The Construction Source Australia

Welcome to the latest issue of Construction Source Australia, the magazine that highlights the best in building and building products across the country. For this edition, we have shown our spotlight on Walkom Constructions – a multi-award-winning based in Newcastle, New South Wales, specialising in high-end and heritage renovations and extensions. Their goal is to build clients “amazing homes that they never want to leave.” We spoke to founder and owner Chris Walkom about what goes into achieving that goal. We also talked about how their company has embraced technology, how they have stayed at the cutting edge of energy efficiency, and about how everything they do “centres around creating a better building system.” Also featured in this issue is Destination Living. They are a Melbourne-based builder of forever homes, founded almost 15 years ago by Mike Costa and Grace Patane. They are another company dedicated to staying up-todate, and they are equally passionate about learning new things and finding better ways to design and build. We talked to Mike about that passion and how it led to the creation of Destination Living in the first place. We also discussed how they are utilizing virtual reality and augmented reality technology in their design process, and the enthusiastic response that technology they have received form clients for it. For those stories – and many more like them, about other award-winners, technological innovators, and building industry leaders – just keep reading. All the best, The Editorial Team We will keep adding business units that enhance our offering and separate us from our competition. “ ” Editor From The Dear Reader,

JULY 2024

The Construction Source Australia With a readership exceeding 136,000 senior executives, The Construction Source Australia takes immense pride in providing an enticing platform to amplify your message to the most pivotal audience – your valued customers. Whether your aim is to promote an exciting new condo development, attract crucial financial investments for upcoming projects, or establish a commanding brand presence, we’re here to assist you every step of the way. To explore opportunities for featuring your company or showcasing your latest project in The Construction Source Australia, please reach out to our Group Publisher. Jermaine Poulsen e:info@theconstructionsource.com.au The Construction Source Australia Suite 11.01, Level 11, 175 Castlereagh Street, Sydney, NSW 2000, Australia info@theconstructionsource.com.au ABN: 42 976 059 923 Executive Publisher Jermaine Poulsen COO Alexandra Box Editor in Chief Zach Janes Director of Operations Scott Carter Jacqueline Van Belois Business Development Managers Rondal Gardner Douglas Thomson Production Manager Brennan Midghall Digital Strategist Pranim Thapa Administration Manager Belyn Quijance-Dorero

JULY 2024 Industry INNOVATIONS Product of the Month The Kights Scanner WALKOM CONSTRUCTIONS Challenges welcome at Walkom Constructions DESTINATION LIVING Melbourne’s Destination Living providing a unique approach to building homes ANCHOR BUILDING SERVICES Reinventing space for today’s market ACUSTRUCT Builds people’s dreams FREEDOM POOLS & SPAS Safety and eco-friendliness key to Freedom Pools’ success GJ GARDNER HOMES Franchise ties “crucial” to this builder’s success IN THIS ISSUE JULY 2024 ANCHOR BUILDING SERVICES FREEDOM POOLS & SPA

JULY 2024 Aluminum expected to accelerate worldwide adoption of electric and self-driving vehicles Material takes on an ever-widening role in tomorrow’s vehicles For more than a decade, concerns about fuel efficiency have been encouraging OEMS to replace steel with aluminum on vehicle bodies, doors, trunks, hoods, bumpers, crash boxes, brakes, cables and wheels. With the advent of electric and autonomous vehicles, OEMs worldwide are discovering new uses for aluminum. The need for battery casings and heat exchangers in electric vehicles, combined with autonomous vehicles’ demands for high visibility and structural integrity, is expected to exponentially increase the use of sheet aluminum in tomorrow’s cars, trucks and buses. Supporting the transition to battery-powered vehicles Four major design challenges confront OEMs in their transition to electric vehicles. Extending vehicle range Improving battery and passenger safety Increasing passenger comfort Optimizing cooling systems for lithium-ion batteries The substitution of sheet aluminum for steel helps resolve OEM concerns. Industry INNOVATIONS

