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. In this edition, we have taken a look at a variety of building industry providers with offices and service areas all across Australia. The company on our cover, Zanetto Builders, is based in Tasmania. Visionary founder Kyle Zanetto started the business there in 2017. In the years since, Kyle’s commitment to innovation and environmental consciousness has propelled the company to the forefront of the luxury and healthy home market. We spoke to Kyle about those commitments, about Zanetto Builders’ fastgrowing reputation, and about some of the many industry awards they have won in recent years – including a recent Master Builders Tasmania Award for ‘Young Builder of the Year.’ Also featured in this issue are Tallwood Custom Built Homes – a company that works in Australia’s South West – and Focus Building Company – which is based in West Leederville, WA. Tallwood, like their name implies, is a leader in the design and delivery of high-end architectural homes and major renovations, while Focus works in the commercial sector, with a niche in retail and education. Both companies are multi-award-winning, and we spoke to their managing directors about some of their biggest accolades. Focus, for example, once won the Master Builders WA Award for ‘Young Builder of the Year,’ while Tallwood was the 2023 winner of the HIA-CSR prize for ‘Western Australian Home of the Year.’ For those stories – and many more like them, about other award-winning projects 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,

JUNE 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

JUNE 2024 Industry INNOVATIONS Product of the Month The Kights Scanner ZANETTO BUILDERS Forever home builders TALLWOOD CUSTOM BUILT HOMES Award Winners Since 1998 FOCUS BUILDING COMPANY PTY LTD. Dedicated to Achieving Exceptional Results in the Commercial Retail and Education Sectors throughout Western Australia CHATEAU ARCHITECTS + BUILDERS Complete solutions SUPERSET CONSTRUCTIONS Market Leaders among Industrial and Civil Contractors in the South West IN THIS ISSUE JUNE 2024 FOCUS BUILDING COMPANY TALLWOOD CUSTOM BUILT HOMES ZANETTO BUILDERS

JUNE 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 .

JUNE 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

JUNE 2024 Business World Australia

The Construction Source Australia Business Worl d Australia

Forever home builders

JUNE 2024

At Zanetto Builders, based in Tasmania, Australia, the home building process isn’t just about construction; it’s about clarity, says the company’s visionary director Kyle Zanetto. It’s about the trust thye build, the dreams they bring to life, and the relationships they nurture. “We’re focused on the customer experience and the quality of our projects and the marketing and education we provide,” says Kyle. They have a strong presence online through Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn and YouTube, and Kyle feels the brand they have built on those platforms “speaks for itself and attracts our ideal customer avatar.” Zanetto Builders has niched into the high end architectural and certified passive house space. A Passive House, also known as Passivhaus (originating in Germany), is a high-performance building design and construction standard focused on achieving exceptional energy efficiency and superior indoor comfort. Put simply, the home is modelled in its entirety to perform based on its location. “Passive House is the future of healthy home construction in Australia,” says Kyle. “Healthy homes, net zero, really low energy consumption, triple glazed windows, airtight construction – everything they’re doing now in Europe.” Zanetto is willing to take on any project that is unique and has a well-funded customer. “We’re doing a half million-dollar project now, and we have a couple $3-to-$4 million projects. We’re in negotiations with a client for a $13 million project that we’re hoping to take over the line,” says Kyle. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

“We’ll take on anything in the residential space that is unique and a potentially award-winning project.” Zanetto takes on a lot of commercial work as well. Kyle’s passion for construction was lit when he started Zanetto Builders at age 23, seven years after he earned his apprenticeship license. It has grown from small team of five or six to twenty in northern Tasmania and six in the south. Their workload on the east coast is growing as well. Their main base is in Launceston, but Kyle says “we will travel anywhere in Tasmania to build.” These days, Zanetto Builders works exclusively with clients who seek their company out. Clients that apply to work with Zanetto go through a qualification process based on what their expectations of the build are, their financial expectations are, and how much cash they have to get the project over the line. “I personally work on the entire preconstruction exercise,” says Kyle. He calls his system the Forever Home process. “I’ve laid out clearly all the paid-out hurdles to ensure we work with the right customers and provide a successful preconstruction experience.” JUNE 2024

