Categories

There are six primary categories, three optional categories and one automatic category. Choose the primary category (or categories) most appropriate for your project. Where relevant, projects may be entered into more than one primary category (ie New House under 200 square metres and Garden or Landscape). Each entry requires a separate entry submission and fee. For the Garden or Landscape category, project completion is considered to be when the plantings are sufficiently mature for the design intent to be apparent.

The three optional categories are free when entering a primary category. To be considered you must supply the relevant details when you prepare your primary category submission/s. Winners of the six primary categories are automatically considered for the overall award for Australian House of the Year.

Primary categories
(entry fee payable)

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 describe the design of the individual dwelling rather than the multi-residential building it is located within.

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.

Optional categories
(no fee)

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.

Automatic category
(no fee)

Australian House of the Year

The overall award for the Australian House of the Year is selected from the winners of the six primary award categories. This is the premier award of the program and recognizes excellence and innovation in the design of an individual dwelling.