The Construction Source Australia The lighter the vehicle, the longer its range. According to Ducker Worldwide, aluminum is expected to contribute more than half of the anticipated vehicle mass reduction demanded by electric vehicles (EVs) to extend range. Ducker reports that in North America alone, aluminum content in EVs will increase to nearly 565 pounds (256 kilgrams) per vehicle by 2028. The larger the vehicle, the heavier the battery and casing required to optimize the EV’s range. It is the larger EVs, i.e., sedans, SUVs, taxis, trucks and buses, that will realize the greatest benefits from a steel-to-aluminum conversion. In the U.S., a vehicle’s gross weight determines which class of commercial driver’s license (CDL) will be required. Without lightweighting, some EVs could demand a higher-class license or additional endorsements due to the added weight of the battery. In older European cities like Brussels or London, some bridges and tunnels only allow vehicles up to 3.5 tons in weight, a target that is very difficult to meet for larger EVs without lightweighting. For heavier material transport EVs such as trucks, weight reduction enables an increased payload, providing a significant monetary benefit. Generally, the larger the vehicle, the higher the payback. Particularly relevant for larger human transport EVs such as buses and taxis, the weight reduction made possible through aluminum provides the added benefit of reduced CO2 emissions and improved air quality, of value not only to vehicle operators, but to the communities they serve. The thermal and anti-corrosion properties of aluminum make it ideal for battery frames. Sea-water resistant, highly formable, highly surfaced aluminum alloys provide the strength necessary to pass side-impact crashworthiness testing, protecting passengers and the battery should impact occur. Casing floor plates made out of aluminum are not only strong, but also capable of resisting corrosion related to weather exposure. These characteristics enable aluminum battery casings to resist weather-related deterioration and impact from road debris, minimizing the risk of related fires and further securing passenger safety. Optimizing battery and human safety Extending range Dispersing heat The batteries used in EVs produce energy while charging and decharging, requiring the use of heat exchangers to dissipate heat. But the types of heat exchangers used in vehicle air conditioning systems are inadequate to meet this new challenge. Aluminum clad brazing (which connects multiple layers of aluminum together to disperse heat) requires heating in a controlled atmosphere (e.g., a vacuum) to achieve optimum joining. Aluminum heat exchangers designed specifically to meet the challenges presented by electric vehicles can use as many as five types of aluminum sandwiched together, with the layers providing gradient properties to optimize cooling. These specialized processes and materials address OEM concerns, ensuring adequate dissipation of the heat generated by battery-powered vehicles. An experienced aluminum processing partner can help OEMs specify the right process and alloys to meet specific vehicle temperature thresholds, ideally working side by side with OEM engineers early in the design process to maximize the performance of electric vehicles. IT IS THE LARGER EVS, I.E, SEDANS, SUVS, TAXIS, TRUCKS AND BUSES, THAT WILL REALIZE THE GREATEST BENEFITS FROM A STEEL -TO-ALUMINUM CONVERSION .

JULY 2024 The luxury sedan market will likely be the first to transition to self-driving electric vehicles. Passenger comfort and safety, and an expansive view of the surrounding environment, are expected to be top priorities for this market. The hefty B pillars used in conventional vehicles to meet structural requirements for crashworthiness are undesirable in a self-driving scenario. To enable large windows and an unobstructed view without sacrificing passenger safety, lightweight aluminum will be the strong material of choice. Supporting the eventual transition to autonomous vehicles In addition to the design challenges presented by EVs, society’s demand for sustainable solutions will likely continue to be a driver in the transition to aluminum-lightweighted vehicles. A Forschungsgesellschaft Kraftfahrwesen mbH Aachen (fka) study, using a Volkswagen Golf as its reference vehicle, determined that an electric aluminum-based vehicle could meet the same safety standards as its steelbased equivalent, while emitting 1.5 tons less greenhouse gases over its lifecycle, taking into consideration production, a total driving distance of more than 93,000 miles (150,000 kilometers) and eventual recycling. Ongoing environmental concerns Conclusion Aluminum alloys are ideally suited to the design challenges presented by electric and autonomous vehicles. By aligning with aluminum partners deeply experienced in developing processes and alloys to meet demanding performance requirements, transportation vehicle OEMs are accelerating the pace of EV and self-driving vehicle adoption throughout North America. .

The Construction Source Australia

JULY 2024 Business World Australia

The Construction Source Australia Business Worl d Australia

Challenges welcome at Walkom Constructions

JULY 2024

Chris Walkom has spent 20 years in the construction business, but his last 11 years leading his own company have been the most fulfilling. “I was working in London doing renovations, basements and the like, and fell in love with the challenge of old buildings and bringing new life to them,” he says. He moved to Newcastle, NSW in 2015 and noted no one was specializing in renovations and extensions there, which led him to create his own company, Walkom Constructions. Very quickly, they took on some projects that “put the company on the map” locally. “We started out doing decks and small renovations to older houses. Since then, we’ve evolved to take on projects between $750,000 to $3 million,” says Chris. These days, their primary builds are large scale structural builds and additions and custom new builds. Most of the work are in the inner areas of Newcastle, but they have the capacity to do single large builds around Hunter Valley and the Central Coast. One of these special projects Chris calls the ‘Church Street rebuild’, completed six months ago. He describes it as a large complex renovation and extension in Newcastle overlooking the harbour. “It was a double brick building with heritage features and a cantilever roof, on a hilly site with a ten-metre fall across the depth of the property,” he says. “It was extremely technical with a lot of high-end finishes including a complete stripping of the inside of the ground floor.” They endured setbacks during the 12-month project including an eight-week period of off and on heavy rain. “I enjoyed figuring out the complexities of the structure, constraints around the site and how to access and work with the existing structure,” says Chris. “There was a high level of detail in the finishing which called for meticulous planning and execution.” Capitalizing on the view was a big part of this project, necessitating the addition of large windows and sliding doors. Chris chose an THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

