6 August 2020
WIDE BAY builders came up trumps at this year’s Master Builders Wide Bay Burnett Housing & Construction Awards.
More than 30 builders, projects and individuals from Hervey Bay to Agnes Water were recognised at the livestreamed event on Thursday, 6 August.
Bundaberg-born and bred builders, Kleidon Masterbuilt Homes continued their award-winning streak, taking home the top honours of House of the Year for their Casa Bianca build in Innes Park North. The Italian-inspired mansion was also awarded best Individual Home $1.26 million – $2 million. The Kleidon teamfurther cemented their status as sustainable builders, picking up the award for Excellence in Sustainable Living for the same project – a feat they also achieved in 2018 for their Aura 270 home in Bargara.
The new Mon Repos Turtle Centre by Murchie Constructions was the other big winner on the night, recognised as the Project of the Year and for best Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million. The new centre provides the local region with a contemporary ecotourism experience, showing off the conservation and research programs that are critical to the survival of the endangered loggerhead turtle population.
Murchie Constructions were also recognised in the Education Facilities up to $10 million category for their St Joseph's Catholic Kindergarten project in Bundaberg – a build that took just 16 weeks to complete, just in time for the beginning of the school year for 2020.
The coveted President’s Award was nabbed by Hervey Bay builders, NH Homes, for their stylish, yet functional Peppermint project, which was additionally recognised in the best Individual Home $251,000 – $350,000 category. They also walked away with best Individual Home $951,000 – $1.25 million and Best Residential Swimming Pool for Esplanade Residence and Medium Density up to 3 Storeys – 2 to 5 Dwellings for their Waters Edge Duplex in Eli Waters.
WK Projects’ work on Stage 2 of Bundaberg’s Indigenous Wellbeing Centre snagged them three awards, including Health Facilities up to $20 million, Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Environmental Management and Excellence in Workplace Health & Safety. The project was applauded by the judges for its inclusion of Aboriginal Elders’ input and for its use of best-practice energy efficiencies and water management.
Master Builders’ Wide Bay Burnett Regional Manager, Ian Langer, congratulated the winners across all 33 categories.
“In today’s climate, where so much is uncertain, recognising the great work that is done in our industry is so important,” Mr Langer said.
“We had to do things a little differently for our Housing & Construction Awards this year, but I’m pleased to see that the Wide Bay community banded together.
“We have seen some exceptional projects this year, from tourism facilities, community centres and educational hubs, to beautiful seaside abodes and modern mansions.
“It’s proof that Wide Bay builders are built tough and can continue to shine, despite the pressures COVID-19 is putting on our industry.”
Major winners
Turtle-y amazing beachside tourist attraction wins big
Winner of the 2020 Wide Bay Burnett Project of the Year – Murchie Constructions for Mon Repos Turtle Centre
The new Mon Repos Turtle Centre uses State-of-the-Art technology to provide visitors with the ultimate turtle experience all year round.
A uniquely angular structure, it uses natural products, like Spotted Gum, that will age over time to blend with the environment.
Murchie Constructions engaged local contractors wherever possible and the project allowed apprentices in the region the opportunity to experience building techniques and materials not frequently used in the industry, some of which they may never experience again. It certainly demonstrates the high level of skill and quality workmanship the region has to offer.
Judges’ comments:
“This modern and impressive building is certainly one to be admired. The structure is a first-class facility to show off extraordinary marine turtles and the conservation and research programs that are critical to the survival of the endangered loggerhead turtle population. This structure is well-deserving of this award.”
“This project is very unique, requiring considerable expertise and quality craftsmen/ tradesmen to complete.”
“This structure provides discovery and learning material for the general public as well as scientific research facilities for Rangers in conservation programs.”
“It is a credit to all construction personnel involved in this project.”
“Excellent use and integration of organic and inorganic building materials blending into the environment.”
Italian-inspired White House takes top gong
Winner of the 2020 Wide Bay Burnett House of the Year – Kleidon Masterbuilt Homes for Casa Bianca
Boasting an abundance of natural light, open and spacious living areas and cross airways that capture the fresh sea breezes, this modern, two-storey, five-bedroom home is the ultimate in stylish and functional living.
The heroes of this home are the grand towering entrance and handcrafted wrought iron sweeping staircase, grand chandeliers, and marble-style floor tiles.
With a range of entertainment options suited to resort living, including a guest wing, tennis court and oceanside magnesium swimming pool, this technology-infused home was designed with lifestyle in mind.
Judges’ comments:
“This magnificently positioned home boasts distinctive provincial finishes, reflected by a range of entertainment options suited to resort living, including a tennis court, media room and oceanside swimming pool.”
“Entering the home, you are taken on a visual journey starting with the carefully-handcrafted wrought iron sweeping staircase, grand chandeliers and marble-style floor tiles, leading you beyond to the full floor to ceiling fixed glass atrium encasing a water feature.”
“The spaces in this grand home flow effortlessly with thoughtful architecture evident within every element.”
“The epitome of resort-style living, Casa Bianca has breathtaking ocean views that extend across the uninterrupted landscaping and capture the sea breezes and is well worthy of this award.”
