Grand Designs Aust. HOTY Awards 2024

HOUSE OF THE YEAR AWARDS

TAKE A LOOK AT OUR

8WINNERS

TOP RESIDENTIAL HOMES OF THE YEAR

PLUS THE PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Portland Arc Dining Table & Johanna Highback Chairs by Kett.

Home by Rachcoff Vella Architects.

Melbourne studio Kett is headed up by leading Australian designer Justin Hutchinson. They create fu rniture collections that are honest in their use of materials and united in their craft.

Kett celebrates an Australian way of life; drawing inspiration from our natural landscapes and cosmopolitan cities. Proudly designed & made in Australia.

A PROUD HISTORY OF QUALITY AND CUSTOM FABRICATION

For 40 years, innovation and quality have been our driving passions. Rylock design and manufacture a range of high performance product solutions. AUSTRALIAN MADE AND OWNED.

From the Editor

welcome to the special flipbook issue of Grand Designs Australia magazine, where we reveal the Grand Designs Australia House of the Year winners!

With so many amazing home submissions this year, it was extremely difficult for the judges to pick their favourites. We would like to thank everyone who took the time to enter.

The awards are broken up into seven categories this year: Large New Home, Large Renovation, Small New Home, Small Renovation, Energy-efficient Home, Interior and Outdoor Integrated Living. As well as the winner/winners for each category, we take a look at the People’s Choice award winner and the Showcase Shortlist selected by our judges. Thank you to all of the readers who sent in their votes and congratulations to the award winners.

And now the moment you’ve been waiting for — turn the page to check out the winners for each category … April

THE JUDGES ARE

ANTHONY BURKE

Editor-at-large of Grand Designs Australia magazine, host of Grand Designs Australia and co-host of Grand Designs Transformations

ALISON PAGE

Associate Dean (Indigenous Leadership and Engagement) at UTS Faculty of Design, Architecture and Building

APRIL OSSINGTON EDITOR

HANNAH TRIBE Principal of Tribe Studio Architects

BEN PEAKE Principal of Carter Williamson Architects

The Grand Designs Australia Magazine House of the Year Awards 2024 are proudly brought to you by our Gold sponsor, Cosh Living; Silver sponsor, Rylock Windows & Doors; and trade partners Big Ass Fans, Feltex, HVG facades, GH Commercial Flooring, Godfrey Hirst, Hungry Wolf Studio, GoodWe, Dollar Curtains + Blinds, HVG Decorative Building Products and Cutek

BANKSIA RESIDENCE

Showcasing high-performance windows and doors from Rylock, this Mornington Peninsula home enjoys supreme airflow, light and insulation

PHOTOGRAPHY REALTY WRITERS

If the eyes are the window to the soul, then windows are the eyes of a home. Whether looking out or keeping others from peeping in, the right windows — and doors — can offer protection from the elements, boost energy effi ciency, reduce your carbon footprint, and create a visual connection between inside and out.

Choosing the right windows and doors is an integral part of the design and construction process, but one that is all too often overlooked. Rylock, an Australian company that designs, specifies and manufactures high-performance windows and doors, is rectifying this oversight with a host of custom-made solutions to suit its clients’ needs.

As well as their functional qualities, your home’s windows and doors should also sympathise with the style of your dwelling. Using locally sourced materials, Rylock products are designed to meet whatever requirements you

may have. Whether it’s thermal comfort, BAL (Bushfire Attack Level), noise, privacy, security or energy efficiency, Rylock has the right product for every project.

With years of research and development, Rylock is passionate about sustainability and renowned for its quality fabrication. Indeed, Rylock was at the forefront of the introduction of double glazing into the residential market decades ago, offering products that were not only practical, but also incredibly stylish.

For over a decade, oversized glazing has become one of the biggest architectural trends in Australia and around the world, meaning the performance of these products has never been more important. In warmer climates, quality glazing shields the interior of the home from radiant heat to provide comfortable living conditions. When used in cooler climates, Rylock’s low-e toughened double glazing (with Argon Fill) provides greater insulation to reduce

the amount of heat loss and offers superior temperature regulation.