external cladding with a new product on it to make it maintenance free. They added parquetry floors, and used some of materials the client had purchased to integrate into the design. “A big challenge was the curved tile wall in bathroom, with a skylight. We had to get all the falls right in that bathroom. It was complex but the team nailed it,” said Chris. Combined with the cantilever roof and attic spaces they created; the result was an awesome view across Newcastle Harbor. Successfully completing projects like that one earned Chris and his company a lot of credibility in and around Newcastle. “We get a lot of glowing reviews on social media,” he says. “We work with different architects to deliver on complex projects, and we’re the only building company in Newcastle to have a four-point guarantee.” The breakdown of these four points are: • The project will be completed on time. • The project will be defect free. • The client will have 24-7 access online to the project online, which is important for clients who don’t live near the site. • An extended warranty is offered. “We have those things in place to show how we back ourselves and back our work,” says Chris. “It sets us apart from other builders. We also have a process to help people in the lead up to the project, so we’re also their consultant from the very early days, before we start building and before they start with an architect or designer.” JULY 2024

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“We do our work best with honesty and transparency,” he continues. “Bad news doesn’t get better with time. We’re open with communication and clearly identify what the next steps in the process are. Walkom Constructions builds trust in that we’re doing what we say we’re going to do.” This client trust results in many referrals to Walkom Constructions. “Typically, what we’re building for our clients is a forever home,” says Chris. “We have had some repeat customers doing another investment property or office renovation, but mostly we get a lot of calls from people referred by their friends.” Trust also extends from Walkom Constructions to their subcontractors; the majority of whom Chris has worked with for four-plus years. “We understand what to expect from them and vice versa. They align with what we want to do, and we work through the challenges of each project together,” he says. The relationships with their major suppliers go back even further. “We’ve had some for ten years,” says Chris. “This has been important when we’re navigating through price increases over the last two years. Communicating with our accounts manager and our suppliers has minimized the impact of price increases and project delays which benefits the customer.” They also have good relationships with some local architects and designers who support them when they bring people through design process. “With the amount of work we have, we service a couple sub-contractors in the same space. One Welcome to Winnings Explore state-of-the-art home solutions from world-leading brands at Winnings. Be inspired and experience unrivalled service, as our dedicated team caters to your specific needs. Sydney | Melbourne | Brisbane | Newcastle | Canberra | Perth JULY 2024

may be more suitable to a particular project than another,” says Chris. “We take that into account, which keeps our pricing competitive and gives it value.” While Walkom Constructions supports their suppliers and contractors, they also take great care in supporting their staff. The company employs 21 people, covering a mixture of project managers, forepersons, carpenters, apprentices, accounts and administration. “We’re big on support, especially mental health in the workplace,” says Chris. “The team does a Hero of the Week shout out for someone who has done a little bit extra, and I offer something for the Hero of the Month. We push each other to be better and keep each other accountable by being open and transparent by our goals and targets we need to hit. It’s energizing and exciting because of the opportunities that have arisen and the career progression of our people.” “I have a good relationship with my direct staff,” says Chris. “I do one on one catch-ups with them every week. I like being around people who are going to make you better.” Chris emphasizes how important his team is to the company’s success. He says that without them, “none of this would be possible.” “I’m proud of the culture that the team has built and proud of the effort they put in day in and day out to not only become better at their job but a better person in life. None of what we have achieved is possible without each individual in the team. The team is what makes coming to work so enjoyable.” Having such a strong team, Chris says, has also resulted in the company receiving several awards, including the HIA Hunter Area Professional Small Builder award three years in a row. They have additionally won multiple renovation, extension and outdoor project awards all with the HIA, as well as a small business management award. Chris says that all credit for that industry recognition belongs to his employees. “The awards aren’t really validation for me,” he says. “It’s for the team, so that they understand they’re part of an industry leading business, and it shows the value of their contributions. I want them to know that everything they do is driving us forward and improving the industry.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Walkom Constructions embraces new technology, such as 3D scanning and mapping. Chris cites the Church Street rebuild as an example, where this technology ensured the structure was absolutely perfect due to the closeness to the salt water. “It was necessary because we were limited as to the coatings we could use on the steel, and it was a huge achievement for the team.” “We’ve implemented tools around the client platform for all of our projects, so the client can see their project daily,” says Chris. “They always know what the completion and handover date will be, the total costs and what’s been paid and compliance specifications. “We couldn’t do without it.” The company also uses a software program for implementing safe work practices for the job site. “It ensures everyone goes home at the end of the day.” The next step for Chris is to look into AI. “There are exciting New tech means more accuracy and less lag time JULY 2024

