A J Saville Builder Ltd believes true workmanship, attention to detail and comprehensive co-ordination with subtrades made its project in Millbrook, Arrowtown, distinctive enough to take out two top awards in the Registered Master Builders 2006 House of the Year competition, in association with PlaceMakers.
The property won the awards for New Homes Over $1 million as well as the Pink Batts Ultra Energy Efficiency Award.
The home boasts an impressive, unique exterior of five two-storeyed “houses” within a compound connected by glazed spaces so skilfully linked that, while obvious from the outside, the spatial flow internally is seamless.
The external construction is stylish yet robust enough to suit the area’s harsh elements, with gutsy plaster and schist walls.
By contrast, inside, the white-painted interior creates a light and spacious alpine haven assisted by full gable-end windows and multiple skylights.
Spectacular effect
The only deviation from the colour scheme is the exquisite Italian kitchen and laundry fittings, which are a rich chocolate tone. The total effect is spectacular and was achieved through excellent execution and workmanship by A J Saville.
The judges were blown away with all aspects of the winning property, calling it simply “superb”.
“The quality of workmanship is outstanding, the subcontractor control and overall co-ordination masterly,” the judges said.
Each of the “houses” has its own finely crafted and finished staircase. All but one are made from eucalypt timber while the fifth, which leads from the kitchen to the media room, is made entirely from glass.
All the floors are solid timber on concrete with full underfloor heating, while the walls, which maintain the country look, are thin battened over MDF or plaster-boarded and, of course, all painted white.
A large steel portal was used, and allowed a fully glazed end wall within which the windows — as elsewhere — are powder coated aluminium/timber composite frames.
Other steel work provides the home with generous, yet not overwhelming, spaces. The bathrooms, one in each “house”, are beautifully finished with clear glass mosaic tiles. A J Saville is proud of the awards the company achieved.
“[They] confirmed us as right up there with the best of the Registered Master Builders as residential house builders, especially at this high end where it’s more than just building. It’s a lot of planning as well.”
Overwhelmingly positive
They were also overwhelmingly positive about the Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers House of the Year competition, saying it is a reflection of the high standard of workmanship in the construction industry.
A J Saville was also full of encouragement for first-time entrants. “Enter and get the satisfaction of showcasing your workmanship and that of your subbies — it certainly gives you a great sense of achievement.”