If you’re in the market for double-glazed, energy-efficient windows and doors for your next build or renovation, there are a few things to keep in mind. Performance, functionality and placement are the top three considerations in terms of product selection. To ensure premium performance and give customers peace of mind, Rylock notes that its products achieve exceptional results in AS 2047 Windows and External Glazed Doors compliance testing.

From hinged to sliding, Rylock offers a range of operating mechanisms to suit any architectural or interior design style. If you need guidance, Rylock consultants are on hand to assist with your selection. They can assess your home’s climatic conditions and solar orientation to specify the right solution for your insulation, light transmittance and airflow requirements.

BANKSIA RESIDENCE

Nestled into the surrounding landscape, Banksia Residence by Beachstone Homes is an award-winning house on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula. Fusing mid-century modern design and contemporary coastal living, it was built to an exceptional standard. With clean lines, the neutral exterior palette of Australian hardwood timber, bricks and block cladding is complemented by Rylock high-performance windows and doors in Colorbond™ Monument powder-coat finish. A Bushfire Attack Level (BAL-12.5) rating was also considered when specifying the site’s custom product solutions.

The generously proportioned entry, pictured above, features a hinged door (frame-only option), fitted with a large timber door for bold visual effect. Flanked by large fi xed lites and a double-glazed butt-joint window, the entry hints at the quality and attention to detail beyond.

With expansive sightlines from the entry, the soaring 4.3m-high timber-lined v-joint ceiling leads the eye to the swimming pool and resortstyle entertaining area. The open-plan living, dining and kitchen are flooded with natural light to the north-west elevation through a series of louvre and fi xed lite windows. Louvre windows deliver maximum ventilation and promote cool sea breezes, ideal in a temperate coastal environment.

BANKSIA RESIDENCE

Designer & builder

Beachstone Homes

Frame

Rylock Commercial Series

Frame colour

Colorbond™ Monument

Glazing

Grade A safety toughened

Low-e double glazing (Argon Fill)

Commercial Series stacker doors (2.7m high) in the living, rumpus and master bedroom feature a rebated sill for a zero-threshold ease of passage between the interiors and lush outdoor landscape. The master bedroom offers tranquillity in a private retreat that is enveloped by the surrounding landscape. The ensuite, bathroom and bedrooms feature Commercial Series awning windows of varied custom confi gurations, where the sash is often positioned either above or below sightlines to reduce the visual obstruction of the surrounding landscape.

The window vertical mullions in the living and dining are a bold

architectural feature. This superior result was achieved in close consultation with Rylock to ensure the highlight windows’ mullions matched those of the louvre and fi xed lite window below, for maximum visual impact.

Banksia Residence has been recognised as a luxurious custom build, awarded the HIA Eastern Victoria 2023 winner across three prestigious categories: Townhouse/Villa of the Year; Spec Home Over $500,000; and Spec Home of the Year.

With an ethos of designing and building quality custom homes, built for life, Beachstone Homes has truly delivered with Banksia Residence. rylock.com.au

BACK TO NATURE

Connecting this Yarra Valley home to the natural environment surrounding it, Kett furniture takes centre stage inside Gruyere farmhouse by Rachcoff Vella Architects

PHOTOGRAPHY TATJANA PLITT

Acaptivating collaboration between Rachcoff Vella Architects and Kett Furniture has resulted in this breathtaking home in Gruyere, Victoria, which stands at the pinnacle of a scenic hill in Victoria’s Yarra Valley.

“Our vision embodies a blueprint for celebrating a holistic approach to architectural design,” says Tony Vella, director at Rachcoff Vella Architects. “Gruyere farmhouse, affectionately known as ‘Hilltop Hood’, aspires to transcend the ordinary and exemplify this harmonious integration, showcasing what’s possible when architecture embraces nature.

Drawing inspiration from the surrounding landscape, the design emphasises a strong connection to the ubiquitous Yarra Ranges.”

