At Ultra Living Homes, we know a home isn’t complete without outdoor spaces that are as functional and beautiful as the interiors. Thoughtful landscaping – including gardens, alfresco areas, and even pools – enhances your lifestyle, adds value, and creates spaces for family, entertaining, and relaxation.
At Ultra Living Homes, we understand that every family’s needs are different – and they change over time. With the ability to add to the scope of your landscaping package, remove it entirely to create your own blank canvas, or use the landscaping included in your package, you can plan an outdoor space – including pools if desired – that suits your lifestyle both now and as your family grows into the home. This flexibility ensures your backyard evolves with you, creating a space that truly works for your family.
When building your dream home, the façade is one of the most important design decisions you’ll make. It’s the face of your home-setting the tone for its overall style and first impressions. In South East Queensland, where design trends meet climate-conscious regulations, choosing the right façade involves balancing aesthetic, budget, and compliance.
Here’s what to consider when selecting the perfect façade for your new home:
It’s no secret that budget plays a big role in how bold you can go with your façade. More elaborate facades often include extra detailing, additional materials, and architectural features that can add cost. However, if you’re budget-conscious, don’t worry-you can still achieve a stunning result with a pared-back version of a design you love. Many modern facades are designed to be adaptable. As a skilled builder we can work with you to maintain the core style while simplifying material selections or finishes to suit your budget-without sacrificing street appeal.
Most master-planned communities and estates across South East Queensland have design covenants-guidelines set by developers to ensure a consistent and high-quality streetscape. These often include requirements such as:
Being aware of these requirements early will help you avoid costly redesigns later.
With the introduction of the 7-Star Energy Rating standards, façade design is no longer just about looks. These new regulations promote homes that are naturally cooler in summer and warmer in winter-meaning that lighter colours are now often required, especially for roofing materials.
That said, if you’re drawn to a darker, moodier look, it’s still possible to achieve. Darker colours can be introduced through window frames, feature panels, or garage doors, and with the right planning, additional energy solutions can be added to offset thermal performance-for example, upgraded insulation, solar or glazed windows.
While regulations and budget are essential considerations, your personal style should still guide your choices. Whether you’re drawn to coastal calm, Palm Springs-inspired modernism, urban industrial, traditional, contemporary or classic Hamptons, the right façade should tie in with the overall look and feel of your home-both inside and out. Think about the theme you want to carry throughout your home and how your façade can reflect that-through materials, textures, tones, and finishes.
Choosing a façade is about finding the right balance between form, function, and future-proofing. At Ultra Living Homes, we guide you through each step-ensuring your home not only looks great but also meets budget, regulatory, and energy efficiency requirements. If you’re unsure where to start, speak to one of our new home consultants or design team about your ideas-we can show you how to bring your vision to life in a way that works for you and your block.
Be inspired by a range of façades in our online gallery, or visit one of our display homes in South East Queensland to see the possibilities in person.
At Ultra Living Homes, we believe the kitchen is far more than just a place to prepare meals-it’s the heart of your home. Whether you’re hosting family dinners, entertaining friends, or enjoying a quiet morning coffee, your kitchen should combine seamless functionality with touches of luxury. That’s why we design every kitchen to offer intelligent practicality, aesthetic beauty, and the versatility to support your lifestyle.
A well-designed kitchen starts with smart, practical choices. From layout to storage, functionality is key to keeping your kitchen clutter-free and enjoyable to use every day.
One of the standout features in our premium homes is the inclusion of a butler’s pantry-a must-have for those who value both elegance and efficiency.
A butler’s pantry allows you to:
It’s a feature that brings a new level of sophistication and order to your home-perfectly suited to the Queensland lifestyle.
Modern living calls for seamless design. Integrated appliances-like concealed dishwashers, fridges, and freezers-help create a sleek, minimalist aesthetic without sacrificing performance.
