After a week filled with tension and emotional struggles, Han and Can emerged victorious in Episode 13 of The Block, thanks to their eye-catching bathroom design. The couple from Western Australia clinched the win with a standout amber resin bathtub, edging out competitors Ben and Emma by a narrow margin, aided by a bonus point earned from a gnome feature.
Judge Marty Fox expressed his excitement upon seeing the winning bathroom, exclaiming, “Holy f**k! Look at the bath!” His enthusiastic reaction mirrored that of a child discovering a wonderland, underscoring the impact of Han and Can’s bold design. The couple received high praise not only for their unique tub but also for matching basins that complemented the overall aesthetic.
In stark contrast, the judges were less impressed with the efforts of Britt and Taz, who faced significant challenges with their ensuite. The couple’s decision to transform an arched entryway into a rectangular one led to a series of last-minute complications. Marty Fox criticized the result, stating it appeared as a “square peg in a round hole,” and described the shower area as feeling “cold and scary.” This harsh feedback left the duo scrambling for answers, as Taz sought clarification on whether Marty’s comments were positive.
The judges remarked on the styling choices of Alicia and Sonny, whose grey and green bathroom featured a compelling colour palette. Despite the judges’ admiration for several aspects, including tile selection, the layout drew criticism for feeling cramped and awkward, particularly with the toilet positioned prominently in the room. The judges suggested reverting to the original door placement, complicating matters for the couple who had already ordered joinery based on the new design.
Amid the competition, Robby and Mat, both inexperienced renovators, garnered praise for their neutral-toned bathroom. Marty likened their space to a high-end hotel, noting its sophistication and potential appeal to buyers. Despite this, the duo faced challenges in previous weeks, including a less favorable reception for their children’s room.
Ben and Emma’s curvy bathroom design earned them accolades, but it fell short of securing a joint win due to Han and Can’s bonus point. Darren Palmer expressed admiration for the craftsmanship, stating, “This is my love language here. I want to touch everything.” However, Shaynna Blaze felt that the room lacked the “bravery or the soul” expected at this stage of the competition.
The final scores highlighted the intense competition: Han and Can scored 29, followed closely by Ben and Emma with 28, and Robby and Mat with 27.75. Alicia and Sonny received 26.5, while Britt and Taz finished at the bottom with 21.5.
As the competition progresses, the emotional toll on contestants like Alicia, who felt overwhelmed by criticism from foreman Dan regarding her paint-roller technique, adds another layer to the already stressful environment. The intricate balance of creativity and resilience is on full display as the teams navigate both design challenges and interpersonal conflicts.
As Episode 13 concluded, the stakes have never been higher, and with only a few weeks left in the season, the pressure is palpable as contestants strive to outdo one another in their pursuit of the ultimate renovation victory on The Block.
