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 Mesh Design Projects, a full-service Melbourne-based design firm that specializes in homes that balance elegance and sustainability. They are a company that embarks on every project with two goals – to create a home that’s sustainable, functional, and long-lasting, and to create an experience that is seamless and stress-free for clients. Matthew Duignan, the company’s principal and senior designer, spoke to us about the importance of both goals and how his company goes about achieving them. We also talked to Matt about some of the company’s recent highlights – for example, they are currently working on a passive house build in Preston, Victoria. Matthew talked to us about the intricacies of that build and how it reflects where the company is headed. Also in this issue is Bishop Building, a company that builds and remodels high-end custom homes and commercial buildings in South Australia’s Barossa Valley region. To tell their story, we caught up with another Matthew – Matthew Bishop, the company’s founder and director – and we discussed their in-depth process, their philosophy of customer service, and their vision for the future. As part of that conversation, we also highlighted some of Bishop Building’s recent stand-out projects – including a large football club, a comprehensive physiotherapy and rehabilitation centre, and an HIA award-winning wedding venue and event space on an historic refurbished property. On each of those projects, they demonstrated their industry expertise and their high standard of detail and finish. For those stories – and a whole lot more like them, in this edition and future editions – 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,

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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 Jacqueline Van Belois Business Development Managers Cheryl Ezinicki Douglas Thomson Production Manager Brennan Midghall Digital Strategist Pranim Thapa

APRIL 2026 Industry INNOVATIONS Product of the Month The Kights Scanner MESH DESIGN PROJECTS Sustainable elegance BISHOP BUILDING Brings Exceptional Craftmanship and Personalized Service to Custom Homes BAXTER ENGINEERING Serves Hume Area with Expert Steel Fabrication SPACEFUL PTY LTD Brings Innovation and Inspiration to the Australian Commercial Property and Fit-Out Industry EXTEND A HOME CONSTRUCTIONS Offers ‘Smooth Sailing’ to Clients Looking for Residential Extensions ANOTHER LEVEL PATCHING Provides Exceptional Concrete Patching and Restoration Services SUPERSETT CONSTRUCTION Brings Custom Designs in Knock Down Rebuild to Melbourne IN THIS ISSUE APRIL 2026 BAXTER ENGINEERING BISHOP BUIDLING

APRIL 2026 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 .

APRIL 2026 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

APRIL 2026 Business World Australia

The Construction Source Australia Business Worl d Australia

Sustainable elegance

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Mesh Design Projects is a full service Melbournebased design firm specializing in homes that balance elegance and sustainability. On every project, they have two goals – one, to create home that’s not only beautiful but sustainable and functional for years to come, and two, to provide clients with a stress-free experience. They accomplish the first goal by staying up to date on the latest innovations and building techniques and by prioritizing solutions that are responsible, comfortable, and long-lasting. They accomplish the second goal by guiding clients through every step of the process, and by limiting the number of projects they take on so every client receives the same personalised attention and service. “Our goal isn’t to win awards but to create functional, stylish spaces that fit the client’s lifestyle and long-term needs,” says Matthew Duignan, principal and senior designer. “We tailor our designs to the client’s vision, working within their budget while using the latest sustainable and energy-efficient techniques.” Matthew has personally been working in the building design industry for over 25 years. Over the course of those years, he’s seen the industry from multiple angles. He began his career at a large commercial practice in Melbourne, working on major builds including stadiums – but the scale of those projects wasn’t for him. “When you’re working on a big project, you can get bottlenecked into one part of the building,” Matthew explains. “I think when I was working on one of the stadiums, all I drew up was lifts and stairs for about three months. With residential projects, they’re smaller, but you get to work on THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