These appliances also reduce visual clutter, allowing high-end finishes like stone benchtops, custom splashbacks, and soft-close cabinetry to take centre stage.
Whether you’re a passionate home cook, a growing family, or someone who loves to entertain, the right kitchen design can elevate your entire home experience. At Ultra Living Homes, we collaborate with our clients to customise every detail-balancing day-to-day practicality with the premium finishes and thoughtful features that define luxury living.
Let’s bring your vision to life with a space that works beautifully and feels like home.
Contact us here.
We are thrilled to announce that Ultra Living Homes has been awarded the prestigious 2025 HIA Australian Display Home of the Year at the HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards, held on Saturday the 17th of May at Crown Melbourne.
This national recognition was awarded for our Modern Mediterranean-inspired display home – a property that makes a lasting impression even before you step through the front door. With its striking curved façade, soaring double-height arched windows, and a soft-rendered finish in a warm, textured neutral palette, the home stands as a sophisticated sanctuary that blends elegance with innovation.
This category was proudly partnered by Clipsal by Schneider Electric, and we’re honoured to have been selected among such exceptional finalists from across the country.
The evening, hosted by the always-entertaining Peter Helliar, was a celebration of excellence across the Australian residential building industry. We were proud to see Queensland take home a total of six national wins, a testament to the incredible talent and craftsmanship our state continues to deliver.
HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin congratulated the 2025 winners and praised their remarkable achievements, stating: “Each year thousands of projects are entered into our Awards program. To be short-listed as an Australian finalist is a huge achievement, but to be one of the 23 winners means you’re at the pinnacle of residential building.”
We also heard from newly appointed HIA President Ian Hazan, who took a moment to thank former HIA President Debbie Johnson for her hard work and contributions to the industry over her tenure
One of the biggest challenges we faced during the build was constructing a home wrapped around a central internal water feature. While water features can add a sense of tranquillity and visual appeal, this design included a large water element featuring a raised planter box and a stone cascading waterfall – a far more complex undertaking than a standard pool installation.
What made this especially demanding was its location at the very heart of the home. With the structure essentially built around it, every stage of the construction process had to be meticulously planned. Sequencing was critical to ensure structural integrity, waterproofing, and ongoing accessibility, all while staying true to the home’s architectural intent.
It was a technically demanding aspect of the build, but also one of the most rewarding. The result is a stunning, serene centrepiece that brings a calming, grounded presence to the entire home – a focal point that perfectly embodies the home’s Modern Mediterranean vision.
Our favourite aspect of the build is, without a doubt, the internal courtyard. It’s something we believe has never been done in a display home before – a truly unique feature that sits at the heart of the design, both literally and conceptually.
What makes it so special is how the entire home is oriented around this central space. Nearly every room, across both levels, enjoys a direct visual connection to the courtyard, creating a continuous sense of openness, calm, and natural beauty throughout the home.
The biophilic design principles behind this feature were carefully and intentionally considered. It’s not just about aesthetics – it’s about enhancing well-being, inviting nature into everyday living, and creating a genuine sense of sanctuary. This courtyard brings light, greenery, and tranquillity into every corner of the home, and it’s something we’re incredibly proud to have achieved.
What we’re most proud of is what this win represents – especially considering the challenges our industry has faced in the post-COVID era. The past few years have brought unprecedented pressures, from supply chain disruptions to labour shortages and rising material costs. In that environment, maintaining quality, innovation, and client focus has been more important – and more difficult – than ever.
This award is a fantastic acknowledgment of the resilience, dedication, and hard work our entire team puts into their roles every single day. It’s a moment of recognition not just for the finished product, but for every person behind it – our staff, trades, and suppliers – who continued to show up, problem-solve, and deliver with pride and professionalism.
Winning this award reaffirms that despite the hurdles, we are still pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in residential design and construction – and doing so with passion and purpose.
