From a renovated Bluestone colonial cottage in a coastal Tasmanian suburb to a modern Queenslander with a pool level with the kitchen bench and a tiny Nordic-style villa, Australia’s best homes have been revealed at this year’s Houses Awards.
The jury scoured the country’s most spectacular homes for stand-out structures, with standouts including an unassuming modern house that hides a tranquil oasis, a coastal masterpiece on the Mornington Peninsula and a renovated retro apartment in Sydney’s north that impressed with its innovative use of space.
A transformed Melbourne terrace residence also set a new record for the Houses Awards, cleaning up across four different categories including Home of the Year.
Here FEMAIL takes a look at the properties that wowed for 2022 – and while some may be left scratching their heads at some of the modest winners, Jury Chair Alexa Kempton has explained what it was that ensured they stood out from the rest.
Australia’s most extraordinary homes have been revealed at this year’s Houses Awards including the Autumn House (pictured) in Melbourne that set a new record for the awards, cleaning up across four different categories
AUTUMN HOUSE – CARLTON NORTH, VIC
Australian home of the year, winner of house alternation and addition over 200sqm and garden or landscape, and co-winner of House in a heritage context
‘Autumn House’ in Carlton North, Melbourne has broken a Houses Awards record this year taking out more categories than any other property in history.
For the first time in its 12-year history the Houses Awards awarded the home the winner of four categories including best landscaping, best renovation or alternation and Australian Home of the Year.
‘Autumn House’ displays an unique blend of elements from the original Victorian villa, its 80s renovation and design firm Studio Bright’s modern-day makeover that both compliment and contrast one another.
‘Autumn House’ in Carlton North, Melbourne has broken a Houses Awards record this year taking out more categories than any other property in history
‘Autumn House’ displays an unique blend of elements from the original Victorian villa, its 80s renovation and design firm Studio Bright’s modern-day makeover that both compliment and contrast one another
Bright pastel pinks, greens and blues inject life into this amazing property with two show-stopping blue bathrooms that ooze sophistication.
A pink terrazzo stone island bench makes a statement in the kitchen while calming greens cover the bedrooms alongside an eye-popping blue brick fireplace.
Outside, greenery spills out of the mesh façade and there are a series of gardens – including one built around mature elm tree- a street-side herb patch and a sun-drenched courtyard.
Judge’s comments
‘Terraced houses make up a significant proportion of our existing housing stock, and this home is testament to what can be achieved in the inventive reworking of the terraced house.
‘It maximises useable space on an inner-suburban block, yet it is also generous to the street; it thoughtfully preserves the home’s heritage elements without being beholden to them; and it is peppered with thoughtful and serene garden spaces.’
Houses award jury chair Alexa Kempton said: Autumn House ‘thoughtfully preserves the home’s heritage elements without being beholden to them; and it is peppered with thoughtful and serene garden spaces’
ALWAYS HOUSE – FLINDERS, VIC
Winner of new house over 200sqm
Built on the coastline of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a spectacular beachside retreat named ‘Always’ that is the owner’s current weekender and soon-to-be permanent residence.
From the street, the home looks as though it is seemingly integrated into the surrounding landscape with earthy stone walls and a rooftop garden filled with sea grasses which will grow out to completely engulf and disguise the impressive pad.
The uninterrupted sea views are heroed throughout the home via stretching floor-to-ceiling windows and glass doors which also illuminate the moody wood-clad interior.
Built on the coastline of Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula is a spectacular beachside retreat named ‘Always’ that is the owner’s current weekender and soon-to-be permanent residence
From the street, the home looks as though it is seemingly integrated into the surrounding landscape with earthy stone walls and a rooftop garden filled with sea grasses which will grow out to completely engulf and disguise the impressive pad
Its elevated-retro design features smooth concrete ceilings, slate floors, minimalistic-yet-cosy furnishings and a luxurious bathroom with a freestanding bathtub.
‘Always’ is split over two levels with a stunning detached guest wing with private pebble-strewn courtyard looking out over the ocean.
Judge’s comments
‘This exceptional house elevates the homeowners’ experience of an already spectacular site, crafting spaces of surprise, warmth, drama and delight.
‘The resolution of the architectural response, combined with fine interior detailing and careful integration with the landscape, set this home apart as a worthy winner.’
Always is split over two levels with a stunning detached guest wing with private pebble-strewn courtyard looking out over the ocean
Its elevated-retro design features smooth concrete ceilings, slate floors, minimalistic-yet-cosy furnishings and a luxurious bathroom with a freestanding bathtub
CORNER HOUSE, FLINDERS VIC
Winner of New House under 200sqm
Also in Flinders is ‘Corner House’ which looks like a quirky modern home from the outside but inside is an example of modest luxury with high ceilings, light-filled bedrooms, a simple-yet-sleek design and leafy courtyards.
