Housing & Construction Awards 2019 Excellence in Building Downs & Western

Downs Do&Western wns

Spotlight shines on Downs and Western

Builders Awards carrydistinguished historyofshowcasing industry’sbest

SOMETIMES, in ourbusydaily lives –nomatter what industry you’reworkingin–it’s easy to see endless to-do lists and overlook celebrating our own success

Master Builders Housing and Construction Awards provides an opportunity for the building and construction industry to takeamoment to celebrate successand receive recognition for their astoundingwork.

It also provides an opportunity for the broader community to get takepride in the amazing work being produced in our Queensland communities

Master Builders Housing and Construction Awards cater for entrants from apprentices,trade contractors and small family businesses, to the biggest names in the building and construction industry

Each year,the bar seemstoberaised higher and this year was no exception. The excellent quality highlights the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of Downs and Western’s Master Builders.

short-list. After passionate discussionand, sometimes, debate –one winnerwas selected for each category

Each of our entrants has put their business, product and workmanship under scrutinyaspart of an extremely competitive process.Their work, whether awinner this year or not, is acredit to the unwavering quality and craftsmanship of an authentic Master Builder

Since 1882, MasterBuilders has been the voice of the industry,representing the interests of our members and the broader industry

We arethe peak body of practical and relevant information to the industry and consumers and we have helped thousands of builders and trade contractors to operate professional, profitable and viable businesses that deliver superiorquality and craftsmanship to their customers.

Linda Rosengreen MasterBuilders Downs and Western regional manager

“The

Over the past few months,our panel of judges have attended each entrant’s propertyand made athorough assessment of each entry against the strict awards criteria list. The judges aren’t looking for the cleanest home or the best interior design. Their eagleeyes are homed in on workmanship, degree of construction difficulty,external appeal, siting and aspect, along with amenities and aesthetics.

Meeting over several days, they began to makea

The Downs and Western Housing and Construction Awards carry along and distinguishedhistory of showcasing the absolute best in the industry,and the level of competition among this year’s entrants is unsurpassed

If you areconsidering anew build or renovation, consider this book ashowcase of the incredible work that can be achieved when choosing aMaster Builder

Get in touch with one of the award–winning builders featuredheredirectly,oruse our Find aMasterBuilder search at www.mbqld.com.au.

from our judges has noted the high calibre of entrants; both those we’ve not seen in the awards

those

stellar work and made our judges’ job adifficult one.”

Do you knowwho you’re building with?

There are thousands of builders, but not all are Master Builders

DID you catch our televisionadrecently?

It featured aman at home, getting readyfor the day, newspaperinone hand and fresh glass of orange juice in the other

Sitting at his kitchen counter,hesets his glass down.

No sooner,itstarts sliding away down the bench.

Frustrated,hegrabs at the glass and firmly places it back down on thecounter

Sureenough, it starts sliding away again.

We really wanted to get you thinking about who you use for your renovations or new builds. Why?

Because, as the television ad highlighted, finding out your builder is aMaster Builder surebeats finding out they’renot.

Making the choice to buildorrenovate ahome can be one of the biggest and most rewarding investments of your life, so it’s important to get it right and set agood foundation for your build.

And, whilethereisnodoubt alaundry list of decisions for you to makealong the way,doing your homework to find the right builder for your needs shouldbeyour top priority

But, we recognise it’s not always clear who is and isn’t aMaster Builder

That’s why our dedicated team at Master Builders have taken the hard work and stress out of your search with our Find aMasterBuilder search —it’s an incredible tool, made just for you.

We know from feedback that, when people arelooking to buildorrenovate, they want the most up-to-date and reliable informationattheir fingertips but, at times, that can be hard to find.

Through the promotion of our television campaign, the Find aMaster Builder search traffic increased 200 per cent (compared to this time last year) as would-be home builders and renovators rejoiced in the knowledge of an easy-to-use tool for cutting through the clutter and finding the right builder for their needs.

The search is free and we urge you to try it out for yourself

If you head to the Master Builders website at www.mbqld.com.au, you’ll see the Find aMaster Builder search handy on our homepage.

Here, you entera few details aboutwhat you’relooking for and whereyou live, and alist of relevant builders and trade contractors will be populated for you.

By choosing aMaster Builder,you build with peace of mind that you’ve chosen aquality,trustedand properly licensed contractor

Master Builders members complete morethan 80 per centofbuilding work in Queensland, so rest assured that wherever you live, there’ll be aquality Master Builder therefor you and your home.

But, let’s be real.

Building is acomplex process and problemscan and do arise,which can lead to disputes.

The added benefit of using aMaster Builder is that, if you find yourself in one of these situations, Master Builders is on hand to assist.

If you’relooking to build or renovate and after testing out the search to find alist of builders,head to your nearest display village and meet with their home experts.

Youwill have the chance to walk through afull-scale display home that will give you the opportunity to check the quality of the build for yourself and get afeel for what features, materials and colour you do and don’t like.

If you’relooking to do arenovation, the display village showcases the latest trendsand gives you endless inspirationfor whatever projectyou areready to takeon.

To test out the MasterBuilder search and find the right builder for your home, visit www.mbqld.com.au or call 1300 305 010 for further information.

