2019 Houses Awards shortlist: Curves & stone trending

Currently in its ninth year, the 2019 Houses Awards finalists were revealed recently and with a total of 502 entries to sort through, there’s plenty of amazing architectural and interior design inspiration to be found in the list. From homes created to highlight their foundations (huge chunks of natural rock inside seem to be trending!) to beautifully sculptural curves and a new build that looks like a heritage home, we’re hard pressed to pick a favourite project.

Hawthorn House by Edition Office. Photography: Ben Hosking

“The jury was impressed by the emphasis on place and space making, rather than architecture that is typologically or formally driven. The standout homes are those that are connected with the people who live in them and consider how the spaces might influence the inhabitants’ experience of day-to-day life,” says Katelin Butler, a 2019 juror and editorial director of Architecture Media, the publisher of Houses magazine.

The North Curl Curl Residence by Andrew Donaldson Architecture and Design. Photography: Barton Taylor — North Curl Curl Residence by Andrew Donaldson Architecture and Design. Photography: Barton Taylor

North Curl Curl by Andrew Donaldson. Photography: Barton Taylor — The North Curl Curl Residence features an internal courtyard built around a natural sandstone cliff. Photography: Barton Taylor

“Many of the shortlisted projects are acutely sensitive to site and context, are conceptually legible and display an honesty of material expression,” says Katelin.

Cove House by Justin Humphrey. Photography: Andy Macpherson — Cove House by Justin Humphrey Architect. Photography: Andy Macpherson

Divided into nine categories including new houses, alterations and additions, apartments and units, landscape projects and houses in a heritage context, one home will be awarded the coveted ‘Australian House of the Year’ award together with $5000 in cash when the winners are announced at a gala awards night in Melbourne on July 26.

Kew Apartment by Sarah Wolfendal. Photography: Shannon McGrath — Kew Apartment by Sarah Wolfendale Interior Design. Photography: Shannon McGrath

Crescent House by Matthew Woodward Architecture is an impressive and undulating home that weaves through lush gardens and makes its way down to Sydney Harbour – the home’s stunning interiors compete with panoramic views of Middle Head in the distance. I love the rooftop gardens.

Crescent House by Matthew Woodward. Photography: Murray Frederic — Crescent House by Matthew Woodward Architecture. Photography: Murray Fredericks

Sitting amid heritage listed interwar bungalow homes in Melbourne, Brighton House by Architecture Caissin was designed so as not to disrupt the historically significant streetscape. Gabled roofs, arched arcades and porches connect with beautifully landscaped gardens.

Brighton House by Architecture Caissin. Photography: Peter Clarke

Canopy House by Leeton Pointon Architect is comprised of a series of sculptural forms including a beautiful spiral staircase (a design that is clearly having a moment!) and lots of light-filled, neutral spaces.