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more parts of the design – from the initial concept right through to the detailing. The quantity of work is a lot more varied.” That variety, and the ability to see a project through from vision to reality, drew Matthew into the residential world. He founded Mesh Design Projects roughly 14 years ago, and the company has since carved out a clear niche: inner-city Melbourne period homes in need of thoughtful, modern extensions. Many of these homes were built 100 years ago, not oriented to their sites with any particular intention, and not built to perform. Bringing them up to current standards – functionally, aesthetically, and environmentally – is at the heart of what Mesh does. “A lot of these homes were designed without really thinking about site orientation,” Matthew says. “We’re trying to fix some of the design mistakes from many years ago and bring the energy efficiency up to current standards, making the homes genuinely livable.” Typical projects for the company range from $600,000 to $1.3 million, with the occasional larger build reaching around $3 million. Within that niche, Matthew believes what sets Mesh apart is their seamless customer experience. From the beginning, they work closely with clients to make sure they truly understand their wants and needs, and then they walk them through the process step-by-step. “We look after clients from start to finish and we make sure the whole process is easy and simple,” Matthew says. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Mesh’s process is around a seven-stage design framework that typically spans about 12-to-16 months. Breaking it into clear stages keeps clients focused and prevents them from becoming overwhelmed by the sheer number of decisions a renovation or new build requires. Mesh handles all consultant coordination on the client’s behalf, acting as a single point of accountability throughout. “There are so many decisions a client has to make on a new home,” Matthew says. “We’re there with them every step of the way, giving them clear communication and making sure it’s an enjoyable process. For most of these people, this is their life savings. We want to make sure they get a great outcome – and that they enjoy the journey.” Over the years, that approach has enabled Mesh to build some very strong client relationships. The strength of those relationships is reflected in the company’s history of repeat business and referrals. According to Matthew, word of mouth has always been their moist powerful marketing tool. “When a client talks about you, that’s the best advertising you can get because it’s genuine,” Matthew says. “They’re pleased with your work. On your website, you can boast about yourself, but prospective clients know that’s coming from you. When someone else recommends you, that means something different.” Internally, also tends to build loyal relationships. According to Matthew, most of the direct team members have been with the company for five to 10 years, and some of their relationships with builders and consultants go back even longer. Matthew highly values those relationships, as he knows how important they are to the project’s ultimate success. APRIL 2026

While Mesh Design Projects doesn’t actively chase industry awards, the work has attracted attention on its own merits. For example, the firm has been featured in Sanctuary Magazine, a publication dedicated to energy-efficient homes, and they also had a project appear on the television series ‘Australia’s Best Houses’ on 7two. Though they’re not the kind of company that designs just to win awards – “we’re too focused on the client and their project,” Matthew says – they value that kind of recognition when it happens naturally. “It feels good when someone sees your work and recognizes that you’re doing it well,” Matthew says. “And when something like that happens, it doesn’t just belong to me – it gets shared between all the staff. Everyone was part of it.” Currently, one of the company’s exciting projects is a Passive House build in Preston, Victoria – which Matthew describes as clearest expression yet of where Mesh is headed. Australia’s building code The next level THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

currently requires a minimum 7-star energy efficiency rating, but standard Matthew considers that requirement a floor, not a ceiling. “Seven out of ten isn’t a very high score,” he says. “Passive House takes it to the next level.” A Passive House is built to be airtight, with higher levels of insulation, better glazing and shading, and mechanical ventilation running 24 hours a day to every room in the home. Unlike conventional builds that only ventilate bathrooms and kitchens, a Passive House ensures constant fresh air throughout – using barely more electricity than a light globe to run the system. With solar panels and no gas connection, the ongoing energy costs are minimal. “It costs about 10 to 15 per cent more to build this way upfront,” Matthew acknowledges, “but over the next 10 to 15 years, that pays itself off. After that, it’s basically costing you nothing. And it’s a more comfortable home – warm in winter, cooler in summer. Some people do it because they don’t want to burn fossil fuels. Others do it because the home simply feels better to live in. Both are good reasons.” The Preston project was made possible by a client who was enthusiastic about pushing the boundaries on energy efficiency – and it’s now the benchmark Mesh wants to bring to more of its work. Looking ahead, Matthew’s vision for the firm is to do more sustainability-centric projects like that one. To that end, he hopes to do more new builds, where energy efficiency targets are easier to achieve than in period home retrofits. He’s also APRIL 2026