Zanetto Builders submits several competition entries each year. They have 11 so far in 2024. Kyle’s first project that he designed and built himself – the Black House – was also his first award winner. “It made a huge impact on the market,” says Kyle. “I put my heart and soul into that one, working seven days a week, and got rewarded for my efforts.” Last year at the Master Builders Awards Kyle won the Young Builders of the Year award for business excellence, among a few other awards. The most recent accolade for Zanetto came two months ago when they won the marketing award for small businesses in Tasmania. Kyle attributes the business’s success to how he built the brand and how the business is run. “It’s about the way we operate in a profitable space and the systems that I use Award winning team THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

to make sure we deliver the homes,” he says. He notes as an example his Asgard custom home, which he designed and built last year. The project received the Australian National Award for best use of residential Australian made products. “We used two-and-a-half kilometres of Australian black butt timber on all the doors, joinery, garage door, and hallways,” says Kyle. The 12-monthlong build was featured on various TV and online platforms. When the Asgard build won its award, Kyle took all 33 team members to the awards ceremony, all expenses paid. Kyle realizes Zanetto Builders is only as good as their people, and he shares his successes with all the staff. “This is how we treat staff and clientele,” he says. “We’ve always been known in Tasmania to have one of the best company cultures through what we do to invest in the team. That’s reciprocated on site with how they treat the business and our clientele.” Kyle’s attention to detail and customer satisfaction flows into the company’s positive relationships with their suppliers and contractors. “I’m pretty particular due to the way we build and our on-site expectations with who I partner with,” says Kyle. “I have two of every subtrade, and on each one of my projects they tender against each other competitively. I’ve been working with these people for years I also understand the quality of workmanship they provide and they know my expectations regarding things like site cleanliness and anything to do with building. We have a bar we have set and we work with a team that understands that bar.” JUNE 2024

Another company Kyle has started is futurebuilder.co – a global online educational platform for the construction industry. “Me and one other building business owner and our media person developed an idea for an educational platform that was professionally filmed,” says Kyle, “with short scripted content on there and downloadable resources. “Building business owners can come in and accelerate the growth of their businesses without making all the mistakes we did.” Future Builder is open to all companies that work in the construction field, small and large. It officially launches July 1, and there were 120 applicants as of the end of May. “I started this movement to build better homes and provide the education and tools out there to estimate projects and run a successful business,” says The future and “Future Builder” Proudly supplying Zanetto Builders. Choices Flooring Launceston 61 Boland Street, Launceston • 6344 9555 choicesflooring.com THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Kyle. Future Builder has 15 or 16 of the best of the best each working in their areas of expertise. We have people in estimating, a dietician, and psychologists to name a few,” says Kyle. They script and run training courses so paid members can go in and watch a video learn about how to manage whatever problem they are trying to solve and instantly download a resource they can implement into their business. Kyle has great expectations for his company in the coming years. “Zanetto Builders wants to be known as the brand people will come to if they want an architecturally difficult home that no one wants to tackle,” he says. “We want to service all the regions of Tasmania. If anyone comes to Tasmania and wants to build something spectacular, they will think of the Zanetto Builders brand and what we can deliver.” JUNE 2024

To learn more about Zanetto Builders, their commitment to Passive House construction, and their Future Builder educational platform, visit their website at https://www.zanettobuilders.com.au/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Award Winners Since 1998

JUNE 2024

Designing and building award winning architectural homes and major renovations and additions in Australia’s South West, Tallwood Custom Built Homes specializes in difficult sites and knockdown/rebuilds through innovative design and remarkable construction methods. Since 1998, Managing Director Alex Campbell has directed his attention to quality constructions and design solutions. It is Alex’s philosophy that the successful ‘bringing to life’ of a client’s dream home lies within one-to-one personalised service, a high level of supervision and fastidious quality control through all stages. As custom home builders from Bunbury to Margaret River, Alex understands that a client’s new home needs to make everyday living easier and inject a little luxury. That’s why Tallwood builds every project with the very best materials, techniques and craftsmanship, ensuring that their clients’ homes are of the highest standard. “We’re not afraid of detail and embrace innovation at every turn, so will work with your specific plans to bring your vision to life, no matter how challenging. With our in house design team, we can be a one stop shop, resulting in a smooth and seamless construction process.” Alex founded Tallwood Constructions in 1998. Over the years, our passion really lays in housing which prompted the targeted rebranding to Tallwood Custom Built Homes. Over the past 27 years, Alex has seen a lot of highs and lows in the industry. Initially starting with just himself and eventually building Tallwood up to THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

