2023 Houses Awards: New House under 200m²

Jury comment

In the face of massive cost escalation and uncertainty in the construction industry, Blok Stafford Heights provides a compelling example of how clever and restrained design can produce a low-cost family home that sits at ease in its suburban setting.

Blok Modular and Vokes and Peters have collaborated to deploy a modest series of site-built blockwork elements, which anchor a prefabricated house – installed in one day – to a sloping site in the Brisbane suburbs. They have created a home with two distinct settings for family life to unfold: a generous courtyard garden and an elevated platform overlooking a panoramic city.

Every element in this project has a purpose. Adornment and fanciful detailing are eschewed in favour of clear spatial connections and economy of means. The project gives much of the site to landscape – one can imagine that, in a few years’ time, once the shade trees have grown and the gardens have flourished, this house will feel as if it has always been here.

Blok Stafford Heights is a refined and beautiful home that does a lot with a little. Unpretentious, dignified and generous to its suburb, there is a lot to learn from this deserving winner.

The Award for New House under 200m² is supported by Artedomus. See full image galleries of all the winning and shortlisted projects here.

Blok Stafford Heights is built on the land of the Turrbal and Yuggera people.

Project credits

Project team: Daniel Burnett, Sarah Binns Architect/ collaborator: Vokes and Peters Builder: Art Struct Structural engineer: Incode Engineers Certifier: BCA Certifiers Energy consultant: Accelerate Sustainability Assessments Landscape designer: Prandium Studio