Country Always

Caring for Country

A Corner of the Empire

The Garden Palace

The Holding Pen

The Agricultural Hall

Regional Networks

Across New South Wales

A Museum of Doing

Technological Museum

Expanding Stories

Evolution of the Castle Hill site from botanical research station to Museum Discovery Centre

Transforming the Tramsheds

Powerhouse Stage 1 and the Harwood Building

A Symbol in Time

Sydney Observatory

Ongoing Transformations

Powerhouse Ultimo

Applied Arts and Sciences

Defining the terms in the 21st century

Powerhouse Renewal

A transformative renewal program across four sites

We Rise

Blak Powerhouse

Powerhouse-1 Mission Launch to the ISS

An initiative of the Powerhouse: Future Space program

2024

Exoskeleton

Powerhouse Parramatta

Neilson Foundation

Leadership Circle – Powerhouse Parramatta

2025

Holdmark Innovation Award

The annual Holdmark Innovation Award recognises excellence and innovation in the built environment.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

Retro fitted apartment, with lounge, arm chair, window and kitchenette.

Supported by Holdmark, the Award is presented by Powerhouse during Sydney Design Week to a project that demonstrates excellence and innovation in architecture or engineering in the built environment. The award will spotlight one outstanding Australian-designed project completed between 1 January 2024 – 31 December 2024 that provides solutions to challenges experienced in Australia’s urban landscape. The winner will receive a $10,000 cash prize.

Holdmark Property Group, under the leadership of founder and chief executive Sarkis Nassif, has committed $10 million towards Powerhouse Parramatta. This remarkable investment supports Sydney Design Week, the establishment of the Holdmark Gallery, the Holdmark Innovation Award and an Urban Transformation Summer School with Western Sydney University.

KEY DATES

Applications opens 2 June 2025
Applications due 5pm 30 June 2025
Applications shortlisted July – August 2025
Recipient announced Sydney Design Week 2025 opening event

2025 Application Process

The Holdmark Innovation Award will be awarded to one completed project that demonstrates excellence and innovation in architecture or engineering in the built environment.

The ‘project’ may be defined as an entire building or built structure OR a key element in its design or construction, such as the project’s structural engineering or integrated systems. Design and engineering practitioners as well as architects are invited to apply.

In assessing applications, the selection panel will consider:

Evidence of innovation and excellence, including use of emerging technologies, pioneering research, decarbonisation or regenerative practices.
How the project responds to broader industry challenges such as low productivity, lack of automation and waste.
Environmental, social and/or economic benefits delivered by the project, supported by data where possible.

Your application must include:

Contact details
Cover letter
Project overview
Images and video content

Submit your application by 5pm AEST, 30 June 2025.

Please see the Entry Guidelines Pack for more details. If you have further questions, contact innovation.award@powerhouse.com.au.

Entry Guidelines Pack