Spearhead Developments’ Cromwell Hawk House has won the Supreme New Home, Craftsmanship, and CARTERS $1 million to $1.5 million New Home awards at the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards.
Celebrating building excellence in New Zealand, the prestigious Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition recognises the best homes, builders and craftsmen across the country.
First-time competition entrant, Spearhead Developments of Central Otago, took the top award for its work on the Hawk House.
Judges acknowledged this home to be a technical challenge in every respect.
“The Hawk House is an architectural masterpiece that sits high in the hills between Cromwell and Wanaka. Mimicking native hawks, the unique form and use of natural materials has created an incredible home that peacefully nestles into its stunning surrounding landscape.
“This is no ordinary bach. It is a home that surprises you at every turn,” the judges said.
Spice Build won the Supreme Renovation Award with the restoration of a historic 135-year old church in Petone, Wellington. The property was also runner-up for the Craftsmanship Award.
Judges said the renovation “demonstrated a vision that is nothing short of exceptional”.
“The build process saw a fantastic collaboration between the owner and builder, with a result that can only be described as a masterpiece.
“It has perfectly retained the original character of the building, all while breathing new life into it with a stunning apartment conversion”.
The Special Award category was introduced last year to recognise outstanding projects or build elements.
Highly worthy of this accolade, Urban Homes claimed the award for its home in Kaipaki, Cambridge.
Tasked with creating a home reminiscent of a Department of Conservation hut hidden away on an idyllic riverside site, the judges said the unassuming yet sophisticated home had managed to blend its beauty appropriately with the neighbouring natural environment.
“The consideration given to this project and the owners’ dedication to preserving the natural beauty of this site are absolutely commendable, and makes this home strongly deserving of this year’s Special Award.”
An additional 15 category and four lifestyle awards were also announced at a gala dinner attended by more than 520 people from the construction industry.
Registered Master Builders chief executive David Kelly says the organisation is proud to showcase the best of New Zealand residential buildings.
“Master Builders have been building New Zealand’s homes and communities for nearly 130 years, and the House of the Year competition has recognised the very best of these homes for almost 30 years.
“As the building boom continues, we must ensure our focus is on building quality homes, quickly and efficiently across all price brackets.
“As New Zealand’s leaders in residential building it is exciting to see innovative approaches coming through in the homes showcased at this year’s awards.
“This competition sets the standard of what is possible, and is an inspiration to others across the sector.
“Master Builders congratulates our Supreme Award recipients, Spearhead Developments and Spice Build, and all the 2019 winners. It has been another year of outstanding builds.”
The Awards are made possible through the support of PlaceMakers, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, GIB, CARTERS, Plumbing World, Altus Window Systems, Resene and Bunnings Trade.
For more information about the competition, visit www.houseoftheyear.co.nz.
