House That Reaches for the Sun: Polish Architect's Project Reaches World Architecture Festival Final

Polish architect Edward Szewczyk, working in Australia, has earned a spot as a finalist in the prestigious World Architecture Festival 2026 for his transformative renovation of a Sydney villa. His firm, Edward Szewczyk Architects and Associates, established in 2004, is recognized for the project titled 'Reaching the Sun,' which addresses the challenges of a hillside home in St Ives, near Sydney.

The original 1960s house, situated on a slope bordering the Ku-ring-gai National Park, suffered from insufficient natural light and was disconnected from the surrounding spectacular landscapes. While the owners initially considered enlarging existing windows, Szewczyk's team proposed a more ambitious solution: a loft extension designed to flood the entire home with light.

The renovation also catered to the owners' passion for cooking, incorporating extensive storage and display space for cookbooks throughout the house. The new 35-square-meter loft extension includes a workspace and a lounge area with fully glazed windows opening onto a loggia offering panoramic views of the national park. The interior design features a bright color palette with white and natural wood, contrasted by stainless steel kitchen elements.

Szewczyk's project is among 416 entries from 37 countries that made the shortlist, competing alongside designs from globally recognized firms such as Foster + Partners and Herzog & de Meuron. The World Architecture Festival celebrates completed buildings, conceptual projects, interiors, and landscape architecture.