Australia’s premier housing sustainability awards took place in Hobart last Friday, honouring those leading the way in building a greener future for the home construction industry.
The esteemed event followed the 2024 HIA Future Homes Forum, where the nation’s top construction leaders, industry innovators, and sustainability experts gathered to discuss sustainability challenges and solutions within the housing sector.
The HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards are recognised as Australia’s most prestigious honour for sustainable building practices and recognise those who build or design environmentally-friendly homes and solutions to make homes more efficient.
The occasion sees award winners and nominees recognised for making a positive environmental difference through home construction to inspire more builders to construct more sustainable, energy-efficient and comfortable homes.
About the GreenSmart Awards
The awards ceremony was hosted by Gardening Australia star and Logie award-winner Costa Georgiadis, with organisers hoping the awards will help drive a more sustainable, energy-efficient future for the Aussie home-building industry.
Each nominated home build is chosen for its sustainable building practices, clever materials choices, and environmental incorporation to create comfortable living spaces all year round for their prospective homeowners.
HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin told Build-it the awards recognised HIA members who deliver the latest in environmental design excellence and sustainable building practices.
“HIA is committed to sustainable building outcomes through environmentally focused design, innovation and construction,” she said.
“Our commitment to recognise excellence has not altered over the twenty-four years the HIA GreenSmart program has been running. The winners and finalists are at the cutting edge in their field and demonstrate expertise in building superior-performing, energy-saving homes for their clients.”
GreenSmart Home of the Year 2024 Award
The top gong in the national HIA sustainability awards, the GreenSmart Home of the Year is arguably the most prestigious of all Australia’s sustainable housing awards.
The winner was chosen from the three victors of the Smart Custom Built Home Award, Renovation/ Addition Project Award, and Display/ Project Home Award categories.
ACT-based 360 Building Solutions and Lighthouse Archiscience’s Oska’s house won the respected accolade. The Canberra-based red brick home was selected for its achievement in doing the basics with brilliance, showcasing what quality design, detailing, and construction can accomplish through functional floor plan, solar passive principles and NatHERS energy modelling.
GreenSmart Custom Built Home Award
This award is presented to an individual house uniquely designed and built on contract specifically for its site and according to a client’s specific requirements and brief.
Canberra-based Oska’s House again picked up the prize, with build and design team 360 Building Solutions and Lighthouse Archiscience reimagining the classic red brick home.
GreenSmart Renovation/ Addition Project Award
This award was presented to the best sustainable extension or renovation involving structural building work to an existing individual house or other residential building.
Sowden Building Solutions won the accolade, transforming a small inner Sydney house using sustainable building practices.
Their eco-friendly renovation has took a drafty 1884 built house to achieve the PassivHaus’ EnerPHit Plus standard.
GreenSmart Display/ Project Home Award
This category was awarded to a residential property currently on display to the public and intended for reproduction as displayed or with standard variations to suit individual buyers’ requests.
Arden Homes won the award for their sustainably designed display home, featuring impressive energy efficiency elements and an expansive sun court at the centre of the property to allow natural light.
GreenSmart Multi Dwelling Development Award
This award recognises the best sustainably built multiple-dwelling residential project. These projects typically include developments known as dual occupancy.
The winner was Inka Builders for its sustainable townhouse development in Hamilton Hill, Western Australia.
The seven double-story homes prioritised environmental impact through its prefabricated timber frame construction and impressive 7-star NatHERS rating.
GreenSmart Energy Efficiency Award
This award was presented to the housing project that has been designed for minimal energy consumption with its current and future needs.
Ovens & King Builders from Victoria won the award for their Buffalo Creek home, which demonstrated intelligent design and focused on energy efficiency and sustainability in construction.
GreenSmart Sustainable Home Award
This category was presented to the home, demonstrating the best use of sustainable products through its construction.
South Australia-based Milwood Homes was announced as the winner of an off-grid rural home with considered design and cost-effective construction choices.
GreenSmart Professional Award
This award was presented to the individual who best demonstrates the successful application of the GreenSmart approach in the construction of sustainable homes.
Joe Mercieca from Blue Eco Homes won, recognised for his eco-friendly approach to passive design methods.
