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 2026 competition brought out the city’s photographers in their hundreds — Brisbane Open House had a record 636 entries from 151 photographers across all categories.
Thank you to our judging panel – including esteemed Architectural Photographer Christopher Frederick Jones and representatives from BlueScope | Colourbond – who had the difficult task of selecting the winning photos.
Now, we’re thrilled to announce this year’s winning images in the 2026 Brisbane Open House Photography Competition which is proudly supported by BlueScope.
OVERALL WINNER – SUE WANG – FIRST HOUSE
“I was drawn to First House because it challenges the conventional idea of a house as an enclosed object. Instead, it dissolves into the landscape, with separate pavilions gently woven into the garden. There is no obvious threshold between inside and outside—air, light and views flow effortlessly through the spaces. Looking through one room to a garden, then another room and another garden beyond, the architecture seems to extend without end, creating a quiet sense of infinite continuity.
As I wandered through the courtyards, my attention gradually shifted from the spatial experience to the architecture itself. The crisp, restrained lines of the buildings contrasted beautifully with the soft shadows cast by the subtropical sunlight, bringing a sense of rhythm and depth to the otherwise minimal forms. Every turn revealed another carefully framed relationship between solid and void, light and shade.
The remarkable consistency of the palette also impressed me. The cool grey concrete created a calm and understated backdrop, while layers of lush greenery softened every edge and filled every gap, allowing the architecture and landscape to exist as one. As I moved through the courtyard, I was drawn to the moment where these elements came together in perfect balance. The geometry of the architecture, the reflections on the water, the play of light and shadow, and the surrounding vegetation formed a composition that felt both serene and timeless. In the centre of the circular pool, a simple green-and-white inflatable swim ring caught my attention. Its presence added a subtle sense of everyday life to the quiet scene, creating a small but meaningful contrast within the carefully composed space. It was this balance between architectural order and a touch of human presence that inspired me to capture the photograph.”
WINNER – EXTERIOR – ANN PARROTT – BRISBANE POWERHOUSE
Exterior | Brisbane Powerhouse | Ann Parrott
There is something wonderfully photogenic about Brisbane Powerhouse. Everywhere you look there’s another interesting angle, texture or little piece of history waiting to be discovered. Although I’ve attended many performances there, the Brisbane Open House tour gave me the chance to explore beyond the public spaces and discover the behind-the-scenes nooks and crannies. Alongside hearing stories of the building’s rich history… there was the added bonus of even a few ghostly tales!
About halfway through as we stood outside, I actually pulled one of the guides aside because I was presented with this glorious scene. I was convinced the flowers cascading over the old brickwork like a waterfall had to be artificial. They looked spectacular. Of course, the guide nudged me in closer, to show they were real and she explained they were an Orange Trumpet Vine.
I loved everything. The explosion of orange against the weathered bricks and cement, the softness of the weathered pink seating below, and the way new life seemed to embrace the remnants of the surviving structure. I usually find myself wandering around a scene, looking for a different perspective or a way to frame it that someone else might miss. And while I did that to start with and took way too many photos, I really didn’t need to. The original scene had stopped me in my tracks and this very direct front on view said everything I wanted it to.
WINNER – INTERIOR – MATT BOWMAN – 205 NORTH QUAY
Interior | Matt Bowman | 25 North Quay
This image of the ground floor of 205 North Quay highlights the striking scale and brutalist aesthetic of the exposed concrete lift cores. The woman moving through the frame helps give a sense of proportion and perspective to the structure behind, as well as makes the structure feel lived in. For me, I really like the warm lights and soft, almost earthy colours surrounding the ground floor. It feels like a blend of something striking, a little comforting, and a touch of modern style.
The person in the shot was Mansi Darekar, who was gracious enough to be the subject of this photo.
WINNER – DETAIL – MARIA AMALIA BERASTEGUI
Detall | Maria Amalia Berastegui | Marlowe
“This photograph was taken inside Marlowe Restaurant, in a space that used to be the kitchen and has now been transformed into a private booth. The photograph reveals very little: a large lamp, the table, and the objects resting on it. The darkness of the room creates a sense of privacy, almost like a moment that is not meant to be fully revealed. We can only wonder about the conversations, celebrations, decisions, and quiet moments that have taken place there.
What interested me about this space was the intersection between its different histories and uses. A place that was once dedicated to preparation, movement, and the unseen work behind a meal has become a space for intimacy, stillness, and connection. It clearly shows how renovation is not only about transforming the physical appearance of a space, but also about transforming the ways people experience and interact with it.
This photograph reflects the layers that exist within everyday places: traces of what they once were, what they have become, and the countless stories that remain invisible. It captures a quiet corner where past and present meet, and where some moments are intentionally left unknown”
WINNER – PEOPLE – CARLO RIGHINI – ELIZABETH ARCADE
People | Carlo Righini | Elizabeth Arcade
“A shopper is illuminated by natural shafts of light against a backdrop of patterned brickwork in Elizabeth Arcade, Brisbane. While contemplating the utility and space of Elizabeth Arcade, I was reminded of architecture’s potential to bring people together and the importance of community in our day-to-day lives. In a world that increasingly values speed and efficiency, thoughtfully designed spaces that encourage people to gather and connect can remind us to slow down and embrace our sense of community.”
WINNER – VIEWING ROOFING – AMANDA FAIRBROTHER – GLASSHOUSE THEATRE AT QPAC
Viewing Roofing | Amanda Fairbrother | Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC
“The Glasshouse Theatre is an incredible piece of architectural eye candy, I love the contrast between the glazing and the black metal framing, as well as the elegant curves that are echoed throughout the full height of this void.”
OUTSTANDING RUNNERS-UP
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 – GAIL NEUMANN – EAST CROSBY WATER TREATMENT PLANT
Exterior | Gail Neumann | Mount Crosby East Bank Water Treatment Plant
INTERIOR – MARK DAVIES – SPRING HILL RESERVOIRS
Interior | Mark Davis | Spring Hill Reservoirs
DETAIL – MARK WALTON – GLASSHOUSE THEATRE AT QPAC
Detail | Mark Walton | Glasshouse Theatre at QPAC
I am a big believer in capturing moments, that may arrive unexpectedly and be unplanned, but require you to think on the move. I really enjoy photography that is spontaneous because sometimes this can be when your best images are created.
Ideally, I wanted to have my DSLR camera with me, however on this occasion this image was simply captured via my phone en-route to another event. With limited time and darkness falling, The Glasshouse became my focus to see what images I could conjure.
After taking photos of the building from several different angles, the angle in this photo really appealed to me. It wasn’t until a motorist had stopped just past the building that the image really came to life, with the car’s vibrant red brake lights reflecting off the underside of the building architecture. I enjoyed capturing the zig-zagging lines of the internal stairs contrasting with the flowing lines beneath the wavy glass exterior. The rippled glass exterior by Blight Rayner Architecture in partnership with Snøhetta has been a great addition to the South Bank precinct.
PEOPLE – SUE WANG – YORK COORPAROO RENOVATION
People | Sue Wang | York Coorparoo Renovation
VIEWING ROOFING – JAMES SHEPHERD –
Viewing Roofing | First House | Paul Violett