Special Commendation - Best Renovation/Addition $500,000-$750,000
This unique project originated with the demolition of an existing residence and clearing all site vegetation. The new construction began with a basement, then two subsequent floors above. The basement includes a five-car garage with a turntable, storage room, services room, bathroom and large functional space or multipurpose room. The ground floor was expertly designed for entertaining, with a large open-plan sitting, lounging, dining and kitchen area. All four bedrooms are located on the first floor, including three kids' bedrooms, each with their own wardrobe and private ensuite. The master suite is separated towards the front of the floor, also consisting of a designated walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with double vanity and bath.
BCM, led by director David Moyle, is a locally owned and managed building company based in Ballarat. Its impressive portfolio includes overseeing the construction of hundreds of residential and commercial projects across Ballarat and provincial Victoria. The quality of construction on Horizon House is unparalleled, reflecting the commitment to excellence and attention to detail that was a driving force behind the entire project. One of the standout features of the build was the complex structural design, which required a high degree of precision and skill to achieve the desired outcome. From the complex structural design to the designer finishes and architectural features, every aspect of the build reflects the highest standards of craftsmanship and attention to detail.
Nathan Roberts started working in the industry as a building surveyor at Bayside City Council. He soon realised he wanted to build and obtained a Diploma of Building and Construction from RMIT in 2012. After this, he worked for Englehart Homes, JG King, Ausco and Ironside. He then established his own building firm, Helico, in 2019 with his brother, who is a carpenter. Nathan has ten years of work experience in the industry. During this time, he has been an estimator, site supervisor and structures foreman on many individual homes and several high-rise apartment towers. In the future, Nathan would like to undertake his own developments, but for now, he focuses on architecturally designed homes, renovations and extensions. He has built his business on four pillars: quality, safety, sustainability and environmental. Nathan is a well-accomplished, polite, well-spoken and confident young professional builder who has created a team around himself with similar work ethics and building culture. He prides himself with the level of detail and quality of finish for each and every project. He drives his staff to have a similar culture towards quality. Nathan focuses his efforts on providing excellent client services and producing quality builds. He is a firm supporter of MBV and has expressed interest in the Housing Committee and potentially mentoring other rising young builders. Nathan is commended by the judges as the 2023 Residential Young Builder of the Year.
Here NBuilt worked tirelessly alongside their clients on their dream apartment renovation. The company workshopped ideas on how to make it an open-plan space and update the home throughout into a light, bright and open area, with plenty of storage and spaces that could be closed off to achieve a sleek minimalist design aesthetic that allows the celebration of their art collection. NBuilt worked with the cabinet-maker, electricians and plumbers to ensure they could achieve their stove and sinks in the island bench and overcame construction issues to achieve this.
This one is a wild story; someone else had been engaged to undertake the renovation and extension of this home. Unfortunately for the clients, this builder went into liquidation. After meeting the clients, Eltcon knew they had to help. The existing house was a quintessential weatherboard home with a recent extension to the rear of the home going outwards and upwards. The scope included the demolition of a shed, new internal finishes throughout the kitchen and bathrooms, new floors, new electrical fit-out, plaster finishes, installation of steel and aluminium windows, landscaping and an additional ensuite.
This stunning two-storey home has been beautifully refurbished from top to bottom. The interior has been completely transformed, with new electrical and plumbing systems installed throughout. The property has also been fully insulated and plastered and now boasts new double-glazed windows by Rylock. Inside, there is a new kitchen, laundry, two bathrooms and an ensuite. The exterior features new awning/canopies at the entry points and a fabulous rooftop terrace with a James Hardie privacy screen and glass balustrade. The home’s high-end finish is evident, and the carefully selected colours and tones combine to create an elegant and sophisticated aesthetic.
The existing Victorian dwelling (circa 1890) had already seen an extensive Art Deco renovation in 1938, and it was the echo of these curves and features that called to clients who purchased the property in 2017. Eventually, the original home was rearranged to create a grand master suite complete with ensuite and the existing kitchen was transformed into a library/sitting room. The remaining three bedrooms and main bathroom remained untouched, however, the patchwork of hoop and cypress pine floorboards throughout the hallway, entry and library were replaced with solid blackbutt floorboards to match those used in the extension.