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opportunities with it, like having an architect’s concept design done in AI to ensure the job complies with government regulations,” says Chris. Along with providing a better product and experience, Walkom Constructions is environmentally responsible. “Our biggest thing is reducing waste,” says Chris. “We do whatever we can during demolitions and we recycle, sort, and reuse whatever we can throughout the job. It extends to how we do our estimates so there isn’t extra product to dispose of at the end of the job.” This reduces the impact of impact of manufacturing on the environment. “We’re also big on providing information on how to make the home more energy efficient through and after the build,” says Chris. “We’re always looking to go further with better quality insulation, glazing in the windows, solar panels, anything we can do to reduce the carbon footprint of the house operations once the build is done.” The concept of responsibility to do everything a little bit better is leading Walkom Constructions into the future. “Everything we do centres around creating a better building system,” says Chris. “We constantly evaluate, improve and continue with our work cycle. It’s a never-ending goal. We always want to do better.” “We will definitely grow in the next five years,” he says about the company’s future. “We’re bringing in new people and continually training existing staff. We hope to grow 20 per cent per year. We are looking for more opportunity which will support more people and more people’s families. We’re focussed on what we could do next and are building the team around that.” Chris would like to have the opportunity to work with someone to build a different, challenging space to an existing estate in the region, saying there are some beautiful spaces that have a lot of potential. “Maybe some custom new builds too,” he says. “Everything else we do now, we just want more of a challenge.” JULY 2024

For more on what Walkom Customs can do for you, visit their website at https://www.walkomconstructions.com/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Melbourne’s Destination Living providing a unique approach to building homes

JULY 2024

The desire to find a better approach to custom built homes led Mike Costa, co-founder of Destination Living, to where he is today. Mike, along with his partner Grace Patane, founded the Melbourne-based company in 2010. Their goal was to “bring the world of architecture and building together as one,” says Mike. They didn’t believe so much in the traditional custom build methodology. They were looking for a better way of approaching it. Their solution was to create a business that was design-led rather than construction-led. “We’ve created the ultimate business model for single, owner-occupied structures,” Mike says. If a client is looking for their forever home and striving to get their best possible design-and-build outcome, that falls into Destination Living’s key area of skill and ability. “A large element of that is understanding who the most skilled people are,” says Mike. “Designing and building is a team effort. In the beginning, I looked at who were the most skilled people, and I put together a framework to have the highest level of skilled people at each of those design points.” This system works well for their niche. Conventional custom building is more production based and less personal, says Mike. “Traditionally, you have multiple people managing the project throughout the process and as each phase passes, the person managing that phase pulls away from the project. With our way of approaching it, we have a person managing it from beginning to end so it’s a much more personalized program to deliver, with more consistency.” The ultimate benefit of Destination Living’s process is a satisfied customer. “They get a great product they love, and they feel they were part of the process as directors and creators,” says Mike. “Our system is more for people that understand what we do. We get that marriage, and the outcome is very good because we’re good at what we do. It’s a testament to the skill of our THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

professionals.” About half of the company’s customers are looking for coastal beach homes. The rest are mostly located in the inner spaces of Melbourne. No matter where they want to build, Destination Living works closely with them from first contact on in order to best understand their needs and wants. “I have a set format I work on with clients to understand what’s important to them and I listen to them to determine they align with what we do,” Mike explains. “It’s an extensive process, starting with a phone call, then an online meeting, then finally an in-person meeting. We’re usually all on the same page by then.” Mike enjoys the challenge of every project the company takes on. “There’s always something new when you’re creating something specific for a client,” he says. “Every project has different opportunities and constraints. When you combine all those together, every project is exciting.” He cites a recently finished project built on three metres of fall. “It was a corner site with a northern orientation,” he says. “Melbourne is a colder climate for Australia, and builders try to bring the northern light into homes to keep warmth in.” He says that if a home is well designed for its’ orientation on the property, it limits the energy requirements for heating. “We recessed this house on the southern boundary to provide some northern space. It has an office space, with the main house on one floor, and seven garden zones all planted with appropriate species.” He says the wonderful views from the client’s windows are JULY 2024

