15 July 2023
Local builders and tradies took top honours at this year’s Master Builders Brisbane 2023 Housing & Construction Awards.
From spectacular homes and modern apartments to minimalist designs, and precision engineering, the Awards showcased a diverse selection of the best in Brisbane.
Master Builders welcomed a full house to the event at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 15 July. The calibre of entries in this year’s field was exceptional, innovative and worthy of high praise.
The judging panel was impressed with the level of detail, quality of construction, and craftsmanship on show in every project.
Corella Construction snapped up the prestigious Xact Accounting House of the Year for the beautiful, riverfront family home, Jacaranda House. From the pastel-blue double doors to the glass chandelier, every detail has been considered and carefully designed to give it an authentic, Hamptons-style home.
Jacaranda House is an entertainer’s dream with a rumpus room, cinema space, extended patios, and an outdoor kitchen overlooking the pool with uninterrupted views of the lawns and Jacaranda Trees. This luxurious home also secured the ABI Interiors Individual Home over $3 million Award.
BESIX Watpac delivered a landmark project and the tallest diagrid building of its kind in the southern hemisphere with Jubliee Place winning them the Professional Certification Group Project of the Year, as well as Commercial/Industrial Building over $50 million Award.
The building is a 14-storey commercial and retail tower that incorporates an eight-metre cantilever over 11 levels above the Jubilee Hotel. The rooftop terrace and restaurant boast views of the city with access to three basement levels for tenant parking.
Graya Construction collected several awards on the night for various projects, including the coveted BUSSQ Building Super Presidents Award for Larc. This construction marvel shows off a minimalist design and innovative use of construction techniques.
The Hamilton home boasts curved walls, stone benchtops, and a steam room with fibre optic twinkle lights. The attention to detail and technical achievements make Larc a standout.
The Graya team also walked away with Best Residential Bathroom and Best Use of Sloping Sites for their Skyline project in Paddington.
Apollo Property Group was among the other big winners on the night, taking home the best Retail Facilities up to $5 million and the Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million Award for the Straddie Brewing Co at Dunwich.
Designed to showcase iconic views, the three-storey facility includes two bars, a restaurant and a sunset viewing deck. The venue pays homage to its island home with details such as coastal protection on building elements, murals depicting local scenes and repurposed timber bar tops.
The team from Frameology Constructions came out tops, winning both the Apprentice of the Year and Procore Rising Star Awards. Company director, Matthew Grieve won the Rising Star title and his colleague Campbell Smith was awarded for his strong work ethic and skills development.
Tarah Hastie from Activates Construction was awarded the Women in Building title.
Master Builders CEO, Paul Bidwell, congratulated the winners across all 53 categories.
“The spirit of achievement, dedication and exceptional quality of workmanship is renowned for inspiring our 2023 Housing & Construction Awards program – Shining Bright. This year the projects prove our members are truly innovative and dedicated to building the best for Brisbane.
“This year’s field is diverse, from stunning renovations and beautiful new builds to important community facilities like education and sports facilities to a shopping village and brewery – there’s really nothing Master Builders can’t accomplish.
“I am immensely proud of our Brisbane builders, tradies and everyone who is part of what makes this industry so great.”
Major winners
Iconic building celebrates city’s heritage
Winner of the 2023 Brisbane Professional Certification Group Project of the Year – Jubilee Place by BESIX Watpac
This project is a landmark build for BESIX Watpac that showcases its technical capabilities.
Jubilee Place is a 77-metre, 14-storey commercial and retail tower with an eight-metre cantilever over 11 levels above a heritage-listed hotel.
Not only is the tower the tallest diagrid building of its kind in the southern hemisphere at the time of project completion, but construction works were also carried out within a challenging site adjacent to the heritage-listed Jubilee Hotel and immediately above the Clem7 tunnels.
A perfect blend of old and new, Jubilee Place boasts precision engineering and construction methodology. Sustainability is at the heart of this project, with Jubilee Place achieving a 6-star Green Star design rating.
Judges’ comments
“An outstanding construction using new techniques and innovation with structural steel throughout external curtain walls of the building.”
“An excellent example of a successful development approval process and working with the neighbours and clients.”
“Jubilee Place is at the big end of town and almost says ‘look at me’, it definitely raises the bar.”
“Great design solutions that step outside the norm for high-rise construction with innovative steelwork that makes a statement.”
Hamptons-style family home under the Jacaranda
Winner of the 2023 Brisbane Xact Accounting House of the Year – Jacaranda House by Corella Construction
The vision to create an authentic Hamptons-style home was achieved with the breathtaking Jacaranda House.
This spectacular family home on the Brisbane riverfront is an exceptional build oozing style and old-school craftsmanship. Designed to suit the site, the home’s 57-metre-wide façade is broken into an array of dorma windows, extended patios, and glazed gable ends.
The master bedroom includes a walk-in robe, nursery room, and a large ensuite with a free-standing Victoria and Albert bath that overlooks the property’s lush riverside Jacarandas.
Jacaranda House is an entertainer’s dream with a large outside area accessible from dining, living and bedroom areas. A full outdoor kitchen overlooks the pool with a built-in spa and infinity edge. What makes it so special is the alfresco sees uninterrupted views of the lawns that cascade down to the river.
Judges’ comments
“Jacaranda House is a shining example of what can be delivered when the owner has a vision, and the builder has the dedication to meet the vision.”
“Jacaranda House boasts a spectacular presentation that takes your breath away.”
“The builder considered the vegetation with every angle looking onto the river or Jacarandas and tennis court in the back garden.”
“It was a moving experience visiting this project. The builder created an icon on the Brisbane River for future generations to admire.”
“The detail was exceptional boasting an old school craftmanship almost forgotten.”
Construction marvel with winning minimalist design
Winner of the 2023 Brisbane BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Larc by Graya Construction
Larc is a luxurious mansion by Graya Construction that boasts a minimalist design and innovative use of techniques.
Complete with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a gym, and an expansive wine cellar, the impressive home flaunts premium products and superb craftsmanship.
This home’s unique features including curved walls and custom joinery, demonstrate the degree of difficulty involved in its construction.
The home’s elegant design blends seamlessly with its surroundings with impressive street appeal.
Larc provides modern, stylish living with a breathtaking view over the Brisbane River.
Judges’ comments
“An impressive project with clever structural solutions and clearly a winner in its category.”
“The craftsmanship is excellent, and the joinery is exceptional. Larc boasts high-end detail and the builder really thought outside the box with this project.”
“It’s a very contemporary design with clever structural solutions.”
“The execution of stonework was second to none. It shows the builder took a long time to perfect this home.”
“The attention to detail in the finishes, including the tiling and plastering is superb.”
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