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About

About Us

Creating Better Duplex Opportunities on the Sunshine Coast

At EMPIRE8®, we believe a successful duplex project starts well before construction begins.

With more than 25 years of experience in property, we have developed and built properties across growth areas and understand what it takes to turn a property opportunity into a successful project.

Whether you’re investing, looking to make the most of your existing property or creating your next property opportunity, we understand that building a duplex is a significant decision. You want to know that your project is in the right hands.

That’s where we come in.

What makes EMPIRE8® different is that we are both the developer and the builder. We don’t hand your project from one company to another. We manage the entire process ourselves — giving you one team, one point of contact and one person ultimately responsible for getting the job done.

And importantly, you deal directly with the owner and decision-maker.

That means we are personally involved in the details that matter. We oversee the trades, monitor the build, manage the process and make the decisions required to keep your project moving forward.

We believe good communication is just as important as good construction. You should always know what is happening with your project, where it is up to and what comes next.

Our goal is to make the process as straightforward and transparent as possible while delivering a quality duplex that is designed around the site, the market and your individual goals.

We take ownership of your project from day one — and we stay involved until the keys are in your hands.

That’s the EMPIRE8® difference.

Our Mission

At EMPIRE8®, our mission is to create quality duplex and dual occupancy projects that offer more than just a finished property.

We are committed to providing a personal, seamless and enjoyable experience for every client, combining our property and building expertise with thoughtful design, quality workmanship and genuine communication.

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More Than Your Typical Duplex Experts

We don’t just build duplexes — we take care of the entire journey.

We combine property development expertise, building experience and a genuinely personal approach to make your duplex project as straightforward and enjoyable as possible.

A Simple, Stress-Free Process

Building a duplex can feel complicated, but it doesn’t have to be.

We coordinate the process from the initial idea through to design, approvals, construction and completion, giving you one experienced team to guide you every step of the way.

One Team. One Point of Contact

You’ll deal directly with the owners who make the decisions and oversee your project, giving you a personal point of contact throughout the entire process.

Duplex Industry Experts

With more than 25 years of property industry experience and more than 100 duplexes delivered, we understand what works — and what doesn’t.

We use our experience to help you make informed decisions and create a duplex that is practical, desirable and suited to its location.

Communication You Can Rely On

We believe great communication is one of the most important parts of a successful project.

You’ll receive clear, regular updates throughout the process, so you always know what’s happening, what’s next and who is taking care of it.

Quality From Design to Completion

Every project is different, which is why we take a considered approach to design and construction.

We focus on thoughtful design, quality workmanship and attention to detail to create homes that look great, function well and stand the test of time.

An Experience That Matters

We believe the experience you have with us is just as important as the finished product.

From your first conversation with Paula through to the completion of your project, we genuinely care about making the journey personal, enjoyable and rewarding.

We treat every project as though it were our own.

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Denis Harris

Dual Occupancy | Duplex Specialist | Licensed Builder

“I believe communication and connection are the two keys to find a solution for any situation.”

With almost three decades of experience across property, construction, project management and quality assurance, Denis brings a unique combination of practical building knowledge, commercial experience and a genuine commitment to his clients.

As the owner and licensed builder of EMPIRE8®, Denis is personally involved in every project. He is on-site every day, working directly with the trades and overseeing the build from start to finish. This hands-on approach allows him to maintain close control over workmanship, quality, timelines and the finer details that can make the difference to a successful project.

Communication is central to the way Denis works. Clients can expect regular updates throughout their build, so they can see the progress and understand exactly what is happening at each stage.

Experience That Makes a Difference

Originally from New Zealand, Denis moved to Australia with his family more than 20 years ago and continued to build on his professional qualifications and experience. His background includes international welding inspection, lead auditing, contracts management, quality assurance, safety controls and project management.

His extensive experience in construction and quality management led to senior management roles within the oil and gas and resources industries, working with major organisations including Shell, Caltex, BHP Iron Ore, Vale and Chevron.

When Denis established EMPIRE8®, he made the decision to complete his Queensland builder’s licence so he could take direct responsibility for the construction process and deliver the level of quality, control and service he expects for every client.

Today, Denis combines his extensive industry experience with a hands-on approach to building, giving clients the confidence of knowing that the person they speak to is also the person responsible for their project on the ground.

