There’s something quietly captivating about the Akari 26, a home that invites you to slow down, breathe deeply, and truly feel the space around you.
Located on Arabella Street in the Lilywood Landings Estate, this latest display by Ultra Living Homes introduces a design direction not often seen in project home displays.
Drawing inspiration from Japandi style, a seamless fusion of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth, the Akari 26 offers a refined yet highly liveable home that feels both modern and timeless.
From the moment you step inside, the Akari 26 sets a different tone. This is not a home that overwhelms with excess; instead, it embraces simplicity, balance, and intentional design.
Soft, rich neutral tones create a calming foundation, while layered textures bring warmth and depth throughout the home. The palette leans into natural hues, allowing each material and finish to speak for itself. Timber elements, tactile surfaces, and carefully curated styling work together to create a space that feels both grounded and serene.
Thoughtfully balanced with Stone Ambassador’s Savoy Ivory surfaces from the Vasari Porcelain range, brushed bronze tapware from Reece, and the warm Tranquil Nordic Oak Luxury Vinyl flooring from Beaumont Tiles, the home achieves a sophisticated yet highly attainable aesthetic. These carefully considered selections are just some of the many details that contribute to the refined, calming, and welcoming feel of the Akari 26.
Japandi design is centred around the idea of “less, but better”, and the Akari 26 captures this beautifully.
Clean lines and uncluttered spaces are complemented by organic materials and subtle contrasts. There’s a strong emphasis on craftsmanship and quality, with every detail thoughtfully considered.
Rather than relying on bold statements, the home achieves impact through restraint, creating an environment that feels effortlessly sophisticated and deeply calming.
While the aesthetic is refined, the functionality of the Akari 26 remains at the forefront.
The layout has been designed to maximise natural light and flow, creating seamless transitions between living zones. Open-plan spaces feel expansive yet intimate, making the home equally suited to quiet moments and entertaining.
The kitchen stands as a central feature, both practical and beautifully understated, with a focus on clean finishes, ample storage, and a connection to the surrounding living areas.
Bedrooms and private spaces continue the same design language, offering restful retreats that prioritise comfort and simplicity.
What truly sets the Akari 26 apart is the attention to detail. From the selection of finishes to the styling choices, every element has been curated to enhance the overall experience of the home. Subtle contrasts, layered materials, and refined fixtures all contribute to a cohesive and elevated result.
The home demonstrates how thoughtful design can transform everyday living, creating spaces that not only look beautiful but also feel meaningful and considered.
The Akari 26 represents a fresh perspective for display homes.
By embracing Japandi principles, Ultra Living Homes has created a space that feels distinctly different, one that prioritises calm, balance, and authenticity. It’s a home that resonates with those seeking a more mindful approach to design and living.
If you’re looking for inspiration that goes beyond the expected, the Akari 26 is a must-visit.
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.
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/.
