Zerner Building Company In Focus: The Esplanade Holiday Retreat

Zerner Home Tin Can Bay Front Shot

Imagine waking up every morning to the soothing sounds of the ocean and the breathtaking view of the bay—this coastal retreat is not just a home, it’s a dream come true.

When it comes to capturing the essence of a beautifully crafted home, Thomas Studios is honored to have partnered with another great local builder on their latest Tin Can Bay project. Today, we’re thrilled to showcase Zerner Building Company. Known for their unique custom-designed homes, with a special focus on their latest project at Tin Can Bay. This remarkable 290m² home reflects the company’s commitment to quality construction, modern design, and creating spaces tailored to the individual needs of their clients.

A Dream Holiday Home

The owners of this stunning property envisioned a coastal retreat where family, friends, and generations could gather and create lasting memories. Designed to be a holiday home for both the owners and their extended family, this residence perfectly captures the essence of relaxed coastal living. With a beautiful outlook over the bay, the home was built to take full advantage of the surrounding environment, making it the ideal retreat from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Photography Experience

As the photographer for this project, I had the privilege of capturing this outstanding property on November 27, 2024, on a partly overcast day. The lighting conditions presented a challenge, and timing was crucial, particularly for the exterior shots. To ensure the property was showcased at its finest, I made the decision to return at a later date for the aerial shots, which would highlight the home’s stunning location and footprint.

However, the weather was so poor, and my schedule was so full, that I wasn’t able to return until January 8, 2025, to capture the drone photography. You may notice that in the meantime, a new fence had been erected. While this meant a slight change to the property’s appearance, I always go the extra mile to ensure my aerial shots are as perfect as they can be — even if it requires a second visit.

Zerner Home overlooking Tin Can Bay
Top down view
61 Esplanade

Thoughtful Design for Coastal Living

With the home’s prime location on the esplanade, just steps away from the beach, Zerner Building Company chose materials that would not only complement the coastal aesthetic but also withstand the elements. The design makes the most of the environment with large windows and doors that frame the stunning surroundings, making the home feel like it is always in harmony with nature. The use of high-quality, durable materials ensures a low-maintenance living space that still feels fresh and timeless.

Glass all along the whole front of the house

The Heart of the Home: Open-Plan Living

At the heart of this coastal home is a generous open-plan living area that seamlessly connects the kitchen, dining, and lounge spaces. The expansive room is flooded with natural light thanks to large windows and glazed stacking sliding doors that open directly onto the lawn, allowing for seamless indoor-outdoor living. The design ensures the stunning bay views are fully embraced, with the entire room seamlessly blending indoor and outdoor living. Floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains add an elegant touch, offering both privacy and a soft, diffused light, enhancing the open, airy atmosphere of the room while still allowing for breathtaking views.

Sheer curtains closed
Sheer curtains open
Views over the bay from Open plan living

Capturing Interior Spaces

Photographing this property was an absolute pleasure, especially with the impeccable styling and presentation by the owners, Tracey and Bryan. However, there was one small challenge in my process. With such an abundance of natural light flooding the spaces, I initially started photographing without turning on any lights, which is typically my preference when shooting during the day. I find that natural light gives the most authentic and realistic portrayal of a home.

It wasn’t until I began to notice the incredible lighting design created by Chrishan and his team that I realised I needed to adjust my approach. The thoughtfully integrated lighting features added a whole new dimension to the spaces, and I knew I couldn’t do justice to the home without showcasing these stunning design elements.

As a result, I decided to shoot many of the spaces both with the lights on and off. While this required more time and effort on my part, I always make a point of showcasing each property in its best possible light — even if, in this case, it had two best lights.

Living room Inc Kitchen Lights on

The kitchen is a standout feature of this space, offering both style and functionality. A generously long kitchen island sits at the centre, perfect for cooking, entertaining, and enjoying the company of guests. Modern cabinetry and sleek brushed nickel tapware tie the kitchen’s coastal aesthetic together, while recessed under-counter LED lighting adds a soft, ambient glow to both the kitchen and the butler’s pantry. The butler’s pantry is well-equipped with ample storage and a SPARQ-S6-CH smart tap system, providing hot, chilled, and sparkling filtered water at the touch of a button—perfect for entertaining

Kitchen 3/4 view
Kitchen sink

Stylish Bedrooms and Luxurious Bathrooms

Moving into the master suite, the room offers a sanctuary for rest and relaxation. Entered through double doors, the spacious room features large sliding glazed doors opening onto the front lawn. The room is beautifully appointed with floor-to-ceiling sheer curtains and block-out blinds for privacy, and it is complemented by a walk-in wardrobe that provides plenty of storage space.

