A superbly renovated four-bedroom family home in Karori, Wellington, and the newly built Columba College’s sports centre in Dunedin took out top accolades at the national Registered Master Builders 2006 House of the Year and RMB Commercial Project Awards, in association with PlaceMakers.
The 2006 PlaceMakers Supreme Award and House of the Year was awarded to N T Stevens Ltd for its spectacular renovation of a two-storey residence which boasts breathtaking 180° views of Wellington Harbour, exquisite black and white marble tiling, spacious living spaces and a stunning staircase linking the levels.
Judges described the property as a “heroic renovation”, and called the overall workmanship “impeccable.”
“The quality of the structural work by N T Stevens Ltd assured a stable base for the extremely fine attention to detail, which is characteristic of the whole house. A particularly appealing feature of the home is the bath which is positioned perfectly for magnificent views of Wellington’s beautiful skyline and harbour,” judges stated.
The RMB Commercial Project of the Year went to Dunedin-based company Naylor Love Ltd for its Columba College Sports Centre, an impressively designed and executed gymnasium which makes clever use of classroom galleries and natural light.
Particular attention was paid to sustainability, with special awareness of Dunedin’s often cool winter climate.
Judges noted the acoustics, passive lighting and ventilation ensures the gym is incredibly user-friendly. “This building enthuses and inspires those that use it – the contractor has done a remarkable job,” judges said.
Levels of excitement were high at Saturday night’s black-tie gala event as the capacity crowd of more than 900 waited with bated breath to find out who built the Registered Master Builders 2006 House of the Year and the RMB Commercial Project of the Year.
Registered Master Builder Federation chief executive Pieter Burghout said: “The National Gold Reserve Award recipients represent the very best of New Zealand’s building industry – across the range of residential homes through to commercial buildings – and the national judges had a tough job determining the best of the best, namely, tonight’s ultimate winners.”
David Edwards, chief executive of principal sponsor PlaceMakers said: “Working in partnership with the Registered Master Builders Federation to present and support New Zealand’s premier building event is an honour.
“The calibre of this year’s competition entries demonstrate the excellence, quality and high standard of building in New Zealand. PlaceMakers congratulates each and every National Gold Reserve winner and this year’s national award winners,” he said.
The 100 finalists – National Gold Reserve Award winners – were selected from 703 entrants in 20 local competitions held throughout June, July and August.
