Bernie Everett Building is a boutique construction company based on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula, specialising in custom-built homes, renovations, and extensions. With over 30 years of experience, director Bernie Everett leads a team known for its craftsmanship, collaborative approach, and commitment to delivering projects on time and within budget.
The company is deeply invested in sustainable building practices. Notably, the Stony Creek House project exemplifies this ethos, featuring rammed earth walls up to a metre thick, reclaimed ironbark timber, and a design that maximises cross-ventilation and solar gain. This mostly off-grid home integrates a 12.5kW solar system and off-grid water and sewage services, showcasing a thoughtful balance of comfort and environmental responsibility.
Bernie Everett Building is also a member of the Australian Passivhaus Association , demonstrating its alignment with high-performance, energy-efficient building standards. The Passivhaus model emphasises super-insulated, airtight envelopes, high-performance windows, and efficient heating, cooling, and ventilation systems, resulting in homes that are comfortable, durable, and consume significantly less energy than traditional buildings.
Through projects like the Stony Creek House and its commitment to Passivhaus principles, Bernie Everett Building exemplifies a dedication to sustainability and innovation in residential construction.
The Stony Creek House is a remarkable example of sustainable architecture and craftsmanship, situated on the Mornington Peninsula in Shoreham, Victoria. Designed by Adriano Bonomi Architecture and constructed by Bernie Everett Building, the home seamlessly integrates with its natural surroundings, emphasizing environmental harmony and material authenticity.
The residence is anchored by substantial rammed earth walls, some reaching up to one metre in thickness. This choice not only provides thermal mass for insulation but also eliminates the need for air-conditioning, relying instead on cross-ventilation and ceiling fans to maintain comfort throughout the year. The exterior showcases a blend of Corten steel, offering a rusted patina, and naturally weathered recycled Ironbark timber cladding, creating a rustic yet refined aesthetic.
Sustainability is at the core of Stony Creek House's design. The home operates mostly off-grid, featuring a 12.5kW solar power system while maintaining a connection to the electricity grid. Water and sewage systems are fully off-grid, utilizing captured rainwater and on-site treatment. Reclaimed Ironbark timber, sourced from old power poles and a wool shed, is used extensively throughout the home, including in feature ceilings, internal joinery, and custom-made furniture.
The home's layout is designed for both intimacy and expansiveness. A glass hallway connects the bedroom, bathroom, and study to the main living areas, enhancing the sense of space and bringing in natural light. Large sliding glass panels open the living room to the outdoors, fostering a seamless indoor-outdoor living experience. The interiors balance rustic charm with modern design, featuring natural and earthy materials that resonate with the surrounding landscape.
The Sorrento Project by Bernie Everett Building is a striking example of contemporary coastal architecture, thoughtfully designed to harmonize with its natural surroundings. Located atop a sand dune in Sorrento, Victoria, the home offers panoramic views of Point Nepean National Park
Designed by Sally Draper Architects, the residence is perched on a prominent sand dune, presenting unique construction challenges. Due to restricted machinery access, much of the building material had to be transported manually. To ensure stability, large retaining walls were installed to support the structure within the sandy terrain
The exterior features custom Silvertop Ash cladding, showcasing the natural beauty of timber. The shiplap profile was specially crafted to meet the architect's specifications, blending traditional and modern design elements