Master bedroom 1

The en suite bathroom, concealed behind a chic sliding barn door, features twin basins, a large shower with twin shower heads, and high-quality brushed nickel tapware and fixtures. Recessed under-cabinet LED lighting enhances the luxurious feel, contributing to the refined resort-like atmosphere, offering a perfect balance of comfort and style. The elegant finishes and thoughtful design create a space that evokes the calm, indulgent vibe of a high-end resort, perfect for unwinding.

Sliding barn door
Zerner BathEnsuit

In addition to the master suite, the home also boasts three additional bedrooms, which feature mirrored-doored built-in wardrobes and plantation shutters on the windows. A stylish family bathroom features a freestanding bath, a twin-head shower, and a beautiful powder room all featuring the same themed brushed nickel fixtures, ensuring the coastal elegance flows throughout the entire home.

Powder
room Natural Light
Powder room Light on

Unique Touches and Client Satisfaction

One of the key design elements that makes this home stand out is its attention to detail. From the custom cabinetry to the stunning light fixtures, each feature has been carefully selected to create a harmonious and stylish living environment. The owners, who live in Bundaberg, entrusted Zerner Building Company with bringing their vision to life.

The communication throughout the process was seamless, with regular updates from the team, including the very helpful Naomi, who ensured the owners were always informed and involved, despite the distance. The owners were thrilled with the finished result.

“We absolutely love our new home and are so thankful that we selected Zerner Building Company for the build,” said Tracey. “They took the stress out of building a new house and made it a wonderful experience. We would highly recommend building with them, as they have such an amazing group of trades that assist with a high-quality build”. “Naomi is such a pleasure to liaise with during the process, keeping you informed every step of the way. We love the work they have done for us and the back up support they have provided as new to the area”.

Where It All Began: Zerner Building Company, a Breif History

Zerner Building Company has been constructing custom-designed homes for clients in Gympie and all surrounding regions—from the Wide Bay to the Sunshine Coast—since early 2014. Back then, the team was a humble but hardworking duo, building 3-4 houses a year. Less than 10 years later, Chrishan and his team have grown Zerner Building Co into what it is today, handcrafting large-scale architectural homes and building up to 25 homes a year.

However, for founder Chrishan, the story began well before that. Growing up in the construction world, Chrishan picked up his first tool at the age of 8 and immediately fell in love with the industry. After completing his carpentry apprenticeship, Chrishan went on to master his building certification. With over 20 years in the industry, he has developed an unrivalled intuition for what each project needs. Chrishan’s greatest asset—attention to detail—ensures that he and his team deliver the level of customer care, creativity, and craftsmanship that every homeowner hopes for.

Awards and Recognition

Awards and Recognition

Zerner Building Company’s commitment to excellence has been recognised within the industry, earning accolades such as:

  • Sunshine Coast Housing & Construction Awards 2019 – Renovation/Remodelling Project
  • Sunshine Coast Housing & Construction Awards 2024 – Individual Home

Being selected as finalists in these prestigious awards reflects the high level of craftsmanship, design, and dedication to quality that Zerner Building Company is known for.

At the 2024 Master Builders Awards, Chrishan is pictured on the right with his award, and far right with his supportive wife, Jess, who not only stands by his side but is also a successful business owner, running Havana Hair & Beauty.

Conclusion

Zerner Building Company’s commitment to craftsmanship and attention to detail is evident in every aspect of this beautiful coastal retreat. From the innovative design and seamless integration with the surrounding environment, to the careful selection of high-quality materials and finishes, this home stands as a testament to the company’s ability to turn dreams into reality.

The Tin Can Bay project not only showcases the skill and dedication of Chrishan and his team, but also reflects their deep understanding of what makes a home truly special—creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom-designed coastal escape or a luxurious family home, Zerner Building Company is ready to bring your vision to life with the same care, precision, and passion that has earned them a well-deserved reputation in the building industry. Let Zerner Building Company help you design and build the home you’ve always imagined where quality, style, and thoughtful design come together seamlessly.

Zerner Building Company’s Experience with My Photography

Chrishan was happy to share his thoughts my photography for the Tin Can Bay Esplanade Build, saying:

I have had the pleasure of working with Thomas Studios Photography on several projects, and I couldn’t be happier with the results!
As a builder, showcasing our new builds effectively is crucial, and Bernie exceeded all my expectations.

Bernie has a keen eye for detail and knows how to highlight the unique features of each property. The photos turned out stunning—crisp, clear, and beautifully composed.
Bernie was also very professional and easy to work with, making the whole process smooth and enjoyable.

