, and so too collaborations between large and small architectural practices. The Axis House has executed these challenges perfectly, the result is a rewarding piece of architecture."

"The Axis House welcomes and connects you to interiors, landscape and lake vistas even after a brief time inside. Every area is creative and inventive, every surface explored and made purposeful, with the clever use and re-use of bricks, timber, steel and concrete seamlessly working together," said the jury.

Eight awards and thirteen commendations were handed out on the night. Award winning projects are now eligible for the NSW Architecture Awards, the winners of which will be announced on 1 July.

Award for Excellence

Winner – The Axis House by Jonathan Dawes in conjunction with EJE Architecture (Toronto)

Commercial Architecture

Award – The Gateway Commercial Development by CKDS Architecture (Newcastle)

Commendation – Club Maitland City by Terroir (Rutherford)

Educational Architecture

Award – Damascus Centre, St Paul’s High School by QOH Architects (Booragul)

Commendation – Institute of Energy and Resources by EJE Architecture (Shortland)

Heritage

Commendation – Masonic Hall Refurbishment by EJE Architecture (Speers Point)

Interior Architecture

Award – SDA Workplace by SDA Space Design Architecture (The Junction)

Commendation – The Gateway Fitout by CKDS Architecture (Newcastle)

Commendation – Mingara Leisure Group Corporate Offices by Graphite Architects (Tumbi Umbi)

Public Architecture

Award – Watt Space Gallery by Andrew Donaldson Architecture and Design (Newcastle)

Commendation – ANZAC Bridge Memorial Walk by EJE Architecture (Bar Beach)

Commendation – Newcastle Airport by SHAC (Williamtown)

Commendation – Newcastle Courthouse by Cox Richardson Architects (Newcastle)

Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)

Award – The Axis House by Jonathan Dawes in collaboration with EJE Architecture (Toronto)

Commendation – Power House by SDA Space Design Architecture (Islington)

Residential Architecture – Houses (New)

Award – Urban Eclectic House by SDA Space Design Architecture (Hamilton East)

Commendation – Grasemere Way by Webber Architects (Warners Bay)

Residential Architecture – Multiple Housing

Commendation – Eclipse Residential Development by CKDS Architecture (Cook’s Hill)

Small Project Architecture

Award – Watt Space Gallery by Andrew Donaldson Architecture and Design (Newcastle)

Commendation – University of Newcastle Entry Canopies by CKDS Architecture (Callaghan)

Sustainable Architecture

Award – Institute of Energy and Resources by EJE Architecture (Shortland)

COLORBOND® Award for Steel Architecture

Award – University of Newcastle Entry Canopies by CKDS Architecture (Callaghan)

Commendation – The Axis House by Jonathan Dawes in conjunction with EJE Architecture (Toronto)