Souter Built Wins Master Builders Award for “The Blue House” in Bulli

Best Alterations and Additions $1.5M – $2.0M

Transforming a rundown property into a hip modern beach shack was a year-long journey for the Souter Built team — and one that just earned them top honours at the Master Builders Association of NSW Southern Regions Excellence in Building Awards.

They took home the award for “Best Alterations, Additions and Renovations – $1.5 Million to $2 Million” for their work on The Blue House in Bulli — a striking example of craftsmanship, creativity, and architectural innovation.

From Dilapidated to Designer

“It was an ex-Housing Commission property, and had never been touched — it was dilapidated,” said Adam Souter, director of Souter Built.

“Now it’s probably Bulli’s coolest beach house. There’s absolutely nothing like it in the area. The architecture is a mixture of coastal beach vibes and mid-century modern design.”

Completed in late 2024 after more than a year of work, The Blue House began life as a humble circa-1960s single-storey home. Despite the cosmetic challenges, Adam said the original structure was “really well-built,” with solid bones that made restoration possible.

“All the floorboards downstairs were Cypress pine, which acted as the original termite barrier. The architect wanted to retain as much of the existing structure as possible — and that became a guiding principle for the project.”

Breathing New Life into a Bulli Icon

The judges praised Souter Built’s thoughtful approach in converting the original single-storey house into a double-storey mid-century modern beach home.

“We took off all the asbestos cladding, insulated the entire downstairs, and modified certain walls,” Adam explained.“We installed a German vapour membrane around the existing structure and created a new ventilated façade. Then we chopped the roof off, added a second storey, and brought in all the curves.”

Upstairs now features a master bedroom, ensuite, walk-in robe, and lounge that opens onto a sunlit balcony overlooking the coast — while downstairs flows seamlessly into a landscaped garden framed by curved honed concrete steps and patio spaces.

Craftsmanship in Every Detail

The award judges highlighted the home’s “beautiful curved forms, circular windows, and a confident combination of materials.”

Reclaimed hardwood from the original home was repurposed into balustrades and timber screening, maintaining the property’s character and sustainability focus — key traits that define Souter Built’s approach to heritage restorations in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

Every design choice reflects Souter Built’s ethos: respect for history, passion for innovation, and precision in execution.

A Legacy of Award-Winning Work

This isn’t Souter Built’s first success at the Master Builders Awards. Over recent years, the Unanderra-based team has been recognised for excellence in heritage restorations, alterations, and passive house construction across the Illawarra, Wollongong, and Southern Highlands.

Adam credits his team’s success to attention to detail and a hands-on approach:

“Restorations and additions are some of the most sustainable forms of construction. We’re not just building homes — we’re preserving character and creating better-performing houses for the future.”

Building with Purpose

From heritage restorations in Wollongong to passive house projects in the Illawarra, Souter Built continues to blend craftsmanship with innovation. The Blue House in Bulli is the latest example of their philosophy — transforming ordinary homes into enduring works of architecture.

Whether it’s a renovation, addition, or new build, clients trust Souter Built to deliver projects that combine sustainability, beauty, and performance.

About Souter Built

Based in the Illawarra, Souter Built specialises in:

• Heritage restorations Wollongong & Illawarra

• Passive house design and construction

• Alterations and additions Wollongong & Southern Highlands

Their award-winning projects demonstrate why Souter Built is a leading Bulli builder and trusted heritage restoration builder in Wollongong and the Illawarra.

Ready to Start Your Project?

If you’re ready to transform your home or create a one-of-a-kind build, talk to the award-winning team at Souter Built today.

www.SouterBuilt.com.au Contact us to discuss your next project.