CityNews speaks to some of the Housing Industry Association’s 2025 award winners.

Each year the Housing Industry Association (HIA) awards showcases some of the best in the local residential building industry in cutting-edge homes, kitchens and bathrooms.

HIA executive director for ACT and Southern NSW Geordan Murray says the association is proud of the work being produced by its members and congratulates all the winners and finalists. 

The HIA ACT/Southern NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards take in entries from the south coast, the Riverina, southern tablelands, southwest slopes, Snowy Mountains and Canberra. 

“The awards showcase the high standards being achieved across the residential building industry,” says Mr Murray. 

“This year’s winners highlight the importance of design, innovation and quality construction in creating homes that meet the needs of modern living.”

Split into regions, entrants are judged by an experienced team of building experts. Regional winners go on to compete in the national awards.

The 2025 HIA ACT/Southern NSW Home of the Year was awarded to Status Living for its Icon House.

Top price for top spec home prize winner

Winner of four top accolades, Status Living won Home of the Year, Custom Built Home $2m+ and Custom Built Home for “examples of architectural boldness and construction excellence”, and Top Spec Home. 

A collaboration project between architect Turco & Associates and local custom-home builder Status Living, Icon House sits on a 1800-square-metre block in a quiet, tree-lined street in Deakin. 

Status Living co-director Matthew Bellingham says it was always an ambitious project.

“It’s a reflection of the dedication and craftsmanship our team brings to every project,” he says. 

“Whether it’s a multi-million dollar architectural build, or a thoughtfully designed spec home, for us, excellence isn’t determined by price, it’s embedded in our process and our passion for what we do.”

Fellow co-director Brent Redmayne says the construction of the home was a three-year journey.

“What I love about these awards is that they showcase the diversity of what we do,” he says. 

“We’re just as proud of our spec homes and extensions as we are of our high-end architectural builds, because each one is built with the same hands, the same eye for detail and the same belief that good building is about integrity.

“The consistent recognition year after year across such a wide spectrum says a lot about the people behind our projects.”

Status Living’s Griffith Spec Home of the Year winner features Tundra Grey stone benchtops, brass detailing and bespoke joinery. 

“Our spec home recently sold for a street record, which was an incredible outcome for our clients,” says Brent.

Status Living, visit statusliving.com.au

The architects behind the House of the Year

A collaboration between local custom-home builder, Status Living and architects, Turco & Associates, Icon House took out the top spot for Home of the Year, Custom Built Home $2m+ and Custom Built Home of the Year at the 2025 HIA Housing Awards. 

Head architect and owner Michael Turco says the collective vision for the Deakin house was to design a home that responds sensitively to its setting, while capturing the “sweeping outlooks to the Brindabella Mountain Ranges and the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum from its elevated position”. 

“Icon House was designed to sit comfortably on the site while enjoying the many aspects and sights across to Canberra’s most notable views and icons,” he says. 

“It is not simply a home with a view, it’s a home built around them.

“Every line, every frame, every room was purposely shaped to connect the family to the city’s natural and civic icons.” 

A “residence that contributes to Canberra’s architectural identity”, Michael says the home has been designed equally for entertaining and retreat, including a home theatre, indoor gym, sunken firepit, custom pool and space, and private sauna. 

“Despite its presence and scale, we wanted the home to feel effortlessly liveable,” he says. 

“Behind the concrete facade and louvred veil lies a series of inviting, light-filled spaces, curated to allow our clients to enjoy both the intimate spaces important to the comfort of the home, while enjoying their wonderful views.” 

The residence features five bedrooms, each with their own ensuite, a four-car garage, dedicated guest wing and multiple living rooms that flow to the outdoors. 

Turco & Associates, call 6162 0735 or visit turcoassociates.com.au

Brothers honour heritage with a modern twist

Brother Projects has won the 2025 Renovation/Extension Addition Project at the HIA ACT/Southern NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards.

Located in Griffith, the renovation and extension project honoured the home’s heritage while delivering a large, modern extension. 

