Pacific Blue

23/10/2026

Coming soon to Buderim. Renders by Studio Sora.

Should you knock down and rebuild, or renovate?

The answer isn't always as straightforward as you might think. Here are a few things worth considering.

1. Why are you renovating?

Is your home simply outdated, or does it fundamentally no longer work for the way you live? There's a big difference between updating finishes and completely reconfiguring a home. If your renovation involves removing structural walls, changing rooflines, extending the footprint and replacing most of the existing finishes, you may find that starting again can be more cost effective.

2. Does your existing home have good bones?

If the footprint is right, the structure is sound and the layout has potential, a well scoped renovation could completely transform the home without the expense of rebuilding everything. A well built home can be incredibly valuable.

3. What are you actually working with?

Unlike a new build, renovations come with existing conditions, some of which aren't visible until construction begins. Asbestos, ageing plumbing & electrical, termite damage and structural issues can quickly turn a seemingly straightforward renovation into a costly exercise. Understanding these risks before committing is incredibly important.

4. What does your block allow?

Planning requirements can influence what's possible. Some existing homes occupy positions on their blocks that may be difficult to replicate under current planning requirements. In these circumstances, retaining and renovating the existing structure could offer advantages that a complete rebuild may not.

5. Consider the outcome, not just the initial cost.

If you're investing a substantial amount into a renovation, will the finished home genuinely deliver everything you're hoping for? Or will you still be compromising on ceiling heights, orientation, layout and functionality?

It's about understanding the potential of your existing home, the limitations of your land and the realistic costs of both options.

If you have a home on the Sunshine Coast that isn't quite working for your life anymore, we'd love to help you understand your options.

Some houses are worth saving.

16/10/2026

You'll want to save this if you’re planning a custom home:

You’ve fallen in love with the design, then the build price comes back... and suddenly, you’re reconsidering the spaces and features you were most excited about.

But more often than not, this isn't the builder overcharging... it's the designer or architects misunderstanding of material price or labour costs.

This is why design, estimating and construction need to work together from the beginning.

A roofline, a large span of glass, even the position of your home on the block... each decision affects how it’s built, and what it costs.

Having those conversations early helps you understand the trade offs. Where to invest, where to simplify, and how to protect what matters most to you.

At .au and Pacific Blue, we bring these perspectives together while your design is taking shape.

14/10/2026

DUSK

One of our favourite projects from last year, and a home our clients watched take shape from afar.

With our clients living away for much of the build, opportunities for site visits were limited. Phone calls, FaceTime, emails, Voxer… whatever worked for them, we made it happen.

We arranged meetings around their visits, and seeing their excitement as they returned to discover how much their home had progressed was always a highlight.

Building from afar can look a little different, but feeling connected to your home as it comes together matters just as much. For us, that meant keeping our clients informed, involved and part of the journey, wherever they were.

Seeing Dusk complete and so beautifully presented makes it all the more special.

11/10/2026

A little appreciation for the trades!

Over the last few decades, it feels as though much of the building industry has shifted towards faster construction, repetitive designs and simply getting homes built. Somewhere along the way, we lost a little appreciation for the craftsmanship behind them... but we're certainly seeing a welcome shift.

A return to more architecturally driven homes, where quality, detail and craftsmanship are being celebrated, and the skill of tradies is something to be admired... and it's well deserved!

Whether it's plastering, tiling, landscaping, concreting, electrical, plumbing or carpentry, there's an incredible amount of knowledge, experience and precision that goes into bringing a home to life.

Carpentry, in particular, plays such an important role throughout the building process. From the structural elements that shape a home to the finer details that bring a design together, the quality of workmanship makes all the difference.

We're incredibly fortunate to employ some of the best carpenters on the Sunshine Coast, alongside a network of talented trades who take genuine pride in their work.

So here's a shout out to the people behind the homes. The ones who bring years of experience, problem solving, patience and attention to detail to site every day.

We couldn't do it without you!

09/10/2026

RIVER LILY

The indoor-outdoor connection, with two stone wrapped fireplaces visible through the expansive glass doors, remains one of our favourite features to date.

Impressive, sophisticated and homely, while still holding a 'wow' factor, this home feels like a breath of fresh air from the moment you walk through the door.

It was the perfect addition for this modern acreage home.

08/10/2026

A look at some of the additional structural reinforcement going into our ‘WayPoint’ project on Point Cartwright Drive.

We will be installing a car stacking hoist in our clients garage, which has been an interesting feature to incorporate from the ground up.

By considering the additional structural requirements during the initial design and engineering stages, we can ensure the garage is designed to safely accommodate the hoist before construction began.

Truss installation is underway, with all hands on deck thanks to the team at CA Crane Hire

08/10/2026

MILL

A home completely encased in Lohas Roman Handmade brick. A beautiful feature from the street, that will ultimately hold its place throughout trends.

Designed by .au to perfectly suit our clients life.

06/10/2026

Planning a custom home project on a sloping site, and your builder hasn’t mentioned one of these? You might want to double check their experience with sloping blocks.

The right planning and conversations in the early stages can save you time, money and major changes halfway through construction.

And there’s plenty more that should be considered throughout both the design and construction planning phases.

Some considerations apply to almost every sloping site, while others will vary depending on your location, council requirements, site orientation and environmental conditions.

Then there’s the slope itself: how steep it is, how water will move across the site, how the home can be accessed and, ultimately, what type of design is actually suitable for the land.

A sloping block shouldn’t be treated like a flat block with extra engineering. The site needs to inform the design from the very beginning.

06/10/2026

02/10/2026

Built for outdoor living at its finest 🤝

An open fireplace, built in cooking essentials, a stone feature wall and a pizza oven... all designed around one purpose: bringing people together.

Overlooking the pool and framed by the surrounding acreage, this is a space made for long lunches, late afternoons and evenings spent gathered around the fire with family and friends.

Thoughtfully designed to be enjoyed now and for generations to come. A true entertainer’s dream, and the perfect finishing touch to this home. River Lily.