Qld homes in the running for top gong

Australia’s most innovative homes have been shortlisted for the annual Houses Awards, including 24 from Queensland. From an inner-city net zero cottage to beach and rural retreats and houses saved from the scrap heap, the homes will go up against contenders from across the nation with the winners to be announced on August 2.

From the winners across the nine categories, one will be crowned Australian House of the Year.

Among those in the running is Glen Alpine in Toowoomba (pictured below), which was designed and renovated by Owen Architecture. It is a finalist in the House Alteration and Addition over 200sq m category.

“Entries in the Houses Awards often demonstrate compelling solutions to the adaptation of heritage-listed dwellings,” Houses Awards jury chair Alexa Kempton said. “This year, the jury was excited to see many architects and designers – and their clients – recognising the enduring value of types and eras of housing that are not yet protected by heritage listings.

“These are smart, sensitive and, above all, sustainable solutions that seek to conserve our built history and use resourcesresponsibly.”

Ms Kempton said the jury also observed new examples of sustainable homes, including a test case for net zero housing in Brisbane.

Called 39S House, architect Andrew Noonan adapted a Victorian-era century workers cottage at Petrie Terrace as a test case for net zero housing, which could be built for the same cost as a typical custom home in Brisbane. Described as “severely dilapidated” when it was purchased, the goal was to “create a family-friendly home, minimising solar heat impact while preserving the original cottage’s character”.

Another Queensland contender is Sunshine Beach Townhouse by Zuzan & Nicholas. That project involved the renovation of a two storey 1980s duplex and included a complete reconfiguration of the living and sleeping quarters.

And Oh Architecture has been short-listed in the House Alteration and Addition Under 200sq m category for Sidney House atAlderley.

“Sidney House was a design response aimed at bringing to life a house that would normally have been condemned to landfill,” the description by the firm says.

The judges said it was a great example of how housing could be adapted to suit ageing occupants better.

“The jury saw how the pandemic and rising cost of living has shaped what homeowners want and need in their homes,” Ms Kempton said.

“Designers have created multi-use domestic spaces to better support working from home, and to accommodate children living in the family home for longer because of the decline in housing affordability.

“Australia’s ageing population has also inspired designers to adapt housing to meet the demands of those who are downsizing and planning for ageing in place.”