Gold Coast cliff side property crowned Australia’s Home of the Year

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Gold Coast property Cloudbreak won the 2026 HIA Australian Home of the Year. Photo: Mactech Constructions

An Aussie property with a basement cinema carved into rock and rooftop helipad has defied engineering odds to win Australia’s most prestigious building award.

Queensland home Cloudbreak, constructed by Gold Coast builder Mactech Constructions, was named the 2026 HIA Australian home of the year – the highest residential building award bestowed each year by the Housing Industry Association (HIA).

Gold Coast property Cloudbreak in Miami. Photo: Mactech Constructions

Gold Coast property Cloudbreak. Photo: Mactech Constructions

Perched on one of the Gold Coast’s most exposed coastal sites in Miami, the winning five-level home transforms a challenging cliff edge into a showstopper vertical residence.

Cloudbreak is one half of a duplex, with the home delivering the privacy and permanence of a stand-alone dwelling.

A basement wellness retreat and cinema are carved directly into the cliff, unexpectedly opening to hinterland views.

Above, bedrooms and a master suite flow to open-plan living areas, before culminating in a rooftop terrace complete with pool, spa and helipad.

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Gold Coast property Cloudbreak. Photo: Mactech Constructions

A ribbon of glass floor panels links every level, drawing daylight deep into the core.

The home also won the HIA Australian townhouse of the year.

Miami’s landmark castle house was demolished to make way for Cloudbreak.

It changed hands in 2023 for $4.25m in an off-market deal with Nick McDonald, of Mactech Constructions.

Mr McDonald engaged building designer Jayson Pate to conceptualise plans for two five-storey luxury villas to replace the ageing six-bedroom house on the 602 sqm site.

Gold Coast property Cloudbreak won the 2026 HIA Australian Home of the Year. Photo: Mactech Constructions

Winners of the 2026 HIA Australian Housing Awards were unveiled before 650 industry leaders at an awards ceremony on the Gold Coast.

“HIA is committed to recognising the outstanding achievements and talent among our members,” said HIA managing director Jocelyn Martin.

“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 is my absolute pleasure to congratulate each winner for their commitment to excellence.”

Clover Homes won the HIA Australian specialised housing award for a purpose built home. Photo: Clover Homes

Other winners included Blue Eco Homes (NSW), a family-owned construction company in the NSW Blue Mountains, won HIA Australian professional small builder / renovator.

Clover Homes (NSW) won HIA Australian specialised housing for a purpose built home that has been intentionally designed to foster independence, meaningful engagement and genuine comfort for individuals living with dementia.

Craig Linke (South Australia) won HIA Australian kitchen design for a beautifully executed kitchen that blends French-inspired elegance with modern functionality.

Craig Linke won the HIA Australian kitchen design award. Source: Craig Linke

Mable Projects won HIA Australian start-up business for its dynamic, ethical approach to delivering high-quality construction across rural and regional communities.

Coastal Builders (Victoria) won HIA Australian outdoor project for a standout retreat featuring a curved pool, pool house and premium landscaping.

The HIA Australian Housing Awards are the ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation’s top builders and designers.

Winners were selected from state-based finalists, with awards in 24 separate categories.