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looking seriously at modular and prefabricated construction methods as a way to build faster, reduce waste, and lower costs. “The old way of building – tradespeople coming to site, everything done manually on site – takes too long,” Matthew says. “We’re not building homes fast enough. The average on-site build takes 12 to 18 months. We want to cut that in half. These are families who can’t go far from schools. The quicker we can get them back into their homes, the better.” Matthew is equally motivated by the environmental case for off-site construction. When materials are cut on-site, offcuts go straight to landfill. In a factory setting, they can be stored and reused on the next project. It’s a small thing, but for a firm with sustainability at its core, it’s exactly the kind of detail that matters. It all circles back to the same set of values that have driven Mesh Design Projects from the beginning: thoughtful design, genuine relationships, and homes that are built to last and to perform. For Matthew, those values aren’t separate from the business – they are the business. APRIL 2026

THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA For more on Mesh Design Projects, their process, their projects, and to hear from their past clients – and to get in touch with Matthew and the rest of his expert team – visit www.meshdesignprojects.com.au

Brings Exceptional Craftmanship and Personalized Service to Custom Homes

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Bishop Building is a builder and remodeler of high end custom homes, with a focus on delivering modern, luxury homes throughout the Barossa Valley region and beyond. An Australian owned and operated business, they are known for their high finish products and personalized client experience. From early pre-construction and throughout their signature building process, this award-winning company is dedicated to communication, teamwork, quality control, and exceptional craftsmanship. Bishop Building also has a Commercial division, which was started around four years ago. That division has seen them delve into the small to medium commercial builds, and continues to grow. “What we aim for and what resonates with customers is our high level of communication,” states Matthew Bishop, Bishop Building Founder and Director. “Communication is key for us. Keeping everyone in the loop – customers, and contractors, and supplies.” He adds that “attention to detail” is also a hallmark of their work. “I think if you nail those two facets, you’re on the way to being successful.” Matt brings a strong background in carpentry and construction to his leadership role with Bishop Building. His training and experience in the profession lend themselves well to the company’s current projects and undertakings. He has been involved in the construction industry since the late 1990s. Early in his career, he traveled abroad and spent a year in Canada, doing construction work. Upon returning to Australia, he decided to do a carpentry apprenticeship which eventually led him to start his own business. Matt explains more about his career path and the upwards trajectory of the company. He started with small solo projects then advanced to more extensive work. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

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“It was initially in carpentry, and from there it has grown into where it is today,” he says. “When I was working for myself, I subcontracted to other builders. And, then I started doing my own smaller carpentry jobs like pergolas, carports, smaller jobs with only a carpentry scope. At some point I upgraded my license to a building license and then I started taking on larger jobs.” Today, Bishop Building has seen continued growth and earned a respected place in the industry. Matt credits the company’s growth to the solid reputation they have built within the community. “I think that being in a smaller, sort of country town, reputation is a huge part of it. So, word of mouth is probably the best form of advertising,” he explains. With their growth and expansion, Bishop Building now offers a good mix of services from remodeling and alterations to custom residential design and construct to a variety of commercial projects. Matt says alterations might include an addition – adding rooms and space to an existing house – or internal changes like altering the layout and location of rooms. Whatever the range or scope of their projects, Bishop Building’s professional team is with clients every step of the way. Bringing vast and varied experience to each job, they offer a full slate of services to their customers helping them achieve the home they envision. The company’s expertise spans the entire preconstruction, construction, and post-construction process. From scheduling, estimating, and THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

budgeting to safety and contractor management to as-built documentation and warranty Bishop Building is passionate about being the best at what they do. “We do design and construct new builds where clients come in with an idea and we put that idea on paper and turn it into a project,” Matt says. “We offer a full building service including design, engineering, and council applications.” “We can work with clients from the design phase right through to completion. We have three dedicated project managers one of which is also an interior designer,” he says. Taking a look at the cost of these projects, he says, “They can range anywhere from $200,000 to $2 million depending upon the size of the job.” Another segment of their portfolio is tied to the landscape and history of their region, and they’ve made a mark in this interesting category. “We’ve become known for our work on stone buildings particularly in this area where there’s a bit of history. We’ve done quite a lot of work on old stone barns, and stone houses,” Matt explains. Their commercial work is taking them into the athletic arena. “On the commercial side, we’ve been involved in a couple different sporting clubs including a large addition to a football club.” The Angaston Bowling Club is another example of their commercial ventures into the recreational segment of their region. Another commercial project is the Injury Hub. Having a direct line of communication to the APRIL 2026

