A nook at home or industrial open plan, in the city or the bush – the modern office is a place of inspiration and flexibility.

Prefab housing makes sense in a number of important ways – it’s relatively quick to build, has defined costs and makes efficient use of materials. These days it’s also raising the bar on the design front, as our annual selection shows.

Whether designed as a relaxing retreat or for high-use practicality, bathrooms challenge the skill and creativity of any architect. We think these ones have succeeded brilliantly.

Eight offices have caught our eye in the last year – because of their low-budget style, clever reinvention of materials, energy efficiency or just because they look like fun places in which to work.

The evolution in building materials has recently picked up speed – here’s the lowdown on what these exciting new products do and how you can use them.

With the arrival of smart phones, home automation was always going to take off. But how can you be clever about using all this smart technology?

Whether building new or retrofitting, working out the lighting early will reap rewards down the track. And it’s LEDs that will take you there.

The kitchen has become the most versatile space in the home. Beyond producing food, it’s now a place to display art, do homework, lounge and party. We celebrate six of this year’s most covetable designs.