A true escape within a busy household, this master ensuite was envisioned as a calm, luxurious retreat. The clients, a couple who have three children, see it as their own private sanctuary. They turned to Studio Minosa, who completely reimagined the zone’s layout, flow and function.

Founders Darren Genner and Simona Castagna approached the project as both a design challenge and an opportunity to refine their process.

‘One of the key challenges was geography,’ says Darren, referring to the fact that Studio Minosa is based in Sydney, but the project – which involved a full house renovation – is in Melbourne’s suburb of Brunswick. ‘Seamless collaboration was crucial,’ he continues. ‘Trust, communication and detailed documentation allowed us to maintain the level of precision we’re known for.’

Despite the interstate nature of the project, the result is a sophisticated bathing zone. This quality was recognised when the team took out the 2026 HIA Australian Bathroom Design award at the Gold Coast recently.

The original ensuite was fragmented and inefficient, prompting a full spatial overhaul. Doorways were extended to ceiling height, improving sightlines and flow, while a steel-framed, ribbed glass door introduces a subtle separation between bedroom and bathing zones without compromising light. Timber flooring continues from the bedroom, grounding the space in warmth and cohesion.

Materiality plays a central role. Natural microcement wraps the walls – including within the walk-in shower – delivering a seamless, tactile finish that’s low-maintenance. This is paired with large-format porcelain tiles to minimise grout lines and enhance durability. At the centre, a custom vanity integrates generous storage, including lift-up mirrors and concealed compartments.

‘That stunning quartzite stone — richly veined — really grounds the room in nature,’ says Darren. ‘It became the hero element that ties everything together.’

Curves soften the overall composition, from the vanity edges to the spatial transitions, creating a sense of calm. The HIA judges praised the project as ‘beautiful in every way’, highlighting the ‘lovely use of curves’ and the luxurious yet practical
resolution of the layout.

For Simona, the award holds deeper meaning. ‘HIA Awards are unique because judges experience the space in person. They walk through it, feel it and understand how it connects,’ she says. ‘We enter awards to pressure-test our thinking, and this recognition tells us the work resonates beyond the project itself.’

She adds, ‘This national award represents trust from our clients, collaborators and trades. For us, the greatest reward is seeing our clients thriving in spaces crafted for them. The award is simply the cherry on top.’

Keen to see the winners of the 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards?

View all award winners