Architects from across the world and Australia are determined to have their designs shape the face of our suburbs with entries to the Pattern Book design competition.

The competition has attracted 212 entries, with 176 from Australia and 36 coming in from Europe, the UK, Asia, Africa, the US and South America.

The Opera House international design competition attracted 230 entries and the new housing Pattern Book is not far behind, setting the bar for good designs to shape the housing future of Sydney and NSW.

In addition to good designs, anyone who uses a pre-approved design from the new Pattern Book will get access to a fast-track through the planning system so construction can get underway more quickly.

That means keys in doors of new homes faster while maintaining high standards, with the NSW Government Architect’s stamp of approval.

The Pattern Book competition complements the biggest planning reforms NSW has seen in a generation as part of the Minns Labor Government’s efforts to confront the housing crisis.

With housing the largest cost of living issue facing the people of NSW, the Pattern Book will help add more diversity of housing types in our towns and suburbs.

This way young families can choose a home for their growing families, whilst those downsizing have more choice to stay in the communities they love.

These new designs will not only help to build houses, but they will also build communities as more people get into homes that will suit them through the different stages of life.

The next phase of the competition will be to select 15 professional and six student competitors to move through to Stage 2 with the next milestone to be announced early September.

Design submissions will be due by Friday 11 October 2024.

Learn more about the Pattern Book Design Competition.

Quotes attributable to Maryanne Stuart MP, Member for Heathcote

"Access to a fast-tracked planning process for those who choose a pre-approved design from the Pattern Book is a game changer. It means more people will have keys in doors sooner, without compromising on the quality of their new homes."

“I encourage students at High School or Universities to look at the Pattern Book Design Competition and with our unique landscape and beach suburbs enter their works.  I’m excited to see what bold and innovative ideas for terrace houses and mid-rise apartment buildings emerge in the Heathcote Electorate.”