Riverfront smart home wins Australian house of the year 2022

JW Constructions has won the coveted Australian Home of the Year at the 2022 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards, for a skillfully designed Queensland home that reveals open-plan living at its best. 

The stunning river frontage home in Noosa has been designed to take full advantage of its spectacular location. Inspired by Brazilian modernism, the house grounds itself in local context, climate and culture. With open plan living in mind, this five-bedroom home flows effortlessly to embrace both indoor and outdoor living.

A combination of board-formed concrete paired with warm wood-grained accents creates an inviting interior while outside, natural greenery drapes elegantly from the expansive upper-level gardens, a verdant and tranquil contrast to the angular lines of the exterior. 

An overseas client who wanted a base in Australia, engaged multi-award-winning JW Constructions alongside Shaun Lockyer Architects to design and build the home, which is set across three levels. The basement includes a family TV room, games room and temperature-controlled wine cellar, while the ground floor accommodates a second family TV room, courtyard, pool and a main living and dining area.

At the heart of the home is the central courtyard and sleek north-facing swimming pool with submerged views to be enjoyed from the lower-level rumpus area and wine cellar. 

The design achieves a spacious interior with spectacular south-easterly views across the river and into native bush, which sits opposite the house. With greenery visible at every opportunity, each room flows effortlessly, intuitively connecting the indoors and out. The natural flow is further demonstrated through its choice of materials, with concrete and timber accents providing a clean, robust and inviting appeal to the luxurious home. 

 “Both the client and architect proposed concrete as the main building material throughout the dwelling, it was used on both the interior and exterior walls,” says Jason Warren, Director of JW Constructions. “While their application brought some challenges due to the complex and labour-intensive craftsmanship required, the resulting look alongside warm wood-grained accents creates a welcoming and textural interior and façade.”

On the first floor sit five bedrooms, four bathrooms and an office with an outdoor balcony. The main bedroom has a lush private garden and privacy screens cantilevered over the courtyard. The material connection continues through the first floor with each bedroom consisting of a composition of materials including concrete and timber with an element of Gyprock plasterboard.

“The subtle use of Gyprock plasterboard in the bedrooms, alongside concrete, adds warmth to the aesthetic and ties the colour palette together,” says Jason. “The smooth, white application allows the other elements to pop and also helps to make the room brighter which is really important.” 

The HIA-CSR judges were unanimous that the attention to detail in this home is outstanding. They commented that the quality of finishes, building construction and workmanship was flawless. The joinery throughout the home has also been expertly crafted.

The residence is fitted with the latest technology and automation system and a self-sustained battery generator. 

The HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards are the ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation’s top builders and designers. Winners are selected from state-based finalists, with awards in 23 separate categories including professional builders, display home, apprentice, bathrooms and kitchens.

HIA’s managing director Graham Wolfe said the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards recognise the best in Australia’s residential building industry. “HIA is committed to recognising the outstanding achievements of our members. The HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards allow us to acknowledge the skill and commitment of our members who excel in building exceptional homes, kitchens and bathrooms and have highly successful businesses.”

He adds: “The workmanship of award winners is exceptional; demonstrated in projects that push the boundaries in design and innovation.”

For more information on Gyprock as a building material  

Photography: Christopher Fredrick-Jones