Modular Home Blog Articles - Anchor Homes

The Block 2025: 5 Things to Learn About Modern Home Design From This Season

Written by Alana McNab | September 04, 2025

(Image Credit: Media Mode)

This season, contestants are constructing brand-new, carbon-neutral homes in Daylesford, facing strict energy standards and lightning-fast deadlines. The designs are bold, the reveals are striking, and the pressure is real.

For anyone planning a home project, The Block 2025 offers a glimpse into the realities of modern Australian design and building. From standout successes to tough challenges, there’s plenty to learn from the contestants’ journeys this year.

So, what can building a home on The Block 2025 teach us about creating your dream home?

Here are five standout lessons so far from The Block 2025 and how they relate to practical homebuilding considerations...

 

1. Sustainability is Non-Negotiable

 On The Block 2025 - 7-Star Energy Ratings:

This season, sustainability has been a key focus, with all homes required to meet strict energy efficiency standards. Teams have incorporated large windows and skylights to maximise natural light and create open, inviting spaces. While these features are visually striking, they also require careful planning. Energy efficiency needs to be compensated in other areas, such as insulation, shading, and efficient heating and cooling systems.

Judges have praised teams who successfully balance light-filled designs with sustainable performance, while any misstep can impact both livability and scoring.

 

Our Approach to Getting It Right:

The Berridale Project

All Anchor Homes built to meet the required 7-star energy rating, with efficiency considered from the very start. Our experienced design team and in-house interior designer guide clients through every decision, ensuring window placement, insulation, and glazing maximise energy performance without compromising on style or natural light.

With years of experience helping clients achieve these standards, we know how to execute stunning house designs that are both visually striking and high-performing. Your home can be bold, beautiful, and energy-efficient all at once.

10 Sustainable Design Choices for Your New Build ➔

 

2. Getting the Details Right Matters

On The Block 2025: The Tiling Disaster

The tiling disaster in bathroom week was one of the most dramatic moments of the season. Several teams had to remove and redo freshly laid tiles after discovering the wrong adhesive was used.

Tight plumbing and waterproofing deadlines made the situation even more stressful. Could you imagine having to redo all your bathroom tiles just days before a reveal? Judges were quick to penalise visible mistakes, showing that attention to detail is non-negotiable.

Our Approach to Getting It Right:

In modular construction, the risk of errors such as this are virtually eliminated. Trades install tiles, cabinetry, and waterproofing in a controlled factory environment, with strict quality checks.

At Anchor Homes, our clients also receive weekly photo updates so they can watch every detail their home come together quickly and efficiently. 

Discover how modular homes are made ➔

 

3. Trust & Quality Matter

On The Block 2025: Quality Control

This season, Han applied a second coat of waterproofing in House 2's bathroom before the first coat had dried and without proper supervision. This breach led to a heated confrontation with Foreman Dan, who confessed he had lost trust in her. This incident underlined how quality control and process adherence are vital.

Our Approach to Getting It Right:

In modular construction, quality is never left to chance. Every stage of the build is inspected and signed off before modules leave the factory, meaning waterproofing, tiling, cabinetry, and structural elements all meet strict standards before installation.

At Anchor Homes, we’ve been building premium modular homes for over 20 years, and our proven systems consistently deliver exceptional results. This experience has positioned us as one of Australia’s most trusted modular home builders, trusted to deliver homes that are not only stylish, but high-quality.

Learn about our building process ➔ 

 

4. Building Quickly Doesn’t Need to Come With Added Pressure

On The Block 2025: Tight Timelines

Every week, contestants face intense time pressures to complete rooms for judging. While the drama makes for great TV, traditional on-site construction often brings unforeseen delays. From supply issues to weather interruptions, this can add stress and compromise results.

Our Approach to Getting It Right:

The Trentham Project

At Anchor Homes, we build modular homes quickly and efficiently without the drama. Materials are purchased and stored in our off-site manufacturing facility, ready for seamless assembly. Meanwhile, on-site works such as foundations and services can be completed concurrently with the factory build, further speeding up the process.

This approach avoids delays, keeps the build on schedule, and ensures every element of your home is delivered smoothly. Essentially, you get the benefits of a fast, well-coordinated build without the stress!

Need a fast home build? Discover the smarter way ➔

 

5. Barn-Style Home Designs Turn Heads

On The Block 2025:

This season celebrates barn-style homes with dramatic gable roofs, soaring ceilings, and walls of expansive windows. Some teams have wrestled with getting the proportions right, learning they need to plan layouts carefully, including furniture placement and circulation, to make the most of the space.

Judges have praised those who combine bold design with smart planning, showing that daring homes can still feel balanced and highly functional.

Our Approach to Getting It Right:

The Newhaven 19 Design

Barn-style designs are a trend we love. Anchor Homes offers just this, with modular home designs such as the Newhaven design range and the Portsea design range featuring striking gable barn-style rooflines. These homes combine bold street appeal with clever layouts, delivering designs that are both architecturally stunning and practical for family living. 

 

Explore What's Possible For Your Future Home Build

The Block 2025 highlights how bold design, clever layouts, and meticulous detail can make a home truly stand out. With prefab modular homes, you can enjoy these same benefits! Dramatic barn-style façades and high-quality finishes, without the stress of delays, weather interruptions, or last-minute fixes.

Explore our designs or get in touch with our team to see how your dream modular home can become a reality!