Award winning design recognised at Waterstone

For future residents, the award represents more than architectural excellence. It reflects the planning, care and attention that have shaped a community designed to bring people, nature and everyday living together.

Designed by TURNER with landscape architecture by ASPECT Studios, Waterstone will bring a distinctive style of living to Sydney's Lower North Shore, with homes, gardens and shared spaces carefully considered to support wellbeing, connection and long-term liveability.

Gold for design that puts people and nature first

The Gold award recognises Waterstone's approach to creating homes and spaces that respond to both the natural environment and the way people live today.

Guided by Sekisui House's philosophy of Love of Humanity and the Japanese principle of Satoyama, 30 per cent of the site has been dedicated to gardens, open space and resident amenities. These spaces have helped shape the community from the earliest stages of planning, influencing the design and orientation of the five residential buildings to maximise natural light, outlook and privacy.

Inside the homes, flexible floorplans, multipurpose spaces and generous balconies have been designed to support different households and adapt to residents' changing needs over time.

Cameron Jackson, Chief Operating Officer of Apartments and Mixed-Use Developments at Sekisui House Australia, said the award was a meaningful recognition of the vision behind the project.

"We set out to create a place where architecture, landscaping and the way people live were considered together from the beginning. This Gold award is significant recognition of the design vision behind Waterstone and the expertise of the teams bringing it to life,” he said.

“At Sekisui House, quality design is about creating homes and communities that continue to serve residents well for decades. It's about combining thoughtful architecture, connection to nature and long-term liveability to create places people are proud to call home."

Recognition of a commitment to quality

The recognition from the Sydney Design Awards 2026 reflects Sekisui House's longstanding commitment to creating communities centred on quality, thoughtful design and long-term liveability.

Rather than viewing architecture, landscape and resident experience as separate considerations, Sekisui House brings them together from the earliest stages of planning to create places designed for people to enjoy for generations. At Waterstone, the integration of homes, green spaces and shared amenities demonstrates the belief that successful communities are defined not only by the quality of the homes themselves, but by the environment that surrounds them.

For more than 60 years, Sekisui House has built a reputation for creating thoughtfully designed homes and communities that support residents' wellbeing while delivering enduring value. This approach continues to shape projects across Australia and around the world.

A shared vision recognised

The award also recognises the collaboration, expertise and shared vision of the many partners helping bring Waterstone to life.

As the project progresses towards completion, the recognition reinforces Waterstone's focus on delivering a connected, nature-inspired community shaped by quality design and a commitment to long-term liveability.