SEMMbuild | Melbourne Home Builder

Introducing our Bentleigh Design & Construct Project – the transformation of a charming Californian bungalow. Our clients’ brief was to completely transform this dated, two bedroom house into a home that truly fits their lifestyle – more bedrooms for each member of the family plus a guest suite, a home office to support flexible work arrangements, larger living and dining spaces, and a kitchen and pantry that’s truly an entertainer’s dream to use. Additional elements like a laundry/mudroom combination provides functionality and keeps the home’s day-today organisation hidden from view, and a spacious deck overlooking a new pool has given them the outdoor alfresco they can use year round. We worked closely with our clients to ensure bespoke fixtures and finishes used throughout suited the home’s period features – from restoring brickwork with expert tuckpointing, sourcing and overseeing the construction of leadlight windows to adhere to the façade’s heritage overlay guidelines, and a meticulously laid herringbone floor with brass inlay throughout the home – this dwelling has been elevated from a suburban home to a spectacular heritage inspired residence. The result is a beautifully balanced family residence that feels considered, luxurious, and truly their own. Design by @architest_australia Photography by @lt.viking.productions Electrical: @prospectelectricalau Plumbing: @dpbplumbing Cabinets: @themelbournejoiner Tiles: @tilefusion.melbourne Timber Floor: @suburbanflooringco Tapware: @yabby.com.au Pool: @plungie.australia Stone Benchtops: @lavistoneau Timber Windows: Nicholas Home Improvements Aluminium windows: @trendwindowsau Tuck Pointing: @mcadam_tuckpointing Mechanical: @mckinnonheatcool Tiled rood: Hercules Roof Tiling Bricklaying: @vendi_bricklaying Glazing: @westwoodglassandglazing Concrete: Heidelberg Materials External cladding: @jameshardieau Internal doors: The Door Store Sky Light: @veluxaustralia Timber: @moorabbin_timber

Introducing our our Malvern East renovation. SEMMbuild was engaged by the clients to breathe new life into the existing home, an elegant 1880s Victorian era dwelling nestled in a leafy street of Malvern East. The home was already a showcase of old world grandeur, and our clients wanted to honour its heritage while modernising each space with the creature comforts of today, adding their own unique style. Along with revamping the existing structure, we also worked to bring to life an extension designed by Bryant Alsop Architects that expanded the footprint of the home to add a kitchen, as well as dining, living, and outdoor entertaining areas more reflective of the family’s needs, where communal spaces blend functionality and style in a considered way. Meticulously rejuvenating the heritage aspects of the home meant striking a thoughtful balance between preserving the historical integrity of the residence while ushering it gently into the 21st century. A considered approach was needed, and our expert craftsmanship, alongside some truly wonderful trades allowed us to modernise this beautiful home while still honouring its original character and enduring charm. This project was more than just a renovation – it was a unique opportunity to honour the legacy of a bygone era of architecture and design while breathing new life into a timeless home. Thanks to our clients for entrusting SEMMbuild to bring this project to fruition over the last nine months. Architecture by @bryant_alsop_architects Photography by @lt.viking.productions Cabinetry by @themelbournejoiner Tapware from @yabby.com.au Steel windows by @empire_steel Windows by @highcraftwindows Stone from @moorabbinmarble Roof by @royaltyroofingaus Bricklayer @vendi_bricklaying Glazing by @westwoodglassandglazing Timber from @moorabbin_timber Tiles from @tilefusion.melbourne

Meet Damien Semmler, owner and director of SEMMbuild. With a working career spanning a total of 20 years, Damien started in residential construction before moving onto commercial supervisory and management roles. A fully licensed domestic home builder, Damien then returned to high end residential construction, where his eye for detail, high quality workmanship and passion for creating exceptional homes allows him to continue delivering projects of distinction. Damien prides himself on his collaborative approach to working with clients, and is involved in every stage of a home renovation from start to finish, with a level of care and dedication as if each build was his own home. Nurturing and mentoring a team, he dedicates time to teaching the next generation of builders so that his knowledge and years of experience is woven throughout every renovation SEMMbuild undertakes, allowing clients to rest assured their project is in capable hands. Damien doesn’t just build a house, he builds a home.