PEOPLE’SCHOICEAWARD

SUPPORT

Master Builders Downs &Western Winners 2019

Master Builders congratulates this year’s winners who have demonstrated excellence across awide range of categories

CONSTRUCTION

Health Facilitiesupto$20 million Bernie McGlynnConstructions St Andrew’s Hospital Mental Health Ward

EducationFacilities up to $10million Hutchinson Builders

Downlands CollegeMooney Wing Refurbishment

Sporting Facilities

Northbuild Construction Toowoomba Grammar School Glen McCracken Sports Centre

Community Service Facilities

GemLife

GemLife Highfields Country Club

Retail Facilitiesupto$5million Hutchinson Builders Westbrook 7-Eleven

Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million Hutchinson Builders

EmpireTheatreRefurbishment Stage 1and Stage 2

Commercial Building up to $5 million Hutchinson Builders Summer House

Commercial Building $5 million-$50 million FKGGroup Pulse Data Centre

Industrial Buildingupto$5million

Steinmuller Constructions

Charlton Asphalt Plant

Community Accommodation for Aged Care and Nursing Homes

Woollam Constructions

OzcareToowoomba Aged CareFacility

Refurbishment/Renovationupto$750,000 JankeConstructions

East Toowoomba Skin Cancer Clinic

Refurbishment/Renovationover $750,000 FKGGroup

Bellevue Hotel Redevelopment

HOUSING

Home Renovation/Remodelling Projectupto $275,000

LavishConstructions

East Residence

Home Renovation/Remodelling Project $276,000-$575,000

Hancock Builders Parkin

Home Renovation/Remodelling Projectover$1 million Mark Winter Constructions

Fernside

Display Home up to $250,000 Nick RuhleHomes

The Cunningham

Display Home $251,000-$350,000

KevMorris Builder The Sarah

Display Home $351,000-$450,000 Hotondo Homes Toowoomba Jaxton

IndividualHome up to $250,000 Antonio Building Belle Vue

IndividualHome $251,000-$350,000 Gordon BourkeConstructions Kellett Residence

IndividualHome $351,000-$450,000 UrbaneBuild Herbert Residence

IndividualHome $451,000-$550,000 Windamere Homes The Richmond

IndividualHome $551,000-$650,000 PerformanceBuilding Group Mayes Residence

IndividualHome $651,000-$750,000 Bryant Brothers Jacquelyn Residence

IndividualHome $751,000-$950,000 Bryant Brothers HamptonPark

IndividualHome $951,000-$1.25 million Gordon BourkeConstructions Ingleden

IndividualHome $1.26 million-$2 million Nick Ruhle Homes Rascal Views

Best Use of Sloping Sites Downs Designer Homes Skye Residence

Excellence in Sustainable Living Swish Homes Golf Course Project

Best Rural and Remote Home JTorrisi Building Hale Haven

TRADE CONTRACTOR/ SPECIALTY

BestResidentialBathroom Gordon BourkeConstructions Ingleden

BestResidentialKitchen Mark WinterConstructions Fernside

BestResidentialSwimmingPool Mark WinterConstructions Fernside

INDIVIDUAL

Residential Trade Contractor of the Year Weston Kitchens and Bathrooms Cranley Project

Commercial TradeContractor of the Year NRG Electrical Pulse Data Centre

David Turton Memorial Award

Southern CrossBricklaying Toowoomba Grammar School Glen McCracken Sports Centre

Apprentice of the Year Jack Vonhoff Lavish Constructions

Rising Star TomHaydock Lavish Constructions

Women In Building RebeccaSutton JHutchinson Pty Ltd T/A

MAJOR

President’s Award Gordon BourkeConstructions Kellett Residence

Project of the Year

Northbuild Construction Toowoomba Grammar School Glen McCracken Sports Centre

House of the Year Nick Ruhle Homes Rascal Views

ABOVE: Photo contributed. TOP RIGHT:Photo by LucyRC Photography RIGHT:Photo contributed.

NickRuhleHomes wins House of the Year

WITH adistinctly Australian take on the classic Hamptonsstyle, thisstunningresidence is nestled on aleafytwo hectare bushlandblockand features everything you couldwantinaluxuryhome.

Now aprivate and peaceful sanctuary,the sloping site and highly reactive soil type initially posed asignificant problem for constructing aslab-on-ground home.

The engineered slab sits on morethan 140concrete piers –some of which aresix metresdeep –with extensive retaining works undertaken before construction.

At first sight, the homeprovides adefinite “wow factor”; exhibiting the expert craftsmanship and attention to detail for which Nick Ruhle Homes is known.

Extensive use of naturalstone and timber throughout the residenceprovides asense of luxury —from sandstone, recycled timber tops and blackbutt flooring, to stone bench tops and floor-to-ceiling tiling in each of the bathrooms.

The light and airy colour scheme, coupled with features likecoffered ceilings, window seats and wainscoting, lend Hamptonselements to this Queensland home.

As you enter the home, astunning 2000-litremarine aquarium (that can be viewed from three sides) welcomes you –and the result is breathtaking Rascal Views featurestwo levels with six bedrooms, five bathrooms and apowder room, as well as aguest room with ensuite.

Each of the bathrooms features floor-to-ceiling tiles, custom two-pac shaker-style joinery and elegant porcelain handled tapware,with double vanities in the main bathroom and master ensuite.

The striking bar and games room –featuring recycled timber –leads to the beautifultropical-themed pool area, wherearaked ceiling with corniced panelling and exposedrafters and beams houses the outdoor kitchen with purpose-built pizza oven.

The kids arewell cateredfor with their own playroom

and outdoor area adjacent to the kitchen, with joinery-made homework stations and built-in storage cupboards.

The five-and-a-half metre void at the centreofthe home features an internalgardenand striking teardrop chandelier,with abeautiful blackbutt staircase and wainscoted walls which begin in the downstairs halls and continue throughout upstairs.

The large master suite appears to sit among the treetops, with double sliding doors opening onto the open pergola and extensive windows (including a window seat) overlooking the landscaped gardens

With ducted air-conditioningand both gas and timber heaters and ceiling fans throughout, thereare ample facilities to maintain acomfortable living environment.

