Three projects from Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand were recognised at the 2026 Living Future Oceania Biophilic Design Awards, highlighting innovative approaches to architecture and interiors that strengthen the relationship between people, place and nature.

The awards were presented during a ceremony hosted at COX Architecture's Sydney studio, celebrating projects that demonstrate excellence in biophilic design.

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Among the major winners was the Quandamooka Arts & Culture Centre (QUAMPI) by COX Architecture, which received the Buildings Scale Award. The project also made history as the first recipient of the Visionary Award, a new category introduced this year to recognise projects that combine ecological restoration with cultural significance and social impact through biophilic design.

Also recognised in the Buildings Scale category was Canopy House by Brett Hulley Architecture, while the Kingsbury Glasshouse Project by Tessa Kingsbury Architect received the Interiors and Renovations Award.

The 2026 awards drew a strong field of entries from Australia and New Zealand, reflecting growing interest in biophilic design across the region.

Entries were assessed by three independent judging panels, with separate panels appointed for each award category to ensure a thorough and impartial evaluation process.

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"The calibre of projects entered this year was exceptional and reflects the growing maturity of biophilic design across Australia and Aotearoa New Zealand,” says Living Future Oceania CEO Laura Hamilton-O’Hara.

“Our winners demonstrate that biophilic design is no longer a niche concept that projects add on – it is increasingly shaping the way we design homes, workplaces, public buildings and community spaces. The competition was incredibly strong, with projects showcasing innovative and deeply considered responses to ecology, culture, community and wellbeing.”

Living Future Oceania thanks its award sponsors GH Commercial, human_nature and Oculus, along with the independent judging panels for their expertise and commitment to recognising excellence in biophilic design.

2026 Living Future Oceania Biophilic Design Award Winners

Interiors and Renovations Award | Sponsored by GH Commercial

Kingsbury Glasshouse Project by Tessa Kingsbury Architect | Typology: Residential | Location: Dunedin, New Zealand

Described by judges as “delightful”, the Kingsbury Glasshouse renovation transformed existing elements into a home that celebrates warmth, material honesty, quality and the beauty of imperfection. Its inventive adaptation creates a distinctive and memorable experience of biophilic design.

Kingsbury Glasshouse_Photo credit Lydia Cook.jpg — *Kingsbury Glasshouse Project by Tessa Kingsbury Architect | Photo: Lydia Cook*

Buildings Scale Award | Sponsored by human_nature

Canopy House by Brett Hulley Architecture | Typology: Residential | Location: Whangārei, New Zealand

Designed as the architect's family home, Canopy House embodies the biophilic principle of prospect and refuge, using materiality to embrace its natural surroundings and create a strong connection between the home and the outdoors.

Canopy House_Photo supplied by Brett Hulley Architecture.jpg — *Canopy House by Brett Hulley Architecture | Photo: Brett Hulley Architecture*

Inaugural Visionary Award | Sponsored by Oculus

Quandamooka Arts & Culture Centre (QUAMPI) by COX Architecture | Typology: Public | Location: Queensland, Australia

Developed through an extensive co-design process with representatives from the Quandamooka community, QUAMPI responds deeply to place with walls of rammed earth, local sand and quampi shells embodying Country through materiality. The project pairs this cultural response with site decontamination, soil remediation, rainwater-sensitive design and endemic planting to restore as much as it builds.

Quandamooka Arts & Culture Centre (QUAMPI)_Photo 1_Photo supplied by COX Architecture.jpg — *Quandamooka Arts & Culture Centre (QUAMPI) by COX Architecture | Photo: COX Architecture*

Main image: Quandamooka Arts & Culture Centre (QUAMPI) by COX Architecture | Photo: COX Architecture

All images supplied.

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