Australia’s most sustainable houses – in pictures

From a tiny home in Tasmania to a sprawling multigenerational manor inspired by camping, the Houses awards have chosen a shortlist of this year’s most sustainable architecture

Main image: Middle House

By Nobel Carter Architects. Intended as an antidote to high-rise developments, this inner-Brisbane property in Highgate Hill – described as an ‘inverse granny flat’ – houses three generations with a shared outdoors space. Photograph: Andrew Carter/Houses awards

  • Middle House makes use of recycled materials for its flooring and decking, and century-old beams made from hoop pine are repurposed as bearers and joinery.
    Middle House makes use of recycled materials for its flooring and decking

  • House in Tasmania (Big Red)

    By Architect George. This twist on the classic Australian shack, located in Tasmania’s south-east, is almost entirely self-sufficient. Rainwater tanks and a septic system allow all water to be recycled.
    House in Tasmania (Big Red) by Architect George

  • For a dwelling named Big Red, it is surprisingly small at less than 90m2.
    For a dwelling named Big Red, it is surprisingly small, built on principles of conservation

  • Mount Eliza House

    By Bent Architecture. Situated in the Morning Peninsula, this house uses Timbercrete as the building block for its ground floor. The eco-friendly material is made from a waste timber mix which is a better insulator than concrete alone.
    Mount Eliza House by Bent Architecture

  • The living area of Mount Eliza House is surrounded by greenery as an ode to its inhabitant – ‘an avid gardener and environmentalist’ with a passion for local revegetation.
    Mount Eliza House sets its living area amid a perimeter of greenery

  • LiveWorkShare House

    By Bligh Graham Architects. A house, an office and a separate flat – all with their own entrances – share the same space in Samford Village, north-west of Brisbane. The building makes extensive use of polished concrete and steel trellising to manage heat during the area’s sweltering summers.
    LiveWorkShare House by Bligh Graham Architects

  • LiveWorkShare House is a series of pavilions built around an open courtyard and pool, creating an ‘inner oasis’. Motorised awnings are used to provide shade when necessary.
    LiveWorkShare House has created an 'inner oasis' with its open courtyard and pool with motorised awnings

  • The Hütt 01 Passivhaus

    By Melbourne Design Studios. Set on a ‘forgotten piece of land’ – a gnarly, triangular plot in Coburg next to a train line – Hütt 01 is a feat of small housing, working with just 78 sq metres multiplied across two levels.
    The Hütt 01 Passivhaus by Melbourne Design Studios

  • All materials used in Hütt 01 were selected for their sustainability, including recycled bricks and timber as well as natural wood fibre insulation.
    All materials used in this house have been selected based on sustainability, with recycled bricks and timber as well as natural wood fibre insulation

  • Court House

    By Archier. Set atop a steep hill, in the country Victoria community in Yackandanda, the living spaces of Court House look out onto the street and natural environment. Private areas like bedrooms are located at the back of the building, split off by an internal courtyard.
    Court House by Archier

  • The carbon-neutral home uses plenty of north-facing windows, with additional winter heating needs fuelled by solar panels.
    Court House is carbon-neutral and fuelled by solar panels for winter heating
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