19 August 2023
From beautifully renovated buildings and stylish retail spaces to beachside abodes and modern apartments, the Master Builders Wide Bay Burnett 2023 Housing & Construction Awards showed off superb craftsmanship and innovation.
The best of the best in the building and construction industry were celebrated at the Awards held at The Beach House Hotel on Saturday, 19 August.
The team at Bungalow won the coveted House of the Year Award for the Toogoom beachside two-storey home, Saltwater Shores, with its stunning view over the river and bay, which also received the Colorbond Individual Home from $750,000 up to $1 million Award.
The stylish design of this six-bedroom family home highlights incredible craftsmanship and impeccable attention to detail.
Hutchinson Builders proved why they are one of the best in the business after winning the highly sought-after Project of the Year for the QFES North Coast Regional Headquarters and Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station, which additionally earned them the Community Services Facilities Award.
The QFES project has three new purpose-built buildings and alterations to an existing 1950s art deco fire station. The Hutchies team carefully preserved the building’s character, protecting an external mural, replacing glass, and paying homage to the history of the area with a museum in one of the refurbished buildings.
CRJ Designer Homes took out the BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award for the American farmhouse-inspired project, Henderson345 in Gooburrum.
The high-pitched roofline and monochromatic colour scheme are true to the style making this home the perfect combination of great location and attention to detail.
Industry individuals were also recognised on the night with Harrison Charge from JRZ Homes awarded the Apprentice of the Year title, and Mariah Robinson from Richters Joinery taking home the Women in Building Award.
Kresten Ramage from Ramage Building was named the Rising Star of 2023.
Master Builders’ Wide Bay Burnett Regional Manager, Ian Langer, congratulated all the winners across the 28 categories.
“From educational amenities and community facilities to magnificent renovations, and luxury family homes, this year’s entries were spectacular,” he said.
“It’s a true testament to the quality of building that happens in and around the Wide Bay Burnett region.
“No matter whether our 2023 entrants have taken an Award home or not, they're in esteemed company and a valued part of why Master Builders are so widely trusted and respected,” he said.
Major winners
Farmhouse-style family home gets President’s nod
Winner of the 2023 Wide Bay Burnett BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Henderson345 by CRJ Designer Homes
Designed with the modern American farmhouse in mind, the Henderson345 is a unique beauty.
The layout is well suited to a larger family and the mud room, laundry and kitchen space work well together. The rear patio is spacious and great for entertaining.
The home is cosy and uncluttered and combines elements of the traditional look with contemporary design to create timeless appeal. The fresh white interior colour pallet complements the dark timber floors and when paired with exposed timber and an inviting brick front fireplace, it all adds to the charm of the home.
The sheltered alfresco area has a high-raked peak with plenty of glass, a monument black ceiling and a rustic timber feature wall. The raw brick detail on the patio flooring flawlessly adds to the style and gives the perfect finish to the farmhouse look.
This project showcases the highest level of workmanship and highlights the builder’s attention to detail and overall craftsmanship.
Judges’ comments
“This is a beautiful home with great street appeal.”
“The rear covered patio area is a wonderful entertaining space with plenty of space and height and a great mix of colour in comparison to the rest of the house exterior.”
Fire station is hottest project of the year
Winner of the 2023 Wide Bay Burnett Home Project of the Year QFES North Coast Regional Headquarters and Maryborough Fire and Rescue Station
The builder extended an existing Art Deco 1950s fire station with three new purpose-built, buildings using untested building techniques and the latest technology, while managing an intersection upgrade.
The complex includes a new fire and emergency services headquarters, including a technologically advanced emergency management hub, fire station turnout and tender storage sheds.
In place of the traditional fireman’s pole, Hutchies installed an innovative slide from the turnout rooms on level 1 to the lower level allowing for quick and safe access.
The new buildings complement the historic fire station while reflecting their innovative use of modern design and materials.
Judges’ comments
“The special materials specified in the contract have all been sourced and installed in a very professional manner resulting in this wonderful, facility.”
“The use of structural timbers, traditional steel and concrete enhanced with feature timber panelling throughout has created an aesthetically pleasing workplace.”
Magnificent seaside home gets coveted award
Winner of the 2023 Wide Bay Burnett House of the Year – Saltwater Shores by Bungalow
The challenges of building this six-bedroom, double-storey home on a block with existing sheds and amenities, while maximising the stunning water views in many ways defined this project.
Entering the double-height open living space, looking through to the pool and bar area, the view is the hero of this house.
A quirky feature of this home is the hidden door between the living room and the bar area that opens onto the rear deck and pool.
Incorporating a soundproof theatre room, second-floor gym and elegant kitchen, this home is lifestyle personified for the owners.
Judges’ comments
“This beautiful home takes full advantage of the view over the river and the bay.
“A lot of thought has gone into the design, features and construction of this home.”
Major Sponsors
