{{ propApi.searchIcon }}
{{ propApi.closeIcon }}
Our industry
Our industry $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Housing industry insights Economics Insights Data & forecasts Tailored research & analysis Advocacy & policy Advocacy Policy priorities Position statements Submissions News & inspiration Industry news Member alerts Media releases HOUSING Online
Business support
Business support $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
For your business Contracts Online Safety systems & solutions Advertise jobs HIA SafeScan Member perks Toyota vehicles The Good Guys Commercial Ampol fuel savings See all Industry insurance HIA Insurance Services Construction works insurance Home warranty insurance Tradies & tool insurance Apprentices Why host a HIA apprentice? Hire an apprentice Support & guidance Contracts & compliance support Building & planning services
Resources & advice
Resources & advice $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Building it right Building codes Australian standards Getting it right on site See all Building materials & products Concrete, bricks & walls Getting products approved Use the right products for the job See all Managing your business Dealing with contracts Handling disputes Managing your employees See all Managing your safety Safety rules Working with silica See all Building your business Growing your business Communication for your business See all Other subjects Getting approval to build Sustainable homes See all
Careers & learning
Careers & learning $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
A rewarding career Become an apprentice Apprenticeships on offer How do I apply? Frequently asked questions Study with us Find a course to suit you Qualification courses Learning on demand Professional development courses A job in the industry Get your builder's licence Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Further your career Find jobs
HIA community
HIA community $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Join HIA Sign me up How do I become a member? What's in it for me? Mates rates Our podcasts Made To Build Built Different HIA Building Australia Building the Hunter Our initiatives HIA Building Women GreenSmart Kitchen, bathroom & design hub Get involved Become an award judge Join a committee Partner with us Support for you Charitable Foundation Mental health program Get to know us Our members Our people
Awards & events
Awards & events $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Awards program People & Business Awards GreenSmart Australian Housing Awards Awards winners Regional Award winners Australian Housing Award winners 2025 Australian Home of the Year Enter online Industry events Events in the next month Economic outlook National Conference Events calendar
HIA shop
HIA shop $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Most popular products National Construction Code Vol 1 & 2 Waterproofing wet areas AS 3740:2021 HIA Guide to Waterproofing HIA Guide to NCC Livable Housing Provisions Top categories Building codes & standards Contracts & documents Guides & manuals Safety products Signage For your business Contracts Online Digital Australian Standards Digital Resource Library Forecasts & data
About Contact Newsroom
$vuetify.icons.faTimes
$vuetify.icons.faMapMarker Set my location Use the field below to update your location
Address
Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.text}} {{region}} Change location
{{propApi.title}}
{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change location

$vuetify.icons.faPhone1300 650 620

Copper tones

Photos : Prue Ruscoe

Copper tones

Photos : Prue Ruscoe
{{ tag.label }} {{ tag.label }} $vuetify.icons.faTimes
When a building firm and interior design studio exhibited remarkable synergy, their build was so distinctive, they were awarded the prestigious 2025 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year.

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.

Winner of the 2025 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year.
The bathroom was designed by Birdblack Design and built by Aspire Constructions.

‘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.

The showstopper is the Azul Roma marble that wraps around the floors and walls.

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.

Pine and Black from Sandberg Wallpaper depicts branches of pine in gold on a black background.
The marble intertwines sumptuous coppery veins on a distinctive greyish-blue canvas.

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

You might also like:

Awards Bathroom Inspiration Projects
Copper tones
When a building firm and interior design studio exhibited remarkable synergy, their build was so distinctive, they were awarded the prestigious 2025 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Business operations Projects
Heartland homes
Award-winning builders P.A.H Innovative Construction are redefining regional homebuilding with craftsmanship, mentorship and a passion for personalised design.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Kitchens Projects
Breathing new life
A seamless blend of old and new, this kitchen transformed a century-old residence into a welcoming, modern-day heart of the home.
Sep 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Design Inspiration Projects
Valley vista
Small but perfectly formed, The Hut at Gilay is an architectural vision that puts a whole new spin on the concept of farmstay accommodation.
Aug 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
HIA members Projects Affordable Construction
Leading the way
By tackling regional housing shortages head-on, Garraway Developments is providing much-needed homes for key workers in Irymple and leading the way for others to follow.
Jul 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards Inspiration HIA members Projects
Rural grandeur
Longevity and reliability are hallmarks of Binet Homes, which is currently celebrating two milestones: the business’s 60th anniversary and winning the highly coveted 2025 HIA Australian Spec Home award.
Jul 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
HIA members Projects Awards Inspiration
Easy-going elegance
While an ocean-inspired colour palette stands out in this award-winning project home, the build is a masterclass in building proficiency and superb craftsmanship.
Jul 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
Awards HIA members Inspiration Projects
Fresh start
After leaving behind a career as a paramedic, Sam Spencer took a bold leap into carpentry - a move that led to HIA’s 2025 Australian Apprentice of the Year.
Jul 25
2 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
HIA members Projects Awards Inspiration
Curve appeal
Featuring a US Open-quality tennis court, an infrared sauna, and a well-appointed barbecue area, relaxation and entertainment are perfectly served in this luxurious outdoor project.
Jul 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
HIA members Projects Awards Inspiration
Modern Mediterranean
A true showstopper in every sense of the word, this display home from Ultra Living Homes was created with vision, imagination and exceptional care.
Jul 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
HIA members Projects Awards Inspiration
Meticulous symbiosis
Taking extravagance to a whole new level, the 2025 HIA Australian Apartment of the Year pushes the boundaries of design and innovation to deliver the ultimate in coastal luxe.
Jul 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight
HIA members Projects Awards Inspiration
High ground
When Lexpol Group renovated and revitalised a tired waterfront dwelling, the dedicated team required geotechnical engineering, building ingenuity and pure fearlessness.
Jul 25
3 mins
Read full article $vuetify.icons.faArrowRight