Cabinetry isn’t just something we install to tick a box. It’s one of the elements that defines how a home feels the moment you step inside. At SEMMbuild, we see it as part function, part statement. The proportions, materials, finishes, and detailing all need to sit comfortably within the home’s overall aesthetic — not fight against it. When it’s done right, cabinetry doesn’t just blend in; it elevates the space. Sometimes it’s subtle and refined. Other times it’s the feature that sets the tone for the entire room. Either way, it should always feel intentional. Good cabinetry doesn’t just store things — it shapes the way you experience your home. Cabinetry at our Bentleigh design and construct project: @themelbournejoiner

Finishing off the week with a bathroom reno handover - swipe to see how we transformed this well-loved space into something modern and stylish!

Proud moment for the SEMMbuild team at the Master Builders Apprentice of the Year Awards last night! Huge congratulations to Thomas and Jack on both receiving Certificates of Excellence in Carpentry — a reflection of the hard work, dedication and effort they put into learning their craft every day. Special mention to Tom as a nominee for the State Apprentice of the Year Award — an outstanding achievement. Great to see both boys recognised for the tradies they’re becoming. Well deserved 👏

Fluted glass, a period style brass doorknob, and deep, jewel-toned green made this ensuite powder room feel both intimate and quietly luxurious at our Malvern East renovation. The textured glass softens the light, casting a gentle glow across the space, while the aged brass added a sense of heritage and tactility. Paired with the rich green walls, the overall effect was moody yet inviting — a small room that embraced depth, character, and a hint of old-world elegance.

We’re thrilled to be starting another new project in Murrumbeena! Take a walk through this immaculately maintained 1930s Art Deco home and see the befores prior to our team transforming it into a three bedroom home with a study, large living space, and extension added on to the rear of the dwelling.

Take a look inside our recently handed over Murrumbeena renovation! We worked closely with our clients to transform this two bedroom, 1930s brick veneer home into something truly wonderful. The bedrooms and living space in the existing dwelling have had new life breathed into them, the small, existing kitchen has been revamped into a luxe family bathroom, there’s a new master bedroom with walk-in-robe and connecting ensuite, and a spacious new laundry. After demolishing the rear of the home, we’ve constructed an incredible kitchen, living and dining area with a raked ceiling to flood the space with natural light. A connecting covered alfresco extends the space to give this family the space they needed to relax, entertain, and enjoy seamless indoor-outdoor living all year round, creating a home that feels both expansive and inviting. Thanks to our trusted trades and suppliers for helping us bring this home renovation to life. Cabinetry by @themelbournejoiner Demolition by @reclaimedgroup Windows from @mcgwindows_doors & @highcraftwindows Electrical by @prospectelectricalau Tiles from @tilefusion.melbourne Timber flooring from @suburbanflooringco Shower Screens by @westwoodglassandglazing Heating and Cooling by @mckinnonheatcool Painting by Kananook Painting Plumbing by @dpbplumbing Wardrobes @wardrobeworldbayside Roofing by Hercules Roof Tiling Carpet from @carpetworldmentone Appliances from @eandstrading

Damien recently had the opportunity to visit the Canton Fair in Guangzhou, China to see what their offering for building and home materials includes. Here are some snippets from his time away!

So much of what we do at SEMMbuild isn’t just about renovating. It’s about transforming our clients’ homes into something that functions better for their lifestyle and their family, now and into the future. Whether it’s adding a second storey, building a new kitchen, or creating expanded living spaces, our goal is to ensure our clients walk away from their SEMMbuild journey with a true appreciation for the new version of their home, and feel complete satisfaction that it now works better for them, suits their personal style, and is a place they find joy in every time they walk through the front door.

We’ve been looking forward to showing you this one. The fully renovated, landscaped facade and front garden at our Bentleigh design and construct project is the epitome of Bayside elegance. A California bungalow thoughtfully restored to its former glory, with a colour refresh to reflect modern trends, complete with stunning, handmade leadlight windows, exquisite tuckpointing to make the red bricks shine, and a touch of colour welcoming you home. Seeing the rejuvenation of a home’s facade completed in a way that honours its history, makes a statement, and brings our clients’ vision for their home to life is a moment we’ll never take for granted.