“We’ve restored the inner-south gem by retaining the cottage feel without feeling outdated,” says managing director Jamey Dutkiewicz.

Alluding to a modern style with semi-circle features on the guest bedroom, Jamey says it allows for glimpses from the street to the extension beyond without it being “overbearing from the street”. 

“The home delivers the perfect balance of space for the family, places to work and guest privacy,” he says. 

Blending indoor with outdoor living by incorporating slimline Vitrocsa sliding doors and cantilevered contract slabs, Jamey says the project is a shining example of how to integrate modern living and design, while carefully preserving important heritage. 

According to Jamey, the mission of the heritage project was ambitious. 

“We wanted to honour the original home’s Canberra heritage and retain the cottage feel, and deliver a modern extension.” 

The Griffith house recently won the 2025 Renovation/Extension More Than $2.5 million at the Master Builders and Asset Construction Hire Excellence Awards.

Brother Projects, call Jamey at 0419 266289, Nathan at 0419 266289 or visit brotherprojects.com.au

Top kitchen serves up elegance with sustainability

Winning the top spot in Renovated Kitchen up to $75,000 at the ACT/ Southern NSW HIA Awards, New Spaces director Tim Ross says it was their clients’ strong sustainability focus that made the project truly special. 

“The clients had a clear vision for a comprehensive kitchen and dining area that would serve as the central hub for entertaining, while taking full advantage of the stunning view to the Belconnen town centre and Brindabellas,” he says. 

“They wanted a contemporary, highly functional and elegant aesthetic, all built with high-quality finishes.” 

Built in collaboration with Viceroy Studio and TopShelf Joinery, Tim says they met every challenge with innovation and smart solutions. 

“The desire for environmental responsibility, combined with the need to overcome an awkward angular floor plan and structural walls, was the core inspiration that drove the innovative design,” he says. 

Tim says some key features of the build include a bespoke triangular island bench with curved edges and a focus on material reuse by retaining a number of existing appliances and locations to minimise waste, costs and the embodied carbon footprint. 

“Our guiding philosophy is simple, early collaboration unlocks exceptional results,” says Tim. 

“By bringing key partners into the conversation right from the outset, we created a truly unified process.”

Sharing the moment with their interior designer and joinery team, Tim says winning the award validated what they knew all along, that their project was a “stand out kitchen”.

New Spaces, call 0422 668244 or visit new-spaces.com.au

Sweet taste of success for bathroom design winner

Winner of the top Bathroom Design award, Helen Tadiello says the inspiration behind the project was rooted in the desire to transform a functional space into a “deeply personal sanctuary”.

“Rather than treating the bathroom as a purely utilitarian zone, the vision was to elevate it into a space of ritual, reflection and quiet indulgence,” says the founder and principal design consultant at Sugar. Designs. 

“Ultimately the project was guided by the belief that the spaces we inhabit most intimately should be the ones that nourish us most deeply.” 

Lighting, Helen says, plays a starring role in the design with the use of recessed LEDs to softly illuminate niches and joinery, while a brass and black geometric pendant was used to add drama and warmth. 

“There’s something deeply satisfying about refining the details [by looking at] the way the light moves through a space, how materials feel underfoot or how a layout can shift someone’s daily experience,” she says. 

“Ultimately it’s about creating spaces that feel considered, comforting and quietly powerful.” 

With the aim of solving real-world problems with “beauty, clarity and care”, Helen says it’s a joy to translate complex requirements (whether regulatory, spatial or emotional) into environments that support people’s lives in meaningful ways.

“Recognition through this award is not just a personal milestone, it’s a celebration of what’s possible when shared joy and creative precision come together as thoughtful design,” she says. 

“This project was a labour of love… To have that recognised by the industry felt both humbling and energising.

“I’m grateful to the team, the collaborators and the clients who trusted the vision and helped bring it to life.”

