Leading the way

INCORPORATING a solar system which powers the home and charges electric vehicles have become a design standard for David McDonald Builders.

The use of natural and engineered materials from across the world, are also an expectation in many of the renowned Bellarine builder’s projects.

But look back just three decades, and you can appreciate the remarkable change that today’s “standard” features represent in the architecture, design and construction of high-end homes and boutique commercial properties.

David has been in the industry for 36 years, completing a building apprenticeship with his father Leo McDonald, before starting his own business almost 30 years ago.

“When I started, there was a choice timber or brick, the brick color, aluminum or timber windows and iron or tiled roof.

“Now, the range of quality materials at our disposal… they weren’t available in the past.

“The stone we’re buying from all around the world, Morocco, New Zealand and Australia; stone bench tops from Italy; appliances from Germany; BHP steel from China; structural native timber from Gippsland and cement from Geelong.

“I love using Australian timbers, natural stone and rammed earth,” David said, which is evident in his iconic projects.

David’s boutique commercial properties include Leura Park, Jack Rabbit Restaurant & Café, Flying Brick Cider Company and, the currently under-construction Curlewis Golf Club.

The company’s spectacular homes are primarily located across the Bellarine, Melbourne, Geelong, and along the Mornington peninsula, with a substantial property at Flinders one of the latest completed projects.

The choice and use of materials play a significant part in the aesthetic of these stunning structures, however the architectural design is equally important visually, and essential in their functionality.

“Australia is so fortunate to have some of the leading architects and engineers in the world,” David said.

“We work with a broad range of architects, and we also have our own in-house design team.

“I have a designer who has worked with me for 25 years and young architect who will lead the way for the next generation.

“I’m also very hands on in the design of the homes and Í can conceptualise what each build will look like.

“With the modern design that we can now do, the modern engineered structural products and the natural and contemporary materials available we can really incorporate some fantastic design.

“We like to think of ourselves leading rather than following the trend.”

David said working with local business owner Lyndsay Sharp on projects such as Leura Park had fantastic for his business and the Bellarine.

“Lyndsay is very driven, bringing in unique designs into each of her businesses and developments.

“Leura Park was by far the most difficult construction we’ve ever done; Lyndsay came up with the conceptual idea.

“I still drive by… I think, that’s a feather in the cap,” he says, with pride.

“Lyndsay is also very conscious of sustainability in their buildings and incorporate substantial solar systems in their designs.

David’s team is currently working on the Curlewis Golf Club and he believes the peninsula will be very lucky to have such a spectacular venue when it is complete.

“It’s going to be a stunning building with a cross-section of steel, recycled timber posts, and Alpine stone: it will be amazing once its finished.”

He says building is something he’s always enjoyed, and while his father liked working on his own, he preferred to operate a bigger business that enabled him to have multiple, large-scale designer builds on the go.

The company usually has up to 80 people a day working across their sites, sometimes more when they are busy.

But like every other business that has been able to continue operating, even in a reduced capacity, there have been challenges over the past 18 months.

David said a shortage of timber and other building products had impacted the industry, with delays and unforeseen cost increases.

“My estimate is that building costs have gone up 30-to-35 per cent in the last 12 months,” he said.

“COVID has also meant a lot of extra work, QR codes on site, paperwork and keeping everyone in a positive state of mind when they’re at work has been really important.

“But we’ve been so lucky to be able to keep building, even with controlled numbers of tradesmen on site.

“It’s a fantastic career to have, and a fantastic industry to be in.”