The standout entries of the 2021 Houses Awards show how residential architecture can contribute to local streetscapes and suburbs, with design interventions that build communities and neighbourhoods.
“This year, the jury were impressed by the many ways that extraordinary and clever architectural outcomes were created from ordinary materials or existing conditions,” said jury chair Katelin Butler, editorial director of Architecture Media.
“Context and neighbourhood were pleasingly seen to be strong drivers of design, stitching the homes into their surroundings and giving something back to the public realm.
“There was also a strong emphasis on easy access to private outdoor space and how the home connects to these landscaped living spaces, determining how often these areas are used.”
The 2021 jury also comprises Anita Panov (Panov Scott Architects), Louise Wright (Baracco and Wright Architects), Phil Harris (Troppo), and Will Fung (Co-ap), with Dominique Hes from the Melbourne School of Design as sustainability advisor, and Helen Lardner, director of HLCD, as heritage advisor.
Winners will be announced at a gala presentation at the State Library of Victoria on Friday 30 July 2021. Each category attracts a cash prize of $1,000. The awards will culminate in the announcement of Australian House of the Year, the winner of which will receive $5,000.
2021 Houses Awards shortlist
House Alteration and Addition over 200 m2
House Alteration and Addition under 200 m2
Emerging Architecture Practice
See the full image galleries for shortlisted projects here.
Houses Awards is organized by Architecture Media and supported by Cult, Artedomus, the Australian Institute of Horticulture, Blum, Bosch, Brickworks, the Heritage Council of Victoria, Sussex, Taubmans, and Latitude.