Beyond the Build

Outside of EMPIRE8®, Denis enjoys rugby and travelling with his family. Exploring different countries, cultures and food gives him the opportunity to experience new places and create lasting memories with his family.

Paula Harris

Dual Occupancy/Duplex Specialist

“All you have in business is your reputation, so it’s important to keep your word”.

For Paula, creating an exceptional client experience is at the heart of everything she does.

From the very first conversation, Paula takes the time to understand what each client is looking to achieve, guiding them through the process and making sure they feel informed, supported and confident every step of the way.

With expertise across sales, marketing and project management, Paula brings a strong understanding of both the property market and the importance of delivering a personalised experience. She works closely with every client from the initial enquiry through to completion, ensuring communication remains clear, expectations are managed and no detail is overlooked.

Paula believes that building or developing a property should be an exciting experience, not a stressful one. Her approachable and hands-on style means clients always have someone they can turn to, with a genuine commitment to making the entire journey as seamless and enjoyable as possible.

For Paula, it’s not simply about delivering a successful project — it’s about making sure clients enjoy the experience of getting there.

Her commitment to doing what she says, keeping clients informed and going the extra mile has become an important part of the EMPIRE8® experience.

Beyond the Business

Outside of EMPIRE8®, Paula enjoys travelling, spending time with family, relaxing at the beach and watching a good movie.

Sunshine Coast Duplex Specialists

Paying It Forward

Giving back and paying it forward is something we do with part of the proceeds from every duplex/dual occupancy project.

Need a feed

Need A Feed

We are proud to support Need a Feed, which helps local families in times of need by providing food and personal care items.

Sunshine Coast Duplex Specialists

Hands Across The Water

Paula and Denis cycle across Thailand (500km in 5 days) once a year to raise money for orphans and underprivileged children in Thailand.

Kiva Loans that change lives

Kiva: Loans That Change Lives

Our donations allow Kiva to provide small business loans to entrepreneurs in developing countries around the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Not every property is suitable for a duplex, it will depend on Council requirements. We can carry out a site check and let you know the requirements. As duplex experts on the Sunshine Coast, we handle all Council requirements.

Yes, as both a builder and developer, we understand the project from the initial idea through to the finished property. We do everything on your behalf, so you don’t have to worry about anything.

A knockdown and rebuild can be an excellent option where your existing property is suitable. EMPIRE8® can organize this from start to finish.

Yes. You’ll deal directly with the owners who make the decisions. We believe you should have direct access to the people responsible for your project, without having to work through layers of management.

Yes. If you don’t have land, EMPIRE8® can help you identify and assess properties that may be suitable for a duplex.

Every duplex project is different, so there is no one-size-fits-all price. Costs can vary depending on the design, size, site conditions, earthworks, services, finishes and other project requirements.

A duplex is two separate homes built on one property. At completion they can be strata titled, and can then be sold separately. We organize the strata titles on your behalf.

The approvals required depend on the individual property and proposed development. EMPIRE8® handles this for you.

Absolutely. We believe the design should work with the block, not simply be placed on it. We consider the site’s orientation, access, privacy, outdoor living, functionality and the needs of the people who will ultimately live there.

Yes. If you already have your own plans or designs, we can work with you to bring your project through to construction.

Every project is different. The overall timeframe can include design, approvals, pre-construction and the construction period. Site conditions and project complexity can also affect the timeframe. We’ll discuss the expected timeframe for your individual project before construction begins.

Yes. Some clients live in one and sell or rent the other, while others retain both as investments or sell both.

At completion of the build, Council sign off on the project by sealing the plans, and then they are lodged with the titles office to be split into two titles. At that stage you can sell them separately.

Yes we can help organise property management once your duplex is complete. Our involvement doesn’t necessarily have to end when construction finishes—we can help make the transition to renting or selling as seamless as possible.

Absolutely. A duplex isn’t just for investors. It can provide an opportunity for homeowners to make better use of their property, downsizers to create a more manageable home, or families to live close together while maintaining separate homes.

The first step is to talk to us. Whether you already own land, are considering a knockdown and rebuild, have duplex plans or need help finding the right property, we’ll help you understand your options and determine the best next step.