builder is an important selling point for Bishop Building clients and it helps set the company apart from the competition. They offer a personalized building experience working to craft the custom home envisioned by their clients. The company is also dedicated to creating lasting relationships with their clients and design associates. Community involvement also helps build relationships and enhance the company’s exposure and reputation. One way Bishop Building does this is by sponsoring a number of local sporting organizations. Bishop Building’s professional team includes 14 employees who work directly for the company and 30 or so subcontractors. Through the years, they have established solid, longstanding relationships with their subcontractors working with some over a number of years. “We have quite a few who have been doing our work for a long time,” Matt explains. “Our employees are such an important part of our business, and we value them so highly, from accounts, to project managers, down to first year apprentices, they all play such an important role in delivering our projects. It is the same with our sub-contractors, their knowledge, loyalty, and expertise is of huge value to us, and we really value their input.” He says they are continually looking to hire more and add to their roster. “We’re always looking to bring on new contractors. As we get more work, we need more contractors to be able to carry out the work for us.” While they enjoy a solid reputation with clients, the company’s exceptional work is getting noticed Rep: Brett Set: Ashleigh Proof Sent By: .................... Day / Date:....................................Time: PROO ATTENTION: Kirsty EMAIL: manager@barossacarpetcourt.com.au EDITION/S: RED & WHITE GUIDE 2021 - Jan 27 CHECK CAREFULLY – Please check this proof thoroughly as the responsibility for its accuracy rests with you ... our valued client. CLIENT AUTHORISATI Name: ............................................... Signature: ........................................ Date: ................................................. “The Leader” Phone: (08) EMAIL: leader@barossale The Barossa’s Favourite Newspaper Please note: Where no charge is made for the preparation of this artwork, it remains the copyright of This artwork must not be published in any other publication or website without prior consent VENETIAN BLINDS | ROMAN BLINDS VERTICAL BLINDS | PLANTATION SHUTTERS PATIO BLINDS | ZIP-TRACK BLINDS PANEL GLIDE BLINDS | ROLLER SHUTTERS BLINDS AND SHUTTERS DREAM IT. STYLE IT. LIVE IT. CARPET COURT BAROSSA 9 Gawler St, Nuriootpa | P 8562 3768 admin@barossacarpetcourt.com.au CARPETCOURT.COM.AU WE OFFER EXTENSIVE RANGE OF FLOORING: TIMBER, LAMINATE CARPET, VINYL PLANKS INSIDE AND OUT SIDE BLINDS WE ARE A LUXAFLEX WINDOW FASHIONS GALLERY Rep: Brett Set: Ashleigh Proof Sent By: .................... Day / Date:....................................Time: ATTENTION: Kirsty EMAIL: manager@barossacarpetcourt.com.au EDITION/S: RED & WHITE GUIDE 2021 - Jan 27 CHECK CAREFULLY – Please check this proof thoroughly as the responsibility for its accuracy rests with you ... our valued client. CLIENT AUTHORISATI Name: ............................................... Signature: ........................................ Date: ................................................. “The Leader” Phone: (08) EMAIL: leader@barossale The Barossa’s Favourite Newspaper Please note: Where no charge is made for the preparation of this artwork, it remains the copyright of This artwork must not be published in any other publication or website without prior consent VENETIAN BLINDS | ROMAN BLINDS VERTICAL BLINDS | PLANTATION SHUTTERS PATIO BLINDS | ZIP-TRACK BLINDS PANEL GLIDE BLINDS | ROLLER SHUTTERS BLINDS AND SHUTTERS DREAM IT. STYLE IT. LIVE IT. CARPET COURT BAROSSA 9 Gawler St, Nuriootpa | P 8562 3768 admin@barossacarpetcourt.com.au CARPETCOURT.COM.AU THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

by their peers as well. Bishop Building took a well-deserved place in the winner’s circle of a recent industry competition when they received the Housing Industry Association’s 2023 South Australia Small Commercial Project award. The HIA describes their winning entry, the Barns of Freeling, as “an outstanding project which has incorporated a unique use of silos for a short stay accommodation. Along with a renovated barn, this project has been furnished to a very high standard of detail and finish.” When discussing the company’s vision for the future, Matt says he doesn’t want to put a ceiling on their aspirations. “Every time I think we’re not going to grow anymore, we seem to grow again. The sky’s the limit.” He notes several specific areas in which he would like to see growth. “I’d really like to target larger commercial jobs and the high end residential and the design and construct residential, that’s where our focus is.” APRIL 2026

