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{{propApi.successMessage}} {{region}} Change locationBreathing new life
Breathing new life
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Anne-Maree Brown
General Manager of Content
When Hamish Villis, Director of Build Theory, took on the kitchen renovation of a crumbling 19th-century villa on the outskirts of Adelaide, he knew the stakes were high. This project wasn’t just a restoration – it was a reinvention.
He was commissioned by James Allen Architect, who is based in Sydney. The clients? James’s parents, who wanted to revitalise the home while preserving its rustic charm.
‘The whole house needed to be re-supported,’ recalls Hamish, a qualified carpenter who’s been in the industry for 15 years. ‘We even lifted the property 25 millimetres in one corner. Nothing was untouched.’
Build Theory was awarded the 2025 HIA Australian Kitchen of the Year for the space, which balances everyday functionality with refined materiality. Warm timber tones, soft textures and natural stone create an atmosphere that’s as inviting as it is sophisticated.
The layout maximises light and flow, offering framed views of the garden beyond. The centrepiece island is built from detailed brickwork, topped with a Taj Mahal quartzite slab. Behind it, a custom-fabricated stainless-steel screen slides to reveal a butler’s pantry, allowing for seamless service.
‘When the couple have friends over, they can open the butler’s pantry and double it as a cocktail bar,’ says Hamish.
The restoration of the 1900s villa required meticulous structural work, including the precision drilling of 18 underpins and a full rework of ceilings, walls and services. But perhaps the project’s greatest success lies in how seamlessly the new blends with the old.
'The new spaces integrate with the original building,' Hamish explains. 'It still feels like home. The new extension shares similarities with the existing home, but adapts them for a more user-friendly space.'
Founded in 2016 by Hamish Villis and co-directed by his carpenter brother Jed, Build Theory has steadily grown into a multi-award-winning boutique builder committed to quality over volume. Collaborations like this one – where architect, builder and client are in sync – don’t just yield beautiful outcomes, they sharpen processes and relationships.
'This is our second job with James Allen,' Hamish notes. 'And we’ve worked on other projects for James’ extended family. It’s been a great family relationship for our business.'
The win at the 2025 HIA–CSR Australian Housing Awards in Melbourne, where four standout South Australian businesses were recognised, was a milestone moment for the team. 'We were all there, and it was a bit emotional,' says Hamish. 'We know how much effort went into it. It was really cool.
At a glance
Builder
Build Theory
Architect
James Allen Architect
Cabinetmakers
MigDesign
Award
2025 HIA Australian Kitchen of the Year
Location
Rose Park, South Australia
Partnered by
Materials:
Bricks: Austral Bricks
Kitchen appliances: Miele
Stonework: Aspex Stone (stonemason); CDK Stone (supplier).
First published on 2 September 2025.