Accolades like this don’t happen in isolation. We extend a heartfelt thank you to:
We also want to congratulate all the finalists and winners from Saturday night. Your achievements showcase the strength, resilience, and creativity of our industry – and we’re proud to be part of it.
Here’s to continuing to build not just beautiful homes, but places that inspire, nurture, and elevate everyday living.
The Amara 27, created by Ultra Living Homes, is a stunning example of Palm Springs-inspired design, brought to life on the Sunshine Coast. This award-winning display home combines Mid-Century Modern elegance with a fresh coastal vibe, offering both sophistication and functionality in a family-friendly layout.
Come and explore the Amara 27, where luxury meets practicality in perfect harmony.
At Ultra Living Homes, we don’t just build houses – we create spaces that inspire, uplift, and elevate the living experience. One of our crowning achievements is La Casa Eden, a stunning display home that is redefining what a home can be. With a custom floor plan (by Formspace Building Design) designed for modern living and an architectural design that blends Mediterranean influences with contemporary flair, La Casa Eden is the epitome of luxury and thoughtful design.
La Casa Eden was designed with an emphasis on open-plan living, seamlessly integrating both indoor and outdoor spaces. The layout is perfectly suited for family life, offering plenty of room to entertain and relax.
The custom floor plan allows for fluid transitions between the kitchen, living areas, and the exquisite internal courtyard, ensuring every room feels connected to the outdoors while maintaining a sense of privacy and space.
At the heart of La Casa Eden lies its standout feature: the internal courtyard. This slice of paradise offers a sanctuary within the home, designed to create a seamless connection to nature. Biophilic design elements are incorporated throughout, enhancing the natural flow of light and ventilation. Framed by an abundance of windows, the courtyard becomes a source of natural light, inviting fresh air into every corner of the home.
The courtyard itself is a true work of art, with a stone waterfall cascading into a large reflection pond, further enhancing the peaceful ambiance. It is a space designed to be both functional and beautiful – a place where homeowners can unwind, soak up the sun, or simply enjoy the tranquillity of their surroundings.
La Casa Eden’s architectural design is a striking blend of Mediterranean charm and modern luxury. Inspired by the relaxed elegance of Mediterranean homes, the design incorporates natural stone elements, earthy tones, and an abundance of glass to create a bright and welcoming atmosphere. From the checkboard breezeway to the alfresco tiling, Mediterranean influences are woven throughout, providing a cohesive aesthetic that flows from the exterior to the interior.
The interior of the home is just as impressive, with neutral, warm, and earthy tones used to create a calm, sophisticated ambiance. The kitchen, a focal point of the home, features integrated appliances and a Dekton Reverie surface that extends to the splashback, creating a striking feature that balances both style and practicality.
One of the key features of La Casa Eden is the abundance of natural light that floods the home. With floor-to-ceiling windows throughout the living areas, combined with the central courtyard, the home remains light and airy, no matter the season. The design emphasizes natural ventilation, reducing reliance on artificial cooling systems and enhancing the home’s connection to its environment.
This design philosophy not only promotes health and well-being but also ensures the home feels fresh and inviting, creating an optimal living environment for every season.
La Casa Eden is more than just a beautiful home – it’s a showcase of innovation and design excellence. In 2024, La Casa Eden received HIA Display Home Over $1 Million (Gold Coast/Northern Rivers) and HIA Display Home of the Year (Gold Coast/Northern Rivers) awards. It also went on to win HIA Queensland Display Home of the Year, solidifying its place as one of the most exceptional homes in the region. In 2025, it was named a finalist for the HIA Australian Display Home of the Year, and we couldn’t be prouder of its accomplishments.
La Casa Eden is located in the SkyRidge Display Village at 23 Parkway Circuit, Worongary. Open seven days a week from 10:00am to 5:00pm, we invite you to come and experience the beauty and innovation of this one-of-a-kind home.
With its custom design, architectural brilliance, and biophilic elements, La Casa Eden sets the benchmark for luxury homes in Southeast Queensland. Come see for yourself why La Casa Eden continues to captivate and inspire.
