The Inala Infill Apartments project has now also won the QLD State Award for Multi-Residential Architecture, at the Australian Institute of Architects awards held on Friday, 26th June 2026, see: Inala Infill Apartments has won QLD State Award for Multi-Residential Architecture
The Inala Infill Apartments, designed by Baber Studio, has been awarded House of the Year at the Australian Institute of Architects 2026 Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards – the highest honour across all residential project categories. Announced on 1 May 2026, the award recognises the project’s leadership in demonstrating best practice in Residential Architecture, and a key part of the project proposal was to advocate for modern low carbon methods of construction, which involved extensive use of cross‑laminated timber (CLT) and lightweight stud framing.
Led by Kim Baber, Principal Architect of Baber Studio and Project Leader / Chief Investigator within the ARC Advance Timber Hub, the project demonstrates how mass timber combined with lightweight timber construction systems using modern methods of construction (MMC) can benefit from off site prefabrication and rapid installation to deliver scalable and climate‑positive housing outcomes -without compromising architectural quality or resident wellbeing.
Key project members include Free-Range Landscape Architects, Hyne Timber and XLam, Kane Constructions and Arup.
“Thank you to the Australian Institute of Architects Queensland for awarding the Inala Infill Apartments Social Housing Project ‘House of the Year’ at the Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture awards. This project was part of the Density and Diversity Done Well program led by the Office of the Qld State Government Architect, with the Qld Department of Housing and Public Works. It demonstrates how good design principles for housing can be made available to the whole of our community. It employs biophilic design through close connection to gardens, dual balconies for cross ventilation, and is built from low carbon mass timber construction. For this it has also received a Brisbane City Council commendation for ‘Buildings that Breathe’.”
— Kim Baber
Principal Architect, Baber Studio | Associate Professor, Bond University | ARC Advance Timber Hub Project Leader
CLT as a viable structural solution for mid‑rise housing
At the core of the project is the use of structural mass timber, with CLT forming the primary floor and roof system. Concrete and steel were deliberately limited to areas where they were functionally unavoidable, such as the ground slab, externally suspended walkways, lift core and select structural external columns. This material substitution reduced total carbon emissions for the project by 173.4 tonnes of CO₂, equivalent to taking 37 cars off the road for one year. The entire building required only 2 hectares of forest, which could be regrown in Australian plantation forests in approximately 18 minutes.
The building incorporates approximately 247 m³ of engineered timber, including CLT, glue‑laminated timber (GLT) and laminated veneer lumber (LVL).
Modern methods of construction delivering speed and certainty
Inala Infill Apartments provides a clear example of how MMC and prefabricated timber systems can de‑risk delivery and improve productivity in mid‑rise residential projects. XLam CLT panels, manufactured to precise dimensions using computer numerical control (CNC), minimised waste and enabled rapid on‑site assembly.
A key outcome was construction speed: installation of the CLT floor panels for 6 apartments took just 6 hours, reducing overall construction costs and site disruption. These efficiencies highlight the commercial advantages of mass timber for projects operating under tight budgets and delivery timelines.
Biophilic benefits and healthier living environments
Beyond embodied carbon and construction performance, the project demonstrates the health and wellbeing benefits of exposed mass timber. CLT ceilings are left visible throughout the apartments, reducing reliance on plasterboard and paint finishes and significantly lowering volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions at occupation. This contributes to improved indoor air quality and long‑term occupant comfort.
The architectural design integrates biophilic principles through strong visual and physical connections between timber structure and landscape. Courtyards, walkways and close connections to gardens are coordinated with exposed timber surfaces, reinforcing nature‑based relationships and supporting resident wellbeing.
Passive design supporting operational performance
The apartments are configured to maximise passive environmental performance, reducing operational energy demand. Each dwelling includes dual balconies, enabling effective cross‑ventilation and passive cooling. The layout supports “diurnal migration”, allowing residents to move between balconies to occupy cooler areas of the apartment throughout the day and reducing reliance on mechanical systems.
The building is 100% electric, exceeds minimum insulation requirements, and was assessed using NatHERS, confirming performance beyond minimum energy‑efficiency standards. This demonstrates that mass timber and passive design strategies can be effectively combined in real‑world housing delivery.
Responsible timber sourcing and supply‑chain outcomes
All timber used on the project was sourced from Australian Chain of Custody certified plantations, with CLT and GLT supplied by Hyne Group (ARC Advance Timber Hub partner). For every tree harvested, another is planted, ensuring long‑term carbon sequestration and supply continuity. For more info on Hyne’s timber growth and manufacturing process, visit: https://tour.hyne.com.au/
A replicable model for industry and government
Recognised as an exemplar by the Queensland Department of Housing and Public Works and the NSW Government Architect, the Inala Infill Apartments project has been included in government design guidance for the wider design community and general public. Showcased in the MMC Case Study – Inala Infill Apartments Queensland. It features in the Queensland Social Housing Design Guidelines.
The project has also been incorporated into continuing professional education programs, including the NSW Government Architect’s Talking Homes presentations.
Inala Infill Apartments provides a replicable model for low‑carbon, mid‑rise housing. The project demonstrates that CLT and mass timber are no longer niche solutions, but commercially viable systems capable of delivering speed, certainty, sustainability and social value at scale.
The House of the Year award reinforces a growing industry message: when combined with thoughtful design and modern methods of construction, mass timber can redefine how housing is delivered in Australia – for governments, developers and communities alike.
Further Information
Inala Infill Apartments: https://www.baberstudio.com.au/inala-infill-apartments/
2026 Greater Brisbane Regional Architecture Awards | ArchitectureAu
2026 QLD Regional Award Buildings that Breathe – Australian Institute of Architects
“By rethinking how we use Australia’s existing timber and wood by-products, this project aims to demonstrate that affordable housing solutions can be delivered using locally sourced, low‑embodied‑carbon materials,” Associate Professor Gattas said. “Our focus is on practical, adaptable construction systems that maximise value from underutilised resources, support regional supply chains, and respond to the rapidly growing demand for small-footprint and prefabricated buildings.”
Photo: (L-R) Prof. Andrew Rose (Southern Cross University), A/Prof Joe Gatass (UQ Civil Engineering), and PhD Candidate Mahmoud Abu-Saleem (UQ Civil Engineering) at Lismore prototype exhibition.
