Innovation Award: Net Zero/Net Zero Ready Project of the Year *FREE ENTRY*

Housing Design Awards 2026 | GOHBA Housing Design Awards

Requirements

Net Zero/Net Zero Ready - FREE Category

This category recognizes projects that are Net Zero/Net Zero Ready that are at least 90% complete at the time of submission. You can re-submit projects you have already submitted in any of the Production Home (A) categories, Custom Home (B) categories, or Condo/Rental (C) categories, that were also entered into the Innovation (G1 to G4) categories here for FREE. Copy and paste your information and pictures into this category (G5). Please note, any projects entered into this category, MUST have been entered into one of the categories in either G1, G2, G3 or G4 as well to qualify.

Submissions will be evaluated based on the following criteria: 60% of the overall score will be determined by your Green Responses, and 40% will be based on the Design Criteria.

Design Criteria - Judges will evaluate how the design contributes to sustainability and overall livability (architectural aesthetics and visual appeal, functional layout and usability of spaces, innovative or unique design features, cohesiveness of interior and exterior design, and creative and efficient use of space).

Solar Generation Performance:?

  • 0%: No solar generation
  • 5%: Partial energy offset through solar generation
  • 10%: Full energy offset through solar generation

Digital Photos:

  • 1 photograph of your Main project image.
  • 1-2 photographs showing exterior views of the project and surroundings.
  • 1-2 photographs showing the mechanical room.
  • 4-6 photographs showing interior views of the project.
  • Please note that photos should be 300 dpi resolution and may be resized to facilitate loading for judges. Photos should be a maximum of 10 megabytes. 
  • Please do not save photo files with any identifying information. We suggest using the project name with a numeric sequence.

Written Submission:

The written submission (400 words maximum) should tell us how and why this design was so successful (in terms of sales success and/or customer satisfaction). Please do not include company name, builder name, street name, or any other identifying information in this written description. This written description is intended for judges review only. A condensed version will later be required to display on the finalist monitors.

PDF of the site plan/floor plan

Any drawings and floor plans submitted MUST include the following:

  • Overall room area and dimensions must be shown.
  • Key components must be identified, including cabinetry, appliances, sinks, etc.
  • Please ensure that your PDFs and site/floor plans do not contain any identifying information. All logos, company names, and any other identifying details must be removed or blacked out. Failure to comply will result in the submission being removed from the judges' view and not used for promotional purposes.
  • Keep in mind that proper line weights and presentation style drawings are encouraged. 3D views and colour renderings are permitted to enhance the intent of the design.
Criteria
Criterion Weight
Creative Use of Space 20.0%
Cohesiveness 20.0%
Innovation-Unique Design 20.0%
Functionality 20.0%
Aesthetics/Appeal 20.0%