When WA Country Builders received the HIA Australian Project Home award, the feeling was twofold: exhilaration and relief. The build – an ambitious four-bedroom home in a hilltop location – presented a host of challenges, requiring seamless coordination across more than 30 trades.

‘This kind of project demands excellence across the board,’ says Rob Kirkovski, Principal Designer at WA Country Builders. ‘Our cabinetmakers, stonemasons and framers all delivered high-quality, consistent work that elevated the home at every stage.’ 

Rob also praised construction supervisor Brad Chapman for maintaining the design’s integrity through meticulous coordination and execution. ‘Brad’s attention to detail was exceptional. He ensured our vision was realised with absolute precision.’

The home is a showcase of refined craftsmanship. From the integrated cabinetry in the kitchen, scullery and theatre to the sleek transitions – such as the kitchen benchtop flowing seamlessly through a bi-fold window to the alfresco zone – every detail reflects functionality and style.

Externally and internally, weatherboard cladding was installed, while the exposed timber trusses served both structural and aesthetic roles. This marks the third consecutive year the national award has gone to a subsidiary of the JWH Group. The prestigious award follows backto-back wins by WA Country Builders’ sister company, The Rural Building Co., in 2023 and 2024.

The home’s sloped site presented another layer of complexity. Rather than level the land or compromise the design, the team integrated an infinity-edge pool, multi-tiered outdoor zones, and a flowing layout that captured a resort-style feel.

The build time was extended slightly due to the lingering effects of the pandemic. ‘Like many in the industry, we were impacted by material delays and trade shortages that required careful planning and adaptation to maintain momentum,’ says Rob.

Standout features include the front elevation’s vertical stone stack, internal weatherboard cladding with a wine display window, and dramatic timber trusses in the dining area. ‘But the real impact comes from how these elements work together to evoke atmosphere,’ says Rob. ‘The soaring ceilings, framed views, and fluid indoor-outdoor connections don’t just look beautiful – they create a powerful emotional response.’

The striking colour palette reinforces this mood, with soft blues and pastels echoing the sea and sky, balanced by natural timbers and muted whites. ‘It’s all about the easy-going elegance of the Australian coastal lifestyle – light, fresh and uplifting.’ For Rob, winning the HIA Australian Project Home award is more than industry recognition. ‘It builds trust, reinforces our commitment to quality and design relevance, and motivates our entire team.’

Rob notes that it also boosts visibility and provides credibility in the market. ‘It reinforces our position as leaders in lifestyle-based residential design,’ he says. ‘Awards like this remind us why we do what we do – and why we aim to keep raising the bar.’ wacountrybuilders

Materials:

• Fibre cement cladding: Linea 150mm from James Hardie
• Aluminium windows and doors: Jason Windows
• Cabinetry: Laminex
• Tapware: Nuova Calare sink mixer; Taya shower and basin tapware, both in Matt Brass from Alder Tapware
• Bathware: Urbane shower outlet; Cosmo basin, both from Caroma
• Kitchen: Pencil round benchtops in Pure Cloud from Essastone
• Kitchen sink: Clark by Caroma
• Paint: Wattyl Sapphire Reef

First published on 10 July 2025.