This project was designed to renovate and extend an existing home. The house was transformed both inside and out, and unused space was claimed to extend the footprint of the building and extend the internal living space, complete with luxury finishing and dramatic lighting. The ground floor received a new entry foyer that opens into a dramatic light box, housing a steel and blackbutt staircase and flooring. The downstairs bedroom also received more space with the addition of an ensuite, and a laundry and utility room were relocated from an awkward space previously upstairs, along with a powder room and water closet.
The client’s brief for this project was to update and redesign the interiors in the existing building and provide much-needed garage space. They requested a new bedroom suite and a north-facing roof terrace all within a contemporary, well-detailed “black box” infill addition. Jardon Group was engaged to convert this old Hat Factory into a high-end three-bedroom residence with a spectacular view. The building included internal refurbishment of the existing residence and an extension to house the new garage, bedroom and new rooftop entertainment area. The external cladding was constructed using solid steel sheet, providing an industrial look that complemented the 1800s Hat Factory brick building, bringing a subtle modernness to the heavily heritage-overlaid building hidden within the bluestone laneways of Carlton.
This house was originally built in the late 19th century and then significantly altered in the 1990s. Robert Simeoni Architects were keen to reuse as much of the existing structure as possible whilst creating a renewed purpose to the overall sense of space, and the house as a whole. Two late Victorian houses have been combined into an elegant family home for a couple with adult children. Integrating the best of the past with the present, there’s a magical journey through the spaces, accented with soft lighting that animates both clients’ collections of family portraits, furniture and sculptures.
This project involved a substantial demolition of part of the existing house and an additional separate dwelling. The diversion of an existing stormwater easement was necessary to make way for a large basement excavation. The basement was designed in close proximity to the existing bluestone footings of the 150-year-old Victorian-era home, and Coben Building worked closely with the engineers to design a retention solution that maximised the basement spaces whilst preventing the undermining of existing bluestone footings. A matching heritage-style extension was added. The new addition is anchored to the site by what the architect described as “The Big Gorilla” – an off-form curved stair and lift core that rises through all three floors with 300mm thick off-white concrete.
This heavenly display home is overflowing with designer appeal while having a laser focus on practicality for the modern family. Located in Clyde North, this home design is the latest edition to Carlisle’s EasyLiving Series, a budget-friendly range designed to meet the needs of first homebuyers, young families, and investors. The Glenbrook 27 is a four-bedroom, two-bathroom home that perfects the balance between work, rest and play. The central living area comprising the kitchen, meals zone and living area flows onto the alfresco, ideal for indoor-outdoor entertaining.
In this charming display concept, the scope of work was to design and construct a single-storey, four-bedroom display home to suit a 14m x 28m block. The design of this space reflects Arden’s philosophy to provide homes for buyers wanting to step up to a new level in design, inclusions and value. A prime consideration was to maximise the solar aspect of the block and ensure an abundance of natural light into the home. This home is all-electric, 100 per cent carbon neutral and 7-star energy rated. Here, Arden balances ease of construction with cost-effectiveness while providing an exceptional design outcome.
The Goldfield 277 is a clever design that accommodates the whole family with large open living areas and spacious bedrooms that are perfect for the family to retreat in. The large open floor plan of the Goldfield 277 features a large practical kitchen with a full island benchtop, met with a meals and family area to create a comfortable shared space. Comprising four bedrooms, including a private master with a generous double vanity ensuite and large walk-in wardrobe, large alfresco that is connected to the main living area, second living area and walk-in pantry, this is the perfect home for everyday family living.
Excitingly bold, the Patterson 280 is a home that subtly captures the prestige of modern design, while remaining functional for the typical family. Smooth transitions blend indoor and outdoor entertaining spaces, with several luscious living zones, workspaces and private sanctuaries. The simplistic and precise styling of the Patterson 280 opens up through the central kitchen, dining, family and outdoor living area, which has been perfectly designed for entertaining. Large windows elevate the space, filling the home with bright natural light. Clean, high-quality finishes are the heart of this home, where opulence meets true functionality.
