For Jake Casey, Director of Casey Projects, building a home for his own family offered a rare and deeply personal perspective – one that many builders don’t often experience. As both the client and builder, every decision became more meaningful, every challenge more significant.

‘This project was for me, my partner and our daughter,’ Jake says, reflecting on the award-winning townhouse nestled in Canberra’s leafy suburb of O’Connor. ‘It came with its fair share of stress but also gave me a unique opportunity to approach the build with complete care and intention. Every detail mattered because it would affect the way we live day to day.’ 

Designed in collaboration with an architect, the townhouse is a thoughtful expression of form and function. High 5.6-metre ceilings and expansive voids create an uplifting sense of space, while a carefully planned four-bedroom, three-bathroom layout strikes a balance between low-maintenance living and timeless design. At the heart of the home lies a tranquil Japanese garden, visible from multiple rooms – an intentional focal point that brings a calming rhythm to the daily routine. 

Behind the serene aesthetic was a commitment to performance, sustainability and longevity. These principles have become core to Jake’s building philosophy.

‘In Canberra, we get really cold winters and hot summers,’ he explains. ‘We wanted a home that stayed comfortable year-round, without needing to rely too much on heating or cooling. Passive house design principles really guided that.’

From thermally broken double-glazed windows to a careful blend of durable cladding materials, every element was chosen to support thermal performance, reduce energy use, and increase comfort. Getting there wasn’t always straightforward. 

‘One of the bigger challenges was achieving airtightness and thermal efficiency without compromising the architectural vision,’ Jake recalls. ‘We spent a lot of time researching materials, working closely with our trades, and testing different methods until we got the right results.’

Even finer details, such as the custom garage door seamlessly clad to match the home’s exterior, required close collaboration with fabricators and precision to the millimetre. ‘We leaned on the experience of others and worked together as a team,’ Jake says. Inside, the craftsmanship continues. Floor-to ceiling door jambs give a clean, contemporary feel. A striking steel staircase with warm ash timber treads leads through the home, while a hand-built shadow-line bluestone wall introduces texture and depth.

Each bathroom was treated as its own design opportunity, featuring custom-tiled vanities, Venetian plaster, bold tiles and brass inlays. ‘Bathrooms are a great place to bring in character,’ Jake says. ‘We tried to make each one feel calm, tactile, and a little bit different.’

The care that went into the home didn’t go unnoticed. In 2024, Casey Projects won Townhouse/Villa of the Year at the HIA-CSR ACT/ Southern NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. The judges described the home as ‘a breath of fresh air’, praising its original design, craftsmanship and genuine commitment to sustainability. From the high-performance heat recovery ventilation system to the insulated front door and precise sealing details, no corner was cut. ‘These small things make a big difference in everyday living,’ noted the judges.

Jake’s journey into building started over a decade ago. After finishing school, he began his career as a carpenter in 2011. In 2017, he founded Casey Projects, focusing on architect-designed residential builds. Since then, the business has grown steadily, now supported by a close-knit team of professionals and long-standing trade partners. 

‘We’ve been fortunate to take on more complex projects over the past few years,’ Jake says. ‘With that, we’ve refined our systems to provide a better client experience – more transparent, financially sound and well-managed from start to finish.’

Sustainability continues to play a key role in the business. ‘Passive house principles and smarter energy-efficient design are where we’re headed. It’s about creating homes that are better to live in now and long-term.’ 

Despite the growing success of Casey Projects, Jake remains grounded in what matters most. ‘For me, it’s about balance. Making sure I’m present with my partner and daughter outside of work, and spending time with friends and family.' 

Today, as sunlight filters through skylights and the Japanese garden shifts with the seasons, the home tells its own quiet story. It’s a place of beauty, performance and warmth but most of all, it’s a place built with heart.

‘Moving in was one of the proudest moments of my life,’ Jake says. ‘Not just for me but for everyone who worked on it. I’m incredibly grateful to our team, our trades and everyone who helped bring it to life.’ 

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Materials

• Roof construction: Interlock aluminum cladding in Black Ace from Valmond & Gibson 
• Cladding: Iron Ash timber, H3 treated, from IronAsh 
• Concrete steppers, driveway and footpaths: Elvin Group 
• Aluminium windows and doors: Thermally broken in black from Millennium Windows & Doors 
• Aluminium skylights: Velux 
• Venetian plaster: LFX Group 
• Bathroom fixtures: ABI Interiors

First published on 8 December 2025