You might say Greg Wells was always meant to be a builder. Growing up in the coastal town of Nelson Bay, NSW, he came from a family of builders. He spent his childhood on building sites, naturally progressing into the residential construction industry at the age of 16.

Greg admits he was a dreamer, but more importantly, he was a doer – thriving on hard work and hands-on learning, carving out a successful career path for himself.

Given his hardworking nature, it’s no surprise that, by 19, Greg was running his own side hustle, Mates Rates Carpentry, after hours while working full-time. By 2016, Custom Built Projects was launched. Known for his no-nonsense approach and commitment to quality workmanship, he quickly built a solid reputation in the Port Stephens and Newcastle areas.

Contemporary lines

When Bryan and Helen, a retired couple from Melbourne, decided to create their dream home, they turned to Greg to bring their vision to life. They wanted a retreat for their extended family. The moment Greg laid eyes on the plans, he knew it was a project he had to take on.

When designing the home, the architect masterfully captured the surrounding water and treetop views, introducing clean, contemporary lines and abundant natural light. The home provided plenty of privacy, which was important for the clients. It was the perfect balance of beauty and function, and Greg was all in.

Once the build started, he brought the clients’ vision to life – although this was no easy feat. The build had to be seamless in its execution, especially with so many off-form structural components.

‘We had to plan every stage meticulously,’ Greg says. ‘That meant working closely with engineers, formwork specialists, and subcontractors.’

One critical element was the strict pour sequencing and controlled curing process for the off-form works. To ensure perfection, Greg implemented mock-ups of key build processes, refining details before full-scale execution. The stakes were high.

After a 16-month-long build, the resulting home is a true reflection of the beauty of Nelson Bay, sitting harmoniously within the landscape. Outside, the pared-back materiality and finishes have been chosen to blend effortlessly with the surroundings. A modern sanctuary, the home features expansive glazing that floods the interiors with natural light while framing the breathtaking ocean views.

Curated textures

A refined and sophisticated palette of natural stone and timber, paired with sleek finishes, enhances the home’s aesthetic. The carefully curated textures and high-end details strike a balance between contemporary and enduring design elements, while the open-plan layout allows for seamless flow from inside to out. Despite its size, the house still feels like a home, thanks to the collaboration between builder and client, who poured their heart and soul into every detail.

Greg’s favourite part of the home is undoubtedly the ground-floor living area, with its floor-to-ceiling Kazimir sliding doors that capture the view of the infinity pool, the lush reserves and the bay.

As Greg puts it, ‘I take every project personally. Being trusted to build someone’s dream home in a picturesque location is honestly a dream job.’

The  HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards  – one of the country’s most talked-about events in the industry – will conclude the three-day  HIA National Conference  in Melbourne on 15-17 May.

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First published on 2nd April 2024.