57 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards

Registered Master Builders House of the Year Regional Awards

Running for more than thirty years, the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Regional Awards is New Zealand’s premium and most recognised awards programme that sets the standard in residential construction.

Words: Amy Russ

Held in the highest regard, the Registered Master Builders (RMBA) House of the Year epitomises building excellence and the annual awards are an opportunity for Master Builders to promote their work and skillset, measure their achievements against their peers, and provide a tangible and highly recognisable benchmark of quality to their business. Divided into eight regional sections across the country, the 2022 regional awards took place at Marlborough Events Centre on September 26, with Master Builder entries for the Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast region receiving high praise from judges. A team of nationally-appointed judges, comprising of an architect and a builder in each of the regions, put the Master Builders through their paces with detailed and exhaustive criteria. The panel of experts put homes through a rigorous points-based judging process, with the highest-scoring projects awarded gold and the best then becoming regional category winners. The three category winners with the highest points are then named Regional Supreme House of the Year under $1 Million, Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 Million or Regional Supreme Renovation of the Year. Winning entries from the regional competitions can then be chosen to compete as National Category winners at the awards gala on November 26.

Regional Award categories include Regional Supreme Winner, Regional Lifestyle Award, Pink Batts Regional Craftmanship Award, Regional Category Award, Gold, Silver, Bronze, Sapphire and the Regional Special Award. This year’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year event has seen some key changes with the introduction of three supreme awards at both a regional and national level, an updated version of the Sustainable and Environmental Excellence Award, and changes to category value ranges amongst the major ones.

Encouraging entries across all price brackets, organisers made the decision to instil three Supreme awards in the following categories: Supreme House of the Year – Under $1 Million, and Supreme House of the Year – Over $1 Million, and Supreme Renovation of the Year, saying that adjustments have been made to the category ranges to better reflect the cost of building in today’s environment. The APL Sustainable and Environmental Excellence AwardSustainable and Environmental Award, recognising and rewarding new approaches to building and renovating homes, has been updated from the previously named Sustainable Award. Judges consider the way the building company has incorporated both sustainability and environmental principles in the home’s design, choice, and installation of materials, and the way in which it has been constructed.

Built by George Guthrie Construction, Fairhall, was named the Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 Million winner for 2022. Located high on a hill between stunning Brancott Valley and Cloudy Bay, judges say the objective of the build was to make the most of the myriad of views across the district while protecting the home from weather exposure - resulting in ‘a project which accomplished everything’. The team at George Guthrie Construction also won the Regional Pink Batts Craftsmanship Award, receiving Gold and becoming a Regional Category winner, and the Resene New Home $2 Million-$4 Million category. Nestled in an apple orchard in Mapua, the Nelson/ Marlborough/West Coast Regional Supreme House of the Year under $1 Million winner was Bronte, built by Jennian Homes Nelson Bays. Also winning the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 Million category, judges say the home perfectly showcases refined rural living, ‘the exterior is in harmony with the lovely farmland and setting of the Waimea Inlet’. Jennian Homes Nelson Bays also won gold awards in the GIB Show Home category and Volume/Group Housing $500,000 - $750,000, with two other builds in the Nelson Tasman region. Overall, in the Top of the South regionals, there were six category winners in Marlborough, fourteen in the Nelson Tasman district, and two on the West Coast. Winning regional Master Builders includes Craig Finnie Builders, Contemporary Homes, Homes by Orange, Jennian Homes Marlborough, Jennian Homes West Coast, Johnson Residential, Mike Greer Homes Nelson, Ruby Bay Construction, Scott Construction, Smith & Sons Blenheim, Stonewood Homes Nelson and Townley Construction Marlborough.

FEATURED HOMES

George Guthrie Construction, pages 44 – 47 Townley Construction, pages 48 – 53 Smith & Sons, pages 54 – 57

2022 House of the Year Awards

Summary – Nelson/Marlborough/West Coast Category

Jennian Homes Nelson Bays

Regional Supreme House of the Year under $1 million Regional Category Winner – Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 million Regional Category Winner – GIB Show Home Regional Category Winner – Volume/Group Housing New Home $500,000 - $750,000 Regional Gold Award x3

George Guthrie Construction

Regional Supreme House of the Year over $1 million Regional Category Winner – Resene New Home $2 million - $4 million Regional Pink Batts Craftmanship Award Regional Gold Award

