What a night! The Grand Designs Magazine House of the Year Awards were announced a couple of weeks ago at the beautiful location of Cosh Living, Alexandria. Flowing food, drinks and even Big Ass Beer, the deserving winners and finalists showcased incredibly high standards in design and a testimony to the talent that exists in the fields of residential architecture.
It’s time to give a round of applause to all the deserving winners below!
Small Renovation – Placement Studio for Brunswick House
Photography by Tom Ross
The architects aimed to steer clear of a conventional renovation and expansion approach in order to maintain the allure of the charming original cottage.
The client’s history with the house meant that “it was important that the home felt homely, wasn’t pretentious and that it retained the sense of warmth.” - Stephanie Kitingan, Director and Founder of Placement.
The judges were impressed by this stunning work which brings warmth, openness, and light to an old south-facing home while still creating cozy, private spaces to relax in. The material selection was restrained, robust, and dedicated to the feeling of warmth
Large Renovation – Two Winners – Studio Bright for Autumn House and Studio Johnston for SRG House
Photography by Rory Gardiner
By integrating with the existing constraints of a Victorian terrace that underwent a 1980's renovation by architect Mick Jörgensen and a fully grown elm tree located in the backyard, this project effectively adds a meticulous layer that blends in seamlessly.
Photography by Anson Smart & Brett Boardman
Located on a steep site overlooking Sydney Harbour and tucked away in seclusion, this three-story semi-detached home was constructed in 1972 as the personal residence of renowned Melbourne architect, Sir Roy Grounds. Despite the loss of the original interiors due to renovations in the 1980s, the home's stepped geometry remained intact and its structural integrity remained strong.
This category was a real challenge for the judges, with two exceptional south-facing heritage homes that stood out above the rest. The SRG house demonstrated bravery and sophistication in creating multi-generational living around a central courtyard. The Autumn House by Studio Bright expanded on a Victorian entry to sensitively add light and living suitable for a young family
Small New Home – Steffen Welsch Architects for Beach Slice
Photography by Tatjana Plitt
Right from the beginning, the design of 'Beach Slice' was intended to achieve a NatHERS rating of 7.9, with its name being derived from the timber wall that seems to cut through the layout. The project incorporates sustainable materials, such as recycled timber from the original 1920s cottage floors and repurposed bricks that are visible on both the interior and exterior. Additionally, the concrete floors were created using fly ash, reducing the energy consumption involved in producing concrete.
This beautiful home away from home allows three parties to holiday together with ease, with communal spaces on one side and private on the other. Walls with internal storage and window seats curate views and provide spaces to engage or reflect.
Large New Home – Winter Architecture for Bermagui Beach House
Photography by Jack Mounsey
The house consists of three solid volumes that are loosely wrapped in a timber skin. By positioning the home near its rear boundary, Winter Architecture moved away from the conventional backyard and front fence model. Instead, they established an immediate dialogue with the garden while maintaining a distant connection to the ocean.
Bermagui Beach House is a stunning family retreat on a prominent clifftop site that connects deeply with the environment and embraces informal traditions of the Aussie beach house. The placement of volumes and the layers of landscaping define a series of outdoor spaces weaving around and through the pavilions, providing opportunities for sun and shelter.
Interiors Specialty Category – Rachcoff Vella Architecture for Silver Linings
Photography by Tatjana Plitt.
Nestled amidst the untamed wilderness of sand dunes, beach grass, and weathered timber planks, Silver Linings stands as a weighty structure. The home is enveloped in coarsely textured off-form concrete, with a sunken void that draws visitors into a dimly lit entry, framing the start of a series of spaces characterized by their "silver lined" aesthetic.
The judges were impressed by the meticulously crafted and limited material palette that allows the view, furnishings, artwork, and detailed joinery to shine, creating a cohesive, warm, and robust interior for a very pragmatic and elegant family home. This new category was sponsored by Cosh Living.
Energy Efficiency Specialty Category – Alexander Symes Architect for Peppertree Passive House
Photography by Barton Taylor
Pepper Tree Passive House, located against the stunning Mount Kembla, offers a distinctive architectural experience. This eco-friendly house, designed following the German 'Passiv Haus' methodology, boasts state-of-the-art features. It is a secluded and tranquil retreat, meticulously crafted to reconnect visitors with nature and rejuvenate their spirits.
The Pepper Tree Passive House was excellent in all dimensions of energy efficiency, with thorough benchmarking throughout. This new category was sponsored by Rylock Windows & Doors.
People’s Choice Category – Alexander Symes Architect for Peppertree Passive House
Photography by Barton Taylor
The Pepper Tree Passive House was excellent in all dimensions of energy efficiency, with thorough benchmarking throughout.
The Grand Designs Magazine awards were judged by Chief Judge Peter Maddison, who helped develop a robust program of considerations and recruited a panel of professionals to assist with the judging. The judging panel also consisted of: Rachael Nolan, Kennedy Nolan Architects; Chris Gilbert, Archier Architects; Interiors, Fiona Austin, Austin+Austin; and Madeline Sewall, Director of Houses, Breathe Architecture.
it is programs like the Grand Designs Australia House of the Year that showcases the considerable input of the architectural industry, recognizing the hard work, dedication, and talent that goes into every project. Congratulations to all of the winners!
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