Innovation and inspiration at the 2025 Sustainable Stirling Student Design Competition

The future looks bright and sustainable in the City of Stirling after a group of talented schoolchildren wowed judges in the second annual Sustainable Stirling Student Design Competition.
 
The City organised the competition as part of Perth Design Week 2025 to foster an awareness and passion for sustainable design among the next generation.
 
It culminated in a presentation at the City last week, where City of Stirling Mayor Mark Irwin handed out six awards.
 
The competition asked students to join the “coalition of the infilling” and explore innovative ways to deliver more housing while preserving green canopy and the unique local character of our suburbs.
 
It gave them an opportunity to learn about urban change and sustainable design from the experts, architect Matt Wallwork and The Forever Project founder Chris Ferreira.
 
Students based their designs and final scale models on a real-life block in Stirling using existing planning and subdivision frameworks.
 
The winner of the primary category was Natalie, whose entry Paradise Sanctuary was lauded by the judges for its “incredible craftsmanship” and “indoor-outdoor balance”.
 
Teams from Marmion Primary School took second and third places in the primary category, while another team from Marmion Primary School received the Mayor’s Commendation for their entry.
 
The secondary winner was Charlie from St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School, with judges praising her “biophilic” approach and connection to natural materials.
 
There were 15 winners overall, but City of Stirling Mayor said all 27 students who took part deserved recognition.
 
“The City of Stirling’s population is expected to grow by 50 per cent in the next 30 years, with most of that growth predicted to occur in the Stirling City Centre and Scarborough Beach Road Activity Corridor,” Mayor Irwin said.
 
“Delivering sustainable and innovative urban infill – infill that actually works – is a critical issue for our City and it’s only going to become more important.
 
“It’s something many of our Council Members and employees are passionate about, so it’s encouraging to see children getting passionate about it, too.
 
“Young people, like these students with their fresh perspectives and creativity, hold the key to a greener and more sustainable future.”

Primary category:

• Winner – Natalie
• Second place – Alice, Maebh, Anna and Annabella (Marmion Primary School)
• Third place – Grace, Imogen and Alex (Marmion Primary School)
• Commendation – Isabella, Orlando, and Alessandro

Secondary category:

• Winner – Charlie (St Mary’s Anglican Girls’ School)

Mayor’s Commendation:

• Winner – Mitchell, Axel and Ashton (Marmion Primary School)