However,the energy efficient claddings combined with cleverair movement design mean that these modern conveniences arenot often required, as the structuremaintainswarmth in the winter and remains cool even during the hottest parts of the year

The family wanted to create aspacious and comfortable homewith special features and asense of luxury,but also an environment wherethe children could play and be themselves without the need to be too precious about the house.

The result is atimeless and classic Queensland home with elements borrowedfromthe classic Hamptons style –arelaxingand unique sanctuary in which this busy family can grow up.

‘Rascal Views’ is aspacious and comfortable family home amid the peace and quiet of Mount Rascal

“This ‘forever’ home was many years in the making, with the design stage focusing on the needs of the young family as the children transition into teenage years.”

Project of the Year

WITH the construction of thenew Glen McCracken Sports Centre, Toowoomba Grammar Schooltookonone of its largest projects in its144-yearhistory.

Northbuild Construction was enlisted to carry out this award-winning project,which included the demolition of the existing manual arts building and removal of sections of the sports department located within the new building’s footprint.

The project also involved the removalof 14,000cb mofmaterial and the construction of a 13-metrehigh retaining wall.

The new 3815sq mstadium includes a multi-court area on level 1, consisting of two full-sized basketball courts, which doubles as three volleyball or nine badminton courts and is overlooked by tiered spectator seating at its north and south ends.

At ground level, you’ll find acricket area with netting and synthetic grass floor

On level 2, classrooms, staff offices and a kitchenette overlook Trustees Oval to the east.

The mezzanineprovides aviewing area and futureteaching space that overlooks the cricket nets on the ground floor below

All four of the building’s levels serviced by a passenger lift.

Extensive landscaping went into the project, including anew covered walkway with exposed aggregate paving and feature-face brickwork in the aquatic centrecarpark, which was redesigned and now features anew drop-off area forstaff and students.

Finished in the school’s traditional face brickwork to match other buildings throughout the school precinct, the building also includes some modern cladding materials

The heart of the building is the main courtarea on level 1, the walls of which arefinished with a combination of acoustic panels,PVC sports padding and perforatedpanels.

The basketball backboard structures are motorised and suspended from the ceiling, while directly fixed to the structural steel.

Amotorised dividing curtain can also be lowered to separate the two mainbasketball courts.

And, high up in the south-east corner,isthe “Bio Box” area used for videoingand recording games.

Six bays of retractableseats –totalling 450 seats –can be wheeled out from the eastern wall and quickly assembled to provide additional grandstand seating

Northbuild’s regional manager Andrew Civil said they wereextremely proud to have constructed this new state-of-the-art facilityfor ToowoombaGrammar School, with each stage of the project requiring specific construction skills and technical demands.

The project team consisted of Aspect Architects, Wilson Architects, Kehoe Myers Engineers, Moreton Hydraulics and Umow Lai, with Richard Anderson as the landscape designer

The project was completed with the help of mostly local subcontractors and suppliers, with the exclusion of certain specialisttrades from Brisbaneand the structural steel being drafted and fabricated in Bundaberg by Caneland Engineering.

Northbuild Constructions awarded for the Glen McCracken Sports Centre at Toowoomba Grammar School

TOP &T OP RIGHT :P hotos by Christopher Fr ederick Jones. LEFT :P hotos contributed.

“The projectsports high–level finishes, both externally and internally.”

Kellett Residence impresses

Gordon BourkeConstructions have taken home the President’s Award

HAVING enteredtheir Kellett Residenceproject in the Individual Home$251,000 to $350,000 category, Gordon BourkeConstructions’ project impressed judges enough to warrantthe President’sAward.

This stylish home is packed with features –fromthe four generous bedrooms and study,tothe spacious media room, the north-facing landscaped court, and the light and airy open-plan living areas –but it’s the detail in the finishes that really deliverthe “wow” factor

The gourmet kitchen is astudy in contrasts, with a combination of matt black and white cabinetry,sleek white stone bench-tops and afeatureglass splash-back, bringing the outside in.

Although beautiful to look at, this kitchen is also extremely functional with aglazed scullery and ample storage in the walk-in pantry.

Opening directly to the wrap-around alfresco, the kitchen is ideally positioned for the north-easterly aspect and perfect for entertaining.

The master suite is aluxury retreat, featuring a concealedHollywood wardrobe with extensive storage and an opulentensuite featuring twin basins,a free-standing bathtuband aspacious walk-in shower with featuremarbletiles.

This elegant interior theme continues through the otherwet areas, with herringbone marble tiling complementingstylish wall-hung timber vanities

This is an impressive home that combines premium quality with enviablestyle and, according to Gordon BourkeConstructions, also represents exceptional value for money.

The Richmond wowedjudges

WINDAMEREHomes is afamily-owned business that cantrulycall itselfa“local”.

Now in its 12th year as part of the construction industry,the Windamereteam has completed morethan 150homes in Highfields/Toowoomba and the surrounding area.

The proud owners —Paul and Tina Schriek —have put together agreat team, talented in their craft.

Included in this team,isWindamere’s in-house building designer,making it easier for clientstodesign their own homes.

“Wedesign and build small and large sizehomes, depending on the client,” Ms Schrieksaid.

The team will help clients to hand-select all of their products and colours and walks clients through the

building process from start to finish.

“This makes building anew home very personaland we makeitanenjoyable experience,” Ms Schriek said.

Mr Schriek said the thingthat set WindamereHomes apart from its competitiors was their hands-on approach. He said staffwould even help clients select the right block of land.

“Wehavebeen lucky enough to win acouple of Master Builders awardsinthe past,” Ms Schriek said, adding that they werevery proud of the up-market home they entered into the awards this year

At the moment, WindamereHomes is working closely with some first home owners to design cost-effective plans and realistic costingsfor clients looking to get into their first homeaseasy as possible

They welcome you to contact them about your needs.

