Winners Announced for the 2026 Grand Designs Australia Magazine: House of the Year Awards
The pinnacle of Australian residential architecture was celebrated on 14 April 2026 at the Ace Hotel Sydney, as Grand Designs Australia Magazine announced the winners of the prestigious 2026 House of the Year Awards.
Now in its sixth year, the awards program continues to honour homeowners and architects who push the boundaries of design, sustainability, and functionality. This year’s shortlist demonstrated an extraordinary breadth of talent, from compact urban renovations to expansive, energy-efficient rural retreats.
“Each year, the House of the Year Awards remind us that great architecture isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about how a home responds to its environment and the people who live within it,” said Louise Smithers, Editor of Grand Designs Australia Magazine. “The 2026 winners represent the very best of Australian ingenuity and craftsmanship.”
The top awards were distributed across multiple key categories:
Small New Home (Under 200m²)
The winner, Amongst the Eucalypts by Jason Gibney Design Workshop (NSW), was praised for its seamless integration into the natural landscape. Highly Commended projects included Copper Ribbon House (DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design), Olive Street Cabin (MGAO), and Spring Beach House (Scale Architecture), with a Special Mention awarded to ‘She sells seashells’ by multiplicity.
Large New Home
Three Garden House by Parabolica (SA) took home the top prize in this category for its sophisticated use of space and light. Notable Highly Commended projects included Stumpy Gully House (Adam Markowitz Design with Stavrias Architecture), Lyrebird (Sparks Architects), and New Castle (Anthony St John Parsons).
Small Renovation (Under 200m²)
The winner, House in Erskineville by Architect George (NSW), demonstrated how thoughtful design can transform a heritage urban footprint into a modern sanctuary. Highly Commended Award recipients included Babylon House (Casey Brown Architecture) and ‘The Backyard Goes On Forever’ (multiplicity), with a Special Mention for Birchgrove Lace (Benn + Penna Architects).
Large Renovation
Cloaked House by TRIAS Pty Ltd (NSW) was named the winner, standing out for its architectural boldness and refined material palette. Highly Commended Award recipients were New Line House (Studio Prineas) and Fingal House (Justin Humphrey Architects).
Special Awards Categories
- Best Interior: Yarraville Peak by Weaver+Co Architects (VIC) won for its masterful interior curation.
- Best Energy-Efficient Home: Ochre House by MyMyMy Architecture (NSW) claimed the win for its commitment to sustainable living and thermal performance.
- People’s Choice Award: After thousands of public votes, the title was awarded to Table Top by Pleysier Perkins Architecture (NSW).
The 2026 Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards were supported by industry-leading partners dedicated to excellence in the built environment. Grand Designs Australia would like to thank and acknowledge the contributions of our Gold Sponsor UNOX Casa, our Silver Sponsor Rylock Windows & Doors, our Bronze Sponsor Big Ass Fans, and our Trade Partners Austaron Surfaces, Embelton Flooring, and Mr Trampoline.
For more information on the winners and to view project galleries, visit www.granddesignsmag.com.au
About Grand Designs Australia Magazine:
Grand Designs Australia magazine is the official publication of the hit TV series, highlighting the most innovative and ambitious home design projects across the country. Grand Designs Australia has come to represent clever design outcomes for ambitious Australians with project plans.
Those who are developing their own projects gain excitement from the TV show and a unique package of inspiration and information from Grand Designs Australia Magazine. The publication is designed to be “the blueprint for designer living” and helps this community plan with confidence, master key issues, identify products, find contacts, and bring their dream home visions to life.
Grand Designs Australia Magazine currently has 171,000 readers, making it a leader in its category.
For more information on Grand Designs Australia magazine, the Awards, or for an interview with Publisher Janice Williams, contact Georgina Antoun on (02) 9805 0399.