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part of the site-specific design to take advantage of this specific site’s features. “I’ve been involved in hundreds of projects over my career and some projects are more complex for many reasons,” says Mike. “This was a complex project and a tribute to the architect. We stepped up to the challenge. It was brilliant watching it come together. Passion is part of every project.” The people at Destination Living are also passionate about technology. “I came into the building industry 30 years ago via software for the building industry,” says Mike. “We’ve been waiting for Virtual Reality for a long time. We’re the first to use the software in Victoria. We developed it as part of our process.” Early in the design process, Destination Living creates the client’s home in VR. The client then puts on a headset and walks through it before the job goes to the field. “It’s a phenomenal exercise. It feels like you actually exist in the space,” says Mike. The second the client puts the goggles on, they get the architect’s vision, seeing the sense of space and every last detail so the client knows how it will feel to live in their home. The VR experience is a powerful tool for Destination Living’s design vision. “It’s proved to be wonderful part of our practice and important to help our clients collaborate with us in evaluating design options and eliminating errors.” The company took this a step further last year and started testing out Augmented Reality. “We were going around and putting barcode tags on the building site, then putting on a headset and walking around at the framing stage and seeing the house as a completed project,” says Mike. “It’s one more little thing we’re using to help communicate and make informed decisions for the design. We’re even taking drone footage around the site so clients can imagine looking through their windows and seeing the views outside.” JULY 2024

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Mike cites the company’s supply chain as being critical to the business. Whatever the architectural team sees as a product that is worthy for a project, they reach out and build a relationship with the appropriate supplier. He uses as an example a window supplier for one job that had five-metre-tall windows that had to be craned in. “In some respects, the supplier was critical to the success of this job,” he says. Unique opportunities like that have strengthened the unity of Destination Living’s staff. “We have 22 people, including our building teams and design team. It’s collaborative. They all love contributing and working on a project together,” says Mike. “Having it all in one makes it so much easier. If you have an issue or problem you need to discuss with someone it’s easy to do. Everyone here is on the same page. They’re just as passionate about our projects as I am. They love being part of it. Everyone here wants to work all aspects of a project Collaboration is key JULY 2024

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from beginning to end, with whatever skill they bring to the team.” To join the Destination Living team, people must be creative and demonstrate outstanding technical expertise in their chosen field, along with a desire and ability to collaborate effectively with other members of the team and the client, says Mike. This allows his clients to bring to the table all of their thoughts and requirements for their home. The team will offer guidance, recommendations, technical expertise and directions on how they can bring their ideas to reality. For a company that uses a lot of visual technology, it’s not surprising that most of Destination Living’s marketing is visual. “We use social media to illustrate what we do,” says Mike. We let the work do the work for us. We’re looking for clients who are looking for how we approach a project.” The company provides a personalized, design-led building program, which none of their competitors do. That sets Destination Living apart in the market. More and more, people bring up the topic of sustainability when discussing ideas for a new home, and Destination Living is working to comply. “We’ve looked into an insulated panel system, and designed a display home down to .7 air changes per hour,” says Mike. “We went through the Houzz energy rating system and it ended up with a good rating. One of our clients will be looking at this energy efficient system next week. We’re also working on a modular product utilizing high performance systems.” What does the future hold for Destination Living? According to Mike, the company may consider opening an office in Sydney, but not for at least another two years. In the meantime, they just want to keep getting better and more efficient at what they do. “We’re at a good size and scale now, so we’re going to continue to consolidate the team.” JULY 2024

For more on how Destination Living can work for you, contact Mike and his team at https://destinationliving.com.au/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Reinventing space for today’s market

JULY 2024

Anchor Building Services is a leading Brisbane construction company providing responsive building services across all trades for the past 24 years. “Our high standards of quality and workmanship are consistent across all of our residential and commercial projects, including house construction, building renovations, facilities management, property management and maintenance, refurbishments and emergency repairs,” says Tom Clarke, the company’s Business Manager. “Our tight professional team thrives on projects that have a high level of detail or are technically challenging,” adds Sara Turnbull. She describes the cultural atmosphere as “close”, with five staff in office and 12 people in the field. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

These days, Anchor Building’s clients range from developers to homeowners looking to upgrade their house or build their dream home. Residentially, they mainly build architectural modern-style homes – though they are currently seeing a trend toward Hamptonstyle homes in the Queensland and Brisbane bay areas, and they also do a lot of traditional home projects. Geographically, all of their residential work is within ten kilometres of the city. On the commercial side of the business, Anchor Building started out helping a facilities management group on the coast, fitting out office spaces to suit their business. They have graduated to facility maintenance, property maintenance, and management. “We work with small businesses fitting out new offices and do preventative maintenance to maintain the space being occupied,” says Tom “We’ve got the knowledge and expertise to overhaul your South East Queensland premise without stress. Our qualified tradespeople can renovate, reinvigorate or repurpose your space with a quality fit out or refurbishment.” Operations and capabilities JULY 2024

Their commercial specialty is more complex fit outs and refurbishments whereby they ensure council approval is obtained. “We’re the best choice because it’s important to engage a qualified builder from the beginning of your project, to ensure that all your council requirements, industry codes and compliance measures are met – and save you headaches or budget blow outs down the track,” Tom says. In order to optimally service their commercial clients, they have dedicated after hours staff who are available 24/7 to carry out assessments and coordinate emergency make-safe work. “It doesn’t matter if you need temporary fencing or warning signs erected, emergency plumbing or electrical services, windows or doors repaired to secure your premises – we can help,” says Tom. Depending on the issue, Anchor Building will deploy one of their experienced in-house field technicians, or call on a specialist tradesperson if need be. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

