Award winning home ticked all the boxes

The Loaders enjoyed the process of building their award-winning home to such an extent they felt a hint of sadness in being handed the keys in October 2011.

Doreen Loader said their builder's attention to detail and exceptional communication had made the construction of the house in Cracroft Drive, Putiki, a memorable experience for all the right reasons, so she and her husband, Alan, were quite sad the building process was at an end.

Created by Shane Stone Builders, the Loaders' home was named New Zealand's $350,000-$450,000 Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers 2012 House of the Year last Saturday.

Mrs Loader said the award was a testament to Mr Stone's exacting standards and his inclusive approach, in the way he kept her and her husband informed of the project's progress throughout.

They formed a friendship and still catch up for a coffee every now and then.

There were three things Mr and Mrs Loader wanted in their new home: a decent workshop, nice kitchen and an en suite bathroom.

Mrs Loader said they approached designer Bryan Stewart with a concept of the house they wanted and he "made it work".

The workshop ended up with one of the best views in the house.

Like all the home's west-facing rooms, including the master bedroom, study and living room, it looks out on the Whanganui River mouth over rural Putiki and captures the afternoon sun.

Mrs Loader said the view and sun were key considerations of the house's design.

Two double bedrooms on the other side of the home make the most of the morning sun with windows that jut out to face north and east.

Those windows are double-glazed, as they are throughout the house.

Mrs Loader said the couple rarely needed to use their ducted heat pump or gas fireplace, even in the middle of winter, because the home harnessed the sun's heat.

Other features of the house include an in-built sound system, double shower in the en suite bathroom and a walk-in pantry.

Having lived in the home for a year, is there any aspect of the house the Loaders would alter?

"We've thought about that a lot and there really is nothing we want to change," Mrs Loader said.

"It's a really nice house to live in."

The couple also built their previous home on Virginia Rd, which they lived in for more than 20 years.

This time around, Mrs Loader said there were far more products to choose from and she had fun selecting the house's specifications, right down to the kitchen handles.

While the home was stylish and sophisticated, it was also liveable, so the couple could still relax when their young grandchildren visited.

It is believed Mr Stone and his team are the first local builders to secure a national title in the Registered Master Builders' annual house of the year competition, which is now in its 23rd year.

What the judges said

The Loader house stood out as a "fantastic example of the simple things done well with generosity".

They said the result was a well-constructed and finished home, featuring large, spacious rooms.