Vignettes are a great way to decorate any space with the purpose of keeping that space impactful, yet minimal and of course aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Vignettes are a small cluster of items, usually 3 to 5 different pieces located in different rooms of your home. They are designed to be appealing, elegant and sophisticated whilst aiming to create an emotional connection and showcase your ‘lifestyle/personality’.
The most common areas to place a vignette include, kitchen benches, study nooks, bathroom vanity benchtops and robe shelving. The items need to be specific to the space that you are showcasing as they are designed to assist in defining the usage of the space as well as being visually pleasing. Again, they need to be simple, elegant, and sophisticated which simply comes down to what items you have to work with and how you place them. For example, a kitchen vignette could include appropriate items such as a cookbook, wooden chopping boards, utensils and holder, jars, artificial/real greenery (plant, herbs or flowers), bowls, etc. You would not include any item that you wouldn’t ordinarily find in the space you are creating the vignette for as this would look out of place and mostly questionable. You don’t want people talking about your vignette for the wrong reasons.
These tips alone, along with your creative flare, some inspiration and maybe a few favourite shops that are your ‘go to’ for both practical and quirky items, you really can’t go wrong. Also note that vignettes don’t have to be expensive to look ‘amazing’ and when describing them as needing to be elegant and sophisticated, one mustn’t misinterpret that to also mean expensive. Be assured that you can achieve simplicity, elegance and sophistication on any budget.
So don’t be afraid to also use these tips for your own home. You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be willing to experiment. Grab some things from around the home before you go buying anything new and see what comes of it. No doubt you’ll surprise yourself, as this component to home decorating is no different to giving your bedroom a makeover with a new quilt cover and cushions or even a new set of towels for the bathroom.
So, step outside your comfort zone and create a vignette today!
With its head-turning Palm Springs-inspired facade and matching interior design, the Amara 27, offers a fresh contemporary take on Mid-Century Modern design. This multi-award-winning display home has curves in all the right places, a coastal vibe, and a look that exemplifies modern sophistication. This four-bedroom, two-bathroom home offers a family-friendly layout with two living zones, a good-sized laundry, a mud room nook and the option of a study nook or separate study/office space.
Winner of seven regional and state HIA and Master Builders awards, the Amara 27, which is open for viewing at the Village Green Display Village in Palmview, is the only display home of its type on the Sunshine Coast. From the welcoming arched front door and arched interior niches to the Mid-Century Modern-inspired furniture, this is a home that was designed to delight the senses. Ideally suited to its coastal location, the Amara 27 features an alfresco that acts as an additional room due to its seamless connection via corner-less glass stacking doors to the open-plan kitchen/living/dining space.
This is also a home that is at one with nature. It is flooded with sunlight and cooled by the flow-through of natural breezes. Materials and finishes were selected with great care, including the Polytec Classic White textured surfaces, paired with Prime Oak Woodmatt, used for the cabinetry throughout, the Polytec Steccawood chosen for the feature panelling on the curved kitchen island, stunning textural tiles from Beaumont Tiles used throughout, and Reece Plumbing Mizu Drift brushed gold tapware which brings a touch of Palm Springs-style glam. The striking facade features a combination of complementary materials, including timber battens, feature stonework, render, and shiplap cladding under the eaves.
Here at Ultra Living Homes, we are committed to helping you get into the property market by assisting you to take advantage of the First Home Owners Grant (FHOG). Having worked with a number of first home-owners over the years, we understand the importance of guiding you through every step of the process. We ensure that we not only communicate well, but we communicate transparently and happily answer any and all of your queries along the way. Building a new home is a huge commitment, but an exciting one, and we strive to ensure that you enjoy the journey towards owning your first home.
For all contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2024, eligible persons will receive $30,000 towards their new home.