Mint home in the Bay proves popular
Winner of the 2020 Wide Bay Burnett President’s Award – NH Homes for Peppermint
A perfect combination of style, functionality and location, this expertly designed, spacious, four-bedroom home comes complete with a double lock-up garage.
Flexible living is a key feature, with optional interconnection between the media room and an adjacent second multi-purpose room.
It’s perfect for family living and entertaining with its expansive alfresco area complete with outdoor kitchen, ceiling fan and exposed aggregate flooring.
Judges’ comments:
“This four-bedroom home delivers a perfect combination of style, functionality and design.”
“This spacious home is perfect for family living and entertaining with its expansive alfresco area complete with outdoor kitchen, ceiling fan and exposed aggregate flooring. As such, it is deserving of the President’s Award.”
All Wide Bay Burnett winners
Construction
- Health Facilities up to $20 million – WK Projects Pty Ltd for IWC Stage 2 (Walkervale)
- Education Facilities up to $10 million – Murchie Constructions Pty Ltd for St Joseph's Catholic Kindergarten (Bundaberg Central)
- Community Service Facilities – J. Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for Aeromedical Base Bundaberg (RFDS and LifeFlight) (Kensington)
- Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million – Murchie Constructions Pty Ltd for Mon Repos Turtle Centre (Mon Repos)
- Industrial Building up to $5 million – ASM Builders Pty Ltd for Wide Bay Crane Hire (Svennson Heights)
- Industrial Building over $5 million – BADGE Constructions (QLD) Pty Ltd for HYNE Timber Processing Plant (Maryborough)
- Refurbishment/Renovation up to $750,000 – Win Constructions Queensland Pty Ltd for The Vinyard (Urangan)
- Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Environmental Management – WK Projects Pty Ltd for IWC Stage 2 (Bundaberg)
- Excellence in Workplace Health & Safety – WK Projects Pty Ltd for IWC Stage 2 (Bundaberg)
Housing
- Home Renovation/Remodelling Project up to $275,000 – Norm Wales Constructions Pty Ltd for Proctor (Bundaberg)
- Display Home $251,000 – $350,000 – SAAROQ Pty Ltd T/A Stroud Homes Wide Bay for Kentucky Mountain (Branyan)
- Display Home $451,000 – $550,000 – JRZ Constructions Pty Ltd T/A JRZ Homes for Lavella Project (Bargara)
- Individual Home up to $250,000 – SAAROQ Pty Ltd T/A Stroud Homes Wide Bay for Wildflower Hampton (Bargara)
- Individual Home $251,000 – $350,000 – Nathan A Hore T/A NH Homes for Peppermint (Nikenbah)
- Individual Home $351,000 – $450,000 – Ricky D Cullen T/A Ricky Cullen Constructions for Hummock View (Craignish)
- Individual Home $451,000 – $550,000 – Maiden Homes Pty Ltd for Corymbia (Agnes Water)
- Individual Home $551,000 – $650,000 – JRZ Constructions Pty Ltd T/A JRZ Homes for Fantail Project (Sharon)
- Individual Home $751,000 – $950,000 – Bright Life Homes Pty Ltd for Treetop Breeze (Agnes Water)
- Individual Home $951,000 – $1.25 million – Nathan A Hore T/A NH Homes for Esplanade Residence (Point Vernon)
- Individual Home $1.26 million – $2 million – Kleidon Masterbuilt Homes Pty Ltd for Casa Bianca (Innes Park North)
- Best Use of Sloping Sites – SAAROQ Pty Ltd T/A Stroud Homes Wide Bay for Bronte Custom (River Heads)
- Medium Density up to 3 Storeys – 2 to 5 Dwellings – Nathan A Hore T/A NH Homes for Waters Edge Duplex (Eli Waters)
- Excellence in Sustainable Living – Kleidon Masterbuilt Homes Pty Ltd for Casa Bianca (Innes Park North)
Specialty
- Best Residential Bathroom – SAAROQ Pty Ltd T/A Stroud Homes Wide Bay for Three Pines Lodge (Cordalba)
- Best Residential Kitchen – SAAROQ Pty Ltd T/A Stroud Homes Wide Bay for Three Pines Lodge (Cordalba)
- Best Residential Swimming Pool – Nathan A Hore T/A NH Homes for Esplanade Residence (Point Vernon)
Individual
- Residential Trade Contractor of the Year – David J Snodgrass T/A Q-TileRite for She Oak Display (Bargara)
- Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – McHugh Steel Pty Ltd for Macadamias Australia Tourism Facility (Bundaberg)
- Rising Star – Scott Thomsen from Scott Thomsen Construction (Tinana)
- Women in Building – Gillian Tulk from Steeline Roofin Spot (Bargara)
Major
- President's Award – Nathan A Hore T/A NH Homes for Peppermint (Nikenbah)
- Project of the Year – Murchie Constructions Pty Ltd for Mon Repos Turtle Centre (Mon Repos)
- House of the Year – Kleidon Masterbuilt Homes Pty Ltd for Casa Bianca (Innes Park North)
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Christine Buzzard, Digital Communications Advisor at christine.buzzard@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6418
Melissa Seiler, Communications Advisor at melissa.seiler@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6424
Julie Russell, Manager Communications & Media at julie.russell@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6436
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