The appeal of this Arden Homes’ gem may be obvious at first glance, but you soon realise that elegance also lies in the detail. The living area spreads out to a generous sun court, which doubles as an additional outdoor lounge area. It’s the ideal setting for a coffee in the sun or dinner on a summer night. Once the seasons begin to cool, you can shuffle inside to join the kids in the snug home theatre. Unwind, play or party as the moment dictates. Life will never be the same again in this strikingly modern home that utilises every centimetre of space for style and luxury.
This is, first and foremost a liveable and joyful home. It carefully combines intelligent design with architectural sophistication to offer the best of all worlds. The showcase kitchen seamlessly flows into the living and dining space, and opens out into the all-season outdoor entertaining areas. Upstairs there are three ensuite bedrooms and a main bedroom that almost feels like a separate apartment – making it the perfect retreat for parents. The activity room upstairs, and a separate study and lounge downstairs, offer more ways for family members to do their own thing. It’s a home designed for the years to come, giving families the space to grow and live together as they choose.
When designing and planning The Olivia, Virtue Homes aimed to express their precise expertise, experience and quality in the custom-home market by constructing a large two-storey showcase home. The focus shone on building a high-end family home with a grand master bedroom, walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, and a second bedroom with a fully fitted ensuite and walk-in robe. They also showed their excellence with an innovative kitchen, butler’s pantry and connecting laundry. The design brief was for a minimalist vibe for easy living, entertaining and relaxing sanctuaries.
La Maison, Englehart Homes’ newest residence, represents the ultimate in European villa-style living. With this sensational design, Englehart Homes has created the ideal family residence for entertaining, relaxing and just living life to its fullest. La Maison presents residents with an environment of unparalleled luxury and innovation, with each component of the home meticulously finished and thoughtfully chosen. Each of this designer home’s spaces open seamlessly into purpose-designed rooms, effortlessly catering for a modern family’s complex daily needs. The home embodies a thoughtful vision of everyday life’s many possibilities, providing residents with a gorgeous family sanctuary.
The Vintage showcases one of L.V.D Group’s award-winning floor plans that was custom-modified to suit their client’s creative and specific requirements. This custom modification focused heavily on open-plan living, which was achieved through designing the living room, meals and kitchen to be all adjacent to each other. Additionally, this 23-square home includes a separate retreat space, a large alfresco and a double car garage, as well as a walk-in pantry which is a beautiful extension to the chic kitchen. The facade was also custom designed with full input from the clients, focusing on Australian products and design features with a modern twist.
From the infancy stages of the project, the client needed L.V.D Group to design and build a home for entertaining guests. The Providence provides a mixture of open-plan living for entertaining purposes and private areas for winding down and relaxation. The kitchen interior is timeless in the colours and materials chosen and provides an abundance of bench space, while the butler’s pantry forms an integral part of the kitchen, hosting an additional sink, dishwasher, extra shelving and storage space. Additional features of this family home include a fully carpeted theatre room, private retreat on the first floor and an alfresco equipped with a kitchenette.
Paying close attention to the client’s requirements with immaculately careful planning and execution, Superior Living Homes ensured that the final product met the true needs of this happy homeowner. The project involved creating a three-bedroom, two-bathroom design for a downsizing client. The design and overall style of the home is modern and contemporary, with ample natural light achieved throughout the home. The client was specifically interested in aspects of sustainable living and wanted the home to incorporate some energy-efficient features, including insulation, double glazing, solar hot water, natural ventilation, high-efficiency appliances and LED lighting.
The Bismarck Residence welcomes all into an expansive ranch-style design, using a mixture of interior and exterior features, including brickwork, spotted gum, large exposed beams with engineered steel plates, wide eaves and a double-gable Colorbond roof to the front facade. The clients briefed in a traditional, sprawling home without the need for split levels. The home is complete with a double-car garage, four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a kitchen with a full pantry. They also created a study nook, a rumpus room for the children and a central living space that leads out to the alfresco – divided by a double-sided fireplace.