Connecting the interiors to nature was a key component of the brief. For this reason, the inclusion of Kett furniture was an obvious choice. Inspired by the Australian landscape and focusing on Australian craftsmanship, the Kett pieces populating the home enrich the project’s dialogue within its natural context.

Kett is an Australian brand that creates exceptional furniture designed to last. Kett celebrates an Australian way of life, drawing inspiration from natural landscapes. Designed by Melbourne designer Justin Hutchinson, the act of conjuring ‘place’ to inform the collections allows Kett to bring the outdoors in.

The Gruyere farmhouse features new releases from Kett in their Portland, Feathertop and Johanna collections, all of which are inspired by the tones,

textures and silhouettes of their Victorian location namesakes.

The Portland Arc Dining Table and Johanna High Back Dining Chair take centre stage in the home’s dining area, both grounded by timber in a moody charcoal stain that allows the timber grain to be expressed in its natural form. The Portland Arc Dining Table features gentle curves on the legs and table top that mirror each other and create a balanced effect. Finished in sumptuous green

leather, the Johanna High Back Dining Chair is defined by a cascading silhouette, reminiscent of the cliff tops at Johanna, Victoria.

The Feathertop Sofa found in the living room is generously proportioned and effortlessly comfortable. With alpine inspiration, the soft cushioning references snow covered mountains, grounded by the deep tones of the nesting Portland Coffee Tables that sit at its feet. Framed photographs by Nicole Reed display rugged scenes of the Victorian coastline.

Architect Tony Vella says the home “respects the locale by preserving view lines from and towards the neighbouring property through the strategic planting of a mature olive grove. The site unfolds through a series of spaces, evoking the feel of traditional European farmhouses, featuring a newly created driveway that remains concealed from view. Within the pavilion, you’ll be greeted by three breathtaking views: one to the west capturing Melbourne’s skyline, another to the north overlooking the Yarra Ranges from the living room, and a morning view over the Warramate Ranges from the master bedroom.”

When combined, these beautiful Kett pieces enhance the visual allure of the architectural space to create a strong sense of ‘place’, effortlessly inviting the essence of the landscape indoors, manifested through the organic shapes and natural finishes prevalent in each piece.

Designed by Rachcoff Vella Architects and furnished by Kett, Gruyere farmhouse reveals what is possible when exquisite architecture and expert furniture curation combine to create a distinct and contemporary Australian aesthetic.

Kett furniture is exclusively available through Cosh living. Curating furniture for both indoors and out, Cosh Living’s collections showcase premium quality, exceptional comfort and reliable durability. To view the full range, visit coshliving.com.au

PREVIOUS PAGE:

Feathertop Sofa, Portland Coffee Tables, Glenaire Swivel Chairs and Mito Floor Lamp

TOP LEFT & RIGHT PAGE:

Portland Arc Dining Table and Johanna Highback Dining Chairs

BOTTOM LEFT:

Feathertop Sofa and Portland Coffee Tables

THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

Congratulations to the winners from each category!

AWARDS 2024

CATEGORY WINNER: LARGE NEW HOME

MUSIC BOX

Location Vic

Architecture Multiplicity

Construction Frank

Photography Trevor Mein Websites multiplicity.com.au; frank.net.au

CATEGORY WINNER: LARGE RENOVATION

FISHERMAN’S HOUSE

AWARDS 2024

Location Birchgrove, NSW Architecture and interior design Studio Prineas

Photography Gavin Green Website studioprineas.com.au

AWARDS 2024

CATEGORY WINNER: LARGE RENOVATION

MARY ST

Location St Kilda West, Vic

Architecture Edition Office

Construction Format Group

Photography Rory Gardiner

Websites edition-office.com; formatgroup.com.au

CATEGORY WINNER: SMALL NEW HOME

SUNDAY

AWARDS 2024

Location Fitzroy, Vic Architecture Architecture architecture Construction Grenville Architectural Construction Photography Tom Ross Website architecturearchitecture.com.au; gaconstruct.com.au

