The prestigious awards celebrate excellence in residential building, recognising the exceptional craftsmanship, innovation and attention to detail demonstrated by builders, designers and tradespeople across the region.

K2 Built took out the evening's highest honour, the 2026 HIA ACT and Southern NSW Home of the Year partnered by e&s, for an extraordinary custom-built residence in Red Hill, Canberra.

Set on a steep and technically challenging block overlooking Parliament House, the five-bedroom home showcases remarkable engineering and construction expertise, including intricate architectural concrete work, expansive glazing and a spectacular suspended swimming pool.

"This is a truly remarkable home. The complexity of the site, the precision of the concrete construction and the extraordinary attention to detail throughout make it a very deserving winner of Home of the Year,” said HIA Executive Director – ACT & Southern NSW, Geordan Murray.

"What really stands out is the craftsmanship involved in bringing such an ambitious design to life. It takes an exceptionally skilled team of builders and tradespeople to deliver a home of this calibre.

"It's also a home that has been designed with the future in mind, incorporating features that will allow its occupants to continue living comfortably as their needs change," Mr Murray said.

Bellevarde Constructions claimed the Apartment of the Year partnered by Jonox for an outstanding alpine residence in Thredbo Village.
With sweeping views across the ski slopes and surrounding mountains, the apartment combines contemporary design with the practical requirements of living in one of Australia's most demanding climates.

"Building in an alpine environment brings challenges that most builders never encounter. This project is a wonderful example of how clever design, quality materials and excellent craftsmanship can come together to create a beautiful and highly functional home," Mr Murray said.

Design & Build Group and Studio Black Interiors took out the Kitchen of the Year partnered by polytec for a spectacular kitchen in an O'Connor residence.

Featuring an impressive quartzite island, sculptural stone rangehood, beautifully integrated cabinetry and a concealed butler's pantry, the kitchen combines striking design with everyday practicality.

"The kitchen is the heart of the home, and this project demonstrates just how much design and craftsmanship goes into creating an exceptional one.

"The quality of the finishes, the integration of the appliances and the attention to even the smallest details make this a standout kitchen," Mr Murray said.

Quality Built Co was recognised with Bathroom of the Year partnered by Tradelink for a luxurious bathroom showcasing exceptional stonework and intricate detailing.

The bathroom features carefully matched marble, curved stone elements, finely detailed tiling and sophisticated lighting, creating a space that is both visually striking and highly functional.

"This bathroom is a real showcase of specialist trade skills. The precision required to deliver the curved stonework and seamless finishes is extraordinary.

"It's a reminder that behind every beautifully finished home are highly skilled tradespeople whose workmanship deserves to be celebrated," Mr Murray said.

The evening also recognised the next generation of the residential building industry, with Keira Van Putten named Apprentice of the Year partnered by Stratco.

Keira is employed by HIA Apprentices and hosted by Leader Pools, where she has distinguished herself through her dedication, professionalism and determination to develop her trade skills.

“Keira’s commitment to learning, willingness to take on new challenges and pride in her work are exactly the qualities we want to encourage in the next generation of tradespeople.

"Keira has a very bright future ahead of her, and I congratulate her on this well-deserved recognition," Mr Murray said.

Mr Murray said the awards were an important opportunity to celebrate the achievements of an industry that makes an enormous contribution to the ACT and Southern NSW communities.

"Every year, these awards remind us of the extraordinary talent we have across our region.

"From complex custom homes and spectacular renovations to beautifully crafted kitchens and bathrooms, the standard of work being delivered by our members is something the entire industry can be proud of.

"These projects don't happen without the dedication of builders, designers, specialist trades and the many businesses that support residential construction.

"Congratulations to all of this year's finalists and award winners. Being recognised among the best in our region is an outstanding achievement.

"A special congratulations to those winners who will now progress to the Australian Housing Awards, where their work will be judged alongside the very best residential building projects from across the country.

"We wish them every success on the national stage and look forward to seeing the ACT and Southern NSW represented among Australia's finest," Mr Murray concluded.

View all awards winners