Another year and another roundup of the best and brightest of our local design scene to be showcased in the 2017 IDEA Awards. As we’ve seen in previous years, these awards are an opportunity for both emerging and established talent to be recognised, and the diversity in this year’s award winners proves again Australian design is a dynamic and rapidly-evolving space.

Unsurprisingly, we’ve featured one or two of the award winning projects in the past – Premier Award winner, the Indigo Slam House was one of our best-loved features last year while Emerging Interior Design Practice Brad Swartz Architects was featured in Issue 24 of est magazine – there were a few previously-unseen projects that particularly caught our eye. Here’s a roundup of our standout homes from the 2017 winners pool, all never before profiled on est.

Designed by SJB, A Private Residence is an assured yet thoughtful design, fusing the owner’s individual personality with the Victorian elements of this heritage home.  This is a home that effuses maturity and sophistication, filled with covetable pieces and defined by quality features.

Photography by Anson Smart 

Home to a soon-to-be-retired couple, this low maintenance house is designed to stand against the elements, drawing on masonry throughout the home for both functional and aesthetic impact. The strong lines and raw elements of the design are nicely contrasted with the softer furnishings and greenery that reference the tropical climate outside. One thing’s for sure, this is a project that establishes Chloe Naughton as a designer to watch.

Photography by Benjamin Hosking

With a significant history, transforming this classic East Melbourne home called for a delicate yet defining approach. Demonstrating a respect for the property’s classical grounding, Templeton Architecture have tactfully introduced contemporary elements, opened up spaces and brought in further natural light to enhance rather than update this timeless home.

Photography by Sharyn Cairns

Another well-executed modern transformation, this Sydney terrace makes no secret of its history, with SJB creating space and light through gentle visual expansions. In refining the existing structure rather than adding, the spaces are further revitalised by a striking collection of furniture and art, creating a gently contemporary identity.

Photography by Felix Forest

Striking in form, Moving House references its immediate neighbours in the external palette and dimensions, while inside the materiality gives way to sleek concrete and timber. A refreshing and masterful take on inner-suburban living from Architects EAT.

Photography by Derek Swalwell