AWARDS 2024

CATEGORY WINNER: SMALL RENOVATION

A HOUSE FOR GRANDMA

Location Upper North Shore, NSW

Architecture and interior design

Brcar Morony Architecture

Construction

Cubic Construction Management

Photography Justin Alexander Websites brcarmorony.com; cubiccm.com

AWARDS 2024

CATEGORY WINNER: BEST INTERIOR

AMARA

Location Woollahra, NSW

Architecture Smart Design Studio

Construction Grosser Constructions

Photography Romello Periera

Websites smartdesignstudio.com; grosserconstructions.com.au

AWARDS 2024

CATEGORY WINNER: BEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME

LOCAL HOUSE

Location Eaglemont, Vic

Architecture Zen Architects

Construction CBD Contracting Group

Photography Derek Swalwell

Websites zenarchitects.com; cbdcontracting.com.au

CATEGORY WINNER: BEST OUTDOOR INTEGRATED LIVING

SUNDAY

AWARDS 2024

Location Fitzroy, Vic Architecture Architecture architecture Construction Grenville Architectural Construction Photography Tom Ross Website architecturearchitecture.com.au; gaconstruct.com.au

PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD

Congratulations to the winner of the People’s Choice Award! And thank you to all of our readers who voted

AWARDS 2024

RAHEEN

Location Kew, Vic

Architecture C. Kairouz Architects

Photography Emily Bartlett

Website ckarchitects.com.au

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST

Take a look at the impressive Showcase Shortlist selected by our judges

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: LARGE NEW HOME ANDERSON ROAD RESIDENCE

Location Hawthorn, Vic

Architecture B.E. Architecture

Photography Victor Vieaux Website bearchitecture.com

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: LARGE NEW HOME

AB HOUSE

Location Barwon Heads, Vic

Architecture Office MI-JI

Construction David Webb

Building Solutions

Photography Ben Hosking Websites mi-ji.com.au; dwbuilds.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: LARGE RENOVATION

RAHEEN

Location Kew, Vic

Architecture C. Kairouz Architects

Photography Emily Bartlett

Website ckarchitects.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: SMALL NEW HOME

JAN JUC STUDIO

Location Jan Juc, Vic

Architecture Eldridge Anderson Architects

Photography Ben Hosking

Website eldridgeanderson.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST:

SMALL NEW HOME

MOSSY POINT HOUSE

Location Mossy Point, NSW

Architecture Edition Office

Construction Smith and Primmer

Photography Rory Gardiner Websites edition-office.com; smithandprimmer.com

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: SMALL RENOVATION

POP TOP

Location New Town, Tas

Architecture Licht Architecture

Construction Soda Projects

Photography Adam Gibson

Website lichtarchitecture.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: SMALL RENOVATION

ERSKINEVILLE HOUSE

Location Erskineville, NSW Architecture Lachlan Seegers Architect

Construction Nexa Projects Photography Rory Gardiner Website lachlanseegers.com; nexaprojects.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: BEST ENERGY-EFFICIENT HOME

OFF-GRID HOUSE

Location Regional Vic

Architecture Archier

Construction Bushblend Homes

Photography Thurston Empson

Website archier.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: BEST INTERIOR

STUDIO UNO

Location Brunswick, Vic

Architecture Mihaly Slocombe

Construction Sargant Construction

Stylist Bea & Co

Photography Tatjana Plitt

Websites mihalyslocombe.com.au; sargant.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: BEST INTERIOR

RAHEEN

Location Kew, Vic

Architecture C. Kairouz Architects

Photography Emily Bartlett

Website ckarchitects.com.au

AWARDS 2024

SHOWCASE SHORTLIST: BEST OUTDOOR INTEGRATED LIVING

HOUSE IN THE DRY

Location Tamworth, NSW

Architecture MRTN Architects

Construction W.J. Bryan Engineering

Photography Anthony Basheer Websites mrtn.com.au; wjbryaneng.com.au