On a quiet, tree-lined street in Canberra’s sought-after suburb of Deakin, three towering eucalyptus trees set the agenda for what would become an award-winning dwelling. Rather than clear the site, Canberra building firm and HIA member, Status Living, built around these established natives, allowing them to shape the structure from the outset.

Icon House, winner of the Home of the Year and Custom Built Home at the 2025 HIA ACT/Southern NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, is composed with rare discipline. The floorplan treated the native trees as living sculptures.

‘From the outset, this was an ambitious project,’ says Matthew Bellingham, Director at Status Living. ‘Architecturally complex and technically demanding, it required precision at every stage. From perfecting the off form concrete facade to executing the floating cantilevers, seeing Icon House recognised as Home of the Year is incredibly rewarding.’

According to the HIA judges, this approach reflected ‘a sensitive and sustainable approach to the site’, praising the way the planning around the existing eucalyptus tree contributed to both environmental performance and design distinction.

Perched on an elevated 1800-square-metre block, Icon House offers uninterrupted views. Expansive glazing and carefully aligned sightlines draw the eye outward to the Brindabella Mountain Range, while a broader panorama takes in Telstra Tower on Black Mountain, the Lindsay Pryor National Arboretum and the historic Yarralumla Brickworks.

For a young family of five, flexibility was essential. Multiple living zones, a home theatre, gym, sauna, custom pool and spa, and a four-car garage ensure the home can adapt as children grow and patterns of living evolve.

From the central living areas, large-format stacker sliding doors dissolve the boundary between interior and exterior, opening to a sunken firepit. According to Matthew: ‘This space captures the project’s intent where architecture quietly frames the landscape and elevates everyday family living.’

At the heart of the plan is an ingenious central entry corridor that provides a practical spatial divider. This thoroughfare establishes a clear delineation between the guest and children’s wing and the primary living zones, allowing the home to function as a series of distinct yet interconnected domains.

The HIA judges noted that ‘the layout is both luxurious and considered, creating a refined yet welcoming home environment’. Despite its substantial footprint, they observed that the residence achieves ‘a remarkably balanced scale and proportion, while maintaining a sense of intimacy and comfort’.

Working intuitively with architect Turco & Associates, Icon House presents a minimalist design with brutalist influences, defined by strong geometric forms and sculptural presence. Cantilevered elements appear to float effortlessly, creating visual drama.

Off-form concrete, textured stonework, Tyrolean render and custom-finished metal establish a restrained material palette. These robust elements are balanced by rich chocolate walnut joinery and hand-crafted Tasmanian oak detailing, introducing warmth and tactility to the interiors.

Custom marble flooring with a sunblasted finish anchors the home, paired with Cascata Grey honed marble benchtops, including the striking cantilevered fireplace. Cabinetry is executed with flush finishes, integrated appliances and concealed handles. Premium European appliances, including V-Zug and Liebherr, are seamlessly integrated, while tapware from Brodware and KWC and bespoke lighting by Lost Profile Studio add layers of craftsmanship.

Judges praised the ‘exceptional’ quality of workmanship, noting that detailing throughout reflects ‘a high level of skill and care’ and describing the project as ‘an exemplary project of national calibre’.

Sustainability is embedded in both planning and systems. Operable facade screens provide passive solar management, reducing heat gain while maintaining natural light and views. A 23kW solar system powers much of the home’s energy needs, complemented by hydronic slab heating for efficient radiant warmth during Canberra’s colder months.

Strategic calibration of hydronic, mechanical and pool heating systems ensures optimal performance in line with solar generation. The home’s thermal envelope works in concert with these systems, creating microclimates that respond to seasonal variation without sacrificing comfort.

Construction commenced during the pandemic, extending over three years and requiring proactive procurement and flexible programming to manage supply constraints and price volatility. 

As well as winning the two regional awards for Icon House, Status Living also won Spec Home at the 2025 HIA ACT/Southern NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards for its Griffith residence. The home delivers sophisticated modern living while respecting the character of Canberra’s inner south.

For Matthew, entering the HIA Awards was a chance to assess the project’s success. ‘Icon House represented the culmination of design ambition, technical complexity and collaborative excellence,’ he says. ‘Entering the HIA Awards was an opportunity to benchmark the project against the industry’s best and to celebrate the collective effort behind a truly distinctive home.’

Time to shine

Celebrate outstanding workmanship, innovation and leadership. Entries for the 2026 HIA Awards are now open and close in May 2026. Showcase your work, acknowledge your team and take your place among the industry’s best.

Enter now

First published on 12 March 2026