Belco Homes

An established Bay of Plenty residential builder is celebrating a clean sweep of all three Supreme Awards in the 2023 Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau

Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition.

“We’re so incredibly proud of our team and the talented tradesmen we work with,” says Belco Homes’ owner and project manager Mike Bell. “We treat every build as a potential award-winning project, so to have our hard work recognised is outstanding.”

Impeccable at Bethlehem e judges described the house as “impeccable”. “Every detail has been meticulously considered, resulting in a dwelling that exempli es elegance and sophistication. is achievement is a testament to the visionary talent and the unwavering commitment to excellence displayed by Belco Homes.”

Belco won the Supreme House of the Year Over $1 million award for its new build in Bethlehem, along with being awarded the Resene New Home $2 million-$4 million category, Pink Batts Craftsmanship Award, Kitchen Excellence Award and a Gold Award.

For Kerry Mear, Belco homes project manager and co-owner, crafting this sprawling modern-day manor was no easy feat.

“ ousands of cubic metres of soil needed to be shifted,” says Kerry. “ e section had a steep gradient that required a lot of earthmoving to create a level platform.” e e ort has paid o with the 518m2 vebedroom dwelling sitting beautifully on-site with expansive views to the Kaimai Ranges. Generous spaces inside ow seamlessly to a covered outdoor living area with a replace, secluded courtyards and a lawn that’s ideal for backyard sport.

“First and foremost, this is a family home,” says Kerry. “ e owners wanted room for the kids to play and open plan areas that could be sectioned o to comfortably host guests.” e exterior of the home is stunning in Hinuera stone with timber accent beams.

Several formal and casual dining and relaxing spaces were created, a custom-built oak bar, an opulent main-bedroom suite and triple garaging.

“I love the use of Hinuera stone from a quarry just 47km away,” says Kerry. “ e timber is Australian hardwood and was purposely left more rustic for the exterior but was smoothed to add class and elegance inside. It makes the house so special.”

Outstanding at Ōmokoroa

Belco Homes also won the Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau Supreme House of the Year Under $1 million award for its Ōmokoroa new build. In addition this project collected the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000-$1 million category, and a Gold Award.

Once again, there were construction challenges with the dwelling being built on a tight corner site.

“Everything had to be carried in by hand up the steep right-of-way, which needed to be kept clear at all times,” says Mike. “Site storage was so minimal there wasn’t even room for a skip – so rubbish had to be removed daily.” e end result, a home exuding a quiet calm while maximising every inch of its compact site. It’s perfect for its owners who wanted a sleek, low-maintenance home. e judges applauded the exceptional talent of the designer and builder, describing it as “outstanding”. “From corner-to-corner, every part of this build impresses with meticulous construction and well-appointed detailing.”