To learn more about Bishop Building, the products and services that Matt and his team offer, and how to contact them, visit their website at Bishop Building | Custom Home Builder & Renovator | Barossa Valley South Australia THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Serves Hume Area with Expert Steel Fabrication

LOCAL MULTI-AWARD WINNING BUILDERS EstablishEd sincE 1956, 4th gEnEration commErcial buildErs Project Managing your next commercial project from concept to completion WE SPECIALIZE IN: COMMERCIAL INDUSTRIAL TILT UP OFFICE RETAIL & WAREHOUSE REFURBISHMENTS SHOP OFFICE FITOUTS CONTACT US TODAY DARRELL LEEMHUIS 0418 696 646 EMAIL: DARRELL@APLEEMHUIS.COM.AU APRIL 2026

Baxter Engineering provides a diverse range of services in both the commercial and industrial sectors including structural steel fabrication, fitting and machining, and general welding. Serving the Hume area, this family-owned business is known for their expert and experienced work that makes them the market leader in their area. Mathew Hart, director, explains more about their place in the market and the company’s role as local engineering experts. He credits their strong customer base and repeat business to the quality of service they are known for and their solid reputation within the community. “We’ve got a very good clientele,” Matt says. “We’ve got a lot of repeat business and with Canberra being a small town, there’s a lot of word of mouth. We support our clients as best we can so that we can get repeat business.” Baxter Engineering traces its history back to the company Baxter and Hart. The business was formed in 1969 in Canberra by Bruce Baxter and his business partner. Matt says this was during the early days of construction of the heritage sites in Canberra. The partners would eventually part ways, and in the early 1990s, four of the company’s directors bought the company from Baxter. Matt says that he and Nathan Hart, the second generation of the company, took over the business nine years ago. Concentrating on Canberra and surrounding areas, Baxter Engineering serves a variety of clients including schools, clubs, institutions, government departments, and members of the public. Along with their steel fabrication, welding, and fitting and machining services, the company also provides earthmoving and plasma cutting. “We’ve got a maintenance repair and fitting machine side of the business which concentrates on all of the repair works. And, then we’ve got our structural steel which puts out the commercial warehouses, structural steel buildings,” Matt says. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

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The company’s machining and fabrication services bring innovative ideas from the drawing board to the finished project. They provide their clients with the fabrication solutions they need on projects from footbridges and quarrying gantries to bridges, warehouses, and shopping centers. Along with the variety of services they offer, the size of the projects that Baxter Engineering undertakes has a wide range as well. “On the commercial side, we do projects up to about 1500 tons. We’ve got one at the moment running through about that size,” Matt says. “We do anywhere from say your minor one-off five-minute welding jobs right up to 1500-ton commercial structural steel. Roughly about 40-50 ton a week.” An important component in Baxter Engineering’s ability to undertake and complete projects for their clients in a timely fashion is their relationship with the trades they utilize and the companies that supply the materials that go into their work. Matt says that the company’s partnership with their suppliers and subcontractors is “extremely important.” “Without our suppliers we can’t meet our deadlines. We’ve got a good supply chain…and supplies that we draw on as we need, that give us some really good service and subcontractors that install with cranage that help us get our materials onto site and installed.” One of the company’s longest-standing partners, for example, is A+P Leemhuis Builders. Like Baxter Engineering, they are a family-owned THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

