During the REA Group’s Excellence Awards, Stockland’s Dreamcatcher online tool earned the title of Gamechanger of the Year, drawing attention to innovations in new home construction.
The annual REA Excellence Awards, now in its eighth year, continues to recognize outstanding achievements within the Australian real estate industry, with a particular emphasis on the new homes sector. This year, the awards program received over 800 submissions across more than 65 categories.
Among the notable winners were a groundbreaking online tool designed to assist homebuilders in visualizing their concepts and a sustainability award presented to a pioneering community project in Daylesford, Victoria. Amy Read, REA Group’s general manager of customer excellence, underscored the significance of these prestigious awards in acknowledging the exceptional contributions of individuals and teams across the industry, thereby enabling them to expand their reach and attract new business opportunities.
Game Changer of the Year – Stockland Dreamcatcher
The Game Changer of the Year award was presented to Stockland’s Dreamcatcher, an innovative online tool that helps homebuyers turn their vision of a dream home into reality. The Dreamcatcher tool, introduced by Stockland in 2020, offers an interactive platform to explore design trends and personalize their style. The tool allows users to collect images, browse the latest trends, take 3D virtual home tours, and gain inspiration from Stockland-approved builders and designers.
Stockland’s head of design and placemaking, Sophie Pickett-Heaps, explained that the tool aims to assist potential buyers to bring their dream homes to life. By exploring popular interior design styles, navigating current home trends, and immersing themselves in 3D virtual tours and guided videos, users can visualize their future living spaces before committing to construction.
What sets Dreamcatcher apart from other design platforms is its focus on ensuring that all designs and features are not only inspiring but also practical and affordable. Every element featured on the platform is created by expert builders, offering users a trusted source of inspiration that aligns with both their vision and budget.
The Game Changer award celebrates businesses that have made a significant impact in their industry by introducing groundbreaking technologies, improving customer experiences, or addressing previously unmet market needs. Frasers Property Australia’s The Great Separation and Riverlee were also shortlisted as finalists in this category.
Outstanding Sustainability Achievement – The Village by Hygge Property
Hygge Property and Breathe Architecture’s collaborative project, The Village, was honored with the Excellence in Sustainability award at this year’s event. This newly established category celebrates projects, strategies, and practices that promote sustainable development.
Situated in Daylesford, The Village is designed to be a self-sustaining community that coexists with its natural surroundings. Its focus on sustainability aims to create a harmonious living space where both the environment and residents thrive together.
The development comprises 31 townhouses and communal spaces, all designed with sustainability in mind. The homes are fully electric, powered by solar and wind energy, and boast a 7.5-star energy rating. Each townhouse is optimized for natural light and features double-glazed windows for year-round comfort. The communal garden, complete with vegetable patches, fruit trees, and composting facilities, encourages sustainable living and fosters a strong sense of community.
The project balances aesthetic appeal with environmental responsibility, aiming to deliver high-quality homes that respect the natural landscape. The low-maintenance design is ideal for downsizers or those seeking a tranquil retreat. As Joseph Van Dyk, director of Hygge Property, points out, this development addresses the growing demand for environmentally friendly homes with lower running costs. Highett Common by Sunkin Property Group and Colliers were also contenders in this category.
