2018 Cubby House Challenge

Australia's Most Unique Cubbies Open For Inspection

Five architecturally designed cubby houses are vying for the title of Australia's Best Cubby at Kids Under Cover's tenth annual Cubby House Challenge^®. 

Peter Maddison and Shaynna Blaze were joined by Domain Editor, Emily Power along with popular TV personalities Ben and Andy to inspect the cubbies on Monday 19 March. 

The expert judging panel cast their eyes over the bespoke cubbies onsite at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show. Together, they will determine the winning cubbies across a range of categories including: Best Interior Design; Most Imaginative/Interactive and Best Architectural Cubby. 

The cubbies will be open to the public from Wednesday 21 March to Sunday 25 March. Interested parties will have the opportunity to purchase one of these amazing cubbies at a special twilight auction event on Thursday 22 March, all in aid of the work Kids Under Cover does in preventing youth homelessness.

The weird, wonderful and innovative designs on offer this year include a Tennyson-inspired nest by Porter Davis and a Dream Catcher by Figurehead Construction in collaboration with Bayley Ward. 

There is the whimsical connect four wonderland, produced by NH Architecture and APM Builders in collaboration with The District Docklands, a futuristic fusion of geometric shapes by Becon Constructions and Watson Young and a vibrant blue head by Buildher Collective, Beirin Projects and Bellemo & Cat.

The inspiration for each of these wildly different cubbies was born from each designer's thoughts on what they would have loved to play in as a child, while also looking at environmental issues in their design and build. The cubbies have now been completed and are ready for display at the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show.

More about the expert judging panel for the Cubby House Challenge^® 2018 

Peter Maddison, architect and host of Lifestyle Channel's Grand Designs Australia, returns for his 7^th year in 2018 as a judge and ambassador of the event. Peter is joined by Shaynna Blaze, interior designer and judge on Channel 9's The Block; Emily Power, Editor of Domain; and Ben and Andy, former contestants on Channel 9's The Block.

The real experts, a group of children from a local primary school, joined the judging panel and put the cubbies to the test, voting on the Kids' Choice Award. 

"This year's architectural and building teams have all shown a true understanding of the needs of children at play, creating spaces that will inspire young people and nurture their creativity and independence," Jo Swift, CEO of Kids Under Cover said. "For our tenth anniversary, we've selected teams who have embraced our mission, and have a genuine passion for helping at-risk young people.

"The funds raised through the auction of these cubbies contribute to the crucial work of Kids Under Cover. In 2018, our goal is to beat last year's record of $180,000 raised. All funds raised are directed towards keeping at-risk young people in contact with their families and networks."

The selected design and build teams have expressed their excitement at having the opportunity to participate in the Cubby House Challenge^® in 2018.

Joe Grasso, Managing Director of Figurehead Construction, said the Cubby House Challenge^® was an opportunity to give back to those less fortunate.

"At Figurehead Construction, we like to give back beyond just writing a cheque, but by putting in our time, effort and passion for the greater good," Joe said. "Giving connects us to each other and it connects us to others by creating a stronger community."

Rebeka Morgan, Director of Buildher Collective echoed these sentiments, saying the Cubby House Challenge^® was an opportunity to collaborate with a great team of architects and builders.

"It's an amazing way to give back and create a meaningful difference for young people in need," Rebeka said.

All parties interested in purchasing one of Australia's best cubbies are invited to register their details for the twilight auction on Thursday 22 March at cubbyhousechallenge.org.au