After nine weeks focused on the interiors, The Block Season 22 finally headed outside for Outdoor Terrace and Pool Week! With enormous decks, swimming pools, outdoor kitchens and landscaping to complete, the teams faced one of their biggest challenges yet. Budgets were running low, deadlines were looming and, as always, there was plenty of drama along the way.
With auction day getting closer, these outdoor spaces are about more than just looking good. They need to connect with the homes, make the most of the surrounding views and create a lifestyle that potential buyers can picture themselves enjoying.
However, with some teams having significantly more outdoor space to complete than others, the week quickly became a race against the clock. From last-minute budget help to unfinished decking and very different design choices, the outdoor reveals certainly gave the judges plenty to discuss.
Outdoor Terrace and Pool Week: The Teams Head Outside
After spending almost the entire competition inside, the contestants were finally able to turn their attention to their outdoor areas. Each team had a different vision for their backyard, but the challenge was the same: create a functional, inviting space that seamlessly connects the home with the outdoors.
The challenge involved far more than simply installing a pool and adding some outdoor furniture. The contestants had to coordinate landscaping, decking, pool fencing, entertaining areas and planting, all while keeping an eye on their increasingly tight budgets.
The scale of the task became especially clear for Courtney and Sev, whose house came with an enormous backyard. Their outdoor area was almost double the size of some of the other teams' spaces, meaning they had significantly more decking and landscaping to complete within the same timeframe.
As the pressure mounted, it became clear that finishing everything before judging would be a major challenge. Thankfully, Scott Cam stepped in with an additional $50,000 for each team to help them complete their landscaping. It was a much-needed boost, although even the extra money couldn't solve every problem overnight.
The week wasn't all work, either. The contestants enjoyed a family reunion, Hamish Blake made a surprise appearance and an athletics carnival provided a welcome distraction from the building chaos. However, with so much still to do, the teams couldn't afford to relax for long.
Adam and Jolene Take the Win
Adam and Jolene came out on top in Outdoor Terrace and Pool Week, delivering an impressive outdoor entertaining area designed around the ultimate lifestyle experience.
Their space featured a sauna, a generous outdoor kitchen, a barbecue, a pizza oven and a large island bench. The setup offered a resort-style feel, with plenty of features designed to make the most of outdoor living and entertaining.
The judges were particularly impressed by the lifestyle the space could offer. The sauna created a connection between the outdoor terrace and the rumpus room inside, while the outdoor kitchen provided a practical area for cooking and entertaining guests.
However, not every design decision was a hit. The judges questioned the positioning of the high table and chairs, which risked interrupting the view from inside the house. They also raised concerns about unfinished elements and the lack of lighting in parts of the outdoor area.
Despite these criticisms, Adam and Jolene managed to secure another room reveal win. Their secret gnome, which they had won in an earlier challenge, gave them a crucial bonus point that helped them edge ahead of Courtney and Sev.
It was an important result after their disappointing kids' bedroom reveal the previous week. With the competition becoming increasingly tight, the win gave them some valuable momentum heading into the final stages of the build.
Courtney and Sev Come So Close!
My girls, Courtney and Sev, were once again right in the mix with an impressive outdoor space that showcased the scale and potential of their property.
Their backyard was enormous, giving them almost double the outdoor area of some of the other teams. Rather than letting the size of the space overwhelm the design, they created different zones for dining, cooking, lounging and swimming.
The large timber deck featured an outdoor kitchen with high-end appliances, a generous dining area, an outdoor heater, a fan and speakers. Wide timber steps led down towards the pool, where a separate lounge area created another place to relax and enjoy the surroundings.
One of the standout features was the curved glass pool fencing, which helped keep the area feeling open while allowing the pool to remain a central feature of the backyard. Their landscaping also included an olive tree and greenery that helped soften the large deck.
The judges were impressed by the scale of the space and the lifestyle it offered. They could see why Courtney and Sev had chosen this house at the beginning of the competition, with the huge backyard providing an opportunity to create something truly special.
However, the biggest challenge was getting everything finished. With so much more decking and outdoor space to complete, the girls were under enormous pressure right up until judging. Some elements remained unfinished, and the judges acknowledged that the space would have been even stronger if every detail had been completed.
Although they narrowly missed out on the win, I think the girls have created an outdoor area with enormous potential. Their ability to create spaces that feel considered, stylish and suited to the home is one of the reasons I've continued backing them throughout Season 22. I can't wait to see how their backyard looks once all the finishing touches are in place.
The Rest of the Teams
Chantel and Wyatt
Chantel and Wyatt created a relaxed outdoor entertaining area that continued their light, coastal design style. Their poolside space included a generous deck, outdoor seating and landscaping designed to complement the surrounding Mount Eliza setting.
Their approach felt relaxed and inviting, with plenty of places to sit back and enjoy the pool. The judges appreciated elements of the design, although they questioned some of the practical choices and whether the area fully delivered on its entertaining potential.
Their result was a solid effort as the competition moved into its final stages. With outdoor areas now forming a major part of the overall homes, every decision about layout, furniture and functionality could influence how buyers experience the properties.