company with a long history in the region – in fact, their history is even longer than Baxter’s, as their roots go all the way back to 1956. Today, they are a leading specialist in extensions and new tilt up concrete panel commercial buildings, along with office fit-outs, refurbishments, and shop fittings. They provide clients with a complete commercial building solution while being very easy to work with – which is something Matt highly values in all his partnerships. Turning in-house, to the employees who make up the Baxter Engineering direct team, Matt discusses the corporate culture and the positive aspects of working for the business. He says that currently 40-50 employees make up the company’s workforce. When considering what makes Baxter Engineering a great place for employees to call home, he says, “I think it’s the atmosphere. We’ve got a lot of long timers and young blokes. We’ve got a lot of variety of staff, a variety of work.” Because it’s a family-owned business, Matt says the company is also a “family-oriented business.” He points out that the flexibility with scheduling and the ability “to rotate out and shift hours around to a certain extent” is appealing to the younger employees who are juggling family obligations like childcare. “We offer a steady place to work in the way of consistency with work and hours,” he adds. “It’s a very safe, clean working area that we provide with all the latest amenities and it’s always inviting for someone to come in.” APRIL 2026

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The employees in turn provide expert service to the company’s clients. On the welding side for example, the team of highly trained engineers includes welders, machinists, and boilermakers. Together, they have the experience to handle fabrication and repair needs for a wide range of equipment, including general welding repairs and metal fabrication. They also specialize in structural fabrication and installation in many other kinds of steel structures including custom steel-structured warehousing, stairways, gantries, footbridges, and mezzanines. Baxter Engineering has undertaken several green initiatives including recycling various materials and utilizing solar power. “We do a little bit of work with solar farms,” Matt says. “We’ve also installed a 199-kilowatt solar system on the building to try and go as green as we can with solar.” As far as participation in professional organizations, Matt says the company has been a member of the Master Builders Association for 30 or so years. He said they utilize the group’s resources on topics like staff management and with the new tax laws. Baxter Engineering’s steel fabrication on several bridges has been recognized indirectly by the industry when the entities for whom they provided the work received MBA awards. The company also holds membership in the Australian Steel Institute. Matt says belonging to the organization provides “useful information” and “keeps us updated on what is happening around the country.” Baxter Engineering has been part of several interesting projects with special ties to the community. Matt says the company has been involved in the refurbishing project on the Birch Building at Australian National University which he explains is a heritage-listed building. Recent commercial work for the company includes the 250-ton infrastructure for a project at the Australian War Memorial. “It’s basically what they call the Bean Building display building in the central energy core,” Matt says. They’re also involved in infrastructure work on a data centre and commercial warehouse jobs. Baxter Engineering’s work can be found around the area in other structures including several bridges. The Belconnen Foreshores Bridge is one of these. Matt says he envisions growth ahead when he considers what the future holds for Baxter Engineering. “We’re like all companies, we want to grow and continue to grow.” APRIL 2026

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Brings Innovation and Inspiration to the Australian Commercial Property and Fit-Out Industry

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Spaceful is an award-winning company specializing in expert office fit outs and inspiring workplace design. With headquarters in Sydney, they have earned a reputation for being agile and responsive with an innovative mindset as they transform the spaces where and how people work. “We solve workplace challenges. We engage with them very early,” states Ben Myhill, Spaceful Director and CEO. “We have experts in every aspect of the business to help the client right from the start to the finish of their workplace journey. “We manage everything from planning and property to design, fit-out, and maintenance. We bring all of those aspects together. This unifies the whole traditional methodology of workplace into one streamlined process.” Spaceful traces its roots back to a company in the construction industry started by Ben’s father, John Myhill in Cumbria. Along the way, the focus shifted specifically to workplace. Today, Ben and his brother, Brett Myhill, are running the family business that is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Recently, Spaceful underwent a major rebranding. Ben explains how this helps the company better serve clients by giving them the outcome they desire. “We actually revolutionized our whole business model and rebranded in 2019 to offer a better model for our clients and to provide far better value,” he says. “We created a model that would help clients through every stage of our journey; they have a single point of contact right through the whole process so that it’s a very seamless experience for them.” THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Spaceful works with some of Australia’s biggest and best-known brands and this high-profile work is generating interest – and acclaim – within the industry. Their Temple & Webster project is a two-time Better Future award recipient having won gold in the 2023 Sydney Design Awards competition and silver in the 2024 Australian Design Awards contest. Their winning work involved creating an expansive national headquarters for the online retailer of furniture and housewares. “We outfitted their head office in Sydney which is close to 6000 square meters,” Ben explains. “That was a very significant project.” “They have quite a unique culture and brand. They wanted a space that would help them attract their staff back to the office. It’s a very progressive design,” Ben says. High-Profile Clients APRIL 2026

