Houses Awards 2026

The Houses Awards is an annual program that recognises excellence, creativity and innovation in Australian residential architecture and design. Established in 2011, the program is open to all Australian-based design professionals and accepts submissions for a broad spectrum of housing types and project scales. Entries are assessed by a jury of respected architects, with the editor of Houses magazine serving as jury chair. The evaluation focuses on a project’s conceptual framework, originality, response to context, social and environmental responsibility, and how well the design meets client requirements and supports occupant lifestyles.

Multiple entry categories accommodate diverse residential projects, with awards including the automatically conferred “Australian House of the Year.” The judging process is conducted anonymously and aims to maintain transparency throughout the selection process. Serving as an important benchmark for the sector, the Houses Awards highlights the significance of thoughtful design in shaping residential environments across Australia.