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Copper tones
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Kerryn Ramsey
Senior Content Coordinator
When HIA members Birdblack Design and Aspire Constructions completed a major residential project on the idyllic NSW South Coast, they knew it was something special.
'It was definitely a labour of love,' says Interior Designer Sarah Nolen, owner and founder of Birdblack Design. Spending two years collaborating with Aspire Constructions’ Director Jake Kearns, the duo showcased the value of design and construction. ‘To get to the finished result, it takes a team,’ says Jake.
‘We were so happy with the outcome. That’s why we entered this award.’
The result was a stunning bathroom that took out the 2025 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year award. The space was part of a complete home in the NSW South Coast city of Wollongong. To complement the win, Birdblack Design also won the 2025 HIA Australian Kitchen Design for the same residence (page 54).
The Hai Lang residence is a beachfront property with a title that translates to 'wave' in Mandarin. Drawing inspiration from this concept, the primary ensuite mirrors the graceful forms and dynamic movement of waves.
This award-winning ensuite on the top level boasts luxurious finishes. Textured microcement surfaces are complemented by timber veneer panels, all adorned with brass inlays. Curvaceous vanities are clad in liquid copper, while glass doors lead to a double-sized shower recess on the opposite wall.
The showstopper is the stunning Azul Roma marble that wraps around the floors and walls, enclosing the luxurious bath. The marble intertwines sumptuous coppery veins on a distinctive greyish-blue canvas.
For extra impact, the powder room walls are adorned with organic-shaped wallpaper, complemented by a dark ceiling and custom glass mosaic in a wave pattern.
Sarah emphasises that time was spent on every detail. For instance, a finish on the ensuite’s dresser and vanities involved adding 100 coats of liquid metal to make it truly stand out.
Overhead, the architectural detailing of the split roofline and curved ceiling creates a cocoon-like ambience. Embracing luxury and craftsmanship, the elegant curve of the ceiling complements the overall architectural design of the home.
Aspire Constructions’ Jake explains that constructing the ceiling was extremely complex due to the intersecting accesses of the curves, making it the most challenging part of the project.
As Sarah points out, ‘A lot of templating was done on site to make sure everything was perfect. There's only so much you can draw on paper; instead, it had to be detailed in a three-dimensional form.’
Overall, this luxurious ensuite is a meticulously curated space that provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation.
At a glance
Designer
Birdblack Design
Builder
Aspire Constructions
Building Designer
JIH Building Design
Award
2025 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year
Location
Wollongong, NSW
Partnered by
Materials:
- Floor and wall surfaces: French Vanilla Marble, 1500 x 1500 x 20mm thickness, with Honed Finish from Atlas Marble
- SEIHA 1 tile sheets, 237 x 300mm, from Artedomus
- Tiles: ‘Wave’ mosaic, 20mm x 20mm, from Bizazza
- Slab: Azul Roma, 3380 x 1880 x 20mm
- Paint: Dulux Natural White
- Wallpaper: ‘Floral Opulence’ in Blue from Rebel Walls. Pine and Black wallpaper, depicting branches of pine in gold on a black background, from Sandberg Wallpaper.
First published on 5 September 2025