You heard correctly! Australian behaviour and the way we live is shifting as we are downsizing and apartment living becomes increasingly prevalent. This year, the House Awards’ highest honour was bestowed upon a compact living space in Darling Point, New South Wales.

Designed by Sydney firm Chenchow Little, this modern architectural delight was created with the purpose of showcasing its owner’s extensive collection of Australian art. This sophisticated home challenges apartment conventions and demonstrates the capabilities of design in this space. The beauty is in the detail of this apartment, where each room is a considered and unique piece of the puzzle – and the stunning harbour view isn’t bad either!

The House Awards, now in their sixth year of operation, serve to celebrate the finest Australian residential design. The ten category winners for 2016 exhibit stunning design aesthetic and offer a valuable insight into contemporary architecture.

The 2016 panel comprised of leading industry experts including the likes of Karen Alcock, MA Architects (Vic); Adrian Iredale, Iredale Pedersen Hook (WA); Virginia Kerridge, Virginia Kerridge Architect (NSW); Charles Wright, Charles Wright Architects (Qld) and Katelin Butler, Editor, Houses magazine.

Take a look at the impressive selection of winners below. We sure wouldn’t mind living in any one of them!

Meet the winners

Australian House of the Year – Darling Point Apartment, Chenchow Little

New House under 200 m2– Naranga Avenue House, James Russel Architect

New House over 200 m2 – Deepwater, Tobias Partners

House Alteration and Addition under 200 m2 – Baffle House, Claire Cousins Architects

House Alteration and Addition over 200 m2 – Project Zero, BVN

Apartment or Unit – Darling Point Apartment, Chenchow Little

Outdoor – Fairfield House, Kennedy Nolan in collaboration with Sam Cox Landscape

House in a Heritage Context – Bayside Fire Station, Owen Architecture

Sustainability – Fairfield House, Kennedy Nolan in collaboration with Sam Cox Landscape

Emerging Architecture Practice – Rob Kennon Architects

For more information about the awards and further exploration of the winners, visit www.houseawards.com.

This article was first published on realestateview.com.au.

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