GUULABAA – Place of Koala has been shortlisted for the World Architecture Festival (WAF) 2025 Awards, recognised in the Completed Buildings: Civic and Community category.
Held annually, the WAF is one of the world’s most respected design events, celebrating the best in built and future architecture across a broad range of categories.
This year’s shortlist includes over 460 projects selected from more than 780 entries worldwide, with Guulabaa among a select group of Australian projects to make the list.
Designed by Gensler in partnership with the Forestry Corporation of NSW, Guulabaa in Cowarra State Forest is the world’s first purpose-built wild koala breeding and rehabilitation centre.
Its WAF shortlisting follows a recent win at the ULI Asia Pacific Awards for Excellence, where it was recognised for design quality, environmental leadership, and community impact.
“Being recognised by both the ULI Awards for Excellence and now the World Architecture Festival is deeply meaningful,” said Kathy Lyons, Senior Manager at Forestry Corporation of NSW.
“It affirms that design rooted in collaboration with community and conservation at its core, can resonate globally and offer a blueprint for how architecture can restore and regenerate.”
Ken McBryde, Design Director at Gensler Australia, said Guulabaa demonstrates what’s possible when design is “guided by purpose and grounded in Country”.
“To have it recognised on the world stage is a powerful acknowledgement of the role nature-based design can play in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive future.”
The World Architecture Festival 2025 will take place in Miami Beach this November, where shortlisted teams will present their projects live to an international jury of leading architects, designers and urban thinkers.
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