For Phil Kelleher, building in Western Australia’s South West has always extended beyond simply delivering a house. His work is shaped by a response to landscape, climate and lifestyle, underpinned by long-term craftsmanship. This approach was recently recognised with the 2025 HIA South West Housing Awards Home of the Year, Custom Built Home and Innovation in Housing for the Geographe Bay Views dwelling.

Perched high on Yallingup Ridge across a five-hectare site, this home captures uninterrupted views across WA’s Geographe Bay. Its sculptural form and robust material palette respond to the coastal environment, while the construction reflects decades of hands-on building experience and technical skills.

Phil Kelleher Homes has built a strong reputation for bespoke homes, renovations and extensions throughout the Capes region. Phil establishing the business in 2000 and has been a consistent presence in the HIA awards program since then, including multiple GreenSmart awards.

‘I’ve found my niche in the market,’ says this HIA member. Based in the laid-back coastal town of Dunsborough, Phil finds his happy place in the surf — it’s what keeps him energised and grounded. Rather than chasing growth through scale, the business has remained deliberately lean, allowing Phil to stay closely involved in every project. ‘We’ve found our work/life balance, so we’ve remained pretty consistent with the amount of projects.’

The realities of construction, however, have changed significantly over time. ‘Nowadays, it’s equal time on the keyboard and onsite,’ he explains. ‘It’s the admin, procedures, dotting Is and Ts, insurances, liabilities and safety side of building – these have certainly expanded over the past 25 years.’

That balance is supported by a tight team, plus a network of trusted trades. ‘We have a part-time bookkeeper and my partner works part-time in admin. Then we have regular contractors. It seems around 70 always show up for the end-of-year Chrissy drinks and lawn bowl tournament,’ says Phil, laughing.

From a construction perspective, the most defining element of the dwelling was the wave-inspired roof structure, which demanded a high level of precision and coordination. ‘As a carpenter, the twisted roof was a fun challenge,’ says Phil. This hyperbolic paraboloid structure is supported by a precision-engineered steel framework. Each custom-crafted timber rafter follows the unique curvature, showcasing expert engineering and quality craftsmanship.

Material selection played a central role in anchoring the home to its environment. Locally sourced granite is used extensively throughout the home, including the entry, fireplace and outdoor areas, reinforcing the connection between the building and its coastal landscape. Every element, from the stonework surrounding the fireplace to the seamless cladding, showcases artisan workmanship.

Environmental performance was a priority throughout the build. ‘Sustainability was important for me even though it wasn’t high on the client agenda. I always badger away til they give in to some extent,’ quips Phil.

Custom interlocking Colourbond cladding with concealed fixings creates a seamless, modern facade that’s both durable and weather resistant. Motorised Soltex awnings, passive solar design, and bushfire-compliant materials deliver both comfort and resilience.

‘This project has hydronic water heating/cooling in the slab, natural rammed earth and rock materials. We also installed solar PV array with batteries.’ These elements incorporate passive solar design to deliver a comfortable, high-performing home suited to its exposed coastal setting.

The project was designed by Clayton Lindley of Naked Architecture, who’s also based in Dunsborough. The collaboration was instrumental in resolving the home’s complex form and site-responsive design. ‘Clayton did a fantastic job,’ says Phil. Clayton also worked with Phil on the Osmington off-grid home in Margaret River, which won Lightweight Housing in the 2025 HIA Western Australian Housing Awards.

Entering Geographe Bay Views and the Osmington house into the HIA awards marked a shift toward more active promotion of the business. ‘I decided last year it was time to upgrade the website, reluctantly get on board for Insta, and enter two homes. And I was chuffed with both,’ says Phil.

According to Phil, the response has been strongly positive. ‘I've definitely had a lot of people in the industry and community coming up to say congratulations.’

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 13th March.