Armadillo Homes takes out Victorian Master Builder of the Year award

A boutique family business has won the 2014 Victorian Master Builder of the Year award in the residential category with a distinctive Elwood home.

Peter and Ann Marie Apostoli's Armadillo Homes designed and built the winning house around an existing structure – a 1920s brick home that had undergone significant destructive renovations.

The house now features three levels where there were once two, each with ocean views.

Master Builders chief executive Radley de Silva described the site's previous house as a "signature property in a prime location" that "had lost its character and purpose".

Of Armadillo Homes' work, de Silva said: "Their vision was to restore the spirit of the home in a way that honoured its past through a modern and innovative interpretation of a family home and they achieved this brilliantly.

"Armadillo Homes attention to detail was impeccable in restoring this home beyond its original glory."

The house's distinctive copper cladding reflects Armadillo Homes director Peter Apostoli's interest in the durability and sustainability of age old building methods. Stone, stainless steel and recycled timber are also used throughout the home.

Constructed using low maintenance materials which develop with time, the contemporary home has enduring appeal, rather than conforming to the fleeting fashions of the moment.

Internal structures of the existing house were removed to improve flow, light and the relation of internal spaces to the external environment.

Views from all three levels have been enhanced, while lower level of the home now spills out onto the outdoor entertaining and pool area via aluminium stacker doors.

Armadillo Homes is a small company, developing a low volume of high quality homes. Peter Apostoli told Property Observer the business delivers bespoke end-to-end services.

"We sit down with a customer and develop their ideas, right through from the conceptional brain storming to the final fitout and even custom furnishings if required," said Apostoli.

Their intention to create custom homes with lasting value is apparent in their choice of materials and construction methods, and sets the Elwood home apart from many new family residences in Melbourne – "foam boxes", Apostoli said, that he prefers not to work on.

After winning the Victorian Master Builder of the Year award, Armadillo Homes will compete at the 2014 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards on 21 November.

According to Master Builders' de Silva, Armadillo Homes "typify the quality craftsmanship, dedication and passion of Victorian Master Builders".

"As with any art, the true art comes from passion and hard work," said Apostoli.