More than 1,000 tonnes of concrete and rock, roughly the weight of 200 adult elephants (or about 3 billion bogong moths), had to be removed to transform a steep Queenscliff site into a five-level family home.
Now, after two and a half years of construction, the project has put Northern Beaches builder Dinkum Building in contention for two statewide HIA housing awards.
Run by local brothers Robert “Rob” and Peter “Pete” McDonald, Dinkum is a finalist in the Renovation/Addition Project – Over $2.5 million category at the 2026 HIA NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards.
The Queenscliff home is also one of 12 finalists in the HIA NSW People’s Choice Home Award, with the public vote deciding the winner.
Locals can vote for the project by clicking the heart on the property image until 12 noon on Friday, 9 October through the HIA NSW People’s Choice Home voting page.
Getting there meant working on a steep and highly constrained site where access and excavation shaped much of the build.
With the house spread across five levels, simply getting construction materials where they needed to go became a major logistical challenge.
“The steep nature of the block meant bulk materials needed to be craned into position,” Dinkum said.
Excavation and demolition also took time as the team cut extensively into the hillside while preserving parts of the original structure. Robotic excavators were used in confined areas where access and site safety were concerns.
Once the major structural work was complete, the focus shifted to making the most of the site itself.
As you move down through the entrance, floating roof gardens and a water feature built into the sandstone lead into the home, where floor-to-ceiling glazing opens towards panoramic views across Freshwater Beach and the ocean.
Natural elements of the site were also retained within the finished build. A custom wine cellar was built into the rock face, while a curved engineered staircase with floating oak treads and a lift connect the home across its multiple levels.
Frances Formica worked with OnForm Interiors on interior design and styling, selecting finishes and materials to maintain a consistent design direction throughout the home.
The relationship behind the project goes back much further than Queenscliff. It was the fourth renovation Dinkum had completed for Andrew and Frances Formica.
That established relationship became particularly important given the complexity and length of the build.
“Good communication and transparency have always been key,” Dinkum said.
“There’s a good balance between the design intent and the practical side of construction, allowing us to create a home they can enjoy living in.”
Andrew and Frances said Dinkum brought professionalism, technical expertise and close attention to detail to the project, while maintaining open communication throughout the build.
“They were a pleasure to work with, exceeded our expectations in many aspects of the build, and built a relationship based on trust and respect,” they said.
For Rob and Pete, who have more than 30 years of construction experience, staying small has been a deliberate part of how Dinkum operates.
“We made a decision to remain a small business because we like to work directly with our clients and trades and stay hands-on throughout the project,” they said.
The brothers remain closely involved on site and deliberately keep their project load focused so they can give each build close attention. Many of the trades they work with have also been part of Dinkum projects for around 15 years.
For Dinkum, the Queenscliff project brings those elements together: a difficult site, a technically complex build, a long-standing client relationship and a finished home the team believes reflects the standard of work it aims to deliver on every project.
The winners will be announced at the 2026 HIA NSW Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards at Sydney’s International Convention Centre on Saturday, 7 November.
Voting for the HIA NSW People’s Choice Home Award closes at 12 noon on Friday, 9 October.
