"A matching in situ concrete fireplace and chimney is also found in the main living space, together with timber floors and poplar plywood ceilings, all setting the scene for a home that has been meticulously built."
A renovation in Devonport, on Auckland's North Shore, by Absolute Building Services won the Supreme Award for Renovation of the Year and the Future-Proof Renovation Award over $500,000.
The judges said the job had been challenging. "The builder was faced with a difficult building environment, with a steep site requiring scaffolding over 10 metres high, and a narrow shared drive providing the only access to the site," they said.
Photo Gallery: House of the Year Awards
The winner of the sustainable home award in Hikurangi.
"Structurally, everything except the garage, kitchen floor joists and lift shaft were removed. The kitchen was removed and placed in storage before being reinstated in the existing position.
"Clever cavity sliders allowed the entry foyer to be closed off from the large living area, and the balance of the home was incorporated into three levels."
The house is dominated by windows and the living areas are positioned to look across Stanley Bay.
A renovated traditional bach in Whangamata won the Master Build Services Renovation Award up to $250,000. A Whitianga new build was given the Nulook New Homes prize for the $600,000 to $1m category. An Onetangi home took the prize for new homes between $1m and $2m, a monochrome Hamilton home won the Builder's Own Home award and a clifftop home in Hikurangi took the Resene Sustainable Home Award.
The winners were selected from finalists in 11 regional competitions around the country.
