South Australia’s building and design community has come together to celebrate the state’s finest at the 2025 Master Builders SA Building Excellence Awards. More than 1,500 industry leaders gathered at the Adelaide Convention Centre for the awards, with standout winners being named across a range of categories. Among the evening’s major winners was Urban Habitats, which was crowned Master Builder of the Year – Residential and recipient of Contract Home over $2 million for its extraordinary Urban Sanctuary project.
Urban Habitats is a boutique construction group known for its clean and classic architecture, interiors, and buildings. These accolades are a reflection of a philosophy that has guided the team for more than 25 years to craft homes that are as enduring as they are beautiful.
The project that captivated the judges, Urban Sanctuary, really captured the essence of its name. Envisioned as a refined retreat in the heart of Adelaide, it brings together bold architecture with top-notch craftsmanship to create a home that feels both luxurious and liveable. Its sculptural form, layered materials, and integration into its urban surroundings provide residents with a rare balance of sophistication and serenity.
Judges praised the project for its innovation and attention to detail, qualities that reflect Urban Habitats’ reputation in the industry.
“There are several factors that make this Urban Habitats project a huge success, including the near flawless quality and level of finishes, the exceptional build time, and the complete satisfaction of an exacting client. This home is a triumph, with the builder fully delivering on the design intent. An exemplary offer from Urban Habitats.”
This project saw clean lines with bold colours and textures to create a truly unique feel. They’re as classic and timeless as they are fun and fresh, and when paired with all the modern amenities you could dream of, they look like a dream to live in.
Since 1994, the Master Builders SA Building Excellence Awards have been the state’s most prestigious showcase of craftsmanship, quality, and innovation. With more than 200 entries across 47 categories this year, competition was fierce and standards uncompromising. To take home Master Builder of the Year – Residential is to be recognised at the pinnacle of the profession.
“This kind of industry recognition is a wonderful reward for the effort of our whole team,” said Josh Semmler, Director and General Manager of Urban Habitats. “Our success is built on strong relationships with staff, trades, collaborators, and most importantly with our clients, who trust us to deliver their homes from concept to completion.”
Urban Habitats is led by Directors Jock Merrigan and Josh Semmler, and has long redefined what it means to build a home. By bringing architecture, interior design, and construction together under one roof, the group makes sure every element, from grand structural gestures to the smallest bespoke finishes, works well together.
Urban Habitats joined a list of South Australia’s most admired and visionary builders at the awards.
See the rest of the major award winners below:
MAJOR AWARD WINNER: Urban Habitats
Master Builder of the Year – Residential
MAJOR AWARD WINNER: SA Construct
Master Trade Contractor of the Year – Commercial
MAJOR AWARD WINNER: Adelaide Tiling Co Pty Ltd
Master Trade Contractor of the Year – Residential
MAJOR AWARD WINNER: AG O’Connor
Builders Choice Trade Contractor – Commercial
MAJOR AWARD WINNER: D’Angelo Tiling
Builders Choice Trade Contractor – Residential
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