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Australia’s best apartment designs for 2026
The Houses awards shortlist celebrates the country’s most ‘intelligent, dynamic and visually compelling homes’
TL;DR
- Apartment renovations in Australia emphasize custom joinery to break up spaces instead of using traditional walls.
- Designs focus on maximizing natural light, airflow, and thermal performance, often reducing the need for artificial lighting and air conditioning.
- Many projects prioritize sustainable practices, including reusing existing materials, opting for durable and locally sourced elements, and designing for disassembly.
- Renovations aim to increase functionality and flexibility, allowing spaces to serve multiple purposes and adapt to occupants' changing needs.
- Several projects demonstrate how to increase density by redeveloping under-utilised lots or converting existing structures into multiple dwellings or family homes.
- The designs often draw inspiration from heritage features while incorporating modern functionality and aesthetics.