CELEBRATING SUSTAINABLE INCLUSIVE DESIGN
From 16–25 October 2026, we invited you to explore an inspiring collection of buildings, gardens, landscapes and spaces across the region, all free of charge.
Now one of the Sunshine Coast’s most anticipated annual events, Sunshine Coast Open House opened the doors to remarkable architectural and design projects that might otherwise have remained unseen, sparking community conversations about the role of design in everyday life.
This year’s theme, Sustainable Inclusive Design, celebrated the transformative power of architecture and design in shaping a more equitable, accessible and environmentally responsible future. The projects showcased reflected innovation, compassion and a commitment to meaningful social impact, exploring how design can create spaces that embrace diversity, bridge architecture with social purpose, and advocate for environmental and social justice.
A Landmark 10th Year – New and Returning Buildings
The 2026 program featured a rich mix of new and returning buildings spanning the length of the Sunshine Coast, from Caloundra to the Noosa Hinterland.
New to the program in 2026:
- Permaculture Noosa Community Pavilion (Cooroy Community Gardens): a community-built gathering space using traditional cob-building techniques, designed by Ecolibrium Designs.
- Pomona House: a hinterland residence by Hive Architecture, shaped by passive design and a deep reading of its ridgeline setting.
- 62 Tallowwood Place, Black Mountain: a series of contemporary pavilions by Matthew Noffke Architects, extending a 1990s home into its forested surrounds.
- Bombala: winner of the Gabriel Poole Award for Building of the Year 2024 at the Sunshine Coast Architecture Awards, designed by Sealand Architects.
Returning favourites included:
Alfredson’s Joinery, Cooroy House, Landsborough Museum, Moon Mountain Garden, Kite House, Alsahwa Estate, Caloundra Lighthouse, Pãn Pottery Studio, Ewen Maddock Dam and Water Treatment Plant, Majestic Theatre Pomona, and SALTAIR Display Village.
This year the weekend was split geographically. Saturday 24 October focused on the southern end of the Sunshine Coast, and Sunday 25 October covered the northern end.
Lead-Up Events
The 2026 program spanned two weekends of events before the Buildings Weekend, including:
- Forum: Sustainable Inclusive Design – A Conversation, 16 October, Noosa Arts Theatre. It featured Cr Tina Kordrostami, John Mainwaring, Chris Kerrisk and Omar Suliman, and was moderated by Dr Melissa Innes.
- Ask a Designer, 21 October: an open Q&A with architects, interior designers and landscape architects. It was sponsored by Inspirations Paints.
- Celebrating 30 Years of UniSC, 23 October, University of the Sunshine Coast.
- Caloundra Library + Town Centre, 24 October, 9am to 12pm, with Ben Willis.
Additional events included Urban Sketching sessions, a Historic Town Centre Guided Tour, the Moffat Beach Walking Tour, a Landscape Walk at Maroochy Bushland Botanic Gardens, an online and face-to-face architectural photography workshop, and much more.
DOWNLOAD THE FULL PROGRAM HERE
2026 buildings and events
