Architect’s bold ‘villain’s lair’ wins Australian Home of the Year

A builder-architect’s daring Queensland home dubbed the ‘villain’s lair’ has been crowned 2025’s Australian Home of the Year.

134 Valley Drive, Doonan, has been named 2025’s Australian Home of the Year.

A bold black Sunshine Coast estate has been awarded one of the nation’s top building honours, just weeks before it goes under the hammer.

Blackwood at Doonan is the work of Sarah Waller, a local talent who stands out as both builder and architect in the male-dominated construction industry.

Her latest statement home in the Noosa Hinterland, dubbed the “villain’s lair”, embodies her daring approach – like a superhero drawn to the dark side, she overcomes challenges to create spaces that defy convention.

The estate at 134 Valley Drive was crowned Australian Home of the Year at the 2025 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards.

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The 21m pool is a showstopper.

Drama in the walk-in robe.

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Marketed by Queensland Sotheby’s International Realty Noosa Heads agents, Paul Arthur and Richard Bowen, it goes to auction on May 31.

The pavilion-style property was the realisation of Ms Waller’s dream of a “glass house” on a lush 7,635 sqm parcel she and partner Paul Blatchford acquired in 2021.

Completed two years later, its dramatic facade of off-form concrete and black timber cladding contrasts with a monochromatic interior palette.

High-end finishes include Italian oak and terrazzo stone, while extensive glazing frames 180-degree views of the Noosa Valley Country Club.

The property was awarded top honours at the national building awards.

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“I wanted the architecture to be really bold and very striking – the villain’s lair was what we called it because it was all very stealth-like with its sharp points and corners,” she said.

“I didn’t want it to be feminine at all – that is my personal style. Black isn’t for everyone, and when I am designing for a client I can do light and bright, but when you have all that landscape around you the boldness of the black works really well because it has the space to breathe.”

Blackwood marked a next-level personal project for the couple, who in 2021 collected $4.3m for their last award-winning home, “The Doonan Glasshouse”, located nearby.

“I wanted to push myself and take on even more of a challenge with this house, which is bigger,” Ms Waller said.

Extensive glazing frames golf course views

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“We built just after Covid and there were storms for months on end which set us back a week every time it rained.

“Of course, it’s always challenging when you are the architect, the builder and the client because if anything goes wrong, it’s your fault.

“This home is our dream, but now it’s on the market and we’re going to do another one – I tell my husband it’s like having a baby, you forget about the labour and you just remember all the best bits.”

The UK-trained architect moved to Australia nearly 20 years ago, originally inspired by her builder father to enter the construction industry.

HIA judges praised Blackwood’s “meticulous craftsmanship” blending “bold architectural design and functional living”.

“Set across subtle cascading levels on a sprawling acreage, it effortlessly blurs the line between inside and out, enhancing both privacy and connection to the landscape.”

The pavilion-style home was designed for multi-generational living

Designed for multi-generational living, the property includes a fully self-contained studio and multiple alfresco zones anchored by a 21m pool, sunken firepit lounge, and outdoor kitchen.

“Every element has been thoughtfully considered, resulting in a home that is both luxurious and liveable – providing an elegant retreat that remains private from the street but open and inviting from within,” judges noted.

Agent Mr Arthur described Blackwood as “the ultimate resort-style paradise”.

Features include five ensuited bedrooms over the single-level main house and studio, along with a five-car garage and large shed.

Originally published as Architect’s bold ‘villain’s lair’ wins Australian Home of the Year