Gold Coast based Mactech Constructions have claimed the highest honour at the 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards; winning the coveted 2026 HIA Australian Home of the Year. Perched on one of the Gold Coast’s most exposed coastal sites, their Cloudbreak project transforms a challenging cliff edge into a finely tuned vertical residence. HIA Australian Home of the Year is partnered by CSR.

One half of a duplex, the five-level home delivers the privacy and permanence of a standalone dwelling, achieved through double wall construction, offset entries and carefully managed orientation to ensure true acoustic separation.

The home unfolds from the ground up. A basement wellness retreat and cinema are carved directly into the cliff, unexpectedly opening to hinterland views. Above, bedrooms and a master suite give way to open-plan living, before culminating in a rooftop terrace complete with pool, spa and helipad. A ribbon of glass floor panels links every level, drawing daylight deep into the core.

Fixed elements, including an in-situ island and dining table finished in microcement, anchor the interiors. Integrated services, frameless glazing and early landscaping decisions reinforce material continuity, delivering a coastal home that feels both strong and well considered. HIA Australian Home of the Year is partnered by CSR.

The home also won HIA Australian Townhouse of the Year, partnered by Ariston.

Mactech Constructions had a highly successful year, also winning HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year partnered by Caroma and HIA Australian Kitchen of the Year partnered by Artusi for their Finca Talluca project.

Aria Property Group won HIA Australian Apartment Complex for Trellis, a 13-storey development in Brisbane that reimagines high-rise living with a subtropical design approach. A naturally ventilated garden lobby replaces the traditional podium, while passive design, shared amenities and integrated sustainability features support comfort, liveability and community. This category is partnered by Daikin Australia.

Villaworld Homes by AVID Property Group was named HIA Australian Professional Major Builder, recognised for their consistent delivery and customer-focused approach. Backed by 37 years of experience, the business combines strong supply chain management with clear, efficient processes, achieving high customer satisfaction and a strong referral rate while delivering fixed-price homes within vibrant master planned communities. This category is partnered by Companion Systems.

The 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards were announced on 18 April in front of an audience of industry leaders and home-building consumers.

HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin congratulated the 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards winners and praised their remarkable achievements.

“HIA is committed to recognising the outstanding achievements and talent amongst our members. The HIA Australian Housing Awards allow us to acknowledge winners for their skill and commitment to quality construction, design and material selection.

“The winning projects redefine what's possible in terms of innovation; they’re setting new benchmarks for the industry.

“It’s not only outstanding homes we’ve recognised tonight; we’ve also acknowledged remarkable members who are excelling in business management in our Professional Builder Awards, along with our Emerging Builder from Western Australia and our exceptional apprentices.

"It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate each winner for their commitment to excellence," Ms Martin concluded.

The HIA Australian Housing Awards are the ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation’s top builders and designers. Winners are selected from state-based finalists, with awards in 24 separate categories. The Awards are partnered by leading building products company CSR.

View all award winners

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