The Law Council of Australia is also of special note. This project, and another for a legal organization, Bartier Perry, made it into the shortlist for the Australian Design Award’s 2024 competition. “We had the privilege of fitting out their headquarters as well which was quite a high-end fit-out and had a really good outcome,” Ben says. “The finished product is very corporate. It really embodies what the Law Council is as an organization. All the finishes and fittings are very refined. It just makes for a beautiful aesthetic.” An exciting project on the horizon for Spaceful is fitting out the North Sydney headquarters for Pacific National, Australia’s largest rail freight operator. Ben says this will be another flagship project for the company. Looking at their clients in general, Ben points out that although they are headquartered in Sydney, they have a national delivery capability and a national footprint. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

While Spaceful is winning awards for the workplaces they create, the company is also being recognized for creating a positive environment for their own team to call home. The company has been certified as a Great Place to Work for two years running: February 2023-February 2024 and February 2024-February 2025. In 2023 the organization was recognized as one of Australia’s Best Workplaces by Great Place to Work. Corporate Vision spotlighted Spaceful with one of its HR & Employment Awards when it tapped the company with the 2024 Most Supportive Company Culture Sydney Award. “That tells you that our culture is strong and that we have a really good team,” Ben says. “We have a very inclusive, collaborative culture.” “We have lots of banter, we A Great Place to Work APRIL 2026

have lots of fun in the office, but we also look out for each other and care for each other as well.” One important way the company is focusing on employee well-being is through membership in Mates in Construction. “Mental health is a big thing, especially in the construction industry,” Ben says. “We run workshops and whatnot to make sure there’s awareness across our company as to the risks in that area.” “There’s also a very high level of trust in our team,” Ben continues. “As well as that, we have a very flat structure. We don’t have a very stiff and starchy hierarchy. All the owners of the company and those on the management team are very approachable.” He goes on to explain that each employee is part of the team. “Everyone is crucial, everyone is listened to. There’s no one who’s a non-entity. They’re all crucial parts of a highly effective operation. He says that contributes to Spaceful being a very highly effective operation. It doesn’t matter if you’re very senior and experienced or you’re someone who’s just coming out of university, everyone’s voice is heard. Another perk, which would be expected in their line of work, is that they provide a great setting in which to do business. “And, on top of that, our office spaces are worldclass offices, so they’re nice places for our staff to come to each day,” Ben says. Along with a solid corporate culture for their in-house team, Spaceful has also built strong relationships with their roster of trades and suppliers. “Obviously, supply chain is crucial for our business,” he says. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

APRIL 2026

Spaceful has earned Climate Active certification for the past two years. “A lot of work goes into maintaining our certification for that,” Ben says. “In addition, we’ve embarked on a net zero strategy, so we’ll be net zero by 2050.” “We have to do an audit each year of our overall carbon footprint. We have to monitor how much carbon is being used right down to how much waste goes into the landfill from our offices and what sort of power we are using.” He says they employ ways to offset any airline flights they take. They also encourage walking or using public transportation as opposed to using personal vehicles to get to work. Focus on Sustainability THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Ben outlines several significant goals as he anticipates the company’s future. These plans call for growth and expansion for Spaceful with an eye on national and global initiatives. “This year, part of our strategy is to start to network globally. A lot of our clients are global clients, so we’ll start to network locations with them and see where it takes us. In the next five years, we’ll strengthen our national presence, and we’ll continue to position ourselves as the provider of choice for the workplace.” Future APRIL 2026

To learn more about how Spaceful is transforming where and how people work and to contact Ben and the team about their innovative process and products – visit their website at www.spaceful.com.au THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Offers ‘Smooth Sailing’ to Clients Looking for Residential Extensions

APRIL 2026

Extend a Home is a top industry leader in the design and construction of high-quality ground and first floor residential extensions. Based in Sydney, the company is known for delivering an exceptional product thanks to their commitment to professional systems, planning, and communication. “We have a good reputation, we build a good standard, and we always follow up,” states Tony O’Neill, Managing Director. The company has been in business since 1974. When the original owner passed away, Tony and four other individuals purchased it from the surviving spouse in 1991. Today, Tony and his business partner, Peter Wisniewski, are two of those original directors still with Extend a Home. They have a combined 80 years of experience in the construction industry. Tony started working in construction straight out of high school in 1977 as an apprentice carpenter and joiner. He has experience in both commercial and residential construction. He began supervising new home construction in 1987 leading him to his career with Extend a Home. “I was 17 when I started in the industry and 33 when I started here,” he says. THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