a staff of 42 before the global financial crisis of 2007-08 depleted the construction industry. Since the COVID boom, the company has consolidated and Alex has returned to being more hands-on. Today, they employ four supervisors and four office staff. Most of Tallwood’s work is in South Western Australia. Alex prefers to work with his loyal suppliers and sub-contractors. “You just don’t have those long-standing relationships when breaking ground in new areas and we want to always deliver the best experience for our clients,” he says. As one of Australia’s most awarded custom home builders, Tallwood Custom Built Homes has received over 70 National, State and South West HIA Awards over the past 20 years. In 2023 Tallwood Custom Built Homes received the following prestigious awards: 2023 HIA CSR Western Australian Home of the Year; 2023 SW Home of the Year; and 2023 Regional Home of the Year. According to Alex, that recognition is a testament to the company’s attention to customer service, quality and delivery. At the recent 2024 HIA CSR National Housing Awards, Tallwood represented WA for the overall Home of the Year. Whilst the Melbourne entrant received the Home of the Year award, Alex says “It is validation of the dedicated suppliers and tradespeople in the South West, which demonstrates that we are as good as the best in the country.” He largely credits the success of their awardwinning 2023 home to the relationships they formed by all of the parties involved: “The architect and clients were excellent to work with, and the clients were very thankful and appreciative with of their beautiful new home,” he says. “The communication, knowledge and execution of details by our senior supervisor, Brarnt Cumming, really made the attention to detail exceptional.” Tallwood Custom Built Homes tackles projects mainly in the $2.5 to $3 million range, but will work on any custom-built project. “Our projects range from $400,000 to $6 million,” says Alex. “As long as the project is a home, there’s no top limit. We have the expertise and capacity. Our clients choose Tallwood because they have trust in us and we try to make sure every experience with us is a positive one.” JUNE 2024

THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

How does Alex form positive relationships with clients? “As the owner of company I’m also the sales person, the first person a client talks to,” says Alex. “We have a dedicated contract administrator and supervisor and our company policy is that the client, supervisor, administrator and myself are included in all emails. They’re aware that I’m involved in every project,” he says. These positive client interactions have resulted in many referrals to Tallwood. It also fosters a positive attitude within the company. “We have nine people in the company at present,” says Alex. “I try to have honesty and trust with the staff, just as with the clients. We are a team and everyone has each other’s backs. There’s no grandstanding or prima donnas. We all have the same desire to build the best homes for our clients.” Fostering Positive Customer Relations JUNE 2024

Their roster of sub-contractors receives this same attitude. “We’ve been in business 27 years and we still use lot of the same contractors and suppliers from day one,” says Alex. “Since COVID we don’t quote against other builders. We want to work with architects and clients who want to work with us.” We don’t believe that trying to be the cheapest builder will deliver the best quality home,” says Alex. “That has allowed us to effectively have a team of contractors who work for us - electricians, painters, etc. that work on all of our projects. I’ve found this to be very reassuring for our clients. As the current HIA Home of the Year recipient I can explain to our clients that the same trades that built the Home of the Year is building their home.” As Managing Director, Alex has a consistent plan moving forward, which he communicates to his clients and team. “Two of my supervisors are going to take over the company in three years time. I’m mentoring them so they can continue Tallwood after I retire,” he says. “If you don’t have a plan, then you fail,” he says. “By having a plan that provides certainty for everyone involved, it allows everything to flow without anyone wondering what’s going to happen. I am committed to ensure a seamless transition over the next few years.” “Where we are at the moment is the best for us, size-wise,” he says. “It will be up to my successors to decide how to grow the company in the future.” Alex’s plans for Tallwood do not include branching THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

