A sculptor and his architect brother are building a small contemporary home using massive elements, on the edge of an escarpment in Yackandandah, northeast Victoria. All the elements will be painstakingly handcrafted on site by the brothers in the adjacent historic sawmill studio, but there are too few plans and increasingly different ideas. At some point, someone is going to have to make hard decisions. Chris is the architect, but its Bens house... so who will have the final say?

After purchasing 45 acres, including a stone quarry, at Harcourt near Bendigo, partners Art and Troy are restoring the existing 1800s granite cottage and incorporating it into a multi-level contemporary home, with a massive basement theatre, a huge open plan kitchen living area topped off with the only bedroom and glass ensuite on the third level. Tight heritage and archaeological restrictions along with permissions from parks, farming and fire departments have already cost them 4-years of planning and ,000, so they're champing at the bit to get going and to get it right

Kinglake, an hour from Melbourne, was one of the worst affected areas in the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires. Dan tragically lost his home and understandably couldn't face the prospect of re-building on the same site. He eventually found 20 acres where he could start again. So he and his partner, Vicky, are building a fire resistant, sustainable house which reflects their zero waste ideals. It's a huge leap of faith and one that makes no guarantees. With untested systems and new technologies wrapped up inside a crushed brick industrial façade, will their 0,000 budget get them the truly sustainable rural escape they're chasing?

Ralph Alphonso has grand plans for his 5mx4m inner city design. It will be a massive challenge on a small scale, and Ralph is adamant this eco-friendly build will not sacrifice style or luxury at the cost of the world around him.

Seasoned renovators Mark and Karen are taking on the challenge of converting a derelict 1920's electricity substation into a cutting edge home - while preserving its history and integrity.

Nick and Kate take inspiration from their vineyard location for the first build. Their architect designed home in the shape of a leaf, with a spine stone wall running through the middle and comes with a singing studio.

An abiding love of all things 1950's, especially American design, architecture and art has been a life-long pursuit for dedicated collectors Warwick Noble and Melanie Hughes.
If it's from the 50's, they collect it, they wear it... ... or they dance to it!

They live in an old fibro house built in the 50's by Mel's grandfather. But its boxy design has become too tight for them and their two daughters Evie 7 and Lola aged 9, so they've made the decision to build from scratch, and fast track to 50's modern.

Photographer Nigel is building his first house with wife Nina on a site steeped in bushland that will form his inspiration. He's designing the house around a large Eucalyptus tree that will be the focal point.

Barbara and Bill love modernist design so they've sought an architect designed 70s style home. Bill has been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease so the home's curved roof line and glass entrance is designed for the future.

Owner/Architect Adrian is passionate about sustainable building. He has grand plans for turning his Vinegar Factory inside out by creating a four storey eco-friendly house complete with a series of walled rainforest.