What makes this beauty in Tregunter St, Ascot Vale, an absolute standout is the stunning soft grey palette with its playful combination of textures. These articulations carry seamlessly inside through workmanship, materials and design. This is truly a duplex with a difference. What was once a derelict residence is now a delightfully fresh new home in an eclectic street with a mix of interesting architectural styles. In every corner of this space is artful workmanship, carefully considered and delivered in a way that maximises space and capitalises on the northern sun. The glittering plunge pool capitalises on a smaller section of external space by cleverly being tucked under the main house raft slab.
Showcasing a truly contemporary design and construction, this light-filled home was carefully curated to maximise space for family living, given the 333sq m block upon which it sits. The main living areas have been located on the first floor so as to capture tree-top views to the local Civic Park. The three-bedroom home comprises a light-filled open-plan kitchen, with oversized island bench, dining highlighted by feature skylights above and elegant living area which provides a sophisticated feel. Features of the home include unique and artfully curved walls to the entry, dual curved walls in the master bedroom and ensuite shower recess, and a curved ceiling to the first floor.
Helico Constructions closely curated all facets of this project, from demolition of a solid masonry cottage to landscaping, as well as assisting the client with value management to achieve desired budget. The quality of the construction is evident in every detail, from the precision of the joinery to the exquisite marble tiling, as well as in the quality of the polished concrete screed, which includes expansion joints to prevent cracking. This contemporary two-storey residence now features three-bedrooms, two-and-a-half bathrooms and multiple dining areas. The expansive main openplan living room now flows beautifully out to an outdoor dining, which overlooks a glittering pool.
The artful Concept Build was tasked with building a throwback Palm Springs-inspired home that centred around an outdoor entertainment space. The building was to act as a blank canvas for the client to showcase ever-changing artwork and styling that wouldn’t date. A minimalistic approach included the grey-look concrete render floors, white acrylic render and large panels of glazing. Home automation was an important facet as the client wanted a house they could control off-site, such as the Miele ovens, hydronic floors and front pedestrian gate.
The clients’ passion for all things artistic led them to dream up an excellently unique concept for a home that not only showcases their style but also becomes a piece of art itself. The block shape was skilfully reflected with angled and curved walls, resulting in a modern masterpiece that contains very few right angles. An elevated living area and master bedroom on the first floor make this home designed to maximise the leafy outlook. The external facade embodies robust raw materials such as concrete-look render and fibre concrete cement panels, creating a striking contrast against the lush greenery.
Vast in scale and timeless in character, this artfully modern residence has an abundance of colour, texture and luxurious finishes. It’s privately set among 100 acres with northerly bay views, this faultless residence has been crafted and designed without compromise, with each light-filled space of this divine home a testament to impeccable planning. Unwind in the large open plan living and dining space equipped with a large open wood fireplace or open up the large sliding doors to the grassed courtyard that is poolside, or retreat to one of the four well-appointed bedrooms, and enjoy a lifestyle that many only dream of.
This unique project originated with the demolition of an existing residence and clearing all site vegetation. The new construction began with a basement, then two subsequent floors above. The basement includes a five-car garage with turntable, storage room, services room, bathroom and large functional space or multipurpose room. The ground floor was expertly designed for entertaining, with a large open-plan sitting, lounging, dining and kitchen area. All four bedrooms are located on the first floor, including three kids bedrooms, each with their own wardrobe and private ensuite. The master suite is separated towards the front of the floor, also consisting of a designated walk-in wardrobe and ensuite with double vanity and bath.
The Nepean Duplex promises spacious, contemporary residences of exceptional modern design, creating a feeling of space and tranquillity throughout light-filled living areas. Designed by awardwinning Tom Robertson Architects, these refined homes’ impressive dimensions are matched by timeless interiors with seamless connections to the outdoor spaces. A contemporary facade of sustainable modern bricks and vertical timber battening combine to instil the homes with a strong sense of identity and provide a sense of calm and privacy. Inside, innovative spatial planning creates a seamless flow across two floors of flexible space adaptable to modern-day living, while soaring ceilings and walls of glass invite an abundance of natural light.
