Award-winning architectural designs reshaping urban life

Architecture is more than the cities we live in; it shapes how we interact, experience comfort, and connect with our communities.

Today, luxury is evolving—it is no longer just about opulence but about crafting spaces that offer a deeper connection to both people and the planet.

The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards (Australia) celebrate this profound shift in Aussie architecture, where innovation meets sustainability.

From high-rise apartments that harmonise with natural surroundings to heritage hotels revived with modern flair, these award-winning projects set new standards for both luxury and environmental responsibility. These developments exemplify how architecture and design are reshaping urban life—blending beauty, sustainability, and quality of life into the fabric of modern living.

Sustainable luxury skylines

As Australia’s cities grow, the skyline itself is evolving. Luxury apartments are no longer just buildings; they are sculpted experiences that merge elegance with the landscape and embrace the ethos of sustainability.

Beauchamp Sydney by Polytec Australia (Best Luxury Apartment Architectural Design, New South Wales) embodies this ethos with a vision of elegance inspired by the Art Deco movement. Situated in Kirribilli, Sydney, this project reimagines heritage style through a modern lens. Rich browns, bronze accents, and marble finishes evoke the sophistication of a boutique hotel, inviting residents into a living space that exudes timeless glamour.

26 Vista by MRCB International (Best Apartment Architectural Design) on the Gold Coast redefines luxury living, making sustainability a core feature. Rising 51 levels, 26 Vista incorporates natural shading, high-performance glazing, and sustainable materials to minimise environmental impact. Beyond its eco-conscious design, the communal rooftop plunge pool, tropical gardens, and yoga decks elevate the experience for residents, creating a holistic environment that balances comfort, wellness, and responsibility. MRCB International’s dedication to sustainable luxury is further affirmed by winning the Sustainable Design Award.

Sculpt Hawthorn by Parallel Workshop Architects (Best Apartment Architectural Design, Victoria) showcases a sculptural approach to elegance. Located atop Melbourne’s Scotch Hill, this development integrates seamlessly with its surroundings through expansive balconies and vertical planters that blur the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces. The neutral brick and bronze palette pays homage to classic garden aesthetics, creating a tactile and visually compelling living experience. Lush landscaping and curated views offer residents an urban retreat.

Elegant, sustainable homes

Beyond the grandeur of these luxury apartments, sustainability is also transforming the way modern family homes are designed, shifting the focus from just architectural beauty to creating future-proof spaces that enhance everyday living.

These award-winning projects prove that homes can be opulent, sustainable, and uniquely designed for community well-being.

Kingsbridge by Hermitage Building Group (Best Housing Architectural Design & Best Housing Interior Design) embodies this new era. Designed to accommodate the evolving needs of multi-generational families, Kingsbridge combines the sophisticated allure of Hamptons-inspired architecture with sustainable building practices. Thoughtful touches like timber detailing, wainscoting, and panoramic views are paired with sustainable features—solar panels, high-performance insulation, and energy-efficient appliances—ensuring the residences remain elegant while being ecologically considerate. The interior features—engineered flooring, high-end kitchen fixtures, and expansive shared living spaces—create an environment where functionality meets refined style.

MRCB International (Sustainable Design Award) continues to lead by example, emphasising that sustainability should be woven into the very core of development. At 26 Vista, this includes permeable surfaces, eco-conscious materials, and efficient energy systems, ensuring luxury living contributes to a sustainable future. This vision of modern living values aesthetic beauty and environmental responsibility in equal measure.

Reimagining work and retail

Sustainability and luxury are not confined to residential projects; the worlds of work and

leisure are also being reimagined, with office and retail spaces embracing beauty, functionality, and ecological mindfulness.

In an era where we demand more from our environments, office and retail spaces are evolving to be as inspiring as the homes we live in.

101 Cremorne by CHT Architects (Best Office Architectural Design) is reimagining what an office environment can be. Located in the heart of Melbourne’s creative precinct, 101 Cremorne merges biophilic design with high-tech innovation. Rooftop terraces, vertical planting, and communal urban farms promote well-being, while perforated metal shading reduces energy usage, ensuring the space is both aesthetically appealing and environmentally responsible. This office building is more than just a workspace—it is an ecosystem designed for productivity, relaxation, and sustainability.

Meanwhile, The Grand Shanghai Hotel by Blairgrove Group (Best Retail Interior Design) transports visitors back to the glamour of 1930s Shanghai. Rich colours, ornate furnishings, and exposed brick merge to create a vibrant, nostalgic atmosphere that serves as both a retail destination and a cultural landmark. By preserving heritage elements and blending them with modern luxury, The Grand Shanghai demonstrates that sustainability can also mean adaptive reuse—minimising waste by revitalising historical materials and design to enrich the modern shopping experience.

Timeless, luxurious interiors

These commercial and retail spaces exemplify how design excellence crafts experiences that inspire. Beyond visual appeal, true luxury in design is about creating interiors that evoke comfort, sophistication, and a sense of connection—whether at home or during a stay away.

The interiors of these award-winning apartments and hotels do more than offer a place to stay—they create immersive environments where every detail is deliberate, fostering a sense of luxury that endures.

BLVD by OSK Property (Best Apartment Interior Design, Best Apartment Development in Australia) is a testament to the power of carefully curated interiors that elevate everyday life. Designed by Carr Design, BLVD uses warm, tonal materials that evoke a welcoming atmosphere, with high-end finishes that feel exquisite underfoot. The Podium Club amenities—including a zen garden, heated pool and state-of-the-art gym—blend seamlessly with co-working spaces that overlook Melbourne’s Botanic Gardens, making wellness, luxury, and productivity accessible in one place.

Similarly, The Playford Adelaide - MGallery by Hachem Architecture (Best Hotel Interior Design & Best Heritage Interior Design) illustrates how luxury can be deeply rooted in history. The design blends the opulence of Art Nouveau with modern comfort, creating a space that is both nostalgic and fresh. Guests are welcomed into an environment filled with intricate detailing, plush materials, and a sense of timeless grandeur—telling the story of Adelaide’s cultural richness while providing all the modern luxuries travellers expect.

Blueprints for a greener future

These projects—from high-rise apartments to heritage-rich hotels—demonstrate how design shapes the future of urban living, offering spaces that are aspirational while remaining deeply connected to sustainability.

The PropertyGuru Asia Property Awards celebrate a new vision for Australian architecture—one that intertwines luxury with sustainability to create spaces that are not only visually stunning but also environmentally responsible.

From apartments that blend seamlessly with natural surroundings to heritage restorations that preserve history while embracing modernity, these projects are more than buildings. They are blueprints for a future where design serves both people and the planet, setting a benchmark for the evolving urban landscape of Australia.