out into other markets. “We’re comfortable in the custom home building space,” says Alex. “I have taken on commercial projects over the years and I find the architecture of tilt panel concrete units unappealing and not something that excites me.” Alex has some advice to pass on to young builders starting out. “Talk to as many people as you can in the industry,” he says. “When I started, I worked very long hours and didn’t reach out to other people. Don’t be frightened to talk to other builders. There are excellent mentors and coaches available such as Kurt from Builders Coach.” “I’m also part of a mastermind group of contemporary builders. We do not consider ourselves competitors and prices are never discussed. Due to the nature of the industry, no one else understands us better than another builder. Being able to discuss our experiences in a safe place is invaluable.” JUNE 2024

For more on Tallwood Custom Built Homes and to see their extensive list of awards, along with their services and capabilities – and to get in touch with Alex and the rest of their expert team today – visit https://tallwood.com.au/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Dedicated to Achieving Exceptional Results in the Commercial Retail and Education Sectors throughout Western Australia

W: www.tlcladding.com.au - E: info@tlcladding.com.au - T: 0405 191 461 TL Cladding Pty Ltd specialises in the supply and installation of external facade cladding solutions for commercial projects. We provide expert wall cladding services that blend functionality with professional expertise and can supply a variety of materials that include: Vitra Panel (pre finished CFC), Equitone, CFC, Ultra Core, Aluminum Baffles, Fundermax, Weatherboards, and Innowood, just to name a few. We aim to provide the smoothest client interaction for the duration of the project, providing quality service in a timely fashion with solid warranty backup. We have developed a quality network within the building industry and pride ourselves on maintaining high standards in ongoing work for commercial builders. We have executed a diverse range of projects, from sleek modern facades to timeless traditional designs. READY TO ELEVATE YOUR BUILDING WITH OUR PREMIUM CLADDING SOLUTIONS? View our range today and transform your project vision into reality. Internal Plasterboard Walls Internal Plasterboard Ceilings External Fascias and Sots We can deliver exceptional quality on the most complex projects and our expertise has been used to produce some stunning interiors and exteriors for discerning clients. Dedicated staff and well proven quality systems ensure rst class results on all our projects. DCI has been successfully servicing the small to medium sector of the commercial wall and ceiling industry for over 35 years, completing a range of projects including a number of childcare centres (below) and the recent Yanchep Shopping Centre for Focus Building Group (right). Distinctive Commercial Industries Pty Ltd ("DCI) is a specialist wall & ceilings company devoted to handling various projects including commercial projects such as shopping centres, factory units, internal office t-outs and external fascia solutions to a wide range of buildings. DCI installed decorative and acoustically effective panels, including Heradesign Superrne Acoustic panels, Knotwood Aluminium Battens and Hoop Pine grooved ply for the feature wall and sign nishings. Coles Yanchep Shopping Centre project. dgcholdings.com.au | (08) 9256 1075 | reception@dgcholdings.com.au JUNE 2024

Focus Building Company is an award-winning construction business based in West Leederville, WA. Specialising in ECI procurement, cost planning, design management, and construction, the Focus team values collaboration and delivering the highest standards of performance. The company’s reputation is backed by decades of experience in the Western Australian construction industry. Director Shaun Hughes says their customer service philosophy is built around several key principals. “It’s really about communication, collaboration, and being proactive throughout the project,” he says. “We go over and above to communicate and be proactive with our clients and work with them to get the best outcome. It’s not all about the dollar but having a quality outcome and receiving good feedback at the end of the project.” Shaun is one of five shareholders who form the backbone of Focus Building Company. Each shareholder is a highly accomplished construction professional, collectively boasting over 150 years of experience in the WA construction industry. The company’s two founding directors are committed to a hands-on approach with clients, leveraging their extensive industry knowledge to deliver exceptional project solutions. The company has found a niche in retail and education. In these two segments of the industry, efforts are concentrated mainly on shopping centers and private schools. Smaller value projects come in around the $3 million mark while the company’s larger projects generally range from $10-to-50 million. Taking a look at the company’s service area, Shaun says, “We focus on the metro area. We’re not geared up to do regional works. We generally have enough going on in the metro area to keep everyone busy.” While Focus is currently experiencing a renewed period of growth, the business, according to Shaun, has seen its ups and downs related to the state of the market. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