Contemporary Homes

Regional Category Winner – New Home $1.5 million - $2 million Regional Outdoor Living Award Regional Kitchen Excellence Award Regional Gold Award

Smith And Sons Blenheim Renovations And Extensions

Regional Category Winner – Builder’s Own Home Regional Gold Award Regional Bronze Award

Scott Construction

Regional Category Winner – Master Build 10 Year Guarantee Multi Unit (Apartments/Duplexes/Terrace Housing) Regional Gold Award

Homes by Orange

Regional Category Winner – New Home $500,000 - $750,000 Regional Gold Award Regional Silver Award x 2

Townley Construction

Regional APL Sustainable & Environmental Excellence Award Regional Gold Award

Jennian Homes Marlborough

Regional Silver Award x 2

Ruby Bay Construction

Regional Silver Award

Stonewood Homes Nelson

Regional Silver Award

Mike Greer Homes Nelson

Regional Silver Award x 2

Jennian Homes West Coast

Regional Bronze Award x 2

Craig Finnie Builders

Regional Bronze Award

Johnson Residential

Regional Bronze Award

Innovative Excellence

George Guthrie Construction lead the way with Fairhall new build.

• National Top 100 • Regional Supreme House of the Year • Regional Pink Batts Craftsmanship • Regional Category Winner - Resene New Home $2 million - $4 million • Regional Gold Award

Words: Megan Smith Matt Croad

New residential builds are pushing the envelope in terms of design and art, celebrating the ever-changing landscape, and providing a stylish, comfortable space for its residents to savour and reside. One such build is the Fairhall residence that gained local business, George Guthrie Construction, their series of Registered Master Builders 2022 awards.

George Guthrie Construction has entered the prestigious awards before, winning the same set of achievements in 2020. George, the business owner, says, “to enter the Master Builder awards allows us to compare our projects against others within the industry. It also provides a platform to showcase the quality of craftsmanship that our team puts into its builds. We are truly stoked about the win, and I am incredibly proud of my team and all who were involved in constructing such a significant property. The triumph also emphasises Marlborough architects, designers, and contractors’ high working standards, something we can be pleased about as a community!” The home, with its sweeping views of lush vineyards, a distant glimmer of the waters of the Cook Strait and Marlborough’s rolling green hills, the house truly beckons the outside in and in a glorious fashion. The large-than-life window and stack away glass doors making up almost every room in the home seamlessly tie in with the environment. High cedar-lined ceilings rise like the ridges of the region, giving the space a palatial feel. George mentions, “my favourite room in the house must be the lounge area. Its uninterrupted vista of the Richmond Ranges is spectacular, and the house shows this off to the maximum”.

The four-bedroom home, boasting a double-sided fireplace and multiple outside areas, had to be carefully designed and constructed while factoring in its elevated and exposed location. The choice of natural stone, polished concrete, timber floors, lighting, finishes, dark standing-seam timber cladding and Colorsteel provides texture, depth, colour, and a seamless unity between the interior and exterior. “The most challenging part of the build was the three tilt, pre-cast concrete panels that had to be implemented first. The home is structured around those, so it is important for these to be placed perfectly,” says George. It is worth mentioning that the judges of the award categories all expressed their love of the level of style that the house exudes, and the talent shown by the team. Notes by them on the evening of the award ceremony speak of “sophisticated detailing and construction of both the exterior envelope and the interior elements showcase the skills of the designer and craftsmen involved in this stunning home”. The Pink Batt’s Craftmanship Award judge stated, “quality craftmanship is on display throughout this elegant and cleverly designed home”. A tremendous number of considerations must be made when undertaking a project of this calibre. “It is essential that you get the right team involved from the very beginning. You need to be organised. Pay careful consideration to which subcontractors you will use, plus knowing that you have a good relationship with designers and clients from the start”. George, originally from Christchurch, got into the construction industry at the age of 23. Practically minded, he was inspired by the idea of having a vacant plot of land and transforming it into something phenomenal. In 2005 George went out on his own and founded the business. Fast forward to 2022, the last 14 years calling Blenheim home George and his team of 11 strong are no longer strangers to the craft. Specialising in architecturally designed residential builds is their passion, and winning awards like this cement the notion that they know what they are doing. He strives to remain at the forefront of innovation, seeking to tackle challenging new builds using cutting-edge systems and products. “We are always keen on taking a fresh approach to our work and not set in our ways”. “My advice for anyone contemplating a new build is to pick a contractor early on. Getting them involved in the design process is key, not to mention creating a home within your budget. Lastly, doing your homework on selecting the right builder to realise your dream is pivotal. I would consider meeting with a few potential contractors and looking at their past projects and those that are currently on the go. Also, consider meeting with the rest of the contracting team. You must understand that the building process does not involve one person but is a combined effort. Knowing who they are enables you to understand their values, ethics, and style of workmanship”.

ggconstruction.co.nz

Home is where the smart is

Built by Townley Construction, this Wairau Valley home is both creative and functional.

