Showstopping project Kamares sto Appia has seen O’Shea & Sons Builders (OSB) take out two Master Builders Queensland Housing & Construction Awards for best Individual Home from $2.5 million up to $3 million and Best Residential Swimming Pool.
Kamares sto Appia also earned OSB a title at the Brisbane Awards for Individual Home from $2.5 million up to $3 million, while stunning project Quinta won the award for Individual Home from $1.5 million up to $2 million.
But the highlight for the OSB team was young recruit Nick Green being named Master Builders Brisbane Apprentice of the Year, heralding a bright future for building talent in the sunshine state.
Kamares sto Appia
Kamares sto Appia is a Mediterranean marvel reflective of the homeowner’s dream to create a Grecian beauty. The brief was to create a bespoke, sophisticated home blending modern architecture with timeless charm, contemporary amenities, and functionality.
The project faced challenges, including a block with three street frontages, an unusual shape, and restricted access, compounded by the decision to build a full concrete house. However, these hurdles were overcome thanks to exceptional collaboration of Daniel Zullo from DZ Architects, Joanna Kane from Merge Interior Design, and Nick and Carly O’Shea from OSB.
OSB’s team of artisans played a vital role in the creation of this one-of-a-kind property. The design emphasises natural materials, with timber, marble, and stone key to the Mediterranean aesthetic. The use of travertine, especially, guided the meticulous selection of materials to enhance its presence throughout. Italian porcelain was used to create timeless internal spaces, while lush feature tiles in the bathrooms evoke the colourful charm of Mediterranean villages.
Black window and door frames add a modern touch, harmonising with repeated design motifs such as arches, curves, and columns, which appear across the facade, joinery, tiling, cladding, and fixtures. The joinery throughout is spectacular. Virtually every room manifests unique and powerful display of prominent design, superior products and mastery whilst remaining functional and practical.
The pool, designed by Satori Pools, offers a resort-like experience with advanced automation and heating systems.
Guests can easily adjust the pool’s temperature, lighting, and water features for a personalised experience. The heated spa provides year-round enjoyment, while the fully tiled pool surface ensures durability and visual appeal, shimmering under the sun. This pool was recognised with a SPASA Gold Award—a testament to Satori Pools and OSB with their combined unwavering dedication to superior craftsmanship, innovative design and unparalleled customer satisfaction.
Quinta
Quinta is a standout example of modern housing design, blending innovation, sustainability, and exceptional liveability. This project demonstrates careful planning, efficient construction, and a commitment to enhancing residents’ quality of life while harmonising with the surrounding environment.
The OSB design team for Quinta included the very talented Jazz Designs and Merge Interior Design. Together, they collaborated closely with the homeowners throughout the entire build.
The main focus was to create a design that optimises street appeal and multi-generational living. The open-plan spaces offer flexible layouts, allowing each of the areas to adapt to the evolving needs of residents. Thoughtful zoning separates shared and privacy areas, ensuring comfort and convenience while fostering a sense of spaciousness and beauty.
The home is strategically oriented to maximise natural light and energy efficiency in the Brisbane climate. Living areas capture sunlight throughout the day, while bedrooms are positioned for privacy and quietness.
Sustainability is a core focus, passive design principles applied and constructed with eco-friendly materials and Australian made products. Energy-efficient temperatures and emission reduction products ensure reduced environmental impact and energy savings for the homeowners.
Quinta reflects the highest construction standards, with exceptional attention to detail. Every aspect, from the precision of the joinery to the flawless installation of finished demonstrates a commitment to quality. Epoxy concrete floors, sealed pathways, watering systems, and custom cabinetry elevate the aesthetic while ensuring durability.
Apprentice of the Year, Nick Green
The OSB team is incredibly proud of carpentry apprentice Nick Green being named Brisbane Apprentice of the Year.
After completing his Year 12 studies and doing work experience with OSB, Nick commenced a full-time apprenticeship with the business in January 2022 while also undertaking university studies in urban development and construction management.
Nick embraces the OSB team spirit and contributes to building a culture based on productivity, quality, safety and wellbeing, leadership and accountability, continuous improvement, and teamwork.
He is regularly asked to speak on camera, which he does without hesitation and confidently coneys messages about the work in progress and other work-related activities. Nick has now commenced participation in design collaboration meetings and will directly work with homeowners and the design professionals.
In addition to his trade work, Nick is shaping the future of the industry by mentoring new apprentices, sharing his learning. He encourages the apprentices to learn and fosters their young talent by leading them when undertaking new tasks. He advocates that the dual pathway with the apprenticeship and university studies is a great way to open up opportunities for future careers in the industry.
One site manager said, “Nick is a great team player. The younger apprentices gravitate to him, and he plays an active mentor role to them, whether it’s by explaining how to complete a task, giving them tips about getting through the BlueDog training or over smoko having a laugh about stories they tell.”
This article was originally published in the 2025 Housing & Construction Awards Showcase magazine.
For more information: O’Shea & Sons Builders