An open-plan country home north of Auckland, a chic estate in the Bay of Islands and a stylish dwelling in Wanaka took out three of the Lifestyle Awards in last year’s Registered Master Builders 2006 House of the Year, in association with PlaceMakers.
Nautica Homes Ltd took out the Heart of the Home Kitchen Award for its rural homestead in Dairy Flat, Auckland. The award is presented to the home that meets the lifestyle, family and entertaining needs of its owners.
The kitchen’s form and function were key elements in the judging criteria. The homestead’s kitchen features a 1.3-tonne hand-made concrete bench top, which has shells and stones from throughout New Zealand embedded in it.
The judges were most impressed with this property’s kitchen. “The shell-encrusted, hand-made bench top is only one example of the superb craftsmanship evident in this stunning kitchen,” they said.
“Designed to impress, with ample space for every imaginable function, this kitchen is not only an entertainer’s dream but can cater for day-to-day living with style and impact.”
The Mico Bathrooms Excellence Award is given to the home that best illustrates workmanship quality, specification and installation requirements, and functionality. The winning property was the expansive, state-of-the-art, contemporary home in Russell built by Lindesay Construction Ltd, and designed by renowned architect Simon Carnachan.
The residence has an open, minimalist aesthetic with the emphasis firmly on the property’s stunning views. This design style is carried through to the bathrooms, which are spacious, stylish and scenic.
The judges were attracted to the elegant execution of these bathrooms. “The spacious bathrooms in this home are a sight to behold,” they said.
The Future-Proof Building Award was presented to Harraway Building Ltd for a property in Wanaka.This award recognises the home that best demonstrates Future-Proof Building, meeting the lifestyles of tomorrow through solutions-driven construction.
This very modern home faces north-west, and is on a gentle sloping section which boasts stunning mountain views. The 5.5m-high ceiling is lined with decorated acoustic panelling and provides fantastic ambience.
The entire floor is polished concrete with in-slab heating, heated by solar power and diesel.
The competition judges said this home demonstrated a commitment to future-proofing “in the most imaginative ways”.
“Solar panels have been located in parts of the garden, and the concrete floors and double glazed windows work in harmony to trap heat. The steel fireplace and acoustic wood panelling create an ambient atmosphere.”
The judges reflected that the three winners of the Lifestyle Awards went over and above the competition criteria for each award, displaying top-quality workmanship and creating homes that are superbly suited to New Zealand lifestyles.