“Weare morethan happy to passonany advice or recommendations to makebuilding your first home a pleasure, not apressure,” Mr Schriek said.

Buildwith aWinner!

“Winning awards is agreat achievement, but we really pride ourselves on our relationship with our clients some of whom we consider great friends now.”

Building asolid reputation

THERE’S no better example of that thanToowoomba’s Southern CrossBricklaying

Fromhumble beginnings in 1996,the company soon expanded with Ricky Brunner and wife Karen taking over the reins completely in 2002.

It has operated for morethan 23 years, setting the standard in domestic and commercial block and bricklaying, not just for the Darling Downs, but across Queensland and beyond. The company employs more than 35 staffincluding sons Tim, operations manager, Todd, admin and health and safety,and daughter Caitlin in an administrative capacity

“Our keypeople have been with the company for more than 15-plus years. That gives us awealth of experience and knowledge to call on and guarantees our clients are receiving the very best servicefromday one,” Mr Brunner said.

Southern Cross Bricklaying’s latest major project had them work closely with Northbuild on the impressive

Glen McCracken Sports Centre at Toowoomba Grammar School.

“It’s definitely one of our Top-10 jobs,” Mr Brunner said. “But, whether we’reworking on asmall domestic project or amulti–million dollar commercial contract, we want our customers to be satisfied and informed everystep of the way

“Communication is everything, that’s why Ipersonally check off on all jobs to makesureI’m providing updates that are100 percent accurate and signing off on projects with total confidence.”

Not that the work needs checking,because the company has been“blessed with agood influx of experienced tradies”.

“They’ve worked with us for years and have ultimately gone on to become our foremen,” Mr Brunner said.

“They’ve all worked in their own businesses and have the industry experiencethat ensures our jobs arealways of the highest standard

“Recently,onthe Glen McCracken Sports Centrejob, we identified that arequested brick (to be used to match aseating area) was asofter design and would not hold up to the wear and tear of abusy school. We discussed it with the principal contractor (Northbuild), who liaised with the school and we wereable to change it to amore suitable variety

“It’s in those situationswhereexperience really matters, and we wereable to makethe suggestion to bring a better outcome. That’s how we approach all our projects.”

Southern Cross Bricklaying won the David Turton Memorial Award for their work on the Glen McCracken Sports Centre at ToowoombaGrammar School.

Photos by Christopher Fr ederick Jones.

“The secret to asuccessful business is to have good staff and we are verylucky in that respect.”

Herbert Street projectawinner

Urbane Build impressed with acontemporary marriage of old and new

WINNING the Individual Home$351,000 –$450,000 category, best mates and joint operators Jace Townsingand LukeErickson once again showed what Urbane Build was capableof; successfully competing against largerbuilding firms.

The team produces full custom turn-key new builds, additions and alterations to existing properties, investment properties and shop fit–outs.

Winningwith their Cavell Street renovation project last year,MrTownsing and Mr Ericksonwerehappy to enter two new builds into the awards this time around.

One of those, was their East Toowoomba project in Herbert Street.

In the initial planning stages, the project faced numerous challenges beforeconstruction could begin.

Among otherissues, the block had adiagonal fall of morethan two metres and was situated in anoise corridor,with certain existing structuresrequired to be demolished and addressed before construction

But, rather than aggressively alter the block of land, clever design and initiative by UrbaneBuild adapted this house to the lay of land

Fromthe custom contemporary joinery,striking black appliancesand fully integrated dishwasher,tothe custom-built solid entrance stairs, matte black tapwareand external firepit area, this project is astriking marriage of old and new

“We’ve made stepping outside thebox economical,while keeping to our impeccable standards,” Mr Townsing said.

He believes the mark their workmanship is leaving across the region is testament to what sets them apart from their competitors. Despite the initial challenges, all Urbane Build’s hard work was worth it in the end, with the Herbert Street home selling to the first person to walk throughits doors.

Mr Townsing and Mr Erickson believe being upfront and transparent, while maintaining abalance between professionalism and an easy-going attitude, is the keyto great customer service.

JACE TOWNSING &LUKE ERICKSON

Photos by Curly's Shot Photography

“Wehappily and confidently work alongside you through land or property purchase, design, selections, build and completion.”

Perfecting retirementliving

LIVINGGemsLifestyle Resortsdesign and build master-planned communitieswithover-50s in mind

The Queensland family owned and operatedcompany believes retirees shouldbeable to buy high quality homes at an affordable price.

Overthe past30years, they have built areputation for providing innovative,affordable solutions for retirement living.

Living Gemswas one of the first to pioneerthe concept of value-for-money retirement living. In fact, the new Country Clubs areamong the best in Australia.

Living Gemsfounder Peter Puljich started thinking about retirement in 1982.

He may have only been in his 30s, but was already awareofthe need for morelifestyle options aimed at people aged 50 plus.

He said the idea of an active retirement was launched in the 1980s.

“Until then, people expected retirementtobequite boring,” Mr Puljich said

“Baby boomers want moreout of life.

“Weare fitter and healthier than any previous generation.Weplantolivelonglives and have fun.”

Our latest resortsare designed for activeover 50s, whether retired or thinking about retirement, who wish to live in afriendly and welcoming community of like-minded individuals.

Living Gems cares about fostering asense of community,asense of belonging,and heaps of fun.

They pride themselves on treating all home owners with the utmost respect and fostering arealsense of community

The resorts areingreat suburbs and the communities aresituated within close proximity to hospitals, shopping centres, entertainment precincts and travel hubs

Living Gems currently has Lifestyle Resorts across Southeast Queensland in Pacific Paradise,Caboolture, Toowoomba, Logan Village, Maleny,Eagleby and the Gold Coast.