Lisa and Rosco
Lisa and Rosco took a different approach with their pool, choosing a darker finish that created a more dramatic look and connected with the natural surroundings.
The moody pool colour was a standout feature, offering an alternative to the traditional bright-blue swimming pool. Paired with timber decking and natural elements, the design aimed to create a private, relaxed outdoor retreat.
However, the judges felt the team hadn't made the most of the backyard they had been given. With the outdoor areas playing such an important role in selling the lifestyle of each property, they wanted to see more from the overall space.
Despite finishing fourth, Lisa and Rosco did take home the $10,000 budget award. Their careful approach to spending has been a recurring theme throughout the competition, and the award was a welcome boost as the teams faced the expensive final weeks.
Rick and Tayla
Rick and Tayla had a huge area to complete, and their outdoor space highlighted the difficulties of balancing ambitious plans with a tight budget and deadline.
Their design included an outdoor kitchen with a stone benchtop, a large television that could be watched from the pool and an olive tree incorporated into the deck. These features had the potential to create a great entertaining space, particularly for families who enjoy spending time outdoors.
The judges appreciated some of the individual elements, including the outlook and the tree, but the overall area wasn't finished to the standard they expected. Furniture was grouped into one corner, and there was still a significant amount of work to do.
With auction day getting closer, unfinished spaces are becoming an increasingly serious concern. Even when the design ideas are strong, the judges need to see a complete and cohesive result that demonstrates how the space will work in practice.
The Drama Behind the Builds
As if the pressure of completing enormous outdoor areas wasn't enough, the week also delivered plenty of tension.
One of the biggest talking points was the difference in the size of the contestants' backyards. Courtney and Sev had chosen the house with the largest outdoor area, but as the deadline approached, the challenge of completing so much more decking and landscaping in the same timeframe became increasingly apparent.
The issue was particularly frustrating as the teams raced to finish their projects. With the pool, decking, fencing and landscaping all needing to come together, even a small delay could have a major impact on the finished space.
There was also tension around the teams' progress and the amount of work remaining before judging. With the competition now so close to auction, unfinished details could be the difference between a winning space and a disappointing result.
Adam and Jolene's victory added another layer to the drama. Courtney and Sev had delivered a very strong result and were close to taking the win, but the secret gnome bonus point changed the final outcome. It was a reminder that challenges and bonuses can have a significant impact on the leaderboard, particularly when the teams are so closely matched.
For viewers, it made for an exciting reveal. For the contestants, though, it was another reminder that every point counts.
Week 10 Judging Scoreboard
- Adam & Jolene - 29/30
- Courtney & Sev - 28.25/30
- Chantel & Wyatt - 25.5/30
- Lisa & Rosco - 22/30
- Rick & Tayla - 21.5/30
My Week 10 Thoughts
Outdoor Terrace and Pool Week was a great reminder that creating a beautiful home involves more than designing individual rooms. The outdoor areas need to work just as hard as the interiors, especially when buyers are looking for spaces where they can entertain, relax and enjoy the Australian lifestyle.
I loved seeing the teams finally move outside, and there were some great ideas across the five houses. Adam and Jolene's entertaining setup was impressive, while Lisa and Rosco's darker pool was a different take on the usual bright-blue finish.
However, Courtney and Sev were my standout team again. Their backyard is such a huge space, and I think they did a great job creating different areas for entertaining and relaxing. The scale of their deck is impressive, and the curved glass fencing and poolside lounge area help give the backyard a more luxurious feel.
I do think finishing the details is important, particularly this late in the competition. Buyers need to be able to walk through a home and imagine themselves living there without being distracted by unfinished work. At the same time, I can understand the girls' frustration when they have so much more outdoor space to complete than the other teams.
Adam and Jolene also deserve credit for creating an entertaining space packed with features. Their win shows how important it is to balance a strong design vision with the finishing details, particularly as the competition approaches its final stages.
With auction day getting closer, every decision matters. I'm looking forward to seeing how the teams finish their remaining spaces and whether my favourites can secure another win!
The Stratco Big Shed
As the teams continue tackling increasingly large projects, the Stratco Big Shed remains part of the Season 22 build. With outdoor living now taking centre stage, this week highlighted just how important practical, functional spaces are to the overall design of a home.
From outdoor entertaining areas to the garages and storage spaces that form part of a complete property, the contestants need to think about how every area works together. A successful home needs to look great, but it also needs to support the way people live, entertain and use their space every day.
What's Next?
Next up is Backyard and Garage Week, with the teams taking on even more landscaping and large-scale projects. After the pressure of Outdoor Terrace and Pool Week, the contestants will need to manage their remaining budgets carefully while making sure the final areas are finished to a high standard.
With auction day getting closer, there is little room for mistakes. Every unfinished detail, design decision and dollar spent could make a difference to the final result.
Will Courtney and Sev finally take another win, or will Adam and Jolene continue their momentum? And which team will deliver the most impressive finished property?
I'll be watching closely!
What was your favourite outdoor space from Week 10? And do you think Courtney and Sev should have taken the win?