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While commercial contracts are very important to Anchor Building, their signature is in their architectural homes. They recently finished two builds – at 26 and 28 Thorpe Street, in Indooroopilly, Queensland. At 28 Thorpe Street is the multi-million ‘Bianco’, a prestigious new home with three levels of refined interiors and premium luxuries. Designed by Invilla Architecture and North Interiors, it features Venetian plaster walls, stone and timber finishes and an entertaining area with outdoor kitchen and Beefeater barbecue. The gardens were created by Ecru Landscape Architecture & Design Studio, all overlooking tranquil Mt. Cootha vistas. Not to be outdone by its’ neighbour, Tom describes ‘Alto’ at 26 Thorpe Street as the perfect home for a professional family. With refined interiors and premium finishes, this five-bedroom home “is a sanctuary to come home to and not want to leave,” says Tom. Relevant and competitive THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

The hub of this family home is a dream gourmet kitchen displaying a fluted-stone island bench and a butler’s pantry. The elevated north-facing residence also has tranquil views to Mt Cootha and showcases an artisan exterior Cordillera stone wall and beautiful landscaping. Unique to this home are its curved doorways, a sweeping staircase, Engineered European oak chevron timber flooring and lofty ceilings. Modern technology is integrated into this build. “The house has a Control 4 home automation system which operates lighting, security cameras, alarm, eight sound zones and television,” says Tom. “There are Wi-Fi transponders around the home so the owner can control the house with the touch of a button on their phone including being able to turn all the lights, air-conditioning, and televisions all off at the touch of a button when they exit.” “This is probably one of the best products we’ve done, regarding scale and level of finish. It has all the bells and whistles in today’s trends. It’s on par with other award winning homes out there.” These properties could easily compete for awards, but that isn’t the focus of Anchor Building, says Tom. “We belong to the Master Builders Association to stay up to date with trends and changes in the industry so we stay relevant and competitive, but we’re not all about competing for awards.” Anchor Building Services also has several earlier projects of similar quality, located on smaller sites at 26 and 28 Wool Street, Toowong. Those homes are three-storey Hamptons-inspired designs, meant to “maximise space and aspect.” According to Tom, “the prospective client looked at one when it was completed and loved the JULY 2024

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design, quality and workmanship, so he bought the neighbouring property nearing completion. Not often does this happen, however he realised the value in such a high end product. I am sure he has no regrets with his 2021 purchase now, given the cost to build and growth in the Brisbane market.” Projects such as these could not be completed without Anchor Building’s trusted partners. “Our workforce consists of all trades. Our capabilities range from construction projects to facilities services, property maintenance and repairs,” says Tom. “We ensure all trades are licensed and certified for the client’s peace of mind. We operate to the highest compliance requirements including ISO, CM3 and understand the importance of client specific requests.” Anchor Building maintains a large contact list of trades. “We can accommodate large volumes of work and be competitive, but we also shop around,” says Tom. “We help them, they help us and we maintain competitive pricing, but it’s not all about price. It’s more about relationships and creating the best product that we can.” Having a good relationship with the trades means the company was able to lean on them during COVID when things went crazy. “We had that solid relationship and the trades were there by our side when we needed them. We have supported their businesses so much they trust and have confidence we all do the best thing by the client.” Relationship building is part of their client service as well, and they believe open and honest communication is key to any successful relationship. “A lot of our commercial clients give us repeat work,” says Sara. “Our relationship with many government agencies is really good.” She credits that client loyalty and longevity to “how we work.” “We’ve had years of building relationships and maintaining them so we have that client background. When you’re constantly changing clients there’s no foundation for a relationship. We get great feedback because we’re staying around and not too complicated.” Sara adds that the company is also well-reviewed for their communication skills, and their ability to follow through and meet deadlines. “Anchor Building provides optimised plans, clear timeframes, and we take action and deliver value to the project plan and purpose,” she says. On the residential side, especially, Tom says that developers recognise that Anchor Building is time and price competitive. Also, he says, they are known as “effective problem solvers when dealing with onsite unforeseen situations.” “Sometimes what an architect draws or what an interior person selects isn’t the most cost effective or the best solution, and with our contacts and their knowledge we can put more options forward which benefit the client and project.” Anchor Building’s future plans are to continue with the same model. Their goal is to continue maintaining a balance between residential and commercial. On the commercial side, they want to focus more on small projects and fitouts, and on the residential side they would like to start developing their own projects. As they grow on both sides, their goal is also to maintain the reputation for quality and reliability they have worked so hard to build over their long history. JULY 2024

