A highlight of the annual calendar for ArchiTeam, the organisation that has acted as an advocate for small, medium and emerging architecture practices for over 30 years, the annual awards program this year celebrated its 18th iteration with a ceremony and celebration in the inner Melbourne suburb of Collingwood on Wednesday 19 November.

The event celebrated the innovation, creativity and vision of Australia’s small practice architects, reaffirming that small practices remain a powerful force, transforming everything from modest renovations to major community spaces.

Meeniyan Community Hub

The big winner on the night was Meeniyan Community Hub by Public Realm Lab, which won the prestigious ArchiTeam Medal, and also the Community & Public Award. The judges described the project as exhibiting thoughtful planning, careful treatment of site constraints and a commitment to sustainability within a modest budget.

Small Project Medal

The Small Project Medal was awarded to two different projects: East West Play Structure by Pop Architecture and This is Lumeah, featuring Paul Couch by Pepper & Well.

The judges noted that East West Play Structure results in a modest yet monumental contribution, while This is Lumeah featuring Paul Couch, also picked up the inaugural Heritage Award. The Judges stated that this small renovation embodies the best of contextual design. Guided by careful research and a deep understanding of the architectural philosophy of architect Paul Couch, the design resolution is respectful while offering its own legible contribution.

Sustainability

The coveted Sustainability Medal was awarded for the second year in a row to Steffen Welsch Architects for its project Subtle Shift. Judges praised the project for showing how small, thoughtful changes can make a big environmental impact.

Residential Alterations and Additions

For this category, three projects were celebrated.

• Treeview Cottage by tsai Design (under $500,000) – celebrated for its inspiring approach to suburban renewal by removing, reorganising and reorienting rather than adding more.
• Oval House by Topology Studio ($500,000 to $1 million) – recognised for its deft transformation that honours both the old and the new while celebrating the existing streetscape and embodied energy.
• Yarraville Peak by Weaver+Co Architects ($1 million+) – hailed by the judges as “an exemplary reimagining of the Victorian villa, balancing heritage character with bold contemporary invention”.

Residential New

In the up to $1.2 million category, Sorrento Bathhouse by Davidov Architects was praised for exploring “the beauty found in simplicity, balancing space, light and form to create an architecture of quiet luxury – refined, intentional and timeless”.

In the $1 million+ category, the award went to The Boulevard by Archier. The judges admired its seamless connection between indoors and out, describing it as “a home that fuses Italian ruin energy with Australiana innovation, supported by exceptional craftsmanship and manufacturing ambition”.

Commercial, Unbuilt, and Innovation and Contribution

The Commercial Award went to the female-led project BVIA on Bank by Agius Scorpo Architects. The Unbuilt Award went to Three-Fold by Steffen Welsch Architects and the Innovation and Contribution Award went to Placemaking Clarence Valley by Equity Office,

Passivhaus Scholarship and People’s Choice Award

The Australian Passivhaus Association sponsored the Passivhaus Scholarship, awarded to Matthew Oczkowski of MOA.studio who received the Certified Passivhaus Course as the grand prize.

Finally, the ArchiTeam People’s Choice Award was taken home by This is Lumeah, featuring Paul Couch by Pepper & Well.

Reflecting on this year’s awards, ArchiTeam Awards Director Wesley Spencer said: “The calibre of projects this year proves that small practice architects continue to lead through creativity, empathy and purpose. These awards celebrate not just beautiful design, but the meaningful impact small practices have on our communities and the built environment.”

Check out all the winners here.

Top image: Meeniyan Community Hub by Public Realm Lab, photography by Tom Ross.

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