Tiny Basement Apartment Wins Top Interior Architecture Prize 2026

A tiny basement apartment in Melbourne has won a top interior architecture prize at Australia's National Architecture awards. The 40-square-metre former laundry in Toorak, reimagined as an "exuberant" retreat, received the Emil Sodersten award on 29 October.

The project, titled Studio8, transformed a damp semi-subterranean space into an ambient home for owners Ronnen Goren and his partner. Originally designed by acclaimed architect Roy Grounds in 1941 as a service area for the heritage-listed Quamby complex, the space had been poorly converted into an apartment in the 1970s.

From Grim Laundry to Award-Winning Apartment

When Goren and his partner first saw the apartment in 2022, it was in "grim" condition. Yet they were drawn to its "amazing location" and "heritage and provenance", as well as a north-facing courtyard that is almost bigger than the apartment itself.

They lived in the space as it was for about 18 months, "just imagining what it could be". The renovation was completed at the end of 2024 by Timothy Hill of Partners Hill, who oversaw the rebirth of the semi-subterranean former laundry.

The result belies its tiny footprint. The new design includes a small pavilion on the terrace, where Goren and his partner had dinner for the first time on a balmy spring evening last week. Inside, an Aga stove keeps the home warm, and there is a sunken lounge room and cocktail bar for a nightcap.

Why the Emil Sodersten Award Matters

The Emil Sodersten award is one of the top honours at the National Architecture awards, recognising excellence in interior architecture. Winning this prize puts Studio8 in the spotlight and highlights how thoughtful design can overcome severe constraints.

The award also underscores the value of heritage and provenance in contemporary architecture. By respecting the original vision of Roy Grounds while introducing modern comforts, the project demonstrates that even the most humble spaces can be elevated to award-winning status.

• Size: Less than 40 square metres, yet functionally rich with multiple zones.
• Original architect: Roy Grounds designed the space in 1941 as a service area.
• Renovation: Completed in late 2024 by Timothy Hill of Partners Hill.
• Award: Emil Sodersten award for interior architecture, announced 29 October.
• Key features: Aga stove, sunken lounge, cocktail bar, and terrace pavilion.

Inside the Exuberant Reimagining

The design turns a damp basement into a warm, inviting home. The Aga stove not only provides heat but also serves as a focal point. The sunken lounge room and cocktail bar add a touch of luxury, while the terrace pavilion extends the living space outdoors.

Despite its small size, the apartment feels complete. The north-facing courtyard brings in natural light, and the heritage-listed Quamby complex provides a sense of history. The project shows that with creative thinking, even a former laundry can become a desirable residence.

What This Means for Small-Space Living

The success of Studio8 highlights a growing trend: making the most of small, overlooked spaces. As housing affordability remains a concern in many Australian cities, innovative renovations like this offer a blueprint for creating value where others see limitations. The background to this story is set out in How to Renovate a Basement with Targeted Interventions. A related thread runs through How to Waterproof Basement Walls Against Ground Moisture. Earlier coverage in Convert Attic & Basement into Livable Spaces: A DIY Guide shows how the argument developed.

For homeowners, it's a reminder that even a basement or laundry can become a cherished part of the home with the right design. For architects, it's a case study in balancing heritage constraints with modern living requirements. A closer look at the same subject appears in Prefabricated Basement Rooms: Ready-to-Install Underground Spaces. Anyone following the wider picture can start with Cold Asphalt ONDUBLACK: DIY Waterproofing for Basement Walls & More. The same theme surfaces in How to Insulate Your Basement or Garage Ceiling: A DIY Guide, which takes a different angle.

The project also draws attention to the National Architecture awards as a platform for showcasing transformative work. Winning such a prize can boost a designer's profile and attract future clients interested in similar challenges. Context on how this played out before sits in Metrica Folding & Tape Measures: Flexible, Not Flimsy.

FAQ

As the property market evolves, the recognition of Studio8 may inspire similar projects. Those looking to enter the market might find the First Home Buyers Scheme twist: 1,500 properties turned particularly relevant. The scheme's recent changes could open doors for buyers considering smaller or unconventional homes.

For those interested in design and architecture, the story of Studio8 shows how vision and expertise can turn a neglected space into a prize-winning home. It also highlights the importance of heritage and location in real estate decisions.

Whether you're a homeowner planning a renovation or an investor looking for opportunities, the lessons from this project are clear: constraints can spark creativity, and small spaces can deliver big rewards.