There are a number of criteria that you must meet in order to be eligible. Unlike some other grants, your income for this grant has no bearing on your eligibility. The criteria you must meet are:
You can quickly and easily find out if you are eligible by taking the eligibility test at https://qro.qld.gov.au/property-concessions-grants/first-home-grant/tester/. Please note that the eligibility test does not replace the formal application required.
To find out more on the FHOG, jump over to the official government website at https://qro.qld.gov.au/property-concessions-grants/first-home-grant/.
When building a home for the first time you may hear terminology you are not familiar with. From draw downs, earthworks to plate height it may all start to sound like another language. Here at Ultra Living Homes we want you to be as involved and understanding of the entire process as possible. Below are some common terms and phrases you may come across:
Introduced by the Government on the 1st of July 2000 for Australian Citizens, it was developed to help offset the effect of GST on first home buyers. The scheme varies state to state however it is generally a one-off payment for those who satisfy specific criteria to help them break into the property market for the first time. Currently, the FHOG is $30,000 for contracts signed between 20 November 2023 and 30 June 2025. For specific information relating to Queensland first home buyers grant click the link below:
The sum of money that a lender or bank can loan to you. Many factors will influence your borrowing capacity such as: salary, monthly expenses, assets, equity, existing loans etc.
Stamp duty (also referred to as transfer duty) is a tax levied on the transfer of property. When purchasing a house and land package the stamp duty is only paid on the land – not the house which offers buyers quite the saving.
A fixed rate home loan is a loan whereby the interest rate is locked in for a certain period. Over this time regardless of what is happening in the market your loan repayment amounts, and interest rate will not change. This is great for some people as it gives you peace of mind as to what your exact repayments will be!
A home loan in which the interest rate fluctuates on the outstanding amount as market interest rates change. When interest rates decline, variable home loan borrowers will benefit as the repayments on their loan will decrease as well. However, when the interest rates rise, borrowers on a variable home loan will find the amount payable on their loan also increases.
A guarantor is someone who will agree to honour your contract if you are unable to make your repayments. Acting as a guarantor means you are guaranteeing that you will continue to pay the loan or mortgage in the event the borrower is unable to do so. Having a guarantor on your loan can make lenders more inclined to approve the loan. First home buyers often use a parent or legal guardians as a guarantor. This can help, particularly if you do not have sufficient deposit, but your parents can guarantee the deposit by using equity in the family home.
Pre-approval is an important step in building your first home. It gives you an indication of the amount a lender will lend you which will help you narrow down options within your price range. Pre-approval is not a guarantee that the home loan will be funded, so you still need to get final approval. Whilst not mandatory to seek pre-approval, it can make the overall process easier both in terms of seeking finance down the track and also knowing what budget you should be working towards.
Also referred to as unconditional loan approval, Formal approval is the point at which the lender has everything required to approve your loan. Once this is granted, the sale of land can proceed. To achieve formal finance approval, the bank will require two contracts; one for the land and one for the build.
A drawdown is a progressive payment from your loan funds released to the builder at various stages of construction. At Ultra Living Homes, we use HIA contracts which specify set percentages for each major milestone such as deposit, slab, frame, enclosed, fixing and practical completion.
The purchase of both land and the construction of a new home at a fixed price. House and land packages are a fantastic way for a first home buyer to enter the property market as they represent great value. Ultra Living Homes have a great range of fixed price house and land packages available. The benefit of a fixed price contract is in knowing your full costs upfront with no hidden surprises.
Before construction can start on your home, you need to prove ownership of the land. This comes in the form of a Land Title which is a certificate or deed confirming your legal ownership of the property.
In a new estate, developers often create design guidelines to ensure consistency amongst homes when it comes to design, style and overall appearance. These are commonly referred to as Estate Covenants. When purchasing land in a new estate, it is important to see if there are any specific guidelines your home will need to adhere to. When building with Ultra Living Homes, we ensure that any Estate Covenant requirements are addressed early to ensure a smooth approvals process.