Sugar. Designs, call 6161 8288 or 0408 253739, or visit sugardesigns.com.au 

Colourful house wins people’s choice award

Filled with colour, form and texture designed to flow cohesively from room to room, Salt Renovations have won the People’s Choice Home title at the HIA awards. 

“Our clients came to us with a vision to create a home that felt joyful, expressive and completely their own,” says director Olivier Aldric. 

“They wanted to move away from the typical neutral palette and embrace colour, personality and individuality.

“From the very beginning, it was a true collaboration.”

Using colour blocking, tile repetition, playful shapes and contrasting materials to build a consistent design landscape, Olivier says the kitchen, living and dining areas form the heart of the home. 

“I love how thoughtful design can completely change the way people experience their homes,” he says. 

“A successful renovation always begins with strong preparation, planning and design, and seeing those ideas come together through our collaborative design-build process is incredibly rewarding.” 

The full home renovation in Chapman also won the Renovated Bathroom over $50,000 award. 

“We’re incredibly grateful to our clients for trusting us with their home and to our team for the care and passion they put into every detail,” says Olivier. 

“The award really belongs to all of them. It’s the result of many people working together, from the first sketches right through to the final handover, and that collaboration is what makes projects like this special.”

Salt Renovations, call 6163 1663 or visit saltrenovations.com.au

Entertainer’s dream wins Display Home award

Inspired by Scandinavian design, Mellross Homes general manager Mathew Mellross says their winning entrant for Display Home up to $750,000 was created using carefully procured materials, contrasting textures and curved details throughout. 

Labelled an “entertainer’s dream”, Mathew’s winning house, The Stromlo, features an alfresco, a bar and a family theatre room that provides ample space to host guests.

In the centre of the home, a private study was built as a haven for working, studying or relaxing. 

“The Stromlo features an open-plan living concept, with the kitchen, living and dining room nestled in the rear of the home,” says Mathew. 

“Built with a split-level design that allows 3.3-metre ceilings at the rear, the home boasts sweeping views across Denman Prospect and the Molonglo Valley.” 

Initially founded by his father, Darren Mellross, under the tutelage of his grandfather, Mathew says the win has set in stone a future path for the family owned and operated company, allowing him to continue building quality homes for the region. 

While the winning display home was his “brainchild”, Mathew says every build is personal to them, which makes seeing the impact they can have on their clients’ lives worth that much more. 

“We were extremely excited when the winner was announced,” he says. 

“It really spoke to the quality that we provide and solidified our strong position in the Canberra market.” 

Mellross Homes, call 6382 5350 or visit mellrosshomes.com.au

Timeless, calm and elegant bathroom

Winning Bathroom of the Year, Estate Constructions director, Anthony Maiuto, says their aim had always been to create something timeless, calm and elegant. 

“We wanted the design to flow naturally, with soft curves and luxurious materials that invite you to slow down and unwind,” he says. 

“The curved Carrara marble walls became the hero of the space, bringing a sense of movement and serenity that really sets the tone for the whole room.”

Crafted with an attention to “thoughtful detail”, Anthony says the curved walls, custom timber veneer vanity and brushed brass tapware give the Griffith bathroom a refined, cohesive look.

He says the freestanding bath adds a touch of indulgence, while underfloor heating, layered lighting and hidden storage makes it practical, as well as beautiful. 

“Every choice, from the materials to the layout, was about blending luxury with everyday usability,” he says. 

“Working closely with our clients and collaborators to achieve that balance of form and function is incredibly rewarding, and there’s nothing better than standing in a finished space and seeing how proud and excited the clients are.”

A “dedication to their team and collaborators’ craftsmanship”, Anthony says it is deeply rewarding to have their work recognised by the HIA among other high-calibre peers. 

“We’re so grateful to our clients for trusting us with their vision and to the HIA for recognising our work,” he says. 

“At Estate Constructions, we’re passionate about building spaces that feel as good as they look, places people love coming home to.

“This award reminds us why we do what we do every day.”

Estate Constructions, call 0412 608306 or visit estateconstructions.com.au

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