HIA Housing Awards Success
November 30, 2023

•

Bringing home five awards for three of our favourite projects 

The Housing Industry Association Awards celebrate the achievements of top builders and designers within the building sector across Australia. We were invited to the NT awards night for the 2023 HIA awards, and were thrilled to take home five awards for three of our recent projects across both commercial and residential sectors.

Group of people celebrating at an event, arms raised, excited expressions, with a trophy and champagne.

Somerville Housing

Specialised Housing

Green Smart House of the Year

Townhouse of the Year

Our Somerville Housing project took out three award categories - Specialised Housing, Green Smart House of the Year and Town House of the Year. The project involved the construction of 7 houses for high dependency occupants in Palmerston and Katherine.


The goal was to cater to the specific needs of each individual with a disability, which meant we not only meet the requirements of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA) but also go above and beyond the standard recommendations in the National Construction Code (NCC).This project brought a new challenge for us because homes like this had never been built in the NT before.


The Somerville homes also excelled in energy efficiency, with an impressive rating of 7.4. This achievement was the result of specific design elements, including:

● High venting ceilings with louvre windows high level to allow ventilation

● Venting roofs

● Shading wall cladding of masonry over windows around the property

● Breeze corridor with louvres throughout hallways

● Breeze corridor with both homes opening up onto deck

● Natural light into the centre of the building 

● Solar/PV Panels with 2hr battery backup power for high vulnerable tenants use in a emergency.

Read more
Outdoor patio with wooden deck, table and chairs. Sliding glass doors lead inside.
Dining area with concrete block walls, terrazzo floor, black chairs, and a black dining table.

Phillip Street

Bathroom Design of the Year

This luxurious bathroom design makes the most of the existing space, and uses a range of textured materials to give it a unique point of difference. What sets this particular bathroom apart is the collaborative process we undertook with our client. Rather than simply following a predefined plan, we worked closely with the client on a daily basis. Some of our favourite features are the three voids for natural light, stone feature fall and gold trim detail around niches and windows.

Read more
Modern bathroom with wood ceiling fan, gold fixtures, arched mirrors, and a glass shower.
Bathroom with stone wall, double vanity, arched mirrors, and a freestanding bathtub.

M+J Builders Office

Small Commercial Project of the Year

M+J directors Michael and Jess purchased an office space at 98 Coonawarra Road Winnellie, giving them the opportunity to create their dream office space.

We set out to design a space that embodied the existing industrial feel, featuring an open-plan layout with exposed ceilings. Creating an atmosphere abundant with greenery was crucial, which helped to create an inviting environment for both staff and visiting clients.

Read more
Conference room with a long table, chairs, and a screen displaying a logo.
MJ Builders' office reception with floral arrangements, sign, and desk.

Awards night photo gallery

Recent projects

Building with Purpose: The Story of M+J Builders

October 2, 2025
Where It All Began 
KFC restaurant exterior with a large sign featuring Colonel Sanders against a red and black background.

Building KFC Stuart Park

By Michael Hawkes • December 18, 2024
The recent completion of the KFC in Stuart Park highlights our ability to meet the demands of a high-profile franchise while maintaining a focus on quality and efficiency. The Project Situated at 43 Stuart Highway, next to Sweet Brew Café, the new KFC Stuart Park stands on a site that was once a vacant single allotment. We transformed the unused land into a fully operational restaurant designed to meet KFC’s strict global specifications. The project was completed on time, and the restaurant opened its doors in November 2024. Key Achievements Franchise Standards: Meeting KFC’s global requirements, we ensured every detail—from kitchen equipment to interior finishes—aligned with their brand identity. Efficient Design: The layout was optimised for high-volume service, durability, and operational efficiency. Local Impact: The project created 50 new jobs, contributing to the economic growth of the Darwin community. Why M+J Builders? We specialise in delivering complex commercial projects. Whether it’s a national brand or a bespoke development, we bring the same level of dedication to every build.
A modern pavilion with steps leading up, palm trees, and a sunset sky.

Revitalising Cullen Bay: Enhancing Darwin's Premier Waterfront Precinct

By Michael Hawkes • December 18, 2024
Cullen Bay has always been a favourite spot for locals and visitors, offering a laid-back, tropical waterside lifestyle just moments from Darwin’s CBD. Recently, the precinct has undergone a revitalisation aimed at strengthening the connection between the beachfront and marina, while enhancing the area’s appeal with new greening and cooling initiatives. Role in the Revitalisation As part of the Cullen Bay revitalisation project, M+J Builders played a key role in transforming the precinct into a more vibrant, accessible space: Shade Structures: We installed three new shade structures around the marina, providing much-needed relief from the harsh tropical sun and creating spaces for visitors to relax in comfort. Seating & Gathering Spaces: Our team worked on installing informal seating areas, paving, and concrete works, plus arbours over shops to create inviting spots for social interaction and relaxation. Artistic Lighting: To bring the precinct to life at night, we added lighting that creates stunning art effects, making the space a lively destination after dark. Accessibility Improvements: We made sure that Cullen Bay is accessible to everyone by building pathways for disabled access to the beach and gardens. Overcoming Challenges This project came with its share of challenges, including managing pedestrian traffic, navigating council property constraints, and coordinating works around busy roads and local businesses. With careful planning and execution, our team ensured the area remained accessible throughout the process, minimising disruptions to the public as the site always has high numbers of foot traffic. A Collaborative Effort The revitalisation was a joint effort led by the Northern Territory Government and Cullen Bay Marina Management Corporation, with funding and oversight focused on creating cooler, more attractive spaces that would draw both locals and tourists. The goal was to improve liveability and bring more visitors to this prime location in Darwin. Experience the New Cullen Bay Cullen Bay now features a refreshed streetscape with shade trees, lawns, and tropical plants, making it a much cooler and inviting place. The improvements not only enhance the look and feel of the area but also support local businesses by encouraging more foot traffic. We invite you to visit Cullen Bay and see the transformations for yourself. Whether you’re relaxing by the water, dining at one of the local cafes, or soaking in the vibrant atmosphere, Cullen Bay offers something for everyone. At M+J Builders, we’re proud to have contributed to this exciting project and helped make Cullen Bay an even more special place.