Its owners are retired architects who wanted a space to facilitate their new life chapter and, as one half of the couple is a UK expat, accommodate visitors from overseas.
The contemporary home wraps around a tranquil garden showcased inside by four-metre high window walls throughout.
Also in Flinders is ‘Corner House’ which looks like a quirky modern home from the outside but inside is an example of modest luxury with high ceilings, light-filled bedrooms, a simple-yet-sleek design and leafy courtyards
Its owners are retired architects who wanted a space to facilitate their new life chapter and, as one half of the couple is a UK expat, accommodate visitors from overseas
The contemporary home wraps around a tranquil garden showcased inside by four-metre high window walls throughout
Designers at Archier avoided rigid division between spaces so the home flows seamlessly from room to room as each area is connected by long narrow walkways while achieving privacy in the bedroom and bathrooms.
Soaring ceilings continue in the elegant bathroom that has a rainfall shower by a huge window that opens out to the garden and intimate kitchen, living and dining spaces create a sense of serenity.
Judge’s comments
‘Robust and refined, elegant and effortless, ‘Corner House’ is a study in how we can live with spirited connectedness in (sometimes drab) suburban contexts.
‘Its mastery of light and shade, tactile restraint and calm inventiveness made it a clear and deserving winner.’
Designers at Archier avoided rigid division between spaces so the home flows seamlessly from room to room as each area is connected by long narrow walkways while achieving privacy in the bedroom and bathrooms
CASCADE HOUSE – PADDINGTON, BRISBANE, QLD
Winner of House Alteration and Addition under 200sqm
This typical Queenslander shrouded in lush greenery on a quite suburban street in Paddington, Brisbane hides a bright family home with angled ceilings, smooth concrete floors and a clean design.
The early 1900s-built renovated cottage is home to a young family of five who requested from their builders a grassy space to picnic under a tree and the sky.
Sitting on a sloping block, the multi-level timber and tin pad has a sloping roof that follows the elevation of the site and was extended to include open living spaces and a chic kitchen.
This typical Queenslander shrouded in lush greenery on a quite suburban street in Paddington, Brisbane hides a bright family home with angled ceilings, smooth concrete floors and a clean design
The kitchen bench is almost level with the outdoor pool’s waterline and the whole house is peppered with plants making it look like an suburban jungle
The early 1900s-built renovated cottage is home to a young family of five who requested from their builders a grassy space to picnic under a tree and the sky
A lounge with built-in seating overlooks the kitchen with timber cupboards and a brass benchtops and leads onto a meals areas that opens out to the internal grassy courtyard.
The kitchen bench is almost level with the outdoor pool’s waterline and the whole house is peppered with plants making it look like an suburban jungle.
‘Cascade’ House was designed by architect John Ellway who is no stranger to wins at the Houses Awards after one of his residential projects out Australian Home of the Year in 2021.
Judge’s comments
‘This lightweight addition inserts new living spaces to the side of a Queenslander house, providing valuable garden connections and minimising change to the existing house.
‘Split levels are leveraged to define functions while keeping spaces open and connected to one another.
‘These social rooms are generously open to the street, yet the strategic placement of program, walls and lush vegetation ensures occupants experience seclusion and comfort.
”Cascade House’ demonstrates that intentionally small additions can have a transformative impact on a home.’
Sitting on a sloping block, the multi-level timber and tin pad has a sloping roof that follows the elevation of the site and was extended to include open living spaces and a chic kitchen
INALA APARTMENT – CREMORNE, SYDNEY, NSW
Winner of best apartment or unit
While to the untrained eye ‘Inala Apartment’ might look like any other, the Houses Awards jury applauded its innovative use of space, relaxed vibe and simplistic, smart and timeless design.
The understated apartment is in a 1960s building in Sydney’s lower north shore and was repurposed and reconfigured from a cramped divisional space to an open, free-flowing sanctuary.
Owner and architect Brad Swartz bought the home with his partner in 2020 just before the pandemic hit and the pair fled to the country.
The understated ‘Inala Apartment’ is in a 1960s building in Sydney’s lower north shore and was repurposed and reconfigured from a cramped divisional space to an open, free-flowing sanctuary
While to the untrained eye ‘Inala Apartment’ may look like any other but the Houses Awards jury applauded its innovative use of space, relaxed vibe and simplistic, smart and timeless design
Brad employed his own architecture firm to replicate the serene ambience he felt on his rural nature walks during the lockdowns in the middle of the city.
Named after the Indigenous word meaning ‘resting place’, ‘Inala’ emanates a sense of calm through palette of bright white, concrete, stainless steel ad smooth oak timber.
Concealed storage solutions like the pantry, laundry, fridge and wine rack hidden in the hallway adds to the space’s openness and a balcony has views of the Sydney city skyline.