• Regional APL Sustainable & Environmental Excellence • Regional Gold Award

Words: Paula Hulburt Matt Croad

There is something striking about this unique timber clad home that immediately draws the eye. A slopped garage roof and gables echo the peaks of the nearby Richmond Ranges while the home’s natural colour palette complements the surrounding rural landscape. This Registered Master Builders House of the Year award winner is a clever meld of good looks and green credentials. The 171sqm package is designed to maximise space, giving the home a spacious feel on a smaller footprint. With a relaxed and soothing ambience that provides a warm welcome with the many large picture windows that let in the light. It is easy to see why this home impressed judges and took out the Regional APL Sustainable and Environmental Excellence award for the New Home $500,000 - $750,000 Nelson, Marlborough and West Coast category. Lead builder Liam says the clients had a strong vision that their home should complement the surroundings. “For the most part it was achieved by the products we used, a lot of natural timber-based product and sustainable building options which are seen throughout. Things like the Japanese cedar for example and the polished concrete floor giving it and earthy feel. The seligna/blue gum decking was chosen also for its sustainability and proved to be a great substitute for other more common hard wood decking. Many products you don't see such as the woollen insulation which is quite fitting for the location.” Designed by architect Mark Fielding the open plan living areas ensure the location’s wonderful vistas are shown to their best advantage wherever you are in the two-bedroom, two-bathroom home while the whole build has been done with nature at its heart.

bennett

BLENHEIM

This off grid home uses polished concrete floors to great effect. Not only are they beautiful to look at but practical too as they capture the heat of the sun’s rays and later release the latent warmth enclosed within.

“The home is completely off grid; the mains power cable stops at the front gate and goes no further. A lithium battery bank is charged by several solar panels and there is a petrol generator for back up if need be.” Liam explains. Designed to make the most of the sunshine, the home features wool-fibre insulation and a fireplace which ensures warmth and a welcoming vibe all year round. Hot water is provided by the wetback fire in winter and solar panels in summer making this home a very environmentally friendly choice. It is this care and attention throughout the eight-month build, that makes this home a gold award winner in the Regional APL Sustainable & Environmental Excellence category at the Master Builders House of the Year competition. The main living area features an eye-catching blue wood burner while the sloped Japanese cedar clad ceiling again captures the essence of the natural environment that’s so prevalent throughout. Its impressive height is a focal point, ensuring the room is both inviting and spacious. A beautiful cedar feature wall and drawers in the main bedroom complements the wooden tones in the kitchen cabinetry with the use of timber providing natural warmth and style. There are a few stand out features that Liam says he is especially pleased with. “A few interesting features that stand out to me would be the Japanese cedar wall and ceiling inside and the polished concrete that goes throughout the whole house except for the two bathrooms.

“The tinted polished concrete isn't just for its striking looks, it acts as a heat soak on sunny days and stays warm long after the sun goes down. Similarly, the quirky blue fireplace which is at the heart of the home is surrounded by mud brick walls on three sides which affectively creates a heat trap that will release warmth after the fire has died down,” he says. The attention to detail is impressive. From the hanging pendant lights and floating shelves in the main bedroom to the full-length mirror in the white walk-in wardrobe, a lot of care has gone into this

build, and it shows. The double sinks in the ensuite bathroom come with brushed metal taps while the tiles and soothing cream walls provide a private oasis. A large built-in shower has been beautifully created with a hexagonal tiled backdrop in sea green adding a splash of colour. The second bathroom features a large, square bath, perfect for relaxing in while enjoying the uninterrupted panorama of blue skies and mountains outside. The study is filled with natural light while the huge built-in desk offers plenty of space to work comfortably. It is both a quiet spot for escape to work in peace and yet part of the heart of the home. It has been a memorable build, Liam says. “For me I get a lot of satisfaction from seeing the clients happy with their new home. They've shown a huge amount of appreciation and it makes the team and I very proud. We kept a big emphasis on quality of our work and making sure it was what the clients were after which is also something we can look back and be proud of.”

townleyconstruction.co.nz

Creating Meaningful Masterpieces

It was Daniel Francis’s dream to build his own home, taking out a Master Builders award made it even better.

