Upper Ferntree Gully-based building company, Eltcon, has taken home the prestigious Best Custom Home $1-2 Million award at the 2025 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Awards for a standout project in Ringwood.
The recognition is a significant achievement for Eltcon that prides itself on quality craftsmanship, strong client relationships, and a commitment to collaboration.
Eltcon was also nominated for the highly coveted Best Master Builder of the Year 2025 – a nod to the company’s excellence and reputation in the Melbourne construction industry.
For co-director Kyle Templeton, hearing Eltcon’s name called out at the awards ceremony was both a surprise and a proud moment.
“I was pretty solid, to be honest, there were some amazing homes in that category, so it was quite shocking. I wasn’t expecting us to take the win, but when we did, it was such a nice feeling. It was exciting to celebrate it with a good group of people from our business,” he said.
The award-winning project, a stunning double-storey residence in Ringwood, was designed by Anabode Design and is a perfect example of what Mr Templeton and his team believe in, a well-executed project built on strong communication and teamwork.
Mr Templeton said the Ringwood project stood out for a number of reasons.
“Quality is always something the judges are looking for, but I think this year, given the current climate in the construction industry, they were more focused on how we worked collaboratively with the clients,” he said.
“In a year where we’ve seen a lot of volatility, with builders going under and costs rising, we worked closely with the clients from the early design stages to make sure the project stayed within their budget and expectations.”
Mr Templeton said Eltcon’s approach ensures clients aren’t hit with unexpected costs or delays during the build.
“We were there every step of the way, helping our clients navigate the uncertainty that comes with building a custom home,” he said.
“It wasn’t just about signing a contract and building a house, it was about ensuring the investment was safe and that the clients had a smooth experience throughout the process.”
Mr Templeton said the success of this project reflects Eltcon’s broader business philosophy, which centres on strong relationships, clear communication, and collaboration with design partners.
“We worked very closely with Anabode Design to ensure the design was not only functional but achievable within the clients’ budget,” he said.
“Every single home we build is unique, and that’s what makes it so rewarding.”
Mr Templeton said Eltcon’s dedication to teamwork extends beyond design, from day-to-day collaboration with trades and project managers all the way to working closely with clients, which is crucial to the success of any build.
“Teamwork goes beyond the site,” he said.
“Our project managers work directly with clients to ensure that everything they want is captured, and that information gets communicated to the site team. Every week, we have meetings with the clients, we do walkthroughs, and we’re constantly adjusting to ensure everything is on track.”
He added that in the custom home space, staying ahead of potential issues is key.
“We’re anticipating things like procurement timelines, material availability, and other potential challenges before they become a problem. It’s all about making sure the clients’ vision is executed without any surprises,” Mr Templeton said.
His recognition as one of the nominees for Best Master Builder of the Year was another highlight of the night.
Eltcon’s director said the nomination is a reflection of the company’s dedication to its craft, rather than a specific goal.
“We’re not thinking about awards when we build, we’re just doing what we love,” Mr Templeton said.
“We’re focused on doing the best we can, and if that results in awards, that’s a bonus.”
The Upper Ferntree Gully-based business’s approach to building goes beyond bricks and mortar.
For director, Mr Templeton it’s about promoting trust and building relationships with clients.
“It’s not just about building a house, it’s about being there for our clients and making sure they feel comfortable and confident in the process,” he said.
“We love handing over the keys and seeing the clients’ faces, that’s what makes all the hard work worth it.”
“We’re just trying to get better every day, we want to slowly grow our projects and continue to improve the quality of what we’re doing. We’ve got some exciting projects in the works, and we’re looking forward to continuing to deliver great results for our clients.”
Mr Templeton said the win at the Master Builders Victoria Awards is not just an award but a testament to the hard work and dedication that has gone into every custom home they build.
“It’s not about trying to win awards,” he said.
“It’s about doing right by our clients and having the integrity to get the job done properly and if we win an award along the way, then that’s just a bonus.”
For more information on Eltcon and to view their recent projects, visit www.eltcon.com.au
