A contemporary farmhouse worth more than $1 million was named house of the year at an awards evening last night.
It was a full house at Napier's War Memorial Centre for the Hawke's Bay Registered Master Builders House of the Year and Commercial Project Awards in association with Placemakers.
The Placemakers Supreme
Award and Hawke's Bay 2009 House of the Year Award went to Concept Master Builders for their Raukawa home which was entered in the new homes over $1 million category.
The judges described the contemporary farmhouse as having a rustic charm with the use of timber trusses, beams and well-laid stonework, ``all in an attractive grey and white colour palette''.
``The builders faced two major challenges: site accessibility coupled with the property's clients being abroad for the entire duration of the build _ which meant communication with them had to be strong and constant. The finished result is a stunning country home, with top-quality workmanship across all trades.''
The Commercial Project Award was presented to Morgan Builders for their work at Lindisfarne College in Hastings.
The building was designed as a performing arts centre containing seating for about 350. It was built on a carpark adjacent to the existing chapel, school hall and gymnasium, with construction creating an atrium entry and ``long room'' to connect and integrate the buildings.
Included in the project was a commercial kitchen, bar, toilets, drama room, practice rooms and offices.
The judges described the project as ``challenging'' and one which featured ``outstanding workmanship and fantastic flow.
``The builder should be commended for his great accomplishment. It was a pleasure to judge and is a real credit to both the school and the builder.''
There was a record 30 entries received this year with judges awarding 2 gold, 9 silver, and 8 bronze awards across the commercial and new home categories.
All gold award winners will proceed through to the selection process for the national finals which will be held in Auckland later in the year.
