Australia’s most sustainable homes have been unveiled.

The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has announced the 2026 winners of its HIA Australian GreenSmart Awards.

Taking out the coveted HIA Australian GreenSmart Home of the Year (partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric) was Zanetto Builders for its Bluebush Passivhaus project in Tasmania (image above and below).

(image: supplied)

Located in the Tasmanian coastal suburb of Blackmans Bay on a site which overlooks Bruny Island about 17 km south of Hobart, this 287 sqm house was designed by architect Maxa Design and delivered by the Zanetto team under the guidance of site manager Adam Caldwell.

A core principle within the owner brief involved the delivery of a home which not only appeared to be energy efficient but was able to demonstrate this in practice.

The result is a building which has been independently tested and certified to meet the international Passivhaus standard.

(image: supplied)

Features include:

  • An airtight and efficient structure which includes super-insulated timber framed walls and an R11 roof assembly.
  • Thermal comfort, indoor air quality and further energy efficiency through triple-glazed European windows, balanced mechanical ventilation with heat recovery and a fully electrified design.
  • Rooftop solar PV, heat-pump hot water, rainwater harvesting and low-VOC materials.
  • A thoughtful and well-considered orientation which captures natural light and expansive views.

(image: supplied)

The home achieved a measured airtightness result of just 0.5 ACP@50Pa.

This makes it one of the most airtight buildings in Tasmania.

Compared with a typical Tasmanian build, the home needs around 80 to 90 percent less energy in order to stay warm in the cool Tasmanian climate.

(image: supplied)

This project was also awarded HIA Australian GreenSmart Custom Built Home, partnered by Bondor.

The awards were presented during the HIA Futures Forum in Melbourne.

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said that the winning projects and finalists are setting the benchmark for excellence in design, innovation and sustainable construction practice.

“Consumer demand for practical, affordable, smart, connected and durable environmental solutions for residential housing continues to grow,” Martin said.

“Our commitment to sustainable building outcomes and leading housing innovation has not altered for more than 25 years since the HIA GreenSmart program was introduced. Our members demonstrate that quality building and design, comfort, and ongoing value for money can co-exist in a sustainable built environment.

“The HIA GreenSmart Awards highlight our members who excel at delivering year-round comfortable homes into the market. Each winner and finalist is congratulated for achieving success at a national level,”

(image: supplied)

 

Other award winners

In addition to their awards for the Bluebush Passivhaus project referred to above, Zanetto Builders also claimed the HIA Australian GreenSmart Multi Dwelling Development for two all-electric coastal homes that challenge the convention of a single oversized dwelling.

Inspired by Tasmania’s traditional east coast shacks, the homes combine passive solar design, high-performance construction and carefully selected materials, while responding sensitively to their coastal setting. This category is partnered by Toyota for Business.

G.J. Gardner Homes Warragul, Victoria won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Display/Project Home.

Designed to operate independently of the grid, this display home showcases a holistic approach to sustainable living.

Solar, integrated battery storage and smart energy management technology work together to significantly reduce reliance on traditional electricity sources.

This category is partnered by The Australian Reinforcing Company.

Davies Design & Construction, Tasmania won HIA Australian GreenSmart Energy Efficiency award which was  partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric, for one of Tasmania’s few Certified Passive House Plus homes. Behind its understated rural appearance, the home combines a high-performance building envelope, triple-glazed windows, heat recovery ventilation and rooftop solar to achieve exceptional energy efficiency and year-round comfort.

Joe Mercieca, of Blue Eco Homes, NSW was named HIA Australian GreenSmart Professional, partnered by HIA Insurance Services.

The award recognises more than four decades of leadership in sustainable residential construction and his ongoing commitment to advancing high-performance building practices across the industry.

Shepherd Homes, Victoria won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Renovation/Addition Project, partnered by Electrolux, for the thoughtful transformation of a heritage miner’s cottage, blending careful restoration with a contemporary, energy-efficient extension to preserve the character of the home while enhancing its performance and livability.

Nulook Homes and Solar Dwellings, Western Australia won the HIA Australian GreenSmart Sustainable Home for a 10 Star NatHERS-rated, carbon-negative home.

Through passive solar design, high-performance insulation, rooftop solar and water-saving initiatives, the home achieves exceptional environmental performance on a standard suburban site.

This category is partnered by ForestOne.

 

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