Announcing the Winners of the 2025 Brisbane Open House Photography Competition
Each year, the Brisbane Open House Photography Competition invites locals and visitors alike to explore the city through a different lens — celebrating the diversity, and creativity of Brisbane’s built environment.
The 2025 competition once again brought out the city’s photographers — with 439 entries received across all categories from 166 photographers. Says Kaela Turgeon of BlueScope, who was on the BOH judging panel: “The quality of entries this year was genuinely impressive. Photographers captured a wide mix of buildings and spaces — from big statement pieces to the quiet, tucked-away places. There was a real sense of thought behind many of the images submitted, which made our job as judges rewarding – and tough! This years competition has added further richness to our now extensive catalogue of iconic Brisbane images captured over the last 15 years and with the new category of Viewing Roofing, we have some excellent new perspectives on familiar places.”
Now, we’re thrilled to announce this year’s winning images in the 2025 Brisbane Open House Photography Competition which is proudly supported by BlueScope.
See all winners and commended entries in our album here.
OVERALL WINNER – PETER FENG, 4ZZZ (PEOPLE CATEGORY)
“It is often the case that landmarks we frequently pass by remain unexplored. Such was my experience with 4ZZZ, a radio station I had driven past on numerous occasions. However, a BOH guided tour provided an enlightening revelation, showcasing the profound cultural and historical richness embedded within its operations.
I was particularly impressed by the unwavering dedication of the countless volunteers and sponsors whose contributions have been instrumental in ensuring the station’s sustained operation. Their commitment not only preserves 4ZZZ’s legacy but also provides an invaluable platform for emerging local bands and music creators to showcase their talent. Within these walls, music transcends mere sound; it functions as a universal language, forging connections among all enthusiasts.
Following the conclusion of the tour, I stood in the station’s carpark, observing the building as it shimmered under the sunlight. Compelled by the moment, I utilized my Ricoh GR camera to document this inspiring scene.” – Peter Feng
WINNER – EXTERIOR – ALISON YOUNG – OUR LADY OF VICTORIES CHURCH
“I have enjoyed taking photos at Brisbane Open House for a number of years now. So much so that I recently wrote a romance novella based on a rather embarrassing incident at City Hall a couple of years ago.
As a Christian, I am drawn to churches. The buildings represent an extension of the architect’s faith and are an outward expression of their worship. Whether it is the grandness of St Paul’s Cathedral in London, the boldness of Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the relative simplicity of any one of the inner-city churches in Brisbane. They all have a faith story to tell. I’m all about the details and I enjoy the craftsmanship in these buildings and the meanings and symbols that are integral to the story of each church.
I may not always have the technical skills when taking photographs but I always look for different ways to frame a scene. While walking around the outside of the Our Lady of Victories building, I was enjoying the sounds from inside – of the church organist and her singing. I had taken some photos of the white church tower against the blue sky and then noticed there were some clouds drifting over and their shape looked like they might frame the top of the cross in an interesting way, so I waited and took several frames in case the clouds went off-course or changed shape before they reached the tower. But I was pleased that the shape held and I just had to be patient until there was a cloud arch over the cross.” – Alison Young
WINNER – INTERIOR – DOMINIC CHRISTENSEN – BIRDWOOD HOUSE
“A celebrated design element in Peter Beasley’s Birdwood house is the façade made from recycled brick and terracotta pieces. Of both a functional and experiential quality, the brick is a thermal mass used for passive temperature control – absorbing the sun as a protective skin, while the gaps in the brick offer filtered opportunities for light to shine through. This robust and functional external façade is supplemented internally by the subtle tones of wooden joinery, and an eclectic mix of furniture and decorative items that make the home feel well lived – creating a powerful dynamic of contrast against a rugged exterior presence that suggests the home offers only primitive shelter; however it rewards curiosity!
This play between outside and inside culminates at a point in the great room of the house; the space in which the photograph was taken. The shot aims to pick out what the design move of the brick façade creates within the lived experience – a solid and protective shelter achieved in a sensitive and delightful way to add framed dappled light, and an inherent grounding within the site. This is a space where you feel at home within an intimate and delicate cocoon, yet still immersed in a natural environment that has a direct implications to the experience of the room.” – Dominic Christensen
WINNER – DETAIL – SHRINA KUMAR – PARLIAMENT HOUSE
“I don’t usually photograph architecture, but this library drew me in. Books have always had a special place in my heart, and being in that room made me think about all the history it’s seen over the years. It wasn’t just the building itself, but the feeling of time and knowledge it holds that made me want to capture it.
The photo was taken inside Queensland’s Parliament House, which is such a beautiful and historic place. Slowing down helped me see the little things like, the textures, patterns, and design that I might have otherwise overlooked. I began to see the place in a completely different light.” – Shrina Kumar
WINNER – PEOPLE – JANN CARLO MACTANGAY – MUSEUM OF BRISBANE
“This was my first Brisbane Open House and I enjoyed discovering the city’s spaces, people, and history. From learning about design, sustainability, and innovation from architects and engineers to climbing the spiral staircase of St. John’s Cathedral, there was so much to uncover about Brisbane’s heritage and built environment.
My image of the Museum of Brisbane came about by chance. Having booked a Clock Tower tour the night before, I found myself waiting in the entrance the next morning with my camera in hand. Captivated by the patterned window artwork, Sacred Circles by Sara Nejad, I paused and observed as people entered the space—waiting for a moment to emerge and with patience, it unfolded before me.” – Jann Carlo Mactanguy
WINNER – VIEWING ROOFING – AMANDA FAIRBROTHER – MATER HERITAGE
“I looked up and a section of the Mater Heritage and Archives Centre’s roof caught my eye, so I took a photograph and cropped it slightly to achieve the final image. No filters were needed as the weather was perfect that day. I’m fascinated by architecture. Looking up reveals the different angles, textures and design elements unique to each structure. It’s sad that many people miss the beauty above and around them as they rush along the streets with their heads down.” – Amanda Fairbrother
OUTSTANDING SECOND PLACE ENTRIES
In a competition marked by the quality of entries, selecting one winner in each category was no easy task. Brisbane Open House is pleased to also present the runners-up in each category who also showcased diversity, technical skill, creativity, and a strong connection to place.
EXTERIOR – ZOE CLARK – OLD GOVERNMENT HOUSE
INTERIOR – MARIA AMALIA BERASTEGUI – RIVIERE BY ARIA
DETAIL – LORELEI FRAWLEY – BLOK STAFFORD HEIGHTS
PEOPLE – LISA CALLAGHAN – BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
VIEWING ROOFING – JAMES SHEPHERD –
