The Block 2026: Steph Ottavio slams ‘absurd’ timeline after $250k bathroom week controversy

Former Block winner Steph Ottavio has questioned how much execution counts after Courtney and Sev’s winning bathroom fell short of the finish she believed its design deserved. Picture: Nine Former Block winner Steph Ottavio has questioned bathroom-week judging after the winning room’s execution was, in her view, “probably not hitting the mark”. The architect rated Courtney and Sev’s bathroom the strongest design of the week, but questioned how execution was being weighed with a $250,000 prize at stake. Her comments followed a reveal where two teams failed to complete their full briefs, underlining the pressure of delivering a functioning bathroom within seven days.RELATED: $30m+ Melb’s most expensive sale since April Carroll urged to halt new auction rules Fire-damaged Melb squatter den tops $1m “I think there’s one thing to be said about beautiful design, and then there’s one thing to say about what you’re able to execute within the seven days that you have to renovate,” Ms Ottavio told News Corp Australia. She said Courtney and Sev had “the most beautifully designed bathroom”, praising its architectural layout, custom joinery, material choices and use of natural light. Steph and ...