30 July 2026

Last year, we called for nominations of buildings whose designs have left their mark on you.

Part 2 of the State Design Book is ready, showcasing buildings Victorians love.

We want new homes to be well designed, to have positive and enduring impacts on people and the environment.

That’s why we’ve created the State Design Book: a three-part handbook with examples and techniques to achieve great housing design.

Part 1 was released in February 2025 and outlines seven design principles for great housing.

For Part 2, we wanted to begin with a clear picture of what Victorians want to see more of in a home and invited nominations for buildings across the state that demonstrate great design. More than 170 participants across Victoria nominated 129 projects.

We then researched, reviewed and shortlisted the nominations, which were reviewed by a panel drawn from the Office of the Victorian Government Architect’s Independent Design Review Experts.

Part 2 is illustrated with 28 projects chosen by the panel. It includes the panel’s commentary on the nominations and what makes their designs great.

Some of the community-nominated buildings you can find in Part 2 include:

  • Ten townhouses enveloped by greenery on a former tip, at Heller Street, Brunswick, Wurundjeri Country (page 18)
    • This townhouse project gives back to its neighbours by providing a new public pocket park. Small front gardens and tiered plantings strike a gentle balance between park views and privacy.
  • Moonbria, a four-storey apartment building on Mathoura Road, Toorak, Wurundjeri Country (page 38)
    • With a striking spiral stairway at its centre, the design of this World War II-era apartment building resonates with the community through its vibrant use of colour and shapes.
  • Nightingale Ballarat, where 27 homes were designed with respect for the regional centre’s heritage (page 48)
    • Nightingale Ballarat replaces a former warehouse with 27 homes across five storeys. In the building’s design, designers Breathe Architects demonstrate how higher density living can respond to regional contexts.

Learn more about the State Design Book.

Page last updated: 30/07/26