Ultra Living Homes Takes Top Honours at 2025 HIA Awards
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
A Unique Build with Unique Challenges
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 Feature: The Internal Courtyard
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 This Win Means to Us
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.
A Heartfelt Thank You
Accolades like this don’t happen in isolation. We extend a heartfelt thank you to:
- The entire Ultra team – your daily commitment to excellence on every build makes achievements like this possible.
- Our incredible trades and suppliers – your craftsmanship and ongoing support are the foundation of our success.
- Our industry colleagues, family, and friends – your patience, encouragement, and unwavering support mean everything.
- Our clients – thank you for your trust and support. You inspire us to continually raise the bar and create the best homes possible.
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.