APRIL 2026

Extend a Home offers their clients a ‘Smooth Sailing Guarantee’, and Tony says this is something that puts them ahead of the competition. “Basically, we guarantee that their project will be smooth sailing from start to finish.” In the event there’s a glitch in the process, Tony says the clients will get a $1,000 gift card to use for something like going away for a relaxing weekend to make up for the inconvenience. He thinks they’ve only had to do this once since they started offering the guarantee. “Generally speaking, clients are very happy we us. We probably get 95 percent of our work by word of mouth,” he says. Growing up in one of their homes and experiencing the value and quality of their work – and their special take on customer service – first-hand is how members of one particular Smooth Sailing Guarantee THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

family became Extend a Home clients. “We even have second and third generation clients. We’ve got a couple of clients at the moment, a couple of ladies who we built for their parents back in the 90s when they were young girls and now we’re building for them,” Tony says. He goes on to explain in more detail how the Smooth Sailing Guarantee works and how this special process keeps projects on track and their clients happy. “We take the job from an initial inquiry; we then send the design consultant out to see the inquiry. They speak to the people and find out their needs and their budget. We come up with a design for them and then if they wish to proceed, we go ahead and get all of the council development applications conditions met, we do the whole application basically in-house. We follow that through and then, once it’s all approved, we build the job for them. We guarantee smooth sailing all the way through.” APRIL 2026

Tony says that while they are proud of quite a few of their projects, there are a couple of recent ones of which they are especially proud. One is a $1.2 million project at Lane Cove, and another is an extension on an old Victorian house in Burwood that also came in at around $1.2 million. Both of these projects, he says, have provided an “impressive and outstanding result” and are good examples of the style and finish they maintain on their projects. “They were a little bit out of the ordinary style of home and pretty big for an extension,” he says. “We’ve got client testimonial videos on our website and we’re pretty proud of those homes, too.” Special Projects THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

Extend a Home maintains strong relationships across their stakeholder community from clients and subcontractors to the employees that make up their team. Their commitment to being approachable and available to their clients is key to their relationship building. “I’ve been told we seem more like a family than a company,” Tony says. “We get more directly involved with the people than a larger company might do. We’re very approachable.” “Our clients are dealing with the owners of the company where in some of the bigger companies they really don’t get to see the owners. I run the sales team and most of the clients I deal with right from the start, from the initial inquiry. Peter is the construction manager and clients see him frequently during the build because he is often on site.” Relationships with Stakeholders APRIL 2026

THE CONSTRUCTION SOURCE AUSTRALIA

The family atmosphere that Extend a Home’s clients enjoy reaches to their employees as well and is an important part of their company culture. “Everyone’s like a family,” Tony says. “Everyone knows everyone. Our spouses are included in social functions and parties. We’ve seen each other’s children grow up over the years.” As for their trades and subcontractors, they’ve been working with the majority of them for 1520 years. “We have a core of subcontractors and trades that we use on most of our jobs, so we get continuity of quality and performance across our projects.” Extend a Home also has ties to other professionals in the industry through membership in the Housing Industry Association and the Master Builders Association. Tony says the company has been an active member of MBA for 40 years. Turning to the future, Tony says they are comfortable with the size and scope of the company and don’t anticipate any major expansion. “We don’t want to get too big,” he says. “We’re pretty much in our niche.” With that being said he explains they are seeing an increase in the price tag of their projects. “The value of our average job has doubled in the last couple of years. Where our average was $350,000-$400,000 a few years ago, it’s now $700,000 with the biggest ones that we’ve done coming in at $1.2 to 1.3 million.” Tony says that while he and Peter are both still actively working in the business, they are looking at “bringing in some younger, fresher people.” “We’re training some younger members of our team to take Extend a Home into the future,” he says. APRIL 2026

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