For more information on what Anchor Building can do for you, visit their website at https://anchorbuilding.com.au/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

builds people’s dreams

JULY 2024

Since 2001, Acustruct has built a solid reputation for the high-quality design and craftsmanship of their custom-built homes and townhouses across Melbourne. Founded by Danny and Nancy Italiano, they specialise in bespoke residences, building multiple projects annually. “I’m a fashion designer with a creative flair for interiors,” says Nancy, “and Danny’s background is in concrete. We built our own home, merged our passions and the rest is history.” Today, Acustruct’s projects include both commercial and residential jobs. Most residential jobs are valued between $1.5 and $6 million, while a multi-residential apartment complex could go $10 million-plus. On the higher-end, they have the capacity to do jobs valued up to $50 million and to build towers up to 15-storeys. Geographically, they work mainly in Melbourne and surrounding areas – they can travel further for the right project, “but more and more we want to bring our work closer to us,” Nancy says. “The business has seen healthy growth, so we’re in the fortunate position where we can pick and choose,” she explains. Along with their commercial and residential divisions, Acustruct has recently added a third element – a wellness division, which they created two years ago when they worked on a remodel for a hospital in Melbourne. Between their three divisions, Nancy says “our client base varies,” as they build for investors, first-time home buyers, and third and fourth-time home buyers alike. However, she believes that all types of clients are drawn to Acustruct for the same reasons: “First and foremost, it’s the personalization of our service – that’s why clients choose us,” she says. “They know their hand is going to be held. They are going to be looked after and they are going to get what they’re paying for.” “I work one on one with the client myself,” she adds. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

“I make their business my business. I understand their every need and want. Particularly with where their money should be spent. I’ve created a culture in the company where most of my staff have learned to understand and respect money. We’re building people’s dreams. That’s what we believe.” According to Nancy, Acustruct’s primary commitment is to families enjoying their new homes. That’s why their customer service focuses on relating to their clients, understanding their needs, and personalizing their design to meet those needs. “I’m a working mom and I know what I want in a home to make it easy to maintain for the best value,” she explains. “I speak their language.” “We’re sometimes not just a builder,” says Nancy. “We’re the police, counsellors, we’re everything and anything because it is an emotional ride for everybody. It’s a lot of money. There are relationships at stake and there are a lot of hours that go into a project. We have to navigate through all those factors. Together with the right mindset and the right tools in place we do a damn good job.” Nancy and Danny approach their relationships with staff and subcontractors with the same level of care and attention as they do clients. “I sit amongst the staff,” Nancy says. “I don’t have a separate office. And some of our people – particularly our tradesmen – have been working together so long that they understand each other without speaking.” JULY 2024

Currently, Acustruct employs about 12 people directly, which means the company is at a size that Danny and Nancy enjoy. They believe they have a little room to grow, but their goal has never been to be a massive conglomerate. Both partners enjoy being hands-on and building personal relationships with clients and they couldn’t do that if the company got too large. “In order to remain abreast of the quality and commitment I have to my staff, we couldn’t be any bigger than 20 employees,” says Nancy. “I don’t know if I need to go bigger than that. Currently things are under control and we can provide better service. I also have to maintain and respect my personal lifestyle. I’d have to evolve one or two of my management team. I wouldn’t want to grow larger without the right assistance. It would be a big change to my corporate model.” “At the moment the boutique construction company model works because Danny works the commercial sector and I work the residential,” says Nancy. “It’s hard to find the right team currently due to a talent shortage so we’re holding onto and protecting the people we have as best we can so we don’t lose them.” In order to build that employee loyalty, Nancy says they pay attention to what their team members want out of their working experience. In her experience, those wants have changed over the years. Years ago, she says a typical tradesperson’s goal was to eventually become a business owner themselves. They would make it their business to learn, even the behind-the-scenes tasks like THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

policies and accounting. Today’s worker, however, doesn’t want to go on their own, says Nancy. “They are happy to be guided and work for a good company, so we really get down to what makes them happy. The mature subcontractors take the younger ones under their wing and move them along with their skills. It’s a balance of learning between generations.” Acustruct also strives to build loyal relationships with their extended team of subcontractors. According to Nancy, they have historically been successful at that, as many of their partners have been the company since the beginning and Nancy and Danny have formed personal friendships with them. At the same time, Nancy also recognizes that the addition of new blood is necessary to keep the business moving forward. “We’ve grown as a business and we’ve looked for a new set of contractors,” she says. “We’re working on a large custom home job right now, and the younger crew appreciates the skills taught by the experienced members. That’s how we navigate new partnerships with contractors. We want to set up for the next phase for Acustruct.” The strength of Acustruct’s relationships with all their stakeholders is reflected in the quality of their work. In recent years, that quality has in turn been reflected with award recognition, including multiple custom home awards from the MBA and HIA. “It’s great when you’ve been complemented by your peers,” says Nancy. “It gives confidence and credibility to our clients. It shows we’re committed to quality. They feel they’re in good hands.” She says Acustruct’s wins haven’t come easy. “The competition has been great. We’ve have had to think outside the box and grow. It makes us work harder. We understand building and we’re proud of what we do every day. We do it for the longevity.” Part of building longevity is also by incorporating sustainability, says Nancy. “We try to be as sustainable as possible. When working with natural materials, sustainability can be difficult, but we know we can pull certain elements out and blend two things together to be creative and innovative.” JULY 2024

