Here are the standout homes that took home the top honours this year.

From compact inner-city marvels to expansive rural retreats, the 2026 Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards have once again proven that Australian residential architecture is in a league of its own.

Held at the Ace Hotel Sydney on April 14, the awards celebrated the architects and designers who turn ambitious visions into liveable realities. Whether it is a clever use of a 200m² footprint or a masterclass in thermal efficiency, these winners represent the absolute best of modern design.

1. Small New Home (<200m²): Amongst the Eucalypts – Winner: Jason Gibney Design Workshop (NSW)

Proving that you don’t need a sprawling floor plan to make a grand statement, Jason Gibney’s ‘Amongst the Eucalypts’ is a masterclass in site-responsive design. The home navigates its bushland setting with a light touch, using a refined material palette that feels as though it has grown directly from the NSW soil.

  • Highly Commended: Copper Ribbon House (DunnHillam Architecture + Urban Design), Olive Street Cabin (MGAO), Spring Beach House (Scale Architecture).
  • Special Mention: She sells seashells (multiplicity).

2. Large New Home: Three Garden House – Winner: Parabolica (SA)

Parabolica’s ‘Three Garden House’ is a poetic exploration of the relationship between indoor living and the outdoors. By weaving green spaces throughout the core of the home, the design ensures that every room has a connection to nature, light, and air—a true sanctuary in South Australia.

  • Highly Commended: Stumpy Gully House (Adam Markowitz Design with Stavrias Architecture), Lyrebird (Sparks Architects), New Castle (Anthony St John Parsons).

3. Small Renovation (<200m²): House in Erskineville – Winner: Architect George (NSW)

In the tight-knit streets of Erskineville, Architect George has managed to find space where there was none. This renovation is an inventive take on urban living, preserving the character of the original dwelling while introducing a bold, contemporary spirit that makes every square inch count.

  • Highly Commended: Babylon House (Casey Brown Architecture), The Backyard Goes On Forever (multiplicity).
  • Special Mention: Birchgrove Lace (Benn + Penna Architects).

4. Large Renovation: Cloaked House – Winner: TRIAS Pty Ltd (NSW)

Transformation is at the heart of ‘Cloaked House.’ TRIAS has taken an existing structure and reimagined it with a sense of architectural drama and quiet sophistication. The “cloak” provides privacy and a distinctive silhouette, proving that a renovation can be just as impactful as a brand-new build.

  • Highly Commended: New Line House (Studio Prineas), Fingal House (Justin Humphrey Architects).

5. Best Interior: Yarraville Peak – Winner: Weaver+Co Architects (VIC)

The interiors of ‘Yarraville Peak’ are a lesson in texture and light. Beyond just beautiful styling, the judges noted the home’s exceptional flow and the way the internal volumes create a sense of calm and height—a true peak of Victorian residential design.

  • Highly Commended: Babylon House (Casey Brown Architecture).

6. Best Energy-Efficient Home: Ochre House – Winner: MyMyMy Architecture (NSW)

Sustainability is no longer a “nice to have”— it’s a necessity. ‘Ochre House’ leads the charge, combining high-performance building principles with a warm, earthy aesthetic. It’s a home that works hard for its inhabitants, staying cool in summer and warm in winter with minimal environmental impact.

  • Highly Commended: Earth House Cygnet (Earthship Eco Homes), Copper Ribbon House (DunnHillam), Crossroads Marrickville (Mackenzie Pronk Architects).

7. People’s Choice Award: Table Top – Winner: Pleysier Perkins Architecture (NSW)

The public has spoken! After thousands of votes, ‘Table Top’ by Pleysier Perkins emerged as the fan favourite. With its striking lines and family-friendly functionality, it’s easy to see why this NSW gem captured the hearts of our readers.

We would also like to give thanks to our Highly Commended projects and to our shortlist. The full shortlist is available online here.

Want more inspiration? Keep an eye out for our next issue of Grand Designs Australia magazine, where we will be showcasing the full photo galleries and walkthroughs of each of our winning homes in a Special Edition Flipbook. Entries will re-open for the Awards in June 2026.