House of the Year
The highly sought after title of the PlaceMakers Supreme Award for the House of the Year went to Glenroy Housing Limited for its development of a paradise retreat in Mahau Sound in Marlborough. The striking home also took out the New Homes $350,000 - $450,000 category – showing that top quality can be achieved across any price category.
“This builder probably gave more thought per square metre to this home than any other entry in this year’s competition,” national competition judges said.
“An intense build, with extraordinary environmental awareness unique in its category, the builder delivered a 131 square metre home with an extremely high level of difficulty.”
The four-bedroom, three-bathroom home also boasts stunning views across the water and takes advantage of all day sun.
“The simple diagonal cut was the masterstroke of this home resulting in acute angles and detailing that has been executed with almost faultless workmanship. A supreme achievement, deserving of 2011’s top honour for new homes,” judges said.
Renovation of the Year
Clarke Construction’s four-bedroom renovation wowed the competition’s judges, who described the home as, “Sympathetic craftsmanship with exquisite attention to detail, and great teamwork between client, builder and architect.”
The home’s extension consists of three separate pavilions, seamlessly connected through modern flat roof sections to blend perfectly with the existing structure.
“The renovation replicates the original home to a ‘t’ with faultless workmanship delivering the best of the original design and home, with contemporary living,” judges said.
“A stunning result for a first time entrant in the competition.”
Commercial Project of the Year
Mainzeal Property and Construction Limited took out the RMB Commercial Project of the Year, as well as the Industrial and Infrastructure Project for its development of The Rock at Wellington Airport.
Inspired by the surrounding environment, the angular forms of the terminal reflect the character of the rock formations along the Wellington coastline. Reference has also been made to the area’s landform and the introduction of fissures and strata became features that articulated the form, scale, and massing of the design.
Judges said, “This extremely complex build was executed to perfection, resulting in a truly sensational building and environment to be in.”
“The construction team, who made a superb job of a very innovative and extremely difficult structure to build, is a deserving recipient of this year’s RMB Commercial Project of the Year.”
Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Warwick Quinn says the House of the Year competition continues to set the standard for construction in New Zealand.
“Irrespective of the extreme circumstances the industry is facing at present, this competition once again proves that Registered Master Builders continue to deliver quality products in residential and commercial markets,” Mr Quinn says.
“Our organisation is looking toward a brighter future for building in New Zealand and our members will be right there at the forefront.”
John Beveridge, CE of principal sponsor PlaceMakers congratulated all the Gold Reserve finalists and winners.
"These builders are the leaders that will inspire and reinvigorate our industry through their example and commitment to excellence. We need to make the process of building a home enjoyable for the client, an enriching experience that encourages a renewal of interest in building your ideal house,” Mr Beveridge said.
"Recognising quality and premium building skills has never been more important in a climate when certainty is so difficult to come by."
The finalists – all National Gold Reserve winners – were selected from 14 regional competitions held throughout New Zealand during June, July and August.
The Awards are made possible through the support of principal sponsor PlaceMakers, and supporting sponsors James Hardie, Gib Living®, Pink® Batts® Ultra® (Tasman Insulation), Nulook, and the Department of Building and Housing.
For information about the competition, visit the Registered Master Builders website www.masterbuilder.org.nz.
