High Design with Peter Colquhoun: Inside the Architectural Masterpiece of Mater Prize Home No. 320

Nestled in the verdant Gold Coast Hinterland, the latest Mater Prize Home isn’t just a standout property—it’s a benchmark in contemporary design. Renowned Australian architect and TV presenter, Peter Colquhoun, stopped by to give us his expert take, and to sum it up in one word… “Breathtaking,” he said.

“They say great design speaks for itself. Well, this latest Mater Prize Home... it certainly has a lot to say.”

From the moment you approach the home, it’s clear this is something special. Set amongst lush hinterland vegetation, Peter describes the house as “high-end architecture amongst the treetops, luxury in the landscape.” The home’s clever orientation means it’s essentially north-facing—ensuring sunlight all day long. This results in the crowning jewel of the exterior: a glass-edged swimming pool that is “never ever in shade.” 

Inside, the open-plan layout flows seamlessly from the well-equipped alfresco space and kitchen through to the elevated dining and living areas. Anchored by a beautifully integrated kitchen bench, it’s communal, connected, and crafted for both everyday living and exceptional entertaining.  

“There’s a very strong emphasis on the horizontal plane. It’s framing the view of the sky, but also allowing these massive frameless windows to give us panoramic, almost cinematic views back to the Gold Coast skyline.”

Subtly influenced by Scandinavian Modernism, the home features “strong white lines, their geometry broken up by these dark window frames, complete with natural timbre highlights—all adapted to the Queensland sub-tropical climate,” Peter explains. These minimalist details are not just aesthetic—they enable an immersive connection to the surrounding landscape. 

What truly elevates this home, however, is its sensory and psychological depth. Colquhoun points to the principles of “prospect and refuge”—a foundational concept in architecture. The home balances these beautifully, offering sweeping views from its expansive living spaces (prospect), while also incorporating more grounded, intimate features like a fireplace framed in dark tones (refuge), creating a cave-like sense of comfort and security.

Even the ceilings have been sculpted to enhance the experience. “The ceiling rakes up towards the front door, creating a very grand entry, but then steps down creating intimacy towards the more private zones,” he notes. In the master bedroom, design brilliance continues with “seamlessly joined corner window panes… giving yet another impression of the world outside.” 

Sustainability also plays a key role. With the strategic placement of multiple timber and glass louvres, the home capitalises on prevailing breezes to reduce energy requirements. “That’ll keep your cooling costs down in summer!” adds Peter.

For one lucky supporter, this home isn’t just a prize—it’s a transformative step up to the High Life. But the impact goes far beyond bricks and mortar.

“Every $2 ticket purchased goes into funding vital Mater medical research and patient care, and there’s no better feeling than that,” muses Peter.

Mater Prize Home No. 320 is more than a dream home—it's a masterclass in design, a celebration of architectural excellence, and a powerful opportunity to support a great cause. Be sure to check out all the $5M prize package inclusions and get your tickets today!

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