The Babylon House in Avalon, New South Wales, has been awarded the prestigious 2025 Emil Sodersten Award for Interior Architecture. The jury praised the extraordinary nine-year transformation of an existing 1950s home, calling it a remarkable example of architectural renovation that preserves the original character while infusing new life into the structure.
Nestled in bushland on the ridge between Pittwater and Avalon Beach, the original home was described as a quirky product of the 1950s that was typical of the area. After new owners purchased the property in 2015, they embarked on a long and thoughtful collaboration with Casey Brown Architecture to create something truly special. The result is a house that maintains the best aspects of the original structure while reflecting the personality and spirit of its current owners.
According to the jury citation, Babylon House stands in stark contrast to commoditized house interiors, offering surprising elements that capture attention at every turn. The renovation includes integrated rock ledges, bathrooms accessible through a hatch in the floor, custom patterns in the floor treatments, crafted handrails, hand-finished timbers, and even a stage in the living room. Each space and detail reflects the collaborative vision of both the architect and client.
Beyond the intricate detailing, the house delivers a unique experiential journey for visitors and residents. The design creates a path through a combination of internal and external spaces that ultimately leads to a plateau offering panoramic views in all directions through the surrounding angophora trees. The interior spaces are equally impressive, drawing people deeper into the home with moody tones and textures that are beautifully offset by strategic use of color.
The jury noted that Babylon House achieves the remarkable feat of feeling both ancient and contemporary simultaneously. This duality represents what they described as "a truly beautiful example of working with the essence of an existing building and bringing it back from the brink." The project demonstrates how thoughtful renovation can honor architectural history while meeting modern needs.
The award-winning project was designed by Casey Brown Architecture, with a project team including Rob Brown, Thomas Monahan, and Ryan Western. Construction was completed by David Campbell Building, with stone masonry work by John Wittey. The house is located on Garigal Country in Avalon, New South Wales, and represents a significant achievement in sustainable renovation and interior architecture.
