Residential Renovation or Extension Finalists
Yarralumla - Scope Project Group
This refined renovation in Yarralumla was delivered by Scope Project Group Pty Ltd, providing a future‑focused upgrade to an established family residence while respecting the suburb’s prestigious streetscape and existing built form. The project centres on intelligent internal reconfiguration to improve circulation, functionality and connectivity across
living zones, complemented by a contemporary external refresh including a new Colorbond Custom Orb roof, upgraded insulation and integrated solar readiness. Through carefully considered performance upgrades, accessibility improvements and restrained architectural detailing, the home achieves enhanced comfort, sustainability and long‑term liveability without unnecessary expansion.
Braddon House - Think Make Enjoy & Stewart Architecture
Braddon House is a carefully considered heritage renovation and contemporary extension delivered by Think Make Enjoy in collaboration with Stewart Architecture, revitalising a Canberra red brick cottage in Braddon. The project balances heritage preservation with modern performance through meticulous restoration of original elements, including rebuilt timber windows with double glazing, retiled roofing and repaired brickwork, alongside a light‑filled contemporary addition that improves functionality and spatial clarity. Through disciplined heritage management, refined material transitions and exceptional craftsmanship, the renovation extends the life of the home while celebrating its original character within a cohesive and enduring residential outcome.
Bijoux - Cedar Constructions & Dept. of Design
Bijoux is a refined renovation delivered by Cedar Constructions Pty Ltd in collaboration with Department of Design, transforming an existing family home in Kingston into a contemporary, highly functional residence through thoughtful spatial re‑planning and bespoke detailing. The project focuses on improving flow and usability by opening up the main living areas, strengthening connections between indoor spaces and surrounding
courtyards, and introducing a carefully crafted kitchen as the central hub of the home. Through a warm, restrained material palette, custom joinery and layered lighting, the renovation balances elegance with practicality, demonstrating how considered design and craftsmanship can breathe new life into an existing dwelling.
Hackett House Artist Studio - Think Make Enjoy
Hackett House Artist Studio is a refined renovation and extension delivered by Think Make Enjoy, creating a dedicated, light‑filled artist’s studio that strengthens the home’s connection to its garden setting in Hackett. The project responds to the client’s brief with a carefully detailed rear extension that improves circulation and inclusivity, linking the existing home, a recycled hardwood deck and pergola through a seamless indoor–outdoor transition supported by an integrated accessibility ramp. Through a layered
material palette of charred timber cladding, fibre‑cement panels, recycled hardwood and translucent roofing, the project delivers a contemporary and inspiring creative workspace that complements the existing house while supporting long‑term performance and sustainability.
Weetangera House - Vdara Construction
Weetangera House was delivered by Vdara Construction, transforming a tired and dysfunctional 1970s residence into a light‑filled, contemporary family home through an extensive renovation and extension. Working collaboratively with the owners, the project reimagined the existing structure rather than pursuing demolition, introducing excavated lower‑level living spaces, cathedral and raked ceilings, improved accessibility and significant upgrades to natural light, functionality and energy performance. Through clever
engineering, the reuse of original materials and high‑quality craftsmanship, the finished home successfully balances sustainability, modern family living and a strong connection to its established suburban context.
O’Connor House - Think Make Enjoy & Sonder Architects
O’Connor House on Brigalow Street was delivered by Think Make Enjoy, in collaboration with Sonder Architects, as a thoughtful renovation of the 1950s Riley Newsome Cottage. Central to the project was the celebration of the home’s original timber roof trusses, which informed a suite of handcrafted joinery elements including the custom kitchen, pantry, servery table and entry sequence, creating a cohesive architectural language throughout. Through disciplined material selection, precise craftsmanship and sensitive
integration of old and new, the renovation transforms a modest post‑war dwelling into a warm, enduring and highly functional contemporary home while respecting its original character.
Sir Isaacs - Elite Renovations ACT
The Sir Isaacs renovation was delivered by Elite Renovations ACT, transforming an ageing residence into a contemporary, high‑performing family home through a comprehensive internal reconfiguration. The project involved significant structural modifications, full replacement of all windows and external doors, and the complete reconstruction of the kitchen, bathrooms and master suite to improve spatial flow, functionality and thermal
performance. Through disciplined trade coordination, precise workmanship and thoughtful design integration, the renovation achieves a cohesive modern outcome that significantly enhances everyday liveability while working within the constraints of the existing structure.
