Emily’s Place | Custom Mad

Emily's Place | Custom Mad | Photographer: Milly Mead

2026 National Architecture Awards Program

Emily’s Place | Custom Mad

Traditional Land Owners

Wangal people of the Dharug Nation and Gadigal People of the Eora Nation

Year
2026
Chapter

New South Wales

Category
Residential Architecture – Houses (Alterations and Additions)
Builder
Bezbuilt
Photographer
Milly Mead
Media summary

Emily, our client, welcomed 50 families and Year 12 students into her Annandale home to celebrate graduation.  Guests celebrated this occasion poolside, moving from the kitchen, through the dining and living spaces, and into the courtyard. This was always Emily’s vision – to complete the project in time to celebrate this milestone with their daughter, Liv.

Months later, on photoshoot day, Liv was by the pool with her mates. Emily explained ‘the house operates beautifully, the space disappears’ and for a moment the task of capturing this subtle feeling seemed impossible. The double kitchen islands, the tone of the terrazzo flooring, the cathedral ceiling, recycled brick pavers and the sunken bath for Liv’s brother Sam – all fell together in an intuitive design response that dissolved. Emily’s Place reiterates her own vision – to make a home that focuses on rituals and milestones with friends and family.

The design has transformed the way our family lives and connects. Every space feels intentional — calm, light‑filled, and intuitively arranged — which makes the house incredibly easy to live in. The flow between rooms encourages us to move effortlessly from shared time to quiet retreat, which has been especially important as our routines have changed with teenagers becoming young adults.

The strong connection to the garden and natural light has shifted the rhythm of our days. We cook, eat, and relax in spaces that feel grounded, naturally drawing us together. It’s a genuinely low‑stress home to live in.

Project Practice Team

Claire McCaughan, Design Architect
Grace Cracknell, Graduate of Architecture

Project Consultant and Construction Team

E2 Civil & Structural Design, Structural Engineer
E2 Civil & Structural Design, Hydraulic Consultant

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