• Regional Category Winner - Builder's Own Home • Regional Gold Award

Words: Megan Smith Matt Croad

For Daniel Francis, a born and bred Marlborough local and business owner of the Smith & Sons Renovations & Extensions Blenheim and Picton, building his own home was at the top of his list of things to do with his life. At age 16, he picked up the tools and got to work, pursuing a career in construction. It is this zest and devotion to seeing a project through, allowing you to stand back and see the result of your labour, that has only seen his business soar, winning him and his team the regional category award for 'Builders Own Home’ and a regional bronze award for the Master Builders 2022 renovation of up to $750,000 category. Both wins validate what he has always sought, which is to design and build spaces that are driven by creativity, solve problems and create an environment that is purposeful and impactful. Daniel laughs, "the awards won are a tremendous accomplishment. It also means I don't need to build another house. My wife can leave me alone; she has the home she has always wanted!". This was the first time that Daniel had entered the awards; as he describes, "having done the house myself, in my own way, and to my own taste was motivation enough to enter it into the Master Builders awards. At one stage, I worked over 47 days, nonstop during the build working from 6 AM until 10 PM to get it done in time as the awards also provided a projected day of completion as judging had to take place. It gives us the opportunity as a business to recognise that we can create award-winning projects and that we can showcase how we operate within the design and build space and the level of our quality control".

Daniel's award-winning four-bedroom home sits proudly on its Omaka Landing lot. Drawing from his past experiences and including all the elements of his love gave rise to what can only be described as a masterpiece of elegance and style that is built to grow and expand with his family through the years. The contrast between cedar and concrete, the effortless flow from the outside to inside, and the opulence of its eclectic design, stone, wood, and glass finishes work in beautiful harmony with one another. Apart from the use of a neutral colour palette, vibrant dashes of colour can be found on the wallpaper that is found in the powder room and bathrooms. The home is purposefully designed around the family's lifestyle. Each bedroom pours out onto the outside space, meaning there is ample room for their two busy home-schooled children to delight in and enjoy well into their teenage years.

From a commercial building to residential apartments, this Blenheim renovation was a complete transformation.

• Regional Bronze Award

For Smith & Sons renovation project, there were a handful of challenges that presented themselves. The first was to turn a commercial, centrally located building in the heart of Blenheim and transform it into two residential apartments. Daniel explains, "the building was condemned, seven years prior, failing its building warrant of fitness because of an internal stairwell that was removed without consent and that also served at the fire escape. When we took on the project, the windows were knocked out, and birds had taken up residence. There was only one hole in the wall that served as an entry and exit way for material to make its way through, but we managed to pull it off". What has transpired is a project that is remarkable, beautiful, and stately. The two apartments flaunt streamlined features that ooze modernity, with light rushing in from all sides. "My proudest moment of the project is to know that both apartments have sold and have permanent residents living in them. The completion of the project also inspired us to take on a larger project within the CBD and that we are keen to share with the community once completed!" Considerations such as builds like these are numerous and can appear overwhelming to most. "The best route is to approach someone who knows what they are doing, who has experience in converting commercial, centrally located projects. It requires a lot of thinking from a budget standpoint. For those keen to take on a new project knowing how the builder operates is fundamental to the success of any build. You want to know that there is focused budget control and a systematic process that is to be followed. Never underestimate the value of the planning stage either". Smith & Sons Blenheim remains one of the front runners in the design and building space. Recently splitting into two divisions, one sector that specialises in bathrooms, kitchens, and mid-range renovations and the other in design, planning and construction projects. "We have a notable system for any client that joins us from start to finish. All our design work is done in-house, and we can efficiently manage budgets, steering individuals in the right direction and streamlining the process completely. We pride ourselves on being excellent consultants, providing advice and a wealth of knowledge. Often renovations and projects of this nature can be stressful for a person. When you have a team like ours, we take this worry away with a systemised approach paired with outstanding front-end consulting”.

smithandsons.co.nz