“We started with smaller jobs and have built our way up,” he says. “Within about two years, we had about $35 million worth of work on the go and then we peaked at $70 million turnover in 2017 with a shopping center and three other jobs going on at the same time. “After then it slowed down. The market got extremely competitive, and we plateaued out. Then probably a year before covid, the market was getting silly. It was not really viable, so we scaled the business back down to our core guys and had a turnover of about $25-to-30 million a year for this period.” They rode out the economic downturn and the effects of the pandemic. Now, Shaun reports, the company is seeing an increased demand in the retail space. “Now we’re back in the growth mode,” he says. “We have secured a great project at Kardinya Park Shopping Centre and have numerous opportunities currently in for pricing or under negotiation. We’re starting to grow the business back up to where it was in 2017.” Since 2014, Focus have successively delivered over $300 million of diverse and challenging projects for clients and communities, majority of which have been in the retail sector. JUNE 2024

THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Shaun says having the company’s shareholders actively involved in the business gives them an edge over the competition. Along with being a director, he is also the construction manager for the company. “Clients choose to work with us because we’re hands on,” he says. “Our directors are builders, and we work directly with the projects. We go above and beyond with our clients to get the best outcome..” He goes on to emphasise the importance of building relationships with clients and how clear communication helps accomplish this. “It’s really important to build a relationship with people. We value relationships and that’s why we’ve managed to negotiate the number of jobs that we have. We take a proactive approach throughout the whole project and try our hardest to work with them. Building relationships JUNE 2024

We try to understand their key critical milestones that we have to achieve and make work.” “If we have issues, they become their issues and if they have issues, they become our issues. If there are any issues, we don’t keep anyone in the dark. We deal with them straightaway. Their reputation is founded on strict adherence to budgets, timely project completion, bespoke solution creation, and alignment with client goals. This dedication has fostered a history of repeat business. “We have a number of projects we have negotiated with clients for repeat work. We have one client in particular who we’ve done smaller jobs for, we’re doing at least a job a year with them and that’s just under a negotiation basis.” The importance of strong communication and relationship building carries over to the company’s interactions with subcontractors, supplier and their in-house employees. “It’s all about getting the project done as a team,” Shaun says. “Our relationship with our subcontractors and suppliers is a lot like what we have with customers. It’s built on communication.” “We are very cautious about who we use for projects. We have found over the years that subcontractors are key to project success. Their performance directly affects your project performance.” One example of a subcontractor they trust THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

would be Distinctive Commercial Industries (DCI), which is a division of the Distinctive Group of Companies (DGC), an industry-leading provides a variety of services across the building industry. DCI is their division specializing in the commercial building market in the Metropolitan and South West regions of Western Australia. Focus Building Company has been working DCI for many years now, and they rely on their dedicated staff and well-proven quality systems to ensure first class results on all their projects. When it comes to direct employees, Focus also fosters longstanding and loyal relationships. Shaun describes their culture as not feeling corporate, but instead feeling more like a family business. “We care about our team. No one here is just a number. It’s very much a team approach.” Currently, Focus has 15 employees with a number of the core group having worked for the company for seven or more years. Shaun says they are hoping to add to that number with additions to the team. “We want to foster young people through the business,” he says. “We are currently in the process of recruiting a few younger less experienced team members to train up and develop.” JUNE 2024

