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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationNSW builders win national sustainable building awards
NSW builders win national sustainable building awards
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A standout Sydney renovation which proves that uplifting existing housing stock can deliver big on sustainability, comfort, and design won Progressive Building the highest accolade, the 2025 HIA Australian GreenSmart Home, with the category partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric.
The home also won HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project, partnered by CSR.
With a focus on passive house principles, the winning renovation features all-timber construction, high-efficiency insulation, heat recovery ventilation, and solar system with battery integration. Smart energy monitoring systems respond dynamically to solar supply, enabling the home to run nearly off-grid.
Materials were chosen for both ethics and performance. Flooring is Global GreenTag-certified; carpets are made from recycled fishing nets; cabinetry, paints, and tiles are all low-emission. Wherever possible, existing structural elements, flooring, soil, and stone were reused minimising waste and honouring the original site.
The layout supports multigenerational living, while a green roof boosts insulation and biodiversity. Architecturally, the home hugs the land’s natural slope, with timber balconies and layered landscaping blending seamlessly into the environment. It's a striking example of how sustainable design can be smart, flexible and visually beautiful.
Blue Eco Homes won the HIA Australian Custom Built Home partnered by COLORBOND steel. Gallery House is a resilient, off-grid Passivhaus in the Blue Mountains that blends bold design with exceptional sustainability. Built well beyond code, it delivers year-round comfort, zero energy bills, and exceeds bushfire standards.
The home features a 12.28 kW solar system with 57.4 kWh battery storage, triple-glazed windows, a heat pump hot water system, and airtight construction. Passive solar orientation and thermal bridge-free prefabrication keep it naturally temperate year round.
Nick Sowden from Sowden Building Solutions won HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional. Since building one of Sydney’s first Hempcrete homes in 2015, Nick has steadily advanced sustainable construction by educating industry peers, collaborating on research, and completing multiple certified PassivHaus EnerPHit renovations. His approach blends technical precision with environmental ethics: airtight envelopes, heat recovery ventilation systems, solar and battery setups, and only low-tox, low-carbon materials. This category is partnered by HIA Insurance Services.
Clipsal by Schneider Electric, partner of the HIA Australian GreenSmart Home category, are creators of home electrical products and solutions to enable technology for an ever-changing world.
HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards recognise the best in sustainable housing with Award winners and finalists making a positive difference to the environment by building energy efficient and comfortable homes.
HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said the HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards set the benchmark for the latest in environmental design excellence and sustainable building practices.
“Consumer demand for practical, affordable and durable environmental solutions for residential housing is more evident now than ever before. Our GreenSmart Awards highlight HIA members who excel at delivering year-round comfortable homes into the market.
“We are dedicated to recognising excellence in environmentally focussed design, innovation and construction.
“Each winner and finalist is congratulated for achieving success at a national level,” concluded Ms Martin.
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