custom home builders, melbourne
designed and built as one
opus formed builds custom homes across melbourne as a single, integrated service: concept, architecture, interiors, landscape, engineering, approvals and construction, held by one team.
design and cost are resolved together, so every decision is tested against method, lead times and live pricing while it is still open, not after the drawings are finished.
a small number of residences at a time, each overseen by its directors, stevie hatz and andrew loucaides.
how a custom home takes shape
concept
a complete architectural concept for your site, designed by a matched practice and costed as it takes shape; six weeks from discovery meeting to presentation.
design resolution
architecture, interiors, landscape, engineering and services coordinated and documented to the millimetre, with consultants and approvals managed for you.
construction
construction begins within two weeks of building approval; fortnightly site meetings and a digital portal keep you close to the work.
handover
systems commissioned, surfaces finished and the house dossier presented; we remain available beyond move-in.
design and construction, together
residences delivered by our directors.
opus 2, ashburton
design and construction carried out together; an early experiment in the approach that became opus formed.
opus 24, ashburton
the build team engaged during design; structural changes brought the cost down without altering the intent.
opus 4, thornbury
four residences on two parcels of land, each with its own plan, delivered to one standard.
credentials
registered domestic builder (unlimited), cdb-u 101879.
hia victorian housing awards 2025, winner: opus 4, thornbury.
master builders association excellence in housing awards 2025, finalist: opus 73, middle park; opus 5, caulfield north; opus 4, thornbury.
industry recognition achieved by stevie and andrew prior to founding opus formed.
questions about building a custom home
how does a custom home begin?
with the concept service: a complete architectural concept for your site, costed as it takes shape and guaranteed buildable within your budget, delivered in six weeks.
what does the concept service cost?
a fixed $9,600 for the entire concept phase. if you commission your residence, the full fee is credited towards your build.
do you design as well as build?
yes. opus formed manages the whole project: concept, architectural design, interiors, landscape, engineering, approvals and construction, with the architecture led by a design practice matched to your brief.
how is the budget protected?
cost and method are calibrated as decisions are made, against actual methods, lead times and live pricing, and the concept is guaranteed buildable within the budget you set.
when does construction start?
within two weeks of building approval, once the design is fully resolved and documented.
working with your architect
architectural builders for design practices and their clients
boutique residences
luxury homes, built a few at a time and personally overseen
heritage homes
period houses restored and extended, original fabric kept
what it costs
the cost of an architect-designed home, and where it goes
knockdown rebuild
from the old house to the new, managed as one project
what can i build on my land?
zones, overlays, trees and title, explained
start with a concept
every custom home begins with the concept service: six weeks from discovery meeting to a costed architectural concept for your site, guaranteed buildable within your budget.