Bespoke Queenstown build wins national award

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High quality craftsmanship throughout a challenging project resulted in a win for Bennie Builders at the 2017 Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards.

The striking Queenstown build took out the CARTERS Multi Unit National Category Award at the competition.

James Bennie of Bennie Builders says winning the award was a very proud moment for the entire team involved in the project.

“It was fantastic recognition for our team, the subcontractors and suppliers involved. It’s also great confirmation for our clients that we produce the highest quality work,” he says. 

“We have entered the competition before, but this was our first national award. It was a very proud moment.”

Mr Bennie says the unique detailing and quality workmanship of the build made it stand out from the competition.

“It’s a very original design with many bespoke elements. Most elements of the build were also very complex, and required a high level of workmanship with no room for errors as the elements were highly visible,” he says.

“For example, the tongue and groove ceilings, the 8m-long skylight, in-situ concrete entrance beam and the cantilevered concrete balcony — these elements all required quality craftmanship, and contributed to the striking result of the build.”

Mr Bennie explains that the location and size of the site created several challenges for the team to overcome.

“The build was on a very tight site and located on one of Queenstown’s busiest streets, which definitely added complexity to the project.

“We were also dealing with the extreme weather conditions, and had to start the concrete pours in the depths of winter.

“At one point during the build, our compactor was frozen to the ground, and we had to use a digger to pull it free!” he says.

The team’s forward-thinking approach and ability to manage the complex build clearly impressed the judges, who praised the quality workmanship exhibited in the project.

“Overlooking Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the mountains beyond, this bespoke duplex is tightly positioned on a challenging, long and narrow elevated site,” they said.

“Clearly a large amount of strategic forward planning was involved in this complex build, which complements the natural features of the site.

“The duplex includes exposed salt and pepper concrete features, negative detailing, full height elements, multi-bespoke joinery elements and texture finishes. The executed attention to detail became clearly apparent in every area.

“The builder has created an outstanding example of fine workmanship, bringing the architect’s creative vision and the owner’s dream to life. This was a pleasure to judge.”

A Registered Master Builder for seven years, Mr Bennie says winning the award raises the profile of the company among peers and future clients.

“The awards give our future clients certainty that we deliver a product of the highest quality,” he says.

House of the Year is made possible through the support of PlaceMakers, Master Build Services, GIB, Nulook, CARTERS, Plumbing World, Resene and Bunnings Trade.

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