Double trophies for KI

Kangaroo Island builders Luke and Sharon Kauppila have back up last year's win at the Master Builders Association of South Australia Awards, taking home two trophies against impressive competition this year.

Kauppila Pty Ltd won two accolades for its Little Sahara interpretive centre project - Excellence in Commerical / Industrial Building up to $1 million and Excellence in Environmental and Sustainable Construction - Commerical.

The Little Sahara project was built for KI Outdoor Action to a design by renowned architect Max Pritchard.

Kauppila Pty Ltd won at last year's awards for Excellence in Environmental and Sustainable Construction - Residential.

"It's a real thrill to be recognised within the building and construction industry and win these awards. We were up against some big projects and big builders in the Commerical / Industrial building category," Ms Kauppila said.

"The site at Little Sahara provided some unique challenges for us and our sub-contractors. We were extremely conscious of creating a work site with minimal impacts on the environment as well as maintaining the site so that this popular tourist venue could continue to operate through its busy season. It was satisfying to bring Max's vision to life and to contribute to a quality ecotourism development on the island," she said.

Kauppila Builders is an advocate for the building and construction industry on Kangaroo Island, recognising the imprtance of using local, skilled trades and suppliers. "Keeping the money invested in Kangaroo Island, on Kangaroo Island is very imprtant to our Community," Ms Kauppila said.

With possible upcoming infrastructure development on Kangaroo Island, the Kauppila's believe that there are the skills and the builders locally to have a crack at tendering for some of these bigger commercial works.

"It is imperative that these opportunities are provided within the tendering process and that builders step up to the mark."

Ms Kauppila is also the Chair of Business Kangaroo Island. "We are positive about the future and want local businesses to be given a go - if winning these awards helps to highlight this for the building and construction industry, then it is a win-win for everyone."