Originally this highly coveted land consisted of an individual house, however the scope of works involved the demolition of the dwelling and the construction of four levels, plus basement, resulting in a multi-unit apartment building of 12 luxury apartments in Toorak. The development houses a secure basement garage, two apartments on the ground floor, four apartments on level one, four apartments on level two and two penthouses on level three. Occupying similar proportions as a small house, each apartment has the unique features of a traditional house, delivered in the context of a high-end modern apartment, complemented by nature.
Brompton excels in master bedrooms that are a private sanctuary, with pitched ceilings up to 4.4m and an abundance of dappled light streaming through the floor to ceiling windows. The charred timber pattern from the balcony extends inside to the master bedroom as a 2-pac grooved wall with pivot doors that entirely conceal the ensuite and walk-in robe. The foundation of the kitchens are designed around symmetry. The kitchen creates a spectacular focal point, with a stunning backdrop to the cooking experience. The downdraft extractor fans eliminate the need for overhead cupboards, which allows for a unique full-height stone splashback.
Inspired by the unique nature of the lifestyle-driven site, Lowe Living sought to deliver a modernist approach to the design to emulate a relaxed coastal lifestyle that presents itself at Topaz Parkdale. Blending perfectly into its surroundings, Topaz is located a short stroll from Parkdale Village and amenities, combining exquisite design with private outdoor spaces just 30 minutes from the CBD and 20 minutes from the Mornington Peninsula. Topaz is named after the concept that “rays of light reflect the brilliance and clarity of a topaz gem”, so too the beauty of this seaside haven is captured in a rare collection of premium residences.
Designed by celebrated Melbourne architect Travis Walton, Awaken takes a contemporary and restrained approach to luxury bayside living. Comprising locally sourced European-style brickwork and contrasting electrobronze metal detailing, the refined architectural composition draws focus to the verdant landscape, combining natives and evergreen plants to create softness and seasonal change. The project features 13 bespoke apartments including a single basement and two luxury penthouses built over 60 weeks. The creative interiors at Awaken were planned with generous proportions, affording openness and flexibility for contemporary living.
This brilliant extension was designed to offer an open-plan modern living zone and needed to include a showpiece yet functional kitchen as well as a full-service butler’s pantry. The scope of works completed by Insite Design + Construction included the design and installation of all joinery, this involved the island design and steel elements of the island, with only the stone installation being outsourced to a stone mason. All wall claddings, joinery, hardware and custom steel glazed doors and pivot doors were assembled by Insite. The company worked diligently with multiple suppliers, and sourced unique and bespoke materials and components to suit the project’s needs.
In this beautiful Kitchen, there’s an abundance of colour, texture and luxurious finishes that promise to last a lifetime. Privately set among 100 acres with northerly bay views, Dromana Farmhouse has been crafted and designed without compromise, with each light-filled space a testament to impeccable planning. Unwind in the large open-plan living and dining space, equipped with an exceptionally large, open wood fireplace, or open up the large sliding doors to the grassed poolside courtyard, or retreat to one of the well-appointed bedrooms and enjoy a lifestyle that many only dream of.
The scope of work for this high-end kitchen project involved Virtue Homes’ expertise, experience and quality in the luxury home market. The focus was on creating a space that would be perfect for large family living and entertaining, with a minimalist vibe and high-end finishes throughout. The centrepiece of the Kitchen is the island bench cooktop, which features a state-of-the-art electric rising downdraft extractor range hood. The cabinetry has been designed to maximise both storage and functionality, with luxury items such as Caesarstone benchtops, splashbacks, and a fully integrated refrigerator and dishwasher.
This bathroom renovation is a true example of a family space that’s been given a new lease on life. The brief was concise; matt finishes with a spacious and open plan. The contrast between the white subway and terrazzo tiles has created depth to a classic palette, while the brushed-brass fixtures add a subtle, soft and modern element to the space. A large, full shelf runs under the arch mirror, while the contemporary vanity and above basin complete the design layout. A frameless shower incorporated with the bath maximises space to create an open, free-flowing, functional bathroom to enjoy for years to come.
