MJS Built win thrice with custom designs

Bespoke designs from MJS Built have come up trumps at this year’s Master Builders Victoria’s (MBV) Regional Building Awards for the Western Region.

The Ocean Grove-based builder won three times for its custom homes, in three consecutive categories: $500,000-$600,000, $600,000-$800,000, and $800,000-$1 million.

For its Best Custom Home $500,000-$600,000, MJS Built transformed the East Geelong home into a modern minimalist design, with a focus on capturing the abundant northern sunlight. With a charming tree-lined backdrop, the dwelling seamlessly blended into the established street.

Previous residents brought valuable insights from their experience living on the street, including knowledge of sun patterns and tree-filtered light. They collaborated with local architect Dierijk at Drent Design to refine their vision.

Sustainability was a priority, with passive solar principles incorporated into the design through careful consideration of building orientation, window placement, cross ventilation, thermal mass integration, and insulation.

The home features protected north-facing living areas connected to a serene garden, while the master bedroom ensures privacy while enjoying filtered views and daylight.

MJS Built’s design of the Best Custom Home $600,000-$800,000 in Connewarre by Stuart Cherry was carefully crafted, considering the selection of castellation timber profile and parapet framing.

Despite being a one-story structure, the four slabs and 17 steps made excellent use of the block’s slope.

A notable highlight was the integration of a courtyard screening wall to ensure privacy, along with seamless connections between the north courtyard and south aspect through framing features, decking, planter boxes, and a fire pit.

Sustainability considerations included thermal efficiency using rendered foam, double glazing, insulation, reflective colours, ethically sourced timber facades, optimised airflow through window selection, concrete flooring, wool carpets, low-energy lighting, and minimal heating or cooling requirements during peak periods.

The Jan Juc project awarded Best Custom Home $800,000-$1 million underwent a knockdown rebuild on a sunny, north-facing allotment.

The challenge of maximising natural sunlight led to the decision of a double-storey design, optimising space for the terraced rear yard.

Initial construction difficulties arose from a significant site cut during spring, but measures were taken to minimise disruptions.

COVID-19 affected the project with delays in cladding and block deliveries, but preparation and weatherproofing saved the client eight weeks.

The finished home showcases an industrial aesthetic with steel, timber, block, and matte metal elements.

Despite the obstacles, the project was completed within 11 months, a commendable feat given the circumstances.

Presented in July, the MBV Regional Building Awards showcased exceptional craftsmanship and standards of excellence in the residential and commercial construction sectors throughout western Victoria.

For winners and highly commended projects in all categories, head to mbav.com.au/2023-master-builders-victoria-regional-building-awards-western-region