A pocket-sized city terrace extension and a multigenerational riverside property inspired by a country shed are among the innovative dwellings shortlisted in the sustainability category of the Houses awards, Australia’s premier residential design prize. This year’s five-panel jury noted a number of new sustainable design trends, including a move towards net-zero housing, abodes that accommodate adult children, innovative multi-use spaces for working from home, a growing appreciation for restoring dated dwellings and inspired designs for downsizers and elderly occupants.


Shortlisted in the sustainability category of the Houses awards are a pocket-sized city terrace extension and a multigenerational riverside property inspired by a country shed. These innovative dwellings caught the eye of the five-panel jury, who noted new sustainable design trends such as net-zero housing, accommodations for adult children, multi-use spaces for remote work, a focus on restoring older homes, and designs tailored for downsizers and elderly residents.