Brought to you by James Hardie, the winner of the Editor’s Choice at the 2025 Sustainability Awards is given by the Architecture & Design editorial team based on its contribution to, and consultation with, their local community.

This year’s winner will be announced at the Sustainability Awards Gala on November 19^th in Sydney, however, in past years, the winners included:

2024: Barker College Maths and Student Hub by Architectus

The Barker College Maths Hub embodies a holistic approach to sustainability, merging biophilic design principles with passive environmental strategies and on-site energy generation to create a learning environment deeply connected to nature. This innovative building is crafted from sustainably sourced mass timber, which sequesters 780 tonnes of CO2, offsetting 18 years of its operational emissions. The design prioritizes a climate-conscious approach by strategically using natural elements like solar, wind, and air to reduce environmental impact.

Above: Barker College Maths and Student Hub / Architectus / Photography by Brett Boardman, Martin Mischkuling, Grant Leslie.

2023: Aboriginal Housing Victoria by Breathe Architecture

This project is about housing First Nations people in safe, affordable, and culturally sensitive homes. It’s about working through a participatory framework. And it’s about shifting the paradigm of affordable housing towards a culturally sensitive, sustainable place to call home. This project had a strong need to design for both Country and sustainability. The project sets high standards in minimising operational, embodied, and behavioural carbon. An all-electric building with high efficiency fixtures and high performing thermal envelope (8.2 NatHERs) sets a new standard in affordable housing.

Above: Aboriginal Housing Victoria by Breathe Architecture / Photography by Andrew Wuttke.

2022: Bay Pavilions Arts + Aquatic by NBRS in collaboration with Donovan Payne Architects

Bay Pavilions is an Aquatic, Arts and Leisure Centre for Eurobodalla Shire Council located in Batemans Bay on the south coast of New South Wales. Situated in a prominent location between the town centre and Mackay Park sports grounds, the design for Bay Pavilions has been inspired by the stunning natural landscape and features an organic design language that makes extensive use of sustainably sourced timber. The facility comprises two ‘Pavilions’ connected via a shared foyer ‘Link’.

Above: Bay Pavilions Arts + Aquatic / NBRS in collaboration with Donovan Payne Architect / Photography by Alexander Mayes

“At James Hardie, sustainability is embedded in our purpose of Building a Better Future for All™ as we aim to empower Australians to create beautiful, durable homes that stand the test of time. Supporting this award reflects our commitment to identify and develop solutions that strive to do right by our planet, our people, and the communities where we operate”, says Adele Gordon - Director, Marketing & Product, James Hardie.

Now in its 19th year, the Sustainability Awards is Australia’s longest running and most prestigious program celebrating excellence in sustainable design and architecture. On 19 November 2025, winners across 18 categories will be announced at the five-star Gala Evening at Sydney Town Hall.

The same day, the Sustainability Summit at The Fullerton Hotel, Sydney, and streamed online, offers a day long CPD program led by industry experts to educate and inspire the Australian architecture and design community.

Tickets for the Summit are available now.

To enquire about limited tickets to the Gala Evening, email info@sustainablebuildingawards.com.au

Main image: Barker College Maths and Student Hub / Architectus / Photography by Brett Boardman, Martin Mischkuling, Grant Leslie.

Branko Miletic

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