Photos contributed.

Technicalskills on display

BUILDING aleading construction and civil engineering group takes more thangood luck.

It comesdown to people and culture, said FKGGroup’s managing director Nick Gardner.

The Toowoomba-based company has a45-year history of deliveringoutstanding building and civil engineering projects in Queensland, New South Wales and the NorthernTerritory.

With offices in Toowoomba, Brisbane, Cairns, Mackay Newcastle, Rockhampton, Roma and Townsville, the FKG Group has grown rapidly into arecognised Tier Two contractor with morethan 800 employees.

Building projects range from aged-carefacilities, data centres and hospitals to retail centres and schools, with

the FKGGroup earning areputation for its mantra of “performance beyond expectation”.

The company traces its originstofounder Francis Kevin Gardner,alocal builder from Brookstead.

When Francis died at an young age, his five sons (Gary Frank, Bruce, Paul and Wayne) followed their father’s footsteps.

Today,all the sons remain in the business, with the FKG Group maintaining acultureoffamily values with a commitment to its staff and community

“Wetakepride in our work, we areflexible, we havethe ability to makedecisions quickly and we can easily adapt to suit the needsofclients,” Nick said.

He highlightedToowoomba’s Pulse Data Centre

(opened last April), which was designed, developed, constructed and is now operated by the FKGGroup.

“The project has been recognised as aworld-class facility and this has beendemonstrated with its securing of Tier III Uptime certification,” he said.

“These certifications, along with ISO accreditations, demonstrate it provides the best possible operational management and highest value to clients and the community.”

Photos by LucyRC Photography

Adaptability is key

GORDON BourkeConstructions has becomea household namein Toowoombaand the surrounding community, well–known for building award-winning homes

At the helm for nearly 20 years aredirectorsTom Kain and Ian Robotham, ensuring the exceptional quality outstanding service and good nameofGordon Bourke continues for many years to come.

The business is family-owned, with the next generation already working hard to ensuretheir clients’ satisfaction.

Mr Kain and Mr Robotham have their clients’ best interests at heart and try to makethe building process as easy as possible, with the support of their professional, approachable design and construction team.

Theywill work with you from start to finish–from finding the rightland, to drawing up the plan and choosing the colours for your kitchen.

“We’reaone-stop shop,” Mr Robotham said.

No two clients arethe same.

People have different needsand budgets, land sizes and slopes arevaried, and thingslikesoil type and servicescan all impact on ahome.

Consequently,adaptability and experience arekey at GordonBourkeConstructions.

Theydon’t have a“project home” approach to building,

but rather put alot of design work into every home, ensuring they constructthe best possible solution for each client.

Most of their builds arecustomisedinone way or another –fromadapting apre-drawn plan to suit the client, to completely designing the plan from scratch.

“Even if aclient choosesa plan we have pre-drawn, we always adapt it to their needs,” said building designer Amanda Mackinlay

Having won numerous awards in the past, Gordon Bourkeentered projects into four categories in this year’s Master BuildersAwards.

Representative of the customised approach taken by the team, not one of these projects was the same.

“They werevery different clients –different age groups, different needs, different budgets –and one projectisadisplay home,” Ms Mackinlay said.

Having worked together as apprentices back in the day,MrKain and Mr Robotham have amassedan incredible wealth of experienceand knowledge throughout their long careers.

All this know-howand the unmistakable design touch from Ms Mackinlay,comes together in ahigh-quality home representative of the owner’s needs.

“Regardlessofwhether it’s ahome with asmaller

budget, we still use the sametrades and it’s still the same quality of workmanship that you’d find in a high–end luxury home,” she said.

When it comes to the awards, Mr Kain believes it’s competing in the morepopular categories that really shows off what you can do.

“I think it means alot moretowin an award in the lowerbudget categories, because you’re competing against alot morebuilders, whereas in the highercategories, thereare fewer projects to compete against,” he said

With entries across four different categories, it’s clearGordon BourkeConstructions can do it all.

For their Kellett Residence and Ingleden projects,the Gordon Bourketeam won the Individual Home $251,000-$350,000 and Individual Home $951,000-$1.25 million categories, as well as the Best Residential Bathroom and President’s Award.

Gordon BourkeConstructions took out multiple awards

Photos contributed.

“The projects’ aesthetics were just as varied, ranging from contemporary to the trendy Hamptons style.”

MASTER

As aschoolboy,KevinMorris workedasa labourer for his uncle during weekends andholidays, where he learned to take pride in everything he does.

“Myuncle would say ‘a job worth doing, is ajob worth doing right’,” Kevin said.

Growing up, Kevin always liked building things and would takepride in the product of his labours.

Today,using localsuppliers and contractors and workingwith ateam of threefull–time carpenters, one apprentice and his supervisor,Cameron Turrell, Kevin provides alocalbuilding service that is acut above the rest.

“Cameronand Ihave been working together for more than 30 years,” Kevin said, adding that many of his trades have also beenwith him for along time.

“This helps to build areliable level of quality,” he said Kevin believeshis experience sets him apart from his competitors, having worked on commercial projects, additions, renovations, home modifications and new homes —fromstandard slab–on–the–groundto multi–level prestige homes.

Fouryears ago, Kevin joined the Independent Builders Network (IBN) and, by networking,his business now competes with larger players in the residential building industry

“Wehave morethan 130designs and growing,” he said.

For Kevin, it’s empathy that makes all the difference in customer service.

“It’s aboutunderstandingthat the needs of each client will be different, and that one option does not fit all.

“Ifyou can put yourself in the shoes of someone you can better understand their needs.”

Entering the MasterBuilders Awards for the first time this year, Kevin’s display home showed what makes his projects special.

