Council is formally recognising good design in the municipality through the annual Design Awards. The awards began in 2016 and aim to encourage good design in a positive way, outside the formal planning and building approval process.

Nominations are sought for four categories: single dwelling, multiple dwellings, extension and non-residential project. These are judged by a three person panel comprising the Mayor Christina Holmdahl and two of Council’s Managers.

Winners receive a plaque or a peg, which is presented at a Council Workshop. It is hoped that the reputation of the awards builds over time. 

Selection Criteria (as approved by Councillors):

1. Capacity to stimulate, engage and delight its occupants, visitors and passers-by.
2. Complexity of brief / degree of difficulty – its ambition and ideas.
3. Extent of innovation, invention and originality.
4. Integration of allied disciplines – contribution of others, including engineers, landscape architects and other specialists to the project outcome.
5. Selection of materials and the way in which they are detailed.
6. Size / space – but not in terms of square metres, the spatial experience it offers.
7. Public benefits – has it made a significant contribution to its immediate environment?
8. Sustainability – The benefit to the environment through design.
9. Performance against the above criteria in light of the project budget.

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THIS YEAR’S WINNERS

30 Penrith Street is an outstanding example of contemporary single dwelling design. The home presents a balanced, well proportioned built form that contributes positively to the surrounding streetscape while offering a modern and refined aesthetic.

A key strength of the dwelling is its internal spatial organisation. The layout guides occupants through a seamless sequence of rooms—each space flowing naturally into the next, creating a gentle maze‑like progression that enhances legibility, light, and overall amenity.

Despite this sense of curated movement, the dwelling maintains excellent legibility and usability, with each area positioned to maximise amenity, privacy, and connection to the outdoors.

Through its cohesive design, efficient planning, and careful attention to spatial flow, 30 Penrith Street demonstrates exemplary single‑dwelling development worthy of recognition.

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P160 Gardners Road, Greens Beach stands as an exceptional example of how a renovation can completely revitalise an existing building while strengthening its connection to place, landscape, and contemporary living standards. The project successfully transforms an ageing structure into a highly functional, visually refined home that responds sensitively to its coastal setting.

The renovation demonstrates a clear design strategy that respects the original building footprint while significantly improving spatial efficiency, natural light, and internal amenity. Key interventions—including reconfigured living areas, upgraded circulation paths, and extending back from either side of the original structure and a double glass front door. Each space leads smoothly into the next, forming a coherent and intuitive internal sequence that elevates everyday usability.

The introduction of modern finishes improved thermal performance features, and a refined palette contributes to both environmental responsiveness and long term resilience. Externally, the renovation enhances the dwelling’s presence within the Greens Beach context, offering a fresh yet respectful interpretation of the area’s coastal character.

Overall, the transformation at 160 Gardners Road exemplifies best practice renovation by balancing preservation, innovation, and design clarity. It delivers a renewed home that significantly improves liveability while celebrating the natural qualities of its setting—making it a highly deserving candidate for the Best Renovation Award. 

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83 Lachlan Parade delivers a well‑resolved multiple‑dwelling development that successfully balances contemporary design, high‑quality amenity, and a respectful contribution to the surrounding neighbourhood character. The project demonstrates a clear and cohesive architectural vision, with a built form that is well‑proportioned, articulated, and responsive to site conditions

The built form is set back from the street in a manner that softens its presence, ensuring the development integrates seamlessly into the existing neighbourhood character rather than competing with it.

A key achievement of the project is the way it works with, rather than against, the landform. The design respects the natural slope of the site, stepping the built form carefully to minimise visual bulk, reduce cut‑and‑fill, and maintain a low‑impact profile from all viewpoints. This terraced approach not only preserves the natural qualities of the landscape but also enables each dwelling to benefit from improved outlook, sunlight, and privacy.

Internally, the dwellings are planned with clarity and efficiency, allowing for strong functional flow, excellent natural light, and meaningful connections to private outdoor spaces. The stepped massing also enhances liveability by ensuring each unit enjoys its own sense of openness and separation.

Material selection, landscaping, and overall site interface further reinforce the development’s respectful and environmentally responsive character.

Through its sensitive siting, considered use of topography, and high‑quality internal planning, 83 Lachlan Parade stands as a leading example of best‑practice multiple dwelling design.

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LAST YEAR’S WINNERS

The Kanamaluka House gracefully sits amongst the thriving flora and fauna on the site.

The clever design of the home and build execution within the Flood Prone Areas and Coastal inundation Hazard Code overlays was a large part of why this project won the award. The photos taken by Anjie Blair beautifully represents it here.

The design of the dwelling has been carefully executed for sunlight and views.

Additionally, the dwelling offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, enhancing its appeal. These elements collectively contribute to its distinction in this category.

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This project struck us by its bold industrial-like exterior, yet warm and intimate interior. The home had the perfect balance in delivering a modern, architectural home, while still feeling cosy and homely. 

If there is one word to describe this project, it would be ‘warmth’. The internal finishes and colours together created an earthy, comfortable feeling throughout the house also give a feeling of bright openness and space. 

This project was a standout for its attention to detail and high-quality finishes. The thoughtful dwelling interior design and windows aimed to capture maximum winter sunlight.

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163 Glendale Road in Sidmouth has been honored with the Best Dwelling Under Renovation/ Extension Award, recognizing the property’s exceptional transformation.

The dwelling has been gracefully restored to preserve its rustic charm while enhancing its functionality. The renovation retained the original timber structure and character, seamlessly integrating modern amenities to create a welcoming space for everyone. This adaptive reuse honours the building’s original structure sited amidst the picturesque Tamar Valley landscape.

The successful integration of modern amenities with its original elements exemplifies excellence in adaptive reuse, making it a deserving recipient of this award.

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The vineyard’s commitment to quality and its picturesque setting along the Tamar River make it a notable destination for wine enthusiasts exploring Tasmania’s wine regions.

The cellar door at Westella Vineyard in Tasmania’s Tamar Valley exemplifies a harmonious blend of traditional craftsmanship and modern design. 

The project’s design choice evokes the interior of a wine barrel, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere that resonates with the vineyard’s purpose. The seamless integration of these materials contributes to an acoustically pleasing environment, where sounds travel gracefully through the timber-lined spaces.

The result is a cellar door that not only serves as a functional space for wine tasting but also embodies the essence of the vineyard and its surroundings.

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The project stood out for its thoughtful spatial planning, ensuring all the individual units harmoniously co-existed maintaining their privacy and independence.

Although we weren’t able to view the units from inside, it was evident from the external view and the floor plans that the dwellings are designed to capture the essence of their location, maximizing the natural light and offering sweeping views to landscape.

The project was commended for setting a benchmark in the multiple dwelling category for perfectly blending luxury, practicality, and modern architectural principles demonstrating a forward-thinking approach.

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