Judge’s comments
‘Inala Apartment’ turns an awkwardly-planned 1960s apartment into a liveable home for a family-of-three.
‘It is an outstanding example of how existing apartments can be adapted for contemporary living, and sends an important message about retaining this older housing stock.’
Owner and architect Brad Swartz bought the home with his partner in 2020 just before the pandemic hit and the pair fled to the country
Named after the Indigenous word meaning ‘resting place’, Inala emanates a sense of calm through palette of bright white, concrete, stainless steel ad smooth oak timber
FUSILIER COTTAGE – BATTERY POINT, HOBART, TAS
Co-winner of House in a Heritage Context
Sharing the prize of best home in a heritage context with ‘Autumn House’ is ‘Fusilier Cottage’ which judges couldn’t overlook thanks to its incredible revamp of a beloved heritage home in Battery Point, Hobart.
The Georgian-built stone cottage is a state heritage-listed property that was carefully transformed with the addition of a timber extension that doesn’t take away from the property’s historic charm.
Now a six-bedroom home that can rented out to guests from $650 a night, the 1838-build villa combines modern living with the local landmark that has become an icon in its coastal suburb.
Sharing the prize of best home in a heritage context with ‘Autumn House’ is ‘Fusilier Cottage’ which judges couldn’t overlook for its incredible revamp of a beloved heritage home in Battery Point, Hobart
The Georgian-built stone cottage is a state-heritage-listed property that was carefully transformed with the addition of a timber extension that doesn’t take away from the property’s historic charm
Now a six-bedroom home that can rented out to guests from $650 a night, the 1838-build villa combines modern living with the local landmark that has become an icon in its coastal suburb
The existing colonial portion was restored and barely modified while the flat-roof addition is adorned with warm Tasmanian wood and features built-in shelves filled with books and trinkets, a cosy fireplace, contrasting vintage chesterfields and bluestone flooring.
Timber shutters and sliding glass doors open out to a private garden with a towering sycamore tree and views to the waterfront and distant hills.
Judge’s comments
‘A contemporary-yet-respectful addition to a much-admired Georgian residence in Hobart’s Battery Point. A clever response to a tightly-controlled heritage area of Hobart.
‘This design is an artfully balanced heritage outcome that rewards the occupants and successfully continues the dialogue between the original cottage and its community of admirers.’
Timber shutters and sliding glass doors open out to a private garden with a towering sycamore tree and views to the waterfront and distant hills
The existing portion was restored and barely modified while the addition is adorned with warm Tasmanian wood and features built-in shelves filled with books and trinkets, a cosy fireplace, contrasting vintage chesterfields and bluestone flooring
The existing portion was restored and barely modified while the addition is adorned with warm Tasmanian wood and features built-in shelves filled with books and trinkets, a cosy fireplace, contrasting vintage chesterfields and bluestone flooring
HÜTT 01 PASSIVHAUS – COBURG, MELBOURNE, VIC
Winner in sustainability category
Sustainability was carefully considered when Melbourne Design Studio thought up this Nordic-style family home in the Victorian capital’s northern suburb of Coburg.
‘HÜTT 01 Passivhaus’ now only has a low impact on the environment with net-zero energy and carbon neutrality but is a unique urban oasis with fun experimental features and is every child’s dream with hanging nets to climb and relax in above the garden and communal areas.
Proving good things come in small packages, the magnificent home sits on a 250sqm block with just a 78sqm floorplan over two and a half levels.
Sustainability was carefully considered when Melbourne Design studio thought up the Nordic-style family home in the Victorian capital’s northern suburb of Coburg
Proving good things come in small packages, the magnificent home sits on a 250sqm block with just a 78sqm floorplan over two and a half levels
‘In the compact space features four bedrooms, a spacious sunken lounge, high ceilings, a two uber-luxe bathrooms, one of which is overrun with climbing ivy, a roof garden and communal entertainment spaces.
‘The home produces more energy than it uses and was designed so that it doesn’t require heating or cooling for most of the year.’
Judge’s comments
‘The Hutt is a fantastic project that fits a compact and energy-efficient house on a challenging inner-suburban site, beside the train line and behind an apartment block.
‘This house sets a new standard for practical and measurable sustainability, delivering an oasis-like family home on a challenging site that aspires to both net-zero energy and carbon neutrality.
‘The home delivers an aspirational objective of ultra-low environmental impact, including consideration of its inhabitants’ comfort and wellbeing, and offers a resilient environment ready for the trials of a harsh and changing climate.’
In the compact space features four bedrooms, a spacious sunken lounge, high ceilings, a two uber-luxe bathrooms, one of which is overrun with climbing ivy, a roof garden and communal entertainment spaces
The home produces more energy than it uses and was designed so that it doesn’t require heating or cooling for most of the year
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