“Wedecided to include designs that meet the needs of all current and futureresidents of that home.”

This is KevMorris Builder’s ‘Adaptable Living’ approach and this display home meets and is certified at the ‘Silver Level’ for Liveable Housing Design Australia.

Kevin designed this homewith wider doors (920 mm), wider hallways (1200mm), zero–threshold entryways and no–step showers, as well as agarage that is 500 mm wider than average.

“Asmydaughter was in awheelchair,Iunderstood the need to be able to easily access the whole home,” he said.

To prospectivefirst–timehomebuilders, Kevin said to keep it simple and practical in design.

“This will makeitmoreaffordable and, if your home suits alarger range of people,itwill hold its value alot longer.”

Kevin entered the Awards with avision of showing the industry abetter way to design homes for the future of all occupants, allowing themtolive in their homes for longer

Kevin namedthe display home ‘Sarah’, afterhis daughter who passed away 10 years ago

“IfI win this award on the night of July 19,itwouldbe on Sarah’s birthday.”

Kevin won the ‘Display Home $251,000 –$350,000’ category on his first try

“With more than 40 years’ experience, Ihave the know–how for customdesigned homes that are different from others.”

Photos by Matt Edwar ds.

Kev

Large–scale project reaps awards

With the construction of the new GlenMcCracken Sports Centreat Toowoomba GrammarSchool, Northbuild Construction have pulled out all the stops.

This new state of the art facility is the largest project the school has undertaken in its 144–year history and demanded significantinnovation from the Northbuild team.

Fromdemolishingthe existing manual arts building and removing sports department demountables, to extensive excavations and the construction of anew 3815 sqm stadium, this was an impressive project.

Although it was designed to nestle into the natural fall of the ground from the Trustees Oval to the Aquatic Centrecarpark, it is astructureequivalent to asix–storey high building, with the view from Mackenzie Street hiding the true sizeofthe building and the complexities involved in its construction

The project involved awhopping 2015 cbm of concrete, 180tons of steel reinforcing, 240sqm of 1.00 mm BONDEK formwork, 40,000 blocks, 60,000 bricks, and 338 tons of structural steel.

Due to the school’s restrictions on access, everything had to be deliveredvia the Trustees Oval access on Herries Street, which meant that Northbuild had to erect an electric hammerhead tower crane for 28 weeks of the construction process.

The architect and designers wereable to fit the building into the desired location by partially excavating into the Oval, removing 14,000 cbm of materialand constructing a13–metrehigh retaining wallalong the Oval’s western side.

This stage of the project, along with the initial

demolition works, took fourmonths to complete before the first concrete pour was completed.

The building’s foundation is acombination of pad–and–strip footings, with core–filled blockworkand asuspended slab bearing on aframework of structural steel beams and concrete columns.

To pour the slab for Level 1, Northbuildconsidered the busy traffic around the school and the St. Vincent’s Hospital precinct during the day,scheduling the pour for 10pm one night in mid–August 2018 (the coldest time of year).

Working under floodlights throughout the night, 65 trucks poured some 375 cbm of concrete over an area of 2400 sqm,producing a140 –200 mm thick suspended slab.

“Wetry to nominate one or two projects ayear and we’vehad pretty good successwith the MasterBuilders in different areas —we’vewon for childcarecentres, schools, etc. —but this was the largest project we’ve doneineight years,” Andrew said.

With the Glen McCracken Sports Centre, Northbuild Constructions have won the Project of the Year,aswell as the ‘Sporting Facilities’ category

“InacommunitylikeToowoomba, the significance of the Awards is moreabout being apart of the community —gettingyour name out and beingseen —it’s good from areputation perspective,” he said.

After eight years, Northbuild have moved their offices to anew site and look forward to accommodating employees, clients, trades and suppliers on their larger premises, with free parking and morestorage space to go around

Northbuild Construction have won the ‘Sporting Facilities’ categoryand the Project of the Year

FA RL EFT :P hoto by Christopher Fr ederick Jones. LEF T& BELOW :P hotos contributed.

“Wetry to nominateone or two projects ayear and we’ve had pretty good success.”

Toowoomba Grammar Stadium

Concordia College pool and carpark

Glennie Health and Fitness

Bespoke builder takes multiple awards

ENTERINGfourprojects intothe Master Builders Awards thisyear,Mark WinterConstructions showcased awidevariety of custom-built homes. Fromthe luxurylifestyle home, Grapetree, to the awe–inspiringAtoriumu(Japanese for atrium), these projects have it all.

Atoriumu sits on alarge, south-facing 2400sq mblock –overlooking excellent views of the Lockyer Valley and was designed to maximise those views from multiple living areas (including the master bedroom).

Drawing its name from the central atrium –enclosed by glass and featuring aprivate lap pool –Atoriumu was atwo-year love affair for the owners and cametogether in astunning display of architectural design.

Entering Fernside into the awards this year,MrWinter showed off his team’s romantic renovation of astate heritage-listed homestead, builtin1876

Having been chopped and changedmanytimes in the past, Fernside underwentits most significant renovation and extensionbyMark Winter Constructions last year,

culminating in an award-winning blend of old and new

With the Mayes Street project, Mark Winter Constructions gave atired 1980s U-shaped homea major facelift, maximising the benefits presented by the home’s layout around an internal courtyardand completely refurbishingthe interior

This great varietyofprojects shows Mr Winter’s ability to deliver personalised, bespokehomes for his clients, irrespectiveofthe project budget.

Mr Winter has adeep appreciationfor design and architectureand works with ateam of different designers, architects, suppliers and more, to find the best fit for his clients –whether it’s asmall renovation or astandard-sized custom home.

