Taking over a family business is a significant responsibility but for Alex Heelass, it was a natural progression. In 2015, his father, George, and mother, Kerry, handed over the reins of the firm, passing on a legacy of precision and integrity.

‘I grew up around the business, watching their work ethic, Dad’s standards, and the way he treated clients and trades alike,’ says Alex, who is now the Director and Owner of Heelass Homes. George continues to lend his expertise to the firm as a Construction Finisher, maintaining the hands-on family connection that defines the business.

‘Dad was and still is a huge source of inspiration for me,’ says Alex. ‘Stepping into his shoes wasn’t just about continuing what he’d built. It was about honouring that foundation while bringing my own ideas, creativity and drive for innovation into the business.’

That drive for innovation is most evident in The Nest, a project recently crowned the 2025 HIA Queensland Home of the Year, Custom Built Home and GreenSmart Sustainable Home. The residence is a rare architectural achievement: a fully off-grid residence that balances technical complexity with elegant restraint.

Featuring clean lines and a flat cantilevered roof, the design by Gerard Smith uses a primary palette of raw concrete, warm timber and expansive glass to create a ‘living wing’ and a ‘sleeping wing’ that join around a central landscaped area.

To discover more about The Nest, HOUSING continues this interview with Alex Heelass.

Could you summarise the technical vision for The Nest?

Built over two years on an environmentally sensitive site, the residence is formed from monolithic off-form concrete, oxide-matched to reflect the earth tones of the natural ridge. We integrated recessed door systems and concealed downpipes directly into the concrete columns to maintain a seamless profile.

One of the most complex engineering feats was the Evelyn (eaves) system encircling the house. It conceals the box gutters while maintaining the minimalist look of a razor-thin roofline – a task that was especially challenging when navigating the tight curve at the centre of the home.

What were the primary site and sustainability challenges?

The site presented immense difficulties, including a steep slope, large-scale rock outcrops, and a BAL29 bushfire rating. Being off-grid, sustainability was paramount, but we refused to compromise on the home’s aesthetic. 

To avoid placing solar panels on the sculptural roof, we developed an off-site solution: a solar array located on a shed 350 metres away down a steep slope. We also concealed the water storage tanks for aesthetic reasons while ensuring they provided effective temperature control for the home.

Any unique construction techniques involved?

We used a refined approach to the concrete work, employing formatube columns with foam inserts to minimise joints and prevent concrete bleeding. This resulted in a much cleaner, more precise finish. Internally, a curved timber batten wall serves as a sculptural anchor within the circulation zone, contrasting the raw concrete with the warmth of rich timber cladding and polished floors.

Why does this project stand out for Heelass Homes?

At its core, this home reflects everything we stand for – respect for the land, attention to detail, and the belief that high-performance, sustainable homes can also be beautiful and timeless.

It was a genuine labour of love for our small, close-knit team and our network of 40 trusted subcontractors. The Nest isn't just a house; it’s a testament to what can be achieved when you embrace ‘complex engineering gymnastics’ to create a sanctuary that breathes with the land.

Time to shine

Celebrate outstanding workmanship, innovation and leadership. Entries for the 2026 HIA Awards are now open and close in May 2026. Showcase your work, acknowledge your team and take your place among the industry’s best.

Enter now

First published on 19 February 2026