What a week of reveals! The backyards were moody, modern and seriously impressive - full of texture, warmth and standout design moments. From serene wellness zones to family-friendly lawns and luxe entertaining spaces, the contestants pulled out all the stops to create dream-worthy outdoor retreats. Let’s dive into what judges Shaynna Blaze, Darren Palmer, Marty Fox and guest judge Dave Franklin thought of the transformations. 

House 1: Emma and Ben

Emma and Ben had a mammoth task this week - tackling the pool, landscaping, sauna, and even a full wine cellar. Despite a few major setbacks (think ripped-up concrete and a dismantled retaining wall), the result was nothing short of spectacular. 


Inspired by the rolling hills of Daylesford, their backyard design was all about natural flow and soft undulations. The judges loved the amphitheatre-like layout, calling it both dramatic and functional - perfect for family gatherings, photos and even performances. The use of native plants impressed Dave, while Darren praised the sustainable irrigation system that cleverly reused rainwater. 


But the real showstopper? That stunning wine cellar. The judges loved its earthy palette and thought it perfectly captured the feel of a real cellar door. “This just blows my mind,” said Dave - and we couldn’t agree more. 

The Lighting

A stunning blend of mood and texture brings this outdoor space to life. Sentinel wall lights glow softly against the dark cladding, enhancing the home’s striking lines, while garden spike lights subtly highlight the lush plantings and stone pathways. Inside, woven pendants and the Alfred bar pendant add a touch of warmth and charm to the wine cellar, creating a beautifully layered atmosphere that feels luxurious yet grounded. 

House 2: Han and Can

Han and Can stayed true to their signature aesthetic, delivering a tranquil, Japanese-inspired garden. Their vision balanced strength and serenity, with organic stonework, thoughtful planting and a sculptural sense of order. 


While Marty initially found the space “harsh,” the other judges saw its potential - especially once the greenery matures. Darren admired the natural stone edges and layered composition, calling it “elegant” and “organic.” Shaynna loved the sense of calm and craftsmanship, describing it as ornamental yet inviting. 

The Lighting

Discreet yet effective, Han and Can’s lighting blends seamlessly into the landscape. The MFL Tanimi up-down lights in both black and natural finishes create gentle washes of light across the stone surfaces, while the Wanaka spotlights provide just the right amount of focus around the pathways. The result is a space that glows softly at night - tranquil, refined, and perfectly balanced. 

House 3: Britt and Taz

Britt and Taz took their “wellness house” to new heights with a backyard that’s equal parts relaxation and luxury. Think ice bath, sauna, spa and a sun-soaked poolside cabana - it’s the ultimate retreat. 


The judges were blown away. “Wowee,” said Darren. “This is heaven,” added Shaynna, who loved how the space sold the dream of wellness and rejuvenation. With natural materials, curated plantings and a seamless flow from indoors to out, every inch of this backyard feels intentional and inviting. 

The Lighting

An absolute outdoor dream! The Festoon II string lights frame the outdoor fireplace, adding a magical golden glow that transforms the space after sunset. Paired with sleek Wanaka wall lights around the pool area, the overall effect is relaxed, warm and effortlessly sophisticated - perfect for long summer nights under the stars. 

House 4: Sonny and Alicia

A classic Aussie backyard with a modern twist - that’s what Sonny and Alicia set out to deliver, and they nailed it. The judges loved the simplicity and sense of space, calling it “textbook backyard.” Expansive lawn, thoughtful planting, and a perfectly styled alfresco dining area gave this home a genuine sense of family living. 


“It’s so simple,” said Marty, “but it works beautifully.” Darren agreed, admiring how the design felt both familiar and elevated, with citrus trees, raised garden beds and easy flow from deck to grass. 

The Lighting

Lighting here is all about subtle sophistication. The MFL Tanimi wall lights and Nevada track spots create gentle accents across the home’s façade and garden zones, while the Wanaka spike lights softly illuminate feature trees and pathways. Together, they shape a space that’s welcoming, layered and effortlessly beautiful after dark. 

House 5: Robby and Matt

Leave it to Robby and Mat to go big - their space was pure entertainment heaven! From the curved garden beds to the statement bottle tree, every element felt intentional and bold. 


Shaynna’s first words summed it up perfectly: “Oh my goodness, wow!” The layering of textures, the sculptural lines, and that cohesive connection between zones had the judges grinning. It’s functional, fun and family-ready - exactly what The Block finale weeks are all about. 

The Lighting

Strong architectural lines meet soft, ambient glow. The MFL Tanimi wall lights wash the dark exterior in gentle light, while the Wanaka path and spike lights trace curves through the garden, drawing the eye toward feature elements like the water feature and bottle tree. It’s a lighting scheme that feels warm, inviting and perfectly considered. 

What a week!

From luxurious wine cellars to tranquil Zen gardens and family-ready lawns, this week’s backyards had it all. The lighting brought texture, warmth and atmosphere to every home - proof that the right glow can transform any outdoor space into something unforgettable. We can’t wait to see what the teams deliver next week!