12 August 2022
From aspirational homes to health facilities and retail complexes, Central Queensland builders proved their skill and craftsmanship are nothing short of world-class, no matter the project, at the 2022 Housing & Construction Awards.
Held at Frenchville Sports Club, this year’s award winners rose above the adversity brought about by ongoing trade and materials shortages and price hikes, surprising and delighting the judging panel with the calibre of their workmanship, superb finishes, and detail in construction.
Woollam Constructions were the big winners of the night, taking home four awards for three major projects, including the prestigious Laing O’ Rourke Project of the Year for the Rockhampton Museum of Art.
The museum, which houses one of the country’s largest collections of Australian artworks, also won the Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million award.
The team additionally collected the Health Facilities up to $20 million trophy for the Rockhampton Alcohol & Other Drug Residential Rehabilitation Facility, and top honours in the Training Facilities up to $10 million category for the QMRS Training Centre.
The Millview project saw Knobel Constructions win the sought-after House of the Year award, as well as the Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million and Best Residential Kitchen.
The Knobel Constructions team were commended for their work on the Farnborough homestead with judges saying the detailed craftsmanship on the four-bedroom luxury home was perfection.
Custom Building Improvements snapped up the coveted BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award for their exceptional Rockyview home, Waterford Drive.
Waterford Drive is an impressive family home complete with open plan dining and living area and a fabulous media room.
Other big winners on the night were Hutchinson Builders who won best Retail Facilities up to $5 Million for CocoBrew Express Drive-Thru, Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million for the Goondoon Street Refurbishment and best Commercial Building up to $5 million for the Keppel Bay Plaza Top.
Industry individuals were also recognised on the night with Jeremy Tydd from AF Constructions awarded Construction Skills Queensland Apprentice of the Year, and his boss Aaron Flanagan taking the Rising Star title. Natasha Toohey from Lyke Homes snared the Women in Building crown.
Master Builders Central Queensland Regional Manager, Dean Phillips congratulated the winners across all 31 categories.
“This year’s theme, Building Brilliance, was inspired by our members, and the projects they’ve delivered during these tough times show they’ve done just that,” he said.
“The diversity of our region is inspiring, and the awards highlight the broad spectrum of the building industry where our members work.
“From stunning homes capturing the sweeping beauty of our region to world-class health and community facilities, sustainable masterpieces, and inspirational individuals, I couldn’t be prouder of our Central Queensland builders, tradies and all those doing great things in our industry.”
Major winners
Rockhampton’s $34 million Museum of Art gets top accolade
Winner of the 2022 Central Queensland Laing O’ Rourke Project of the Year – Rockhampton Museum of Art by Woollam Constructions
Woollam Constructions was commissioned by Rockhampton Regional Council to construct the new Museum of Art. With a hefty price tag of $34.4 million the three-level building includes a façade finish treatment including sandstone blocks, aluminium panels, and framed glass and gold-coloured stainless-steel fins.
The specialised air conditioning system protects the artworks, and a dedicated stand-by generator is on site.
Other features include a four-metre-high goods lift and an art storage space.
The museum is a significant public infrastructure project which is believed to house one of the country’s largest collections of Australian artworks.
Judges' comments
“The Rockhampton Museum of Art is one of the most significant public infrastructure projects for the region.”
“Work was completed to a very high standard with the new facility considered a world-class arts venue.”
Luxury Farnborough home a modern masterpiece
Winner of the 2022 Central Queensland House of the Year – Millview by Knobel Constructions
Millview is a Queenslander-inspired modern, four-bedroom home complemented by a one-bedroom cottage.
The home is secluded from the street front but as you emerge through the trees the stunning house comes into view.
The luxurious home features grooved wall panelling, wide profile colonial mouldings, antique brass hallway pendants complete with rosettes and decorative breezeways and beautiful marble tiles that bring multiple spaces together.
Judges' comments
“No stone was left unturned when sourcing materials for this project and the detailed craftsmanship on display is perfection.”
Waterford Drive build recognised as best
Winner of the 2022 Central Queensland BUSSQ Building Super President's Award – Waterford Drive by Custom Building Improvements
As impressive as it is welcoming, Waterford Drive is a stunning four-bedroom modern home. The open plan dining and living room, opposite the gourmet kitchen with spacious butler’s pantry is perfect for entertaining in this beautiful family home.
The master suite is pure luxury, with his-and-her bathroom vanities and walk-in robe.
The three additional bedrooms are roomy, and a fabulous media room completes this Rockyview home.
Due to the location of the block every rain event meant a very wet work site, The builder dug trenches to direct water flow away from the home during construction and designed the exterior footpaths and driveway with the water course in mind.
As this was a stick framed home, the project suffered greatly from the supply chain issues experienced by the building industry.
Judges' comments
“This charming home represents a quality build at an affordable price within reach of first home buyers.”
“The commitment to detail in every aspect of the Waterford Drive project was exceptional.”
“This build certainly had its challenges, including wet weather, but working closely with the clients to overcome supply chain issues and budget constraints resulted in an exceptional project.”
“The workmanship was first class, from earthworks to concrete and internal finishes.”
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