If you’re looking for a talented photographer who delivers exceptional work, I highly recommend Thomas Studios!”

The Soul of Zerner: Chrishan on Craftsmanship, The Esplanade Build and Client Care

We had the opportunity to connect with Chrishan, founder of Zerner Building Company, who generously gave up his valuable time to share insights into the values and motivations that drive both him and his business. Here’s what he shared about the Tin Can Bay project, his team, and his approach to building:

Q: What unique challenges did the Tin Can Bay project present, and how did you overcome them?

A: The only real “challenge” we faced initially was working within the boundary restrictions on the block so the home had to be designed with those in mind. At times, the weather was also a challenge; I think Tin Can Bay receives more rain than here in Gympie. The other thing that could be seen as challenging was that the owners lived away, so constant communication was extremely important with this build.


Q: How do you balance staying within the client’s vision while also bringing your own expertise and creativity to the table?

A: Communication is the most important thing in this industry, and so is trust. These two things build a strong foundation. I think it is important to really take the time to understand the client’s vision for the home, that way I am able to guide them in a way that best represents their end goal for the home.


Q: Can you describe any standout features or materials used in the Tin Can Bay home that you feel really make it special?

A: Custom-made timber front door, outstanding custom-made cabinetry including a built-in buffet. 3-metre high ceilings.


Q: How does the location of the build—being so close to the water—affect your design decisions and material choices?

A: The proximity to water influenced our design decisions, especially in terms of material selection and construction techniques. Being so close to the water exposes the building to harsher environmental conditions, such as increased humidity, saltwater exposure, and potential storm surges.

These factors can impact the longevity and performance of materials if not carefully chosen. We decided to use James Hardie cladding for the exterior because it’s highly durable and resistant to these environmental challenges. Its ability to withstand moisture, salt, and wind makes it an ideal choice for coastal areas, where other materials might degrade more quickly. Additionally, we prioritised durable materials that could handle the challenging conditions, such as corrosion-resistant metals for structural components, and high-performance windows that can prevent water infiltration.


Q: Given the coastal location, how do you incorporate sustainability and energy efficiency into your builds?

A: Our approach considers not only energy efficiency requirements but also local climate factors like coastal winds, sun exposure, and humidity, allowing us to optimise natural light, ventilation, and cooling. This reduces the need for energy-intensive heating or cooling. Factors that contribute to lower operating costs for the client include things such as energy-efficient lighting and appliances, water-efficient fixtures, and we also choose durable, locally sourced materials where possible to minimise transport and ensure longevity, and low environmental impact.


Q: Now, when it comes to the overall process, what’s your role like day-to-day? How hands-on are you with the building process?

A: I like to be very hands-on and involved. I am involved from the initial meeting, designing of the home, and modifications, and then I am very involved throughout the build process. I am on-site most days and have regular meetings and project reviews on-site with my team, and also regular meetings and phone calls with my clients during the build.


Q: Can you talk about your core team and how you select subcontractors and tradespeople?

A: All of my carpenters are employees, and we don’t outsource/subcontract carpentry. All skills are taught by myself or other experienced carpenters in our team. Our subcontracts are all long-term subcontractors that we have been working with for more than a decade. Some of the subcontracts we use I have known since I was a kid. All of our subcontracts are local.


Q: What excites you most when approaching a new build project?

A: New challenges, new ideas/designs, new relationships, new products, bringing the design to life. All of our builds are completely customised to the client, so each build feels like a new venture.


Q: What part of the building process do you find the most rewarding, and why?

A: Handover day!!! This is the day we get to hand the house over to the client. The home is complete, and so is the vision. The clients are excited and see everything complete after months of planning and waiting. This day marks a new chapter for our clients.


Q: Looking ahead, how do you envision the future of Zerner Building Company evolving over the next few years?

A: My focus at the moment is to maintain consistency and continue to grow and build our reputation within the community while also expanding our ever-evolving skillset.


Q: Finally, is there a particular project or aspect of the Tin Can Bay build that you’re especially proud of?

A: I think this property has great street appeal, but mostly I am proud of our team’s ability to manage expectations and communication with owners to deliver a beautiful home. My ultimate goal is to see the owners happy at the end of every project; this is really what drives me.


Ready to Capture Your Projects Best Features?

Let us showcase your latest build or project. Contact me today to schedule professional photography that will highlight every detail and bring your staging to life. With a keen eye for capturing the essence of each space, I’ll ensure your home’s charm and potential shine through in every shot. Reach out now and let’s make your property stand out in the best possible light!

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