This week on The Block Season 22, Stratco’s outdoor storage solutions took centre stage, showcasing their versatility through two very different backyard transformations. Adam and Jolene incorporated the Stratco Handi-Pod™ Garden Shed into House 1, while Lisa and Rosco transformed the Stratco Umbra™ Awning Shed into a backyard bar and grill in House 3.
The Handi-Pod™ offers a modern, compact storage solution with clever utility ribs for organising tools and equipment. Meanwhile, the Umbra™ features an innovative tilt door that opens into an awning, providing shelter while creating a versatile outdoor space.
Both products show how garden sheds can do more than store belongings, helping homeowners make better use of their outdoor areas.
Front Yard and Façade Week
The teams turned their attention to their front yards and façades, creating welcoming entrances and adding the finishing touches to their homes. From landscaped gardens and statement features to practical outdoor spaces, each team had the opportunity to make a final impression before auction.
With the competition nearing its end, every detail mattered. The teams needed to balance visual appeal with functionality, while the final judging results brought one last opportunity to secure a major advantage heading into auction.
Lisa and Rosco
Lisa and Rosco made the most of their backyard with the Stratco Umbra™ Awning Shed, turning a narrow structure into an entertaining hub. Its operable tilt door creates a sheltered area, while built-in ventilation helped them establish an Argentinian bar and grill for cooking over an open fire.
The Umbra™'s contemporary design made it more than a traditional garden shed, combining secure storage with a practical space for entertaining. It was a clever example of how an innovative outdoor product can serve multiple purposes in a backyard.
Lisa and Rosco's front yard and façade brought together a welcoming entrance and thoughtful landscaping, helping complete the overall look of their home. The judges considered how well the exterior complemented the property and created a strong first impression ahead of auction.
Adam and Jolene
Adam and Jolene featured the Stratco Handi-Pod™ Garden Shed in House 1, bringing a modern storage solution into their outdoor space. Its contemporary profile, reverse-sloping roof and concealed fixings give it a clean finish that suits a modern backyard.
The Handi-Pod™ also features clever utility ribs that allow accessories such as pegboards and shelves to be added, helping keep tools and garden essentials organised. The HP1 model used by Lisa and Rosco measures 2.17 metres wide by 1.41 metres deep, making it a compact option for smaller outdoor areas. It's a great example of how practical storage can be incorporated into a backyard without compromising on appearance.
Their front yard and façade added another finishing touch to their home, bringing the exterior together with considered design and landscaping. It was an opportunity to create a cohesive first impression and show how the details outside can enhance the overall appeal of a property.
Chantel and Wyatt
Chantel and Wyatt focused on creating an outdoor area that complemented their home and provided a welcoming first impression. Their landscaping and carefully selected features helped bring the property's exterior together, balancing style with practical outdoor living.
With the final reveal complete, the pressure was on to finish strongly before auction. Their approach showed how thoughtful landscaping and well-planned outdoor spaces can help create a cohesive overall look.
Courtney and Sev
Courtney and Sev continued to focus on creating an outdoor space that reflected their design style. Their landscaping and finishing touches helped complete the home's exterior, with the final reveal marking another milestone in their Block journey.
As one of the teams that had consistently impressed throughout the competition, the girls were looking to finish on a high note before auction day.
Rick and Tayla
Rick and Tayla aimed to make a strong final impression with their front yard and façade, bringing together landscaping and exterior details to complement their home.
With the final judging results now in, the father-and-daughter team had one last opportunity to strengthen their position before auction. Their completed exterior was an important part of presenting the home as a cohesive package for potential buyers.
Judging Scoreboard
1st: Rick and Tayla - 27.5/30
2nd: Adam and Jolene - 26.5/30
Joint 3rd: Chantel and Wyatt - 26/30
Joint 3rd: Lisa and Rosco - 26/30
5th: Courtney and Sev - 22/30
My Week 12 Thoughts
I loved seeing Stratco products incorporated into the teams' outdoor spaces in such different ways. Adam and Jolene's Handi-Pod™ shows how storage can be stylish and practical, while Lisa and Rosco's Umbra™ demonstrates how a shed can become a sheltered entertaining area rather than simply somewhere to keep equipment.
With the final reveals complete, it's exciting to see how each team has brought their property together. The homes have all taken different directions, and now the focus shifts to how buyers respond at auction.
The Stratco Big Shed, Handi-Pod™ and Umbra™
Stratco has featured throughout The Block Season 22, from the Big Shed to innovative outdoor storage solutions.
The Handi-Pod™ Garden Shed offers a contemporary way to organise tools and equipment, with modular accessories that help make the most of the space inside. The Umbra™ Awning Shed takes a different approach, with a tilt door that opens to create shelter for cooking, working or entertaining.
Both products show how thoughtful design can make outdoor spaces more functional while complementing the home.
What's Next?
With the final reveals complete, attention turns to auction day. After weeks of hard work, design decisions and plenty of drama, the teams are preparing to see how their finished homes perform on the market.
Which home will come out on top? We'll soon find out as The Block Season 22 reaches its final chapter.