For Queensland’s Mactech Constructions, every project is one of a kind, and that originality is earning serious recognition. Two of the company’s latest bespoke builds secured prestigious honours at this year's HIA Australian Housing Awards, partnered by CSR: Cloudbreak won Home of the Year and Townhouse of the Year; and Finca Talluca took out the coveted Kitchen of the Year and Bathroom of the Year awards.

Led by founder Nick McDonald, the firm brings local expertise to every project across the Gold Coast region. It was a fitting win on home turf, too, with the awards ceremony held in Broadbeach – just a 15-minute drive from Mactech’s headquarters.

Finca Talluca is nestled within the lush Gold Coast hinterland. The client – a fashion designer with a fine appreciation for Brazilian and Portuguese architecture, brutalism and mid-century modernism – brought a highly original vision to the project.

Nick describes the one-and-a-half-year build as ‘a deeply collaborative journey’, working intuitively with the architecture and interior design firm, HGA Studio, to produce this build.

Kitchen of the Year

At the heart of Finca Talluca lies a kitchen that’s as technically accomplished as it is visually striking. Designed to integrate seamlessly with the home’s architectural language, the space balances robustness with refinement. It’s anchored by a dramatic cantilevered stone island bench that appears to float effortlessly within the room.

‘It was a defining moment in the build,’ says Nick. ‘Achieving that monolithic form without visible structure required a high level of coordination between our team and the engineers. It’s a detail that looks simple but is anything but.’

The island is complemented by American walnut veneer cabinetry that introduces warmth and tonal variation. Custom integrated handles and concealed storage ensure clean lines, reinforcing the minimalist yet tactile aesthetic.

Above, a bespoke perforated steel mesh detail conceals task lighting, adding a layer of industrial refinement that speaks directly to the home’s rammed earth construction. ‘Every element needed to feel considered and connected,’

Nick explains. Functionality sits at the core of the kitchen’s design with premium integrated appliances. An extensive butler’s pantry enhances the workspace, allowing the main kitchen to remain streamlined and uncluttered.

The spatial planning also reinforces the home’s connection to its environment. Opening toward a private stretch of Currumbin Creek, the kitchen flows directly into a sheltered outdoor cooking and dining area. 'HGA Studio wanted the kitchen to feel like part of a larger living zone,’ says Nick. ‘It’s not just a place to cook – it’s where the home engages with the landscape.’

HIA judges praised the space for its innovation and craftsmanship, noting the ‘cantilever monolithic island bench’ and ‘well-considered design’ that complements the rammed earth walls. The gentle asymmetrical curves, thoughtful detailing and material contrasts all contribute to a kitchen that feels cohesive and highly resolved.

Bathroom of the Year

With a natural connection to Finca Talluca’s materiality and design, this award-winning bathroom showcases Mactech’s commitment to complex craftsmanship.

The centrepiece is a custom-formed stone bath, positioned within a projecting window reveal that frames tranquil views of the hinterland. This considered placement enhances natural light and ventilation while maintaining privacy, creating a bathing experience that feels both immersive and intimate.

‘The bath was always going to be the hero,’ says Nick McDonald. ‘It’s an architectural element that anchors the entire space.’

Behind a central floating vanity, dual showers are arranged symmetrically on either side of a core blade wall. This layout optimises circulation while maintaining a strong sense of balance. Notably, the absence of visible drains or shower screens contributes to the bathroom’s seamless aesthetic.

‘It’s those hidden details that define the space,’ Nick explains. ‘Eliminating visual clutter meant resolving every junction and transition with precision.'

Material selection plays a critical role in achieving this cohesion. Handmade vertical tiles, honed stone surfaces and bespoke veneer joinery echo the broader palette of the home, while micro-cement finishes add texture and continuity.

Custom cabinetry integrates generous storage behind mirrored panels, while concealed lighting and underfloor heating enhance comfort and usability. The result is a bathroom that feels effortless yet is underpinned by complex detailing.

HIA judges were particularly impressed by the bathroom’s harmony with its surroundings, noting the seamless flow of materials from ceiling to walls and bath. The earthy palette and thoughtful layout were highlighted as standout features, alongside the practical benefits of the design.

‘There’s a real discipline to a space like this,’ says Nick. ‘Everything has to work functionally, technically and aesthetically. When you get that balance right, it feels completely natural.’

The ensuite is both a highly functional space and a refined architectural statement, demonstrating how thoughtful construction can elevate everyday rituals.

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Materials:

Bathroom Materials:

• Joinery: American walnut crown-cut veneer from Mosh Joinery.
• Lighting: Dotless LED strip and wall lights from IPH.
• Basin mixer: Circa wall basin mixer from Sussex.
• Toilet: Pan, wall cistern and flush plate from Astra Walker.
• Shower: Voda vertical shower in Living Rustic Bronze from Sussex.
• Toilet roll holder and tower rail: Nanobar in Weathered Organic from Brodware.

Kitchen Materials:

• Joinery: American walnut crown-cut veneer from Mosh Joinery.
• Rangehood: Siena Plus from Falmec.
• Integrated dishwasher, fridge/freezer and steam oven: Fisher & Paykel.
• Oven & gas cooktop: V-Zug.
• Microwave oven: LG.
• Mixer: Pull-out sink mixer in brushed chrome from Oliveri.