This ambitious project involved a complete renovation of an established apartment and was charged to modernise the space to provide greater utility for the people who live here. There was a strong brief for longevity. Baypoint Project’s selection of fixtures, fittings and materials reflect a high-quality standard. Thoughtful touches like heated towel rails add to the overall liveability and comfort of this premium bathroom. Bespoke joinery units, manufactured locally, add to the overall quality of the spaces. The people living in the space are incredibly happy with the finished look and feel of their bathroom sanctuary.
The bathroom in this custom-built home has aimed for the height of luxury. It has floor-to-ceiling tiles, Melamine Polytec classic white sheen cabinetry with antique classic ring knob pewter and aluminium finish kickboard. Travertine marble counter vanity basins are complemented by crystal Stone Ambassador benchtops sitting below and polished edge mirror sitting above. A semi-frameless shower screen with the addition of a freestanding bathtub and Phoenix Vivid Slimline wall bath outlet (in stylish, curved brushed gold) is complemented by Phoenix Radii single towel rail.
The Olivia ensuite project involved creating a grand, luxurious bathroom with a fivestar hotel feel. The focus was on creating space and luxury, with his and hers vanities and a feature pod-style, freestanding bath as the centrepiece of the design. The shower and toilet areas were cleverly concealed behind reeded glass walls, creating a sense of privacy while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. To play on the natural light and create a bright, airy space, a large Velux skylight was installed above the bath, allowing ample light to filter through. The end result is a luxurious, spacious bathroom that exudes sophistication and a genuine elegance.
With this project, Mazzei demonstrated the implementation of a comprehensive Work Health and Safety Management System which forms an integral part of their Health, Safety, Environment and Quality Framework. The company’s full time WHS officer was tasked with implementing sound practices on all sites. Additionally, Mazzei’s ongoing engagement with Master Builders Victoria to independently (unannounced) spot audit a percentage of all sites per month. Work Health hand Safety is placed above all else and Mazzei are committed to ensuring everybody who comes to work returns home safely to their families.
This 7.3-star house was designed by Gruen Eco. The block faces north, so the house was set back on the block, with the living spaces facing forward, to maximise solar heat gain. The strategically planned eaves block the summer sun when it is high in the sky, yet let the winter sun in the cooler months when it is lower to the horizon. The sun’s rays can then come in through the high-performance windows to heat the burnished slab. Then the ability to shade the windows and open up the house for cross ventilation can also keep temperatures cool.
The owners of the building prioritised energy efficiency and sustainability by incorporating the five Passive House principles into the design. These principles include airtightness, thermal insulation, mechanical ventilation heat recovery, high-performance windows and thermal bridge-free construction. To ensure airtightness, the building envelope was carefully sealed to prevent unwanted air infiltration or exfiltration. The thermal insulation was also carefully selected to minimise heat loss in the winter and heat gain in the summer. Mechanical ventilation with heat recovery was installed to maintain good indoor air quality while minimising energy loss. High-performance windows were used to reduce heat loss and minimise condensation. Finally, thermal bridgefree construction was implemented to ensure that there are no gaps or areas of high heat transfer in the building envelope.
Croft Wootton Construction has been an accredited Green Living Builder since 2006 and incorporates industry-best practices for sustainable solutions in all projects. The company’s experience meant it was able to accommodate unexpected changes to the scope of works, delivering a home that sits at 18-20C without any additional heating or cooling, whilst quietly generating electricity that goes back on to the grid. The home is fully accessible from both the water and the land, even providing anyone with compromised ability full access to all levels of the house.
This project was designed to reflect the clients’ passion for sustainability in construction, something that is part of their larger focus on environmental consciousness. They have chosen to retire to Bright, choosing a north-facing block in a central area of town that allows them to live a comfortable retirement, engaging in the local community and setting an example of what can be achieved in terms of a sustainable lifestyle. The clients wanted to provide an example to others about how housing can be energy efficient without compromising design possibilities or the level of finish internally.
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