The Focus Building team is known to thrive on new challenges and they are at their best when a project is technically or logistically demanding and requires smart planning. With that being the case, they are experts at working in live environments with all of the challenges of public safety and minimal disruption to business. They are especially proud of two recent projects, one in the Yanchep Central Shopping Centre and the other at Hale School in Perth. Shaun says that while each of these projects came with its own set of challenges, they also both offered clients a good outcome and a high-quality product. “The shopping center was built in a relatively short time frame,” he says. “We had a number of issues with the council and had to coordinate a lot of approvals. There were also some issues with the design. They did a big change to one of the buildings Thriving on a challenge THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

and doubled it in size.” “Hale School had some serious complexities in the design. It took quite an extensive amount of time to finish the job, but I think the outcome, again, has been quite a really good-looking project.” “I think for both of them what really stands out for me is the challenges that were dealt with in a space of time and the fact that we still achieved a really good high-quality outcome. The risk with those jobs is when you have so many challenges, you get distracted and things get missed. It’s the things that the project teams captured to get that outcome.” “The outcomes have been fantastic. People might not see that from the outside, but we know what went on inside.” The company’s dedication to providing a good outcome and satisfied clients has resulted in industry recognition on several occasions. They received acknowledgement from the Master Builders Association (MBA) for one of the first school projects they completed, winning awards for each stage of that project. They were also honoured by the Master builders Association (MBA) with the prestigious Best New Builder Award. JUNE 2024

THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Turning to the future, Shaun says they want to build on the business and continue strengthening the brand. He says the vision for Focus is to build the business back up to where it was previously in terms of income and number of projects. “Between $60-to-80 million turnover a year would be the sweet spot,” he says. “At the end of the day, our intention is not to be one of the biggest builders in town. We want to deliver quality results and be able to manage for the duration. We want to steadily grow the business so that we can manage it and deliver high quality products. “In terms of projects, we seem to do retail and education very well. During the current growing phase, the intent is to harness that experience and keep targeting those projects. In the future, we may develop different strategies, but at the moment the intent is to keep targeting education and the retail market.” Their goal is to tackle three to four projects each year. Shaun says that while they are satisfied with the types of projects they are doing, the team is perfectly equipped and possesses the expertise needed to expand into various other construction sectors, delivering industrial warehouses and civic projects with excellence. Steady growth JUNE 2024

To learn more about Focus Building Company and their range of services and capabilities, to see examples of their past projects, and to contact Shaun and the team, visit https//focusbuilding.net.au and follow them on https://www.linkedin.com/company/focus-building-company/ THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Sets the Gold Standard for Luxury Residential Living in Sydney

JUNE 2024

Chateau Architects + Builders has been at the forefront of Sydney’s luxury custom home building market for the past 50 years. This awardwinning and family-owned company is known for producing architectural masterpieces built to the highest standards. “We always aim to provide the very best product and quality is not negotiable whether it be finishes or the structure of the home,” states Alex McDonald, a company director. “We’re dedicated to providing the very best quality that the budget allows for and that’s been the ethos from day one and continued right through to today.” Chateau had its beginnings in 1969 when Alex’s father, real estate agent Malcolm McDonald, builder Les Dicker, and designer Neville Hopkins set out to fill the niche for luxury residential living in Sydney. They envisioned a company that would offer the most discerning clients a home that reflected their identities, achievements, and aspirations. Sadly, tragedy struck with the loss of Les a year later, but Malcolm and Neville committed themselves to fulfilling their dream. Now, more than half a century later, Chateau is thriving with Alex driving construction and his brother, Roderick, overseeing architecture, as they continue to create Sydney’s landmark homes. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

JUNE 2024

Chateau has earned a solid reputation during the past five decades, one built on trust, quality, and a commitment to excellence. Alex explains that trust is essential in maintaining the longstanding relationships established by the company through the years and developing new ones with current and future clients. This commitment extends from their in-house team right through to the suppliers and trades who help them build each home. “Trust is absolutely paramount and that goes right through with the trades and the suppliers. They’re the guys on the site doing the work and we have to trust them as well. Trust starts with the client, but it goes through every part of the business,” he says. “We have many, many trades who have been with us 20, 30 years so it’s the next generation of trades. Getting back to the ethos of quality, as soon as we Trust is paramount THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