The Mark Winter team won awards in the Best Residential Kitchen, Best Residential Swimming Pool and the Home Renovation/Remodelling Projectover $1 million categories for their Fernside projectthis year

Modern Colonial Belle Vueawinner

Antonio Building

FOR the past17years, Antonio Buildinghas specialised in domesticand commercialbuilds in Toowoomba and the Darling Downs and has produced everything fromcustom newhomestocommercial projects,retailfit-outs and renovations.

Personally managing your project from start to finish, is managing director Gavin Antonio, who has been in the industry since 1993 and he still enjoys the challenge of being creative and innovative. Mr Antonio has been providingsuperior quality and workmanship for morethan 26 years, afact recognised by numerous Master Builders housing awards

“Weset ourselves apart by providing ahigh level of personalised service through open, prompt and honest communication from concepttofinal finish,” Mr Antonio said

Although no project is off limits, Antonio Building specialisesin custom builds and homes on sloping sites or difficult terrain. Nominating two projects for awards this year —the Belle Vueand Kincora projects —Antonio Building created the feel of amodern Colonial home, goingback to amoretraditional conceptonboth projects.

“Winning an award is proof that people likewhat we do and can see that our craftsmanship goes above and beyond,” Mr Antonio said.

“Weare always proud of our work, and to receive an accolade means we areexcelling in what we do.”

Antonio Building has won the award for the Individual Home up to $250,000 category with their Belle Vueproject.

Lavish

TOMHaydock, award-winning builder andmanaging directorofLavish Constructions, hasa reputation for hisunique, boldbuilding designs and, thisyear,his houses are already pushingthe boundaries

Afterwinning at the Master Builders Awards for two consecutiveyears, Mr Haydocksaid thereweremany people in the Darling Downs region who contract with Lavish Constructions for custom-designed homes.

“I really enjoybeing part of the journey with clients seeing ablock of land as acanvas, extensionsthat build a lifestyle, and commercial developments that redesign the Toowoomba skyline,” Mr Haydock said.

“A highlight for us is our recent selection as principal contractor,toredevelop Toowoomba’s iconic Skate City building for YellowBridge Queensland.

“It’s amajor project for us and we areexcited to balancethe character of the building with functionality and the innovative new design.”

This year,Lavish Constructions movedinto alarger industrial office space and recruited new carpenters and adesignated estimator/project manager,tosupport the increase in demand for their bespokeconstructions.

Mr Haydock said amajor point of difference at Lavish Constructions, besides building custom homes, was the

innovative communicationtechnologies he used to keep clients updated throughout the build.

“Our onlinescheduling system makes surewedeliver on-time –our latest project was even delivered six weeks ahead of schedule,” he said.

Lavish Constructions once again won several Master Builders Awards this year and, while Mr Haydock and his team appreciate the accolades, he said the greatest recognitionhereceived was when he handed the keys to happy clients.

Providingalevel of excellence

LIKE so many withanearly“love of building”, Nick Ruhle tookupa carpentryapprenticeship after finishing school, thenfollowed the natural progressiontosubbiebefore finally attaininghis builder’slicence.

That was 15 years ago and today Nick Ruhle Homes is recognised as one of the premier construction businesses in the region.

Mr Ruhle,wife Gen and admin assistantCarmentakegreat pride in providing exceptional quality to their customers.

They arealways available to assist to customers’ needs as wellas“value

adding” to their projects.

“Welook at the design on paper and offer suggestions to save them money or enhance their project,” Mr Ruhle said

“Wealso help clients understand that the cheapest option is not always the best.

“Finding abuilder who provides qualityand has the time to spend with you is the keyto asuccessfulbuild.”

Nick Ruhle Homes won the categories of Display Homes up to $250,000 (The Cunningham), Individual Homes $1.26 million –$2million (Rascal Views) and House of the Year (Rascal Views).

contributed.

Commercial construction awinner for Steinmuller

STEINMULLERConstructions took home the Industrial Buildingupto $5 millionaward.

Steinmuller Constructionshave been building commercially for 32 years and operate in Toowoomba and the surroundingdistricts.

The director of the company,Mick Steinmuller,has been in the building industry for morethan 45 years.

“Wepride ourselves on the personal service we offer from concept design, to final construction on all commercial, industrial buildings and civil works,” Mr Steinmuller said.

“Our commitment to this is evident from the many repeat contracts from

investors, developers and owner-occupiers. They know they are dealing directly with the director of the company in all aspects.”

Steinmuller Constructions had not enteredthe Master BuildersAwards since 2002 when they received two awards in the industrial building category

“Weentered two categories this year showcasing two totally different projects that we areextremely proud of,” Mr Steinmuller said.

Steinmuller Constructions took home the Industrial Building up to $5 million category with the Charlton Asphalt Plantproject.

Photos contributed.

SINCE opening their doors almost a decadeago, LA and MM Hancock Builders has forgedan impressive name in the construction game

Boasting an intimate knowledge of domestic projects, Lukeand his wife Melinda had worked in the building industry for 12 years beforecreating their own company –and they haven’t looked back since.

“I alwaysenjoyedworking outdoors and working with my hands,” Luke recalled.

“I grew up helping out my father who is abricklayer.”

That love for the tools soon grew into asuccessful career and a respected business where the

customers always come first.

“The building process with us is a ‘stress–free building process’,” Luke guaranteed “Wemakesureofthat, because we demand nothing but the best from all our trades and subcontractors.”

For anyone considering building for the first time, Lukesuggested: “You need to obtain afixed-price contract and specifications before you sign an official contract and pay adeposit”.

LA and MM Hancock Builders won the HomeRenovation/Remodelling Project $276,000 –$575,000 category for their ‘Parkin’project

BMC –arealteam effort

ALOVE of football, andtobewithhis future wife, Lisa,brought 25-year-old Russell Gore to Toowoomba, but little didheknow thatmovewould lead himinto the buildingtrade.

