Building designers have been set a unique challenge by Building Designers Association of Victoria (BDAV) as part of its 20th BDAV Building Design Awards.

BDAV’s 10-Star Sustainable Design Challenge requires building designers to conceptualise a 10-Star energy-efficient home incorporating innovative and environmentally sustainable design elements. The residential designs should be ready for practical implementation across any climate zone in Australia.

The design challenge aims to move the initiative from a pure Star rating-based competition to a forum for sustainable design ideas. The competition also offers a platform for contestants to showcase their passion for creativity and excellence in sustainable building design.

Entrants can design a family home or a multi-residential development on a leafy street with a sloping property, comprising of beautiful views over the rear garden towards parklands and a creek at the bottom of the land.

Entries will be judged on design merit, overall sustainability measures and use of materials and ideas for construction techniques.

The winner of the 10-Star Sustainable Design Challenge will be announced at BDAV’s 20th Building Design Awards ceremony on 25 July 2015 at the National Gallery of Victoria.

BDAV President Alastair McDonald said the 10-Star Sustainable Design Challenge provides an amazing opportunity for building designers to showcase their commitment to creative and energy-efficient design. The competition allows building designers to challenge the perception that sustainable design and higher Star energy ratings are unachievable.

Entry submissions for the 10-Star Sustainable Design Challenge close on Friday 10 April 2015.

The BDAV 10-Star Challenge category is open to Full Members of the BDAV who are registered building practitioners or registered architects.