JUNE 2024

find a good supplier or a good contractor, we stick with them. Because ultimately they will know what we will accept and what we won’t accept. The trades are always the representative of the company on site.” According to Alex, in the Australian housing industry, a large majority of the builders are project builders. They repeat the same home over and over and over again with a bit of a change here or there. Chateau, however, is not in that majority. “Chateau has always since day one provided a custom home for the client’s budget or the block of land so that every home is individually designed to what the client’s looking for, what the budget allows for, what benefits the block of land. Rather than trying to take a square peg and shove it into a round hole, we come up with something custom and unique to the client. Under the direction of Roderick, the company architect, we design every home from scratch, and that has always been our practice,” he says. “One thing that Chateau has always provided to all of its customers, even back to 1970, is the understanding that the client and the service that we provide them is the most important thing. From day one, there’s always been the onerous of looking after the client, looking after their money, always providing them a good quality home. But also, to provide the service that we’d all like to expect when we’re engaging in the largest single most important asset that most people ever have and which is the family home. Over the years, what we build today is nothing like what we started building 50 odd years ago, but the commitment to providing the best quality home and the best quality service hasn’t changed whatsoever. That’s always the first and foremost in our mind when dealing with the client. Alex goes on to say that while building homes is his job, it’s also his passion. “It’s a passion. You’ve got to love it. You’ve got to be part of a process.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Through the years, Chateau has amassed an extensive list of awards from building associations including the Master Builders Association (MBA) and the Housing Industry Association (HIA). The company’s dedication to excellence has been recognized with more than 25 industry awards since 2018. “These awards are not just honours; they are the embodiment of trust our clients place in us and our unwavering dedication to quality and design,” Alex says. In 2023, their ultramodern Seaforth home, completed the same year, received an impressive five top industry awards. Carrying a price tag of more than $8 million, this exciting waterfront home is an architectural masterpiece. Awards for that Seaforth home included: 2023 MBA NSW Master Builder of the Year; 2023 HIA NSW Home of the Year; 2023 HIA NSW Custom Built Home of the Year; 2023 MBA NSW Construct Houses $8 Awards and accolades JUNE 2024

Million - $10 Million – Winner; and 2023 HIA NSW Custom Built Home Over $2.5 Million – Winner. Alex explains the backstory and the engineering behind that award-winning project. He says that when Chateau took on the project, they started working with a design brought in by the client, one that wasn’t conceptualized by the Chateau team. With this being the case, they basically had to start from scratch and redesign it. “We took the concept provided by an external architect and pulled it apart so that it could be practically built,” he says. “It’s one thing to draw a pretty picture on a page, but you literally have to pull everything apart, engineer it, so that everything’s going to work together. So, once it gets to site, it goes through quite quickly.” “There’s a huge amount of work behind the scenes. In this particular instance, the owner’s overall intention has always been to have an ultramodern, almost industrial finish, an industrial feel, but delivered with warm natural accents.” While the home was completed in 2023, work was done on the project during several years of the COVID pandemic. Alex says this created a special set of challenges. “The industry was shut down here. We had massive labor issues. We had massive material issues that impacted throughout the build. We also had two years of some of the wettest weather on record. “We were dealing with an ultra-modern home which is extremely difficult. We’re going through the COVID period which is extremely difficult. We’re also dealing with huge weather issues, again out of our control, so everything was against us. So the whole team, the staff in the office, the supervisors out on site the tradesmen, the suppliers out on site – we all had to simply come together and work together like we do on all our projects so that the overall outcome at the end was what the owner was looking for.” The result of that collaboration was an outstanding home that was appreciated not only by the clients, but also by Chateau’s peers in the industry, as evidenced by their aforementioned award recognition. In their comments, the MBA NSW judges commented that the company has “consistently submitted exceptional projects every year,” and that their Seaforth project was no exception. “The Seaforth Home was a testament to their skill, quality, and diversity that the company can deliver,” they wrote. “The use of multiple materials all blended with seamless accuracy and was outstanding.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

As Chateau Architects + Builders embarks upon a bright future, they are dedicated to upholding the legacy of the Chateau name established by the company’s founders half a century ago. With an eye for excellence and distinction in every detail, they are moving forward focusing on creating even more landmark homes in Sydney. Upholding a legacy JUNE 2024

