Categories

New House under 200 square metres

This category recognizes achievement in the design of a newly constructed detached or semi-detached individual dwelling with a floor area of less than 200 square metres. The floor area measurement includes all internal and built external spaces. Entries should describe the house in its entirety – including the built form, interiors, outdoor spaces and context. As a guide, if less than 10% of an existing dwelling has been retained the project is eligible in this category.

New House over 200 square metres

This category recognizes achievement in the design of a newly constructed detached or semi-detached individual dwelling with a floor area of over 200 square metres. The floor area measurement includes all internal and built external spaces. Entries should describe the house in its entirety – including the built form, interiors, outdoor spaces and context. As a guide, if less than 10% of an existing dwelling has been retained the project is eligible in this category.

House Alteration and Addition under 200 square metres

This category recognizes achievement in the design of a renovation, extension or substantial reworking of an existing detached or semi-detached individual dwelling with a floor area of less than 200 square metres. The floor area measurement includes all internal and built external spaces of the existing house and any extensions or additions. Entries should describe the house in its entirety – including the built form, interiors, outdoor spaces and context. As a guide, if more than 10% of an existing dwelling has been retained the project is eligible in this category.

House Alteration and Addition over 200 square metres

This category recognizes achievement in the design of a renovation, extension or substantial reworking of an existing detached or semi-detached individual dwelling with a floor area of over 200 square metres. The floor area measurement includes all internal and built external spaces of the existing house and any extensions or additions. Entries should describe the house in its entirety – including the built form, interiors, outdoor spaces and context. As a guide, if more than 10% of an existing dwelling has been retained the project is eligible in this category.

Apartment or Unit

This category recognizes achievement in the design of a newly built or renovated individual dwelling within a multi-residential building. Eligible projects include single apartments, units, duplexes and display suites, but exclude hotels or other short-term accommodation. Entries should primarily focus on the design of the individual dwelling and communal spaces/amenity that the inhabitant/s have access to. Descriptions of the multi-residential building the dwelling is located within should provide the context to the project.

Garden or Landscape

This category recognizes achievement in the design of external residential space attached to an individual dwelling. Eligible projects include decks, terraces, patios, courtyards, gardens, roof gardens, backyards, pools and other built structures, like pergolas and cubby houses. Entries should primarily describe the design of the private open space of a house or apartment. Project completion is considered to be when the plantings are sufficiently mature for the design intent to be apparent.

Sustainability

This category recognizes achievement in the design of individual dwellings and attached outdoor space that display innovation and excellence in terms of environmental sustainability. Entries should demonstrate best practice via relevant residential rating tools, legislation and other measures, consider the local and global impact of design decisions, and address building, household and material life cycle.

House in a Heritage Context

This category recognizes achievement in new works and/or conservation for heritage buildings and associated landscapes for residential use. To be eligible in this category the property must be subject to statutory heritage listing at a local authority or higher level. In exceptional circumstances, other projects may be considered. Entries should primarily describe how the project’s design and conservation works address the heritage significance of the place, and demonstrate excellence in adaptive re-use and/or conservation.

Emerging Architecture Practice

This category recognizes achievement in the portfolio of residential work by recently established practices. Entries should primarily describe the culture and philosophy of the practice, including how this is manifested in the design of residential projects.

Eligible practices must meet two criteria, as at 28 February 2024:

1. The practice must have been established within the last five years
2. At least one principal must have first registered as an architect within the last seven years.