Offeredan apprenticeship from Lisa’s father Bernie, today Mr Goreowns BMC –Bernie McGlynnConstruction (the very business Bernie and Lynhad been running for 45 years).

“Bernie’s 70 years old and still works on the tools,working harder than most buildersand labourers,” Mr Goresaid.

And it’s this work ethic and attention to detail that Mr Gorecontinues to this day

“Wepride ourselves on working

closely with the client,” he said.

“I am always on the job site and work on the tools full time, so Ican makesure all work is donetoour very high standard.

“Wealso use local businesses to supply materialsand all our sub-contractors arelocal. This is very important to us.”

And Mr Gore’s advice for anyone looking to build: “Doyour homework and talk to clients that have used the builder you arelooking at using.”

BMC –Bernie McGlynnConstruction –won theHealth Facilities up to $20 million category for their work on St Andrew’s Hospital Mental Health Ward.

Photos by LucyRC Photography

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Luxeclubhouse creates over–50s oasis

GEMLIFE Highfields’ $7.7Mworld–classcountryclub offers exceptional recreational and leisure facilitiesfor itsactiveover–50s community, proven by the business winning the Community Service Facilitiescategory.

The single–level, high–end country club forms the heart of the retirement resort —alifestyle hub for its residents with everythingfromaheated indoor swimming pool, floodlittennis court, coveredchampionship grade bowling green and ten-pin bowling alley,to cinema, library,bar and cafe.

Fromits elegant,contemporary pitchedroof entry, which flows onto an expansive ballroom, GemLife’s country club successfully balances its generous proportions with asense of intimacy and warmth.

The classicallymodernbuilding and its surrounding precinct feel true to the idyllic rural charm of its Highfields setting

The look and feel of the space is akin to an understated, luxehotel.

Its calming,graceful design manages to be both stylish and welcoming at the same time, inviting relaxation and engagement.

GemLife is headed by chief executiveofficer and director Adrian Puljich, amember of the respected Puljich family that has been in the building and real estate development business for morethan 30 years.

“With GemLife, we wanted to build premium, resort–style communities for independent, active over–50s,” Mr Puljich said.

“Our resort country clubs and their first–class facilitiesare an essential part of this.”

Located at the front of the clubhouseisaninviting 20–metreindoor pool, spa, sauna and gym

Nearby,behind the ballroom’s large theatrical stage and dressing rooms, is aluxurious, gold–class style cinema, music room, ten–pin bowling alley and gamesareawith billiards, darts, and golf simulator

The other side of the building is hometo the club’slibrary furnished with cosy armchairs that beckon readers to lose themselves in abook.

Beyond the library,acafe, dining area and bar is found, with atwo–way fireplace separatinglounge from dining areas.

These sections arestylishly furnished with ample seating, including large, comfortable sofas and armchairs.

Adjoining the bar is alarge, superbly appointed commercial kitchen which was created for community use.

Awell–equipped art and craft studio, hair salon and consultation room complete the interior facilities.

Spanning the rear of the building is arestful alfresco area, pepperedwith elegant outdoordining and lounge seating, in addition to barbecue facilities.

Afloodlit grass tennis court and covered bowlinggreen, complete with clubhouse, adjoins.

Mr Puljichsaid the GemLife team was fully committed to taking retirement living to adifferent level.

“We’rereimagining, resdesigning and revolutionising the space —and, importantly,we’remaking it affordable,” he said.

The company has rapidly grownsince its 2016 launchand now has six properties across Australia in Queensland, Victoria and New SouthWales.

“Weset out to shake–up expectations and deliver something new,fresh and aspirational in the retirement space.”

GemLife Highfields takes the award for Community Service Facilities

Photos by Lucas Mur o.

Rising Star

TomHaydock (Lavish

IN THE past couple of years, Tom Haydock introduced an online construction management program to his business Lavish Constructions. This program giveshis clients alogin to their ownportal, wherethey can view everything to do with their project from every contract, quotation, message and question, to specifications, variations, project photos, plans,budgets, and more.

The scheduling capabilitiesofthe program greatly increased productivity, ensuring Lavish Constructions’ projects werecompleted on time and, in some cases, even beforetime.

Apprentice of the Year

Jack Vonhoff (Lavish

JACK’S constantly attentiveapproach to his work alongside his supervising carpenter, has enhanced hisattention to detail.

If he has any doubt about how he shouldapproach atask,heasks for guidance to ensurehefinds the most practical,neat and time-efficient way of completing the task.

He showcases his communication skills by always asking tradesmen exactly what they require, to ensurethereisnoerror or miscommunication.

His respectful manner is one of Jack’s greatestattributes and is also the reason he was employed at Lavish Constructions as aschool-based apprentice.

DavidTurton Memorial Award Southern Cross Bricklaying

Women in Building

Rebecca Sutton (HutchinsonBuilders)

IN HER four years at Hutchinson Builders, RebeccaSutton has consistently delivered high-quality work over multiple roles within the organisation.

She started with Hutchinson Buildersina pre-projects business development role in which she systemised the estimating and tenders team’s process for identifying and tenderingprojects.

Ms Sutton’s high quality of work and ability to efficiently meet the clients’ requirements, meantshe was the most suitable candidate to takecharge of some of Hutchinson’s highly complex projects, something that happened moreand morefrequently

She has since completed arange of civil, commercial, heritage and aviation projects that have seen her skills evolve beyond that of some of her co-workers.

Southern Cross Bricklaying received the David Turton Memorial Award for their work on the Glen McCracken Sports Centreat Toowoomba Grammar School.

by

Photos by Kevin Farmer

Experience Active Living.