For more on how Chateau Architects + Builders can bring your dream home to life with their unwavering dedication to excellence in design and construction – and to get in touch with Alex, Roderick and their expert team – visit their website at https://www.chateau.com.au THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Market Leaders among Industrial and Civil Contractors in the South West

JUNE 2024

Supersett Constructions are leading civil contractors serving Western Australia’s industrial, commercial and infrastructure sectors. As a market leader in concrete and formwork construction, the company has a rich history of collaboration with construction and mining companies, as well as government agencies, in Bunbury and the South West. Known for delivering exceptional results, Supersett’s experienced team specializes in providing bespoke services while ensuring safety, quality, and management standards that consistently surpass expectations. “We’ve got a good culture here,” states Aaron May, Director. “We’ve been able to grow a really strong professional team. Everyone relies on each other for their roles and that’s been finetuned over the years to create a really bonded team environment. They’re a good bunch that work together in the office and in the field.” Supersett was founded in 1998. Aaron moved into the leadership role of the family-owned company in 2010. Today, the business maintains its focus on family values with a strong commitment to the wellbeing of employees. Supersett’s four main company values are safety, quality, timeliness, and teamwork. “Safety is at the top of the list,” Aaron says. “We have a lot of systems in place to ensure that safety is being met and carried out and that we’re not getting complacent with things that we’re doing on site. A lot of the work that we do can be dangerous and some of the sites can be additionally dangerous especially as compared to some of the residential jobs even some of the commercial jobs. The industrial side can have that extra level of risk. A lot of our guys are used to working in those environments. They have the experience of working in a high-risk environment.” Employees have the opportunity for training to advance in their skills, certifications, and positions. This includes compliance-based training and training necessary to obtain their tickets. A few THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

JUNE 2024

apprentices who are working toward their trade certificates are also part of the team. Supersett currently has around 50 employees with many of those having a long tenure with the company. Aaron says that they have been fortunate in attracting top quality applicants to join the team even when there have been labor shortages elsewhere. “We’ve been fortunate to pick up people fairly easily because we’ve got such a good crew on the ground. Good guys attract good guys. A lot of those people have worked together in the past. They tell their friends, “Why don’t you come and jump on board here?’” “We’ve had a lot of employees join our team like that especially in the past several months when it’s been pretty tight,” he says. “That’s our main way of getting people.” Along with word of mouth between employees and potential employees, the company is also using social media as a hiring tool. “We’ve been reaching out through Facebook and that’s been successful.” Supersett also has a solid relationship with their subcontractors and suppliers. “We’ve created relationships with subcontractors that we work with regularly. They’re incredibly important to our success as well. We wouldn’t have been as successful as we have been during the last 10 years without them,” Aaron says. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

JUNE 2024

Supersett’s capabilities range from industrial project management and civil construction to earthworks, concrete construction, and formwork. Several of their recent projects are especially noteworthy. The largest for the company is a new high voltage 330-kilovolt terminal substation that was constructed north of Perth. “We had to import about 40,000 cubic meters of fill and it took about 18 months to build,” Aaron says. “We had as many as 30-40 people working on site. It was a bit challenging at first with the weather, but it ended up being a really good job for us.” In the last few years Supersett has also started taking on commercial and high-end residential projects. These include some commercial concrete packages such as a shopping center that features a 2000-square meter suspended slab and a three-story performing arts center with paneled walls. Crews were on site with this project for 18 months. “We are also starting to work on some high-end residential jobs,” Aaron says. “One is a three-story house with a suspended concrete flat roof and another a two-story house with a concrete roof as well. They are a little bit more technical and challenging, but I think the guys appreciate the challenge. They are doing a great job, and we are getting a lot of great feedback from the architects and clients.” Supersett is also currently working on a big drainage package and that is a major project for the company. Aaron says the overall project value is approximately $1.2 billion, “It’s quite a big project. We’ve had between 20-30 people there for two years pretty much solid.” Appreciating the challenge THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Made with FlippingBook

RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy OTYzNTg=