Canberra building company Brother Projects and Adam Hobill Design recently took out a HIA ACT/Southern NSW award that was a true brothers project.
Jamey and Nathan Dutkiewicz from Brother Projects built a house for their brother Matt that took out the 2021 Housing Industry Association award for best custom home ($500,000-$900,000).
The home in Weston, designed by Narrabundah architect Adam Hobill, was even more special for the brothers, who nearly 19 years ago lost their family home in Duffy in the 2003 Canberra bushfires.
It has four bedrooms, a pool, and stunning views of the Brindabellas - and keen gardener Matt's signature bed of flowers out front.
The house was built on a former Mr Fluffy block.
Matt, the middle brother who works in advertising compliance at the Therapeutic Goods Administration, lived in an existing cabin on the site for two years while the house was being built.
"I guess Matt let us take a run with the design, so we got to play around with things," Nathan said.
"And to pick up a win and get some appreciation for it, is good."
Brother Projects started in 2007 with renovations but has branched into homes, picking up a swag of awards along the way. There is now a 12-month wait time for their work.
"We've got huge demand at the moment," Nathan said.
"I think that comes down to the industry being under pretty high demand and I think reputation goes a long way too."
Matt, who is a member and former captain of the Rivers volunteer bushfire brigade and was out fighting the fires in 2003, when his family home and car was destroyed. Jamey tried to fight the fire while Nathan and their family were on the South Coast.
The family had another close call during the horror 2019-20 bushfires on the South Coast when the fires came close to their parents' now home in Malua Bay.
Matt is just happy to be in a home he loves, built by his brothers. There are so many details to treasure, whether it's reading a book from his bedroom in winter and being able to see snow on the Brindabellas to taking a dip in the pool during summer.
"I love the space and use of different materials - from timber to concrete. I love how bright and airy the house is and how it connects to the view at the front and the garden out the back," he said.
