Australia's House of the Year is a “unique, cave-like abode” that’s going to make you seriously jealous of its lucky owners.
The Cabbage Tree House on Sydney’s northern beaches has just taken out the top prize in the prestigious 2018 Houses Awards, as well as best new house over 200sq/m.
The house, by Peter Stutchbury Architecture, is described as a “unique, cave-like abode” that “responds to the landscape” and “defies residential norms”.
Anchored in a rock shelf, the home boasts views of “vast bushland” and has been designed to stay cool in summer and warm in winter.
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The jury named The Cabbage Tree House as this year’s winner thanks to its “timeless qualities, impressive sculptural forms and connection to place”.
Cabbage Tree House is literally built into a rock wall. Picture: Michael Nicholson
It offers a sanctuary from city life. Picture: Michael Nicholson
It is designed to trap breezes in summer and heat in winter. Picture: Michael Nicholson
Each year, the Houses Awards feature the best Australian residential architecture and design and recognise how existing and emerging professionals embrace architectural challenges while developing the meaning of “home”.
Other category winners were also announced, including Brad Swartz Architects and Zuzana & Nicholas, which were the joint winners of the emerging architecture practice category.
The complete list of winners and commendations is available on the Houses Awards website and in the August edition of Houses magazine.
New house under 200sq/m was taken out by Victoria’s Springhill House by Lovell Burton Architecture. Picture: Ben Hosking
Hole in the Roof House by Rachel Neeson and Stephen Neille, in Bronte, NSW, was the joint winner of the best house alteration and addition under 200sq/m. Picture: Brett Boardman Photography
Terrarium House by John Ellway, in Highgate Hill, QLD, was the joint winner of the best house alteration and addition under 200sq/m. Picture: Toby Scott
Morningside Residence by Kieron Gait Architects, in Morningside, QLD, won best house alteration and addition over 200sq/m. Picture: Christopher Frederick Jones
The winner of the apartment or unit category was Boneca Apartment by Brad Swartz Architects in Rushcutters Bay, NSW. Picture: Tom Ferguson
The garden or landscape winner was Coastal Garden House by Neeson Murcut Architects with 360 Degrees in Bronte, NSW. Picture: Brett Boardman Photography
Nightingale 1 by Breathe Architecture in Brunswick, Victoria took out the sustainability category. Picture: Peter Clarke
Best house in a heritage context was won by Bolt Hole by Panov Scott Architects in Woollahra, NSW. Picture: Murray Fredricks
