Categories

New House under 200 square metres

This category recognises 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 recognises 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 recognises 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 recognises 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 recognises achievement in the design of a newly built or renovated individual dwelling within a multiresidential building. Eligible projects include single apartments, units, duplexes and display suites, but exclude hotels or other short-term accommodation. Projects that encompass the design or refit of an entire multiresidential building are eligible, but entries (including photographs and drawings) should primarily describe the design of an individual dwelling.

Small Project (NEW)

This category recognises achievement in the design of a small-scale residential project. Projects must relate to a larger primary dwelling, but should be able to be considered by the jury as a standalone project. Eligible projects include granny flats; pool houses; decks, pergolas and outdoor rooms; studios and workshops; garages, sheds and boathouses; stables. Typically the floor area should be less than 80 square metres. All secondary dwellings (where subdivision has not taken place) should be submitted in this category.

Sustainability

This category recognises 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 cycles. 

House in a Heritage Context

This category recognises 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 recognises 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 2025:

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.