Breen Construction has received the Supreme Award (under $10M) for its work on the Scapegrace Distillery at the 2025 Commercial Building Awards.

The building was designed by Cheshire Architects and delivered by Breen Construction as project owner and project manager, and the team also included HFC Structures Ltd and Pacific Process.

Breen Construction commercial director Peter Breen said his team was proud the win the award, which he said was the culmination of “many years of great work by our people”.

“It speaks to the strength and skill of our team and we’re ever grateful for the trust that Scapegrace placed in us to deliver such a significant project.”

The distillery in the Bendigo hills reflects Scapegrace’s carbon-zero objectives (achieved through initiatives such as a renewable electricity-powered electrode boiler) and supported by Breen’s waste-reduction strategy throughout the build.

The project required significant technical coordination, including the installation of large copper stills shipped from Scotland. The laminated veneer lumber (LVL) portal frame was another structural highlight, assembled in ground-level segments using a custom scaffold system to minimise risk and maximise build efficiency.

“Breen Construction rose to the challenge and exceeded every expectation, delivering a facility that is not just functional but a true masterpiece in craftsmanship,” Scapegrace managing director Danial McLaughlin said.

“What has stood out most throughout the process has been their meticulous attention to detail. The end result is a distillery that not only reflects the high standards of our brand but also stands as an architectural landmark in its own right.”

The judging panel noted the project’s visionary design approach, careful material selections, and environmental leadership. They also noted the team’s ability to navigate complex weather conditions and manage a high degree of technical complexity, all while maintaining exceptional attention to detail across both interior and exterior finishes.