The Australian Institute of Architects announced the winners of the 2023 National Architecture Awards on 31 October, in which eight houses were honoured for their ingenuity and imagination.
A “sweet and unassuming house,” Sunday by Architecture Architecture, was lauded by the national jury for its depth and variety of spaces. The house received the Eleanor Cullis-Hill Award for Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions).
“With space enough for two, the dwelling offers a delicate intimacy where the rituals of daily life are celebrated. Everywhere you look, there is something to delight,” the jury said. “When the urge to gather presents, the house easily welcomes guests, with spaces showing a delightful ability to adapt and flex.”
In the same category, Balmain House by Saha received a National Award from the jury. “Balmain House is an example of a carefully considered residential extension to a tired existing dwelling,” the jury said.
Harriet’s House by SO Architecture and North Perth House by Simon Pendal Architect both received National Commendations from the jury.
19 Waterloo by SJB.
Image: Anson Smart
Over in the Houses (New) category, the jury were most impressed by SJB’s 19 Waterloo, honouring it with the Robin Boyd Award. “At a time when our country faces a once-in-a-generation housing crisis, we are in dire need of new approaches,” the jury said, “19 Waterloo Street is a spectacular example of a new approach to urban infill. Constructed on the 30 square metres left between a new mixed-use building (a studio apartment and commercial tenancy) and an existing factory, the home shows how hard architecture can work, even on a small footprint.”
In an entirely contrasting context, two Victorian farmhouses received National Awards. Spring Creek Road Farm House by Architect Brew Koch was lauded for its ” triumph of economy of materials and finishes,” that provided “just enough space, just enough comfort, just enough light,” while Merricks Farmhouse by Michael Lumby with Nielsen Jenkins was praised for its “different take on the rural shed vernacular.”
Mossy Point House by Edition Office received a National Commendation in the Houses (New) category.
See all the winners of the 2023 National Architecture Awards here.
