Local builders shine at Master Builders Awards 2025
Local builders, Harris Build and TS Constructions were recognised with top honours at the 2025 Master Builders Victoria Awards (Eastern Regions) for three homes delivered at The Cape. The industry accolades reflect the exceptional standard of design and construction achieved by both builders within this leading sustainable housing community.
As Australia’s benchmark for low-impact, energy-efficient living, The Cape continues to demonstrate that sustainable homes can be architecturally refined, highly functional and accessible. The awards highlight the innovation and quality delivered by Harris Build and TS Constructions, proving that high-performance design can go hand in hand with comfort, liveability and aesthetic appeal.
Award-winning projects at The Cape:
–Best Sustainable Home – Cooinda, by TS Constructions
–Best Custom Home $600–800k – Sunlight Project, by Harris Build
–Best Custom Home $500–600k – Trumpeter Project, by Harris Build
Each of these homes combines all-electric design, rooftop solar, rainwater harvesting, and passive design, delivering not only environmental benefits but also real financial savings for residents.
“These homes show what’s possible when thoughtful design and quality construction align with a strong commitment to sustainability,” says Brendan Condon, Director, The Cape.
“They prove that sustainable homes can be beautiful, functional, and affordable – and they are no longer just for early adopters. This is the new normal.
“The Cape, combining rooftop solar, energy-efficient design and electric vehicles, can save more than $6,000 annually.”
Cooinda: A benchmark for sustainable coastal living
Designed by Adam Dettrick Architects and built by TS Constructions, Cooinda is a great example of high-performance, low-impact design. This double-story home achieves an impressive 8.0-star NatHERS rating and carbon-neutral status, placing it among the top 1% of sustainable homes in Australia.
With a 46,000-litre rainwater tank, an 8.8kW solar array, and a 12kW Redback battery, Cooinda is engineered for year-round comfort and efficiency, with projected annual running costs of only $300.
“Cooinda pushes the boundaries of what we expect from residential construction,” said Tony O’Connell, Director, TS Constructions.
“We are proud to have worked with a visionary client and architect to create something that’s not only energy-efficient, but a joy to live in.”
Carefully oriented to maximise solar gains and capture sea breezes, the home opens to sweeping views of Bass Strait and connects seamlessly to a native garden designed to support local birds, insects, and wildlife.
Sunlight: Sustainable, accessible and future-proof
Harris Build’s Sunlight Project, designed in collaboration with local firm Adapt Design Group, demonstrates that accessibility and sustainability can go hand in hand. With a 7.6-star NatHERS rating, the home features a 6.63kW rooftop solar system, dual 5,000-litre rainwater tanks, and EV charging, with a step-free layout that prioritises accessibility and comfort.
Wider hallways and thoughtful layout support multigenerational living and wheelchair accessibility, while raked ceilings and a large north-facing deck create a light-filled, connected indoor-outdoor experience.
“Sunlight was about creating a home that’s welcoming, efficient, and future-ready,” said Troy Harris, Director, Harris Build. “It shows how sustainability can be woven into everyday living – without compromise.”
Trumpeter: Small footprint, big impact
Also designed by Adapt Design Group and built by Harris Build, the Trumpeter Project is a compact and cost-effective home that delivers on performance and aesthetics.
“Trumpeter proves you don’t need a large home or a large budget to build sustainably,” said Troy. “It’s smart, efficient, and built to last.”
Built to a 7.8-star energy rating, the home has been constructed using durable, low-maintenance materials tailored to withstand the coastal environment. Strategic glazing, high ceilings, and an open-plan layout draw sunlight deep into the home, enhancing comfort and natural warmth.
Trumpeter delivers exceptional value through smart design and cost-effective, reliable technologies creating a home that maintains comfort year-round.
Its compact footprint, passive solar design, and efficient layout exemplify what modern, resilient housing can look like in Australia. “These homes reflect what’s possible when we design and build with intent,” says Brendan.
“They are a blueprint for the future – resilient, regenerative and designed to enhance the way we live, now and for generations to come.”
Learn more about our award winning homes at liveatthecape.com.au/awards.