Deakin - NEWR
The Deakin Project was delivered by NEWR, involving a comprehensive internal renovation of an existing double‑brick residence to transform a dated family home into a refined, contemporary three‑bedroom dwelling. Working within the constraints of the original structure, the project reconfigured the internal layout to create a generous open‑plan kitchen, dining and living zone, enhanced by sculptural curved walls, bespoke joinery and significantly improved natural light and spatial flow. Through careful
planning, innovative problem‑solving and high‑quality craftsmanship, the renovation successfully balances architectural character with everyday functionality, delivering a highly livable and performance‑focused modern home.
Malta High Commission Residence - Elm Building Group, JGSPM & CK Architecture
The Malta High Commission Residence in Deakin was delivered by Elm Building Group, in collaboration with joint entrants JGSPM and CK Architecture, involving a major alteration and extension to support both private living and formal diplomatic functions. The project
reorganised and expanded the existing residence to provide functional family spaces and generous formal entertaining areas, while addressing significant structural remediation, upgrading the building envelope, and integrating new windows and doors to meet both Australian and European Union performance standards. Through meticulous craftsmanship, careful coordination and sensitive integration of new works with retained fabric, the completed residence successfully balances everyday family life with the demands of hosting official and community events for the Australian Maltese community.
Ainslie - D3 Projects & Think Make Enjoy
This heritage renovation and extension in Ainslie was delivered by D3 Projects Pty Ltd in collaboration with joint entrant Think Make Enjoy, revitalising an original 1960s residence within the Wakefield Gardens Heritage Precinct. The project carefully restores and upgrades the existing building fabric and thermal envelope while introducing a contemporary rear extension, basement and landscaped gardens that respect heritage scale, materials and streetscape character. Through refined craftsmanship, custom joinery and seamless integration of old and new, the home achieves a light‑filled, highly
functional environment that balances heritage preservation with modern family
living.
Philip - Refined Building and Developments
This whole‑house renovation in Phillip was delivered by Refined Building and Developments, transforming a 1992 two‑storey brick veneer townhouse into a high‑performance, Japanese‑inspired forever home for a family of five. The project involved complete internal demolition and rebuild, a full building‑envelope upgrade, all‑electric systems, custom joinery throughout, and highly efficient insulation, glazing and air‑sealing to prioritise energy performance and functional family living. Through disciplined planning, refined craftsmanship and purpose‑driven design, the renovation delivers a warm, durable and
beautifully resolved home where every detail supports long‑term performance and liveability.
Griffith - Manteena, Architects Ring and Associates and Archertec Interiors
This extensive heritage renovation in Griffith was delivered by Manteena in collaboration with Architects Ring & Associates and Archertec Interiors, transforming a much‑loved 1940s family home into a light‑filled, highly functional residence for modern living. The project improves natural light, ventilation and spatial flow while carefully retaining
and restoring significant heritage elements, including fireplaces, decorative cornices and original detailing, ensuring new interventions sit comfortably within the existing architectural fabric. Through refined craftsmanship, a restrained material palette and sensitive design integration, the home now offers contemporary comfort and performance while honouring its long‑standing family history and architectural character.
Spiros - Elite Renovations ACT
The Spiros renovation in Conder was delivered by Elite Renovations ACT, involving a carefully planned reconfiguration of the second floor of an existing two‑storey home to better support the needs of a growing family. The project included the relocation of the bathroom and toilet, restructuring of internal walls and the creation of larger children’s bedrooms alongside a flexible guest bedroom that also functions as a home office. High‑quality finishes such as VJ wall panelling and new carpet throughout provide a cohesive, refined aesthetic, resulting in a functional and highly liveable upper‑level family space.
Nicholls - Prof Homes & Jast Design
This substantial renovation and extension in Nicholls was delivered by Prof Homes, in collaboration with Jast Design Pty Ltd, transforming a 30‑year‑old residence into a contemporary family home designed for modern and multi‑generational living. The project carefully integrates new extensions to the front, side and rear with the existing
structure, introducing a private guest wing, premium kitchen and butler’s pantry, custom joinery throughout and a fully refreshed rendered façade with upgraded glazing. Through thoughtful planning, high‑quality craftsmanship and significant sustainability upgrades, the home now delivers improved performance, flexibility and refined living spaces tailored to the family’s evolving needs.
Monash - Dream Design Building
This Monash residential extension was delivered by Dream Design Building, demonstrating a refined approach to integrating new construction seamlessly with an existing home. The project involved the creation of a modern open‑plan kitchen and living space, with careful attention to matching brickwork, roof tiles and external finishes to preserve architectural continuity while enhancing functionality and natural light.
Through precise construction, high‑quality finishes and thoughtful material selection, the extension achieves a contemporary, cohesive living environment that respects the character of the original residence while significantly improving day‑to‑day liveability.