The Most Stunning Spaces From The Greater Brisbane Architecture Awards 2026
a spatial experience
By Victoria Lewis | 7th May 2026Brisbane really is a quiet achiever, isn’t it? While the spotlight has been busy on Melbourne and Sydney, Queensland’s capital has been brewing up innovative hospo venues, new retail openings, and design-led spaces that push the boundaries, and thanks to the Australian Institute of Architects, some of these spaces have finally received the recognition they deserve. May 1 marked the announcement of the winners for the 2026 Greater Brisbane Architecture Awards, highlighting some of Brisbane’s most interesting and innovative structures.
Among Brisbane’s winning spaces were inner-city high-rises, small-scale brewhouses, and avant-garde residences, but it was the University of Queensland’s Plant Futures Facility that took home the coveted title of Building of the Year. Scroll on to learn about this year’s prize-winning building, as well as the other standouts that made the list.
The Winners
All eyes are on m3architecture this year, with the John Dalton Award for Building of the Year going to their work on the Plant Futures Facility for the University of Queensland. Meanwhile, the Lord Mayor’s Brisbane Buildings That Breathe Architecture Prize was jointly won by 443 Queen Street by WOHA with Architectus & Kris Kowalski Architects and 205 North Quay by Hassell REX Richards and Spence – two equally stunning city-based spectacles. As for the House of the Year and People’s Choice Award, those went to Inala Infill Apartments by Baber Studio and Stuartholme Maison Barat by BSPN Architecture, respectively.
University of Queensland Plant Futures Facility – m3architecture
With a design ethos that reflects the University’s work to solve climate challenges in adaptable, sustainable ways, m3architecture uses striking brickwork and modular formation that combine technical performance with aesthetics. The research building comes complete with controlled environment rooms, rooftop glasshouses, and associated laboratory and service spaces, meticulously designed to evolve with the society it inhabits. Receiving the John Dalton Award for Building of the Year, as well as a Commendation for Educational Architecture and Interior Architecture, this building won on all fronts. Welcome to design for the future.
443 Queen Street – WOHA with Architectus and Kris Kowalski Architects
205 North Quay – Hassell, REX, and Richards and Spence
The second winner of the Buildings That Breathe Architecture Prize, 205 North Quay is known for its truly holistic embodiment of a work-life balance. The commercial building was designed with the essence of a Queenslander home in mind, reimagined for the public realm, where interconnected outdoor spaces and lush verandahs foster a sense of community. Perched above the river, this is the ultimate expression of the modern workplace, where wellness and high-end design combine.
Commendations
Alongside the big ticket winners, there was a sea of creatively refined spaces that got a mention. Notable commendations in the Interior Architecture category include J.AR Office’s Golden Avenue, Country Road Brisbane by Moloney Architects & Folar Architecture + Interiors, and Indooroopilly Studio by Kieron Gait Architects, while Brisbane Metro by Arup received recognition in the Public and Urban Architecture categories. Here are some of the other standout spaces from the lineup:
Birdwood – Peter Besley
Nestled in a suburban street in Mount Coot-tha lies a residential building that combines earthy elements with modern architecture. Through the innovative use of building materials – salvaged brick and terracotta – combined with the principles of timeless design, Birdwood by Peter Besley is an ode to multigenerational living. With a library suspended in the air, a cylindrical pool, and sheltered by a perforated outer wall, this space received a Commendation for Residential Architecture – Houses (New).
Little Lane – Twohill and James
With a Commendation for Commercial Architecture, New Farm’s most up-and-coming precinct receives some well-deserved design praise. This mixed-use development on Merthyr Lane champions adaptability, home to local hotspots like Idle Bakery, Johnny Gio’s and Luna Gelato on the ground floor, and on Ruma on the rooftop. With design inspiration coming from surrounding interwar brick apartment buildings, the precinct oozes local character.
Brewhouse – Atelier Luke
Goldilocks Haus – Maytree Studios
Receiving a Commendation for Residential Architecture for Houses (Alterations and Additions), Goldilocks House is just the whimsical, fairytale-like space you’d think it would be. A refined refurbishment of a two-storey 1970s home, the design comes complete with a sun-soaked garden room, a Quartzite bench in the kitchen, and rust-coloured finishes that bring the whole space together.
Craving more design inspo? Take a look at the nationwide spaces shortlisted for this year’s Australian Interior Design Awards – the dreamy designs just won’t stop!
Imagery: @peterbesley / @institute_architects_qld
