The Block 2026 Backyard and Garage

House 1 | Adam and Jolene 

Adam and Jolene have continued their contemporary outdoor design with a mix of dark timber, pale brickwork and natural landscaping. Their backyard features native planting, a striking sculpture and a series of outdoor spaces connected by timber decking and garden pathways. 

The judges loved the visual impact of the landscaping, particularly the sculpture and beautifully finished courtyard. Their biggest concern was privacy around the pool, with Shaynna and Marty questioning how exposed the space would feel when entertaining or swimming. 

Inside the garage, the mood changed completely. Dark finishes, a practical car-washing station and an impressive 475-bottle wine cellar made a big impression, with the judges particularly taken by the wine storage and its gallery-like appearance. 

The Lighting: Adam and Jolene have used black exterior lighting to complement the darker architectural details of their home. The Base LED floodlights in black are positioned along the pale brick facade, with adjustable heads that allow light to be directed towards the exterior and surrounding landscaping. 

The contrast between the black fittings and light brickwork works particularly well, keeping the lighting discreet against the home's contemporary design. The floodlights also feature three selectable colour temperatures, giving flexibility over the appearance of the light. 

On the covered upper terrace, Ison surface mounted downlights in black provide low-glare illumination. Their compact cylindrical shape sits neatly against the dark timber ceiling, while the colour-shifting function allows the lighting to be adjusted to suit different occasions.

House 2 | Chantel and Wyatt 

Chantel and Wyatt have brought plenty of Mediterranean character to their outdoor spaces, with textured stone, natural timber and lush planting creating a relaxed setting for entertaining. 

Their covered courtyard was the standout of the reveal, featuring a generous timber dining table, built-in barbecue and pizza oven. The stone feature wall gives the area a lovely rustic quality, while the greenery and pale paving keep the space feeling open. 

The judges weren't particularly impressed by the garage, which they felt needed more attention, but their reaction to the courtyard was a completely different story. Shaynna was full of praise, calling it their best space on The Block so far. 

The Lighting: One of our favourite lighting details this week is Chantel and Wyatt's clever use of the Lola LED step light in black. Rather than installing it beside a step, they've positioned it on the stone feature wall above the outdoor dining table, where it casts a gentle wash of light across the textured surface. 

The team has also used Wanaka 2 light up/down adjustable exterior wall lights in lack provide directional illumination along the stone facade. Both ranges are coastal rated, making them well suited to the Mornington Peninsula location. 

House 3 | Lisa and Rosco 

Lisa and Rosco have created a series of outdoor spaces that make the most of their home's coastal setting. Their landscaping features olive trees, pale stone paving and a substantial outdoor fireplace positioned to enjoy the view. 

A private courtyard adds another place to unwind, with timber-framed seating, a fire pit and an outdoor sauna. The natural materials give the space plenty of character, particularly the irregular paving and pale brickwork. 

The judges loved the outdoor fireplace and its position, although they felt the backyard needed more lawn. The garage was another challenge, with cracks in the concrete floor preventing the team from completing their planned finish. Their courtyard also received mixed feedback, with the judges suggesting there was room to make better use of the space. 

The Lighting: Lisa and Rosco's courtyard features the MFL Tanimi up/down exterior wall light in black, mounted against the pale brickwork. Its distinctive light distribution creates defined beams above and below the fitting, highlighting the texture of the wall. 

Made from real concrete, Tanimi has a solid architectural appearance that works particularly well with the courtyard's stone paving and natural materials. The black finish also connects with the sauna and darker window frames. 

Elsewhere, Wanaka spotlights in black provide directional lighting around the home's exterior, while Sentinel 12V garden spike spots in black are tucked among the native planting. These compact, adjustable lights are ideal for drawing attention to selected trees and garden features after dark 

House 4 | Courtney and Sev 

Courtney and Sev certainly haven't held back this week! Their backyard is filled with interesting details, including a striking stone fireplace, curved outdoor seating, a circular water feature and rust-coloured steel features that complement the natural landscaping. 

Timber garden edging and irregular stone pavers bring an organic feel to the design, while a custom outdoor shower and garden arbours add even more character. 

The judges were particularly impressed by the outdoor shower and the many different areas created throughout the garden, although Marty questioned whether the stepping-stone pathways and layout were practical enough for a family. 

But it was the garage and wine cellar that really got everyone talking. Behind the dark, beautifully finished garage sits an incredible custom wine cellar, featuring a sweeping curved wall of timber wine racks. The detailed joinery follows the shape of the room, turning the wine collection into an architectural feature. 

The judges loved the craftsmanship and dramatic appearance of the cellar, helping Courtney and Sev secure a shared win with Adam and Jolene. 

The Lighting: Courtney and Sev's wine cellar features MFL Titan spotlights in white, positioned along the ceiling to illuminate the curved timber wine racks. Their adjustable heads allow light to be directed towards the individual compartments, highlighting the joinery and the bottles displayed within. 

With interchangeable 20° and 40° reflectors, Titan provides flexibility in how the light is distributed. The white finish also keeps the fittings discreet against the pale ceiling, allowing the timber wine display to remain the main attraction. 

Out in the garden, Wanaka spike spots in black have been positioned among the planting to highlight selected greenery and landscape features. Their compact design keeps them largely out of sight during the day, while the adjustable heads allow the lighting to be directed exactly where it's needed. 

House 5 | Rick and Tayla 

Rick and Tayla have created a backyard with plenty of room to enjoy the outdoors, including expansive lawn areas, curved garden beds and a beautiful outdoor fireplace. 

The generous stretch of grass was a particular favourite with Marty, who felt it would appeal to families looking for somewhere the kids could play. A curved brick bench surrounding the fireplace creates another lovely place to gather, with natural materials connecting the design to the surrounding landscape. 

Unfortunately, the team ran out of time before the reveal, leaving parts of the pool area and garage unfinished. The judges could see the potential in the backyard, but were frustrated that the final details hadn't been completed. 

The Lighting: Rick and Tayla have kept their outdoor lighting closely connected to the natural materials used throughout the home. Their covered alfresco features Flinders ceramic exterior wall lights in green, bringing a lovely touch of colour to the timber-clad walls. 

The ceramic finish adds another layer of texture to the space, while the up/down light distribution creates an attractive effect against the timber. Each fitting has subtle variations in its glaze, giving the range its own character. 

Overhead, the Nautica DC ceiling fan in Black provides generous airflow across the entertaining area. Its distinctive curved blades create a floating effect, while the black finish complements the darker architectural details. 

The team has also included a Lucci connect radiant heater in black, providing extra comfort when the temperature drops. With adjustable heat settings, a timer and Wi-Fi connectivity, it's a practical addition to an outdoor entertaining space designed to be enjoyed throughout the year. 

More Outdoor Inspiration from The Block 

After two weeks of outdoor reveals, we've seen just how much thought the contestants have put into creating spaces for entertaining and relaxing. 

One of the biggest lighting trends has been the use of discreet black fittings, particularly adjustable wall lights and garden spike spots that highlight natural materials and landscaping without drawing attention away from the design. 

Feeling inspired? Explore the lighting, ceiling fans and outdoor heating featured on The Block 2026 and discover a few ideas for your own home.