Kelburn Supreme Villa

The journey for this home began with a different destination in mind. When the owners purchased the property, the initial intention was a rejuvenation of the existing house. However, it soon became clear that the better path was to create something entirely new—a home that could offer all the performance and modern amenities of a new build, while embodying the enduring character and street presence of a heritage villa. The vision, developed through a strong partnership with the clients and Mona Kruse Hurnen of Callidus Architects , was to create a true architectural replica. The goal was a home that would not only provide for modern family life with features like a state-of-the-art kitchen, a gym, and extensive garaging, but would also settle into its established hillside suburb and look as if it had been there for decades. ​ It was a commitment to creating a future-proof home with a timeless soul. A Celebration of Craftsmanship We are proud of every home we build, but it is a profound honour to have the industry's finest judges recognise the heart and soul our team poured into this project. In their words, the home is a "worthy recipient of this craftsmanship award." From the Judges' Official Citation "This is a home shaped by rigorous planning, thoughtful execution, and a strong partnership between builder and architect. Every detail, from the proportions of the front to the precision of the interior finishes, reflects a shared commitment to quality and a deep understanding of the design vision... It demonstrates discipline, clarity, and pride in the build." This recognition speaks to the core of our philosophy. Here is a closer look at the details that reflect this "discipline, clarity, and pride. Handling the scale of a classic villa with confidence was key. The judges noted the home's proportions and its street presence, which were achieved through rigorous planning and a deep understanding of traditional architectural language. The "precision of the interior finishes" was a direct result of our team's discipline. Every line, joint, and surface was executed with care to create a seamless and considered finish that feels both timeless and immaculate. As the judges highlighted, "subtle modern touches have been introduced with care." This required immense skill to ensure contemporary elements, like the detailed trim, supported the home's character rather than detracting from it. The final result is a home that stands as an "outstanding example of workmanship." It's a space that feels calm, considered, and built with an unwavering pride that we hope our clients will feel for a lifetime. Intuitive Living: The Wiser Smart Home A core advantage of creating a new build was the ability to weave in world-class technology. The result is a home where elegance and high performance meet, achieving what has been called the "winning trifecta." ​ Dubbed the "pinnacle of smart-home innovation," the home's nervous system is a state-of-the-art Wiser automation platform. At the time of building, it was believed to be the largest residential smart home in the country, managing over 119 features, including: ​ More than 100 metres of custom-designed strip lighting Wireless dimming and lighting scene control Fully integrated CCTV, alarm, and intercom systems ​ Our focus was to carefully integrate this powerful network so that it felt intuitive and effortless, enhancing the home's character-filled environment without ever overpowering it. The Story Behind the Win You've seen the result, now read the journey. For a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges, the breakthroughs, and the story of the awards night, we've written a detailed account of the entire three-year process. Here