When the morning sun hits the banks of the Goulburn River in Victoria’s town of Nagambie, it lights up more than just the water – it reveals a home that belongs to the land itself. For APC Build, this wasn’t just another project. It was a chance to create something enduring.

‘This project was delivered over a 14-month period,’ explains Managing Director Peter Lo Bartolo. ‘The scale of the property and the level of customisation was impressive. Every detail was executed with precision, something our clients greatly valued.

The entire residence is a masterclass in balancing traditional cues with modern comfort. ‘The inspiration for a country farmhouse aesthetic comes from blending timeless rural charm with contemporary liveability,’ Peter says.

During the build, the outdoor zones were considered central to the home’s design and function. Crazy-paved pathways wrap around the entrances and pool, leading to a separate, architecturally detailed pool house. Highlights include an outdoor fireplace, infrared sauna, barbecue area, pizza oven, outdoor shower and expansive decking.

This seamless cohesion certainly impressed the HIA judges, who gave it the Outdoor Project gong at the 2024 HIA-CSR Victorian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards. ‘The quality of workmanship was excellent with very good attention to details on the builder’s part,’ the judges commented. ‘The aesthetic matches the country farmhouse feel of the main home and blends in with the surrounding countryside and nearby Goulburn River.

An emphasis on craftsmanship and liveability in rural settings has become something of a trademark for APC Build. ‘On this project, SVW Interiors worked wonders with the detailing, ensuring cohesion across architecture, interiors and lifestyle,’ Peter says.

Just as much thought went into how the outdoor area interacts with the internal spaces. ‘It’s all about consistency in materials, tones and flow,’ he explains. ‘By carrying the farmhouse palette through to the outdoors using timber, stone and natural finishes, we ensured a visual and functional continuity.

Large French doors open up the interiors to the gardens, creating an effortless connection between indoor and outdoor living and giving a stunning view of the river.’

This consistency extended to the landscaping, materials and the performance of the space across seasons. ‘We maximised natural light and ensured cross-ventilation for energy efficiency.

'The property also features rainwater harvesting and high-performance insulation, reducing long-term environmental impact without compromising on comfort.

Despite the award-winning result, the build wasn’t without its challenges. ‘Like many in the industry, we faced rising material and freight costs, especially during the tail end of the pandemic recovery period,’ Peter says.

‘Managing logistics for a regional site also presented challenges, but our proactive planning and strong supplier relationships meant delays were minimised and quality was never compromised.

The home includes a fully customised interior, complete with a Fior Di Bosco marble kitchen, raked ceilings, and a dramatic silver travertine fireplace.

‘Collaboration is always essential, particularly on larger estates where every element must feel intentional,’ Peter explains. ‘Our clients had specific requests around entertaining spaces, natural light and maintaining a warm character without compromising on luxury. When the project was completed, they were thrilled. They’ve since described the home as not only everything they hoped for, but even more liveable and inviting than they imagined.

APC Build’s team of 45, along with their long-standing network of trades and consultants, all contribute to the company’s reputation for quality. ‘Many have worked with us for years, which ensures continuity, craftsmanship and a shared commitment to excellence'.

The business has evolved significantly since passing from Peter’s grandfather to him and his brother-in-law Adrian in 2010. ‘From 2010 to 2015, we focused on building with a more hands-on approach. During these years, we were not just on the tools but also working behind the scenes to strengthen industry connections and organically grow the business. It was a time of hard work and steady progress, laying the foundation for everything that was to come.

From 2015 onward, APC Build cemented its place in the high-end custom residential space, with a focus on detailed architectural homes and strong client relationships. Most recently, the company launched APC Studio, a design-and-build service that connects clients with award-winning architects and delivers price certainty early in the process.

‘Clients today are more informed and passionate about sustainability, smart home integration, and bespoke design that reflects their lifestyle. AI and digital visualisation tools are helping clients experience their future homes during the design phase,’ Peter says.

With the launch of APC Studio and a refreshed brand direction in 2024, APC Build continues to push boundaries without losing sight of the values that have shaped the business across three generations. As Peter sums it up: ‘We’re not just building homes, we’re creating legacies.’

Materials: 

• Paving: Flinders crazy-paving by Better Exteriors 
• Pool shower (external): Signorino 
• Timber decking: Merbau 
• Fireplaces: Victorian Fireplaces 
• Sauna: Sauna HQ 
• Landscaping: Green Edge Landscapes 
• Outdoor fireplace: Jetmaster from Victorian Fireplaces

Time to shine

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First published on 11th March.