Physical and mental wellbeing are elements families are now looking for in a home, says Nancy, and it will only get more important in future years. “I’ve noticed in our homes now that families want a blend of economy and lifestyle, like a hotel experience. Our councils are forcing us to add more in the way of wellness such as saunas in our apartment buildings. Clients are becoming more intuitive with their inner self. They want Zen Garden or a spa retreat, and they’re willing to spending a lot of money on spa wellness.” Moving forward, Nancy says the company is looking to expand their wellness division and potentially take on more projects – and also larger projects – but not at the expense of overstretching their staff. “I’d want to see what the next 12-to-24 months have in store before making the decision to expand,” she says. An entirely new sector the company is moving into is commercial Moving into the future THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

childcare spaces. Currently, they are working on a Kindergarten childcare project, and their vision is to keep moving in that direction over the next five years. “I really like childcare purely because we have the ability to provide the interior design and colour,” she says. “We’re looking for a challenge and this space does present certain requirements to meet the needs of the younger members of our community. I love being creative and involving myself and the builder. We’ve got all the answers and we know what we’re doing, but we’re going into a space we’ve never delved into before. I believe it will bring the diversity to Acustruct that we’re looking for.” JULY 2024

For more about Acustruct residential and commercial builders, visit their website https://acustruct.com.au/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Safety and eco-friendliness key to Freedom Pools’ success

JULY 2024

When he started 50 years ago, Bob Biernat sold water tanks to farmers. Now in their golden anniversary year, Bob’s company – now called Freedom Pools & Spas – is a leading swimming pool manufacturer, with three factories in Australia and one in Spain. “As a family owned and operated business, our reputation means everything and making our customers happy is at the heart of what we do,” says Bob. Bob, a mechanic by trade, first set up as a fibreglass tank maker in Country Western Australia in the town of Narrogin. That business quickly grew, and “soon we were installing pools for the farmers,” Bob recalls. Within 12 months, they had their own moulding facility. “After 10 years we moved the business to the city and we’ve never looked back.” Freedom Pools’ first pool factory was established in Perth then Adelaide. Following that, the company developed their largest factory in Queensland. “Business went really well, and 20 years ago we also established a factory in Spain to service European contracts,” says Bob. “Before that we were shipping product to Europe and costs got too high.” “Many people in Australia have a pool because it gets so hot here,” says Bob. “And we’ve had great successes in Europe. All the big suppliers there compliment us for lifting the bar over there in terms of quality manufacture. European standards for swimming pools were lax for a long time. Now suppliers are trying to make a better product. It’s good for the world.” Freedom Pools manufactures swimming pools using the highest quality eco-friendly fibreglass and gelcoats available. This ensures the pools are extremely strong and built to withstand the elements and the test of time. “We don’t skimp on the quality of our materials, production methods and processes, so you can enjoy years of swimming enjoyment,” says Bob. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

“All our pools are built to exacting Australian standards at state-of-the-art factories, to ensure they suit our harsh Australian weather conditions. Our locally made swimming pools are held in such high regard that they are exported to countries all over the world in Asia, North America, Europe and the Middle East.” Freedom Pools’ edge is their leadership in new technology, says Bob. “Other companies have one color. We’ve developed a machine that sprays four colors at once. The ‘MarbleTech’ pool surface looks like marble. You can have any shade of marble you want, and that makes our product unique in the world.” “We have also developed a unique and proven technology process to ensure the quality of a new swimming pool is guaranteed to provide the customer with a product that looks great for many years into the future,” says Bob. This threepart technology, called ‘Pool Armour Protection Technology’, consists of: FloTechTM, TransTech, and MarbleTech, all of which are exclusive to Freedom Pools. MarbleTech is an interior surface protection technology that improves the fade resistance of the swimming pool. “All our fibreglass pools are finished with this innovative marine gelcoat finish developed by us,” says Bob. “MarbleTech has the luxurious appearance of marble and is also fade resistant, giving our customers the peace of mind that their swimming pool will continue to look great for years to come.” The interior finish that the customer chooses for their swimming pool helps create the colour and reflective qualities of the water in the pool. MarbleTech finishes are JULY 2024

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