Fifteen architecture firms shortlisted for NSW housing pattern book

The New South Wales Government has announced the shortlist of 15 architecture firms for its first Housing Pattern Book competition, aimed at addressing the state’s housing crisis through pre-approved designs. The competition, launched to alleviate delays in the development application process, has drawn submissions from both domestic and international firms. (main pic: NSW Housing Pattern Book design by Includesign and Six Degrees, finalists in the NSW housing pattern book competition. Photograph: Juan Quinones.)

The Government’s initiative involves five metropolitan Sydney sites, including Sydney Olympic Park, where the shortlisted firms will design lowand medium-rise housing. The Housing Pattern Book aims to reduce planning delays, with the designs eventually being publicly available for fast-tracked construction.

“This competition supports more diverse and contemporary designs,” said Acting Government Architect Paulo Macchia. “We need designs that meet changing needs, from families to retirees.”

Reducing Red Tape in Housing Approvals

Pattern books, historically used in private enterprise, will now be led by the NSW Government to streamline the building process. “We want designs that are cost-effective, liveable, and replicable,” Macchia added, explaining the competition criteria. “While these projects won’t be fast-tracked initially, they will pave the way for future developments to move faster through approvals.”

Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Paul Scully highlighted the importance of innovation in housing design. “We’re facing a housing crisis, and well-designed, medium-rise housing can offer solutions,” Scully stated.

International and Domestic Competition

The shortlist includes 12 Australian firms from NSW, Victoria, and Western Australia, as well as international participants from London, New Zealand, and a multinational team operating across Germany, Italy, India, and Sydney.

“The quality of entries submitted made the jury’s task challenging,” said Macchia. “The jury looks forward to seeing detailed designs in the next stage.”

Student Teams Included in the Competition

Six student teams from universities in Sydney, Melbourne, and Western Sydney were also shortlisted. Although their designs won’t be eligible for final construction, they offer an important perspective on future housing. “Involving students ensures young architects are shaping the future of their cities,” said Scully.

What Happens Next

The shortlisted firms will submit detailed designs in mid-October 2024. The winning designs, selected by a five-person jury chaired by NSW Government Architect Abbie Galvin, will be announced in November. These designs will be included in the Housing Pattern Book and used as templates for future developments.

Shortlisted finalists in the professional category include:

• Aileen Sage Architects – NSW
• Andrew Burges Architects – NSW
• Angelo Candalepas and Associates – NSW
• Archier – Victoria
• Housing Is a Verb – NSW and Victoria
• Includesign and Six Degrees – NSW
• Mae Architects – UK
• Neeson Murcutt Neille – NSW and Victoria
• Officer Woods Architects – WA
• Partners Hill – Victoria and Tasmania
• Retallack Thompson Architects – NSW
• Scale Architecture – NSW
• Site Office – Germany, Italy, India and Sydney
• Spacecraft Architects – New Zealand
• Studio Workshop and Clare Design – NSW

Shortlisted finalists in the student category include:

• Amanda Eessa from Western Sydney University, NSW
• Chris Stelzer and Illiana Jones from The University of Sydney, NSW
• Cicely Brown, Angus Gregg and Finn Holle from The University of Sydney, NSW
• Georgia Reader, Angela Xu and William Badaoui from The University of Sydney, NSW
• Madeleine Gallagher, Poppy Brown, Kangyun Kim, Paris Perry, John Suh and Catherine Taylor from The University of Sydney, NSW
• Stephanie Wills, Lachlan Balia, Maya Welsch, Nathan Arceri from The University of Melbourne, VIC.

Find more information HERE