A sleek new Melbourne cemetery depot has won the top prize for commercial architecture at the profession’s national awards.

Searle x Waldron Architecture was praised for “creating a supportive environment for staff in emotionally demanding roles” alongside space for vehicles and equipment at the Northern Memorial Park in Glenroy.

The Harry Seidler Award citation said: “The depot is embedded within an evolving ecological system of woody meadows, wetlands and future public space – reframing the cemetery not only as a place of grief, but also of life and regeneration.”

Eight other Victorian projects also received accolades at the Australian Institute of Architects event on Thursday night.

Studio Bright’s Hedge and Arbour House in Melbourne’s inner north-east won the Robin Boyd Award for r

See Full Page