31 July 2021
THE spirit of determination and exceptional craftsmanship Downs & Western builders are renowned for was on show at the 2021 Housing & Construction Awards, despite challenges for the industry being far from over.
Master Builders Queensland was thrilled to welcome a live crowd to the event at the Rumours International Convention Centre on Saturday, 31 July. This year’s field 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.
Gordon Bourke Constructions were the biggest winners of the night, securing the prestigious President’s Award and Individual Home from $250,000 up to $350,000 for the eye-catching Lagom project, showcasing the builder’s attention to detail and quality finishes. The team also won best Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million and Best Residential Swimming Pool for the stunning Gallet, overlooking the Lockyer Valley, and best Display Home from $250,000 to $350,000 for Sepia, a true entertainer’s delight.
The state-of-the-art Roma Hospital Redevelopment saw BESIX Watpac win the sought-after Project of the Year award, as well as best Health Facilities over $20 million. The BESIX Watpac team were commended by the South West Hospital & Health Service for taking a personal approach with the local community to deliver a world-class facility including 24 hour emergency department, operating theatres, palliative care and mental health facilities, rehabilitation gym and birthing suites all in a single location, that will serve the region well into the future.
NRG Services was also named Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year for their work on the Roma Hospital Redevelopment, after being engaged by BESIX Watpac to complete the electrical trade services works.
Mark Ross Timber Homes QLD snapped up the coveted House of the Year Award for their exceptional East Toowoomba home, Redwood, which also took home the gong for best Individual Home over $2 million. This home stands out from the pack, with Mark and his team overcoming the challenges of a difficult site and a complex, detailed design, utilising materials from the former demolished residence, resulting in a remarkable build.
Other big winners on the night were BBC QLD, with previous Housing & Construction Award-winning builder Damien Weeks named Rising Star, and Hamish Selkirk Apprentice of the Year, with the team taking home Individual Home from $650,000 up to $750,000 for The Atrium. The prestigious Women in Building award went to Shay Scott from Hotondo Homes Toowoomba, whose commitment to her clients has helped her gain widespread respect and trust.
Master Builders Downs & Western Regional Manager, Linda Rosengreen, congratulated the winners across all 47 categories.
“This year’s theme Built to rise above was inspired by our members, and the projects they’ve delivered during these tough times show they’ve done just that,” Linda said.
“Since the pandemic first started to bite, our members have excelled in the face of adversity, and are continuing to amaze us with their tough-as-nails attitude.
“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 Downs & Western builders, tradies and all those doing great things in our industry.
“Irrespective of whether they’ve taken an Award away or not, all our 2021 entrants are a valued part of why Master Builders are trusted and respected.”
Major winners
Scandi-inspired home a modern masterpiece
Winner of the 2021 Downs & Western President’s Award – Lagom by Gordon Bourke Constructions Pty Ltd
As impressive as it is welcoming, Lagom is a stunning Scandinavian-inspired modern home.
Its exterior features a striking mix of materials, including French pattern travertine tiling and large glass windows within the multiple feature gables, making for enviable street appeal.
Inside, the feature fireplace takes centre stage in the light-filled dining and living room, opposite the gourmet kitchen with hidden butler’s pantry.
The extravagant master suite at the front of the home is pure luxury, with his-and-hers Hollywood-style walk-in robe and lavish ensuite. It’s separated from the three additional bedrooms by a fabulous media room, while a northerly landscaped yard flows off the alfresco, perfect for entertaining in this beautiful family home.
Judges’ comments:
“Lagom showcases the builder’s attention to detail and quality finish.”
“This is a great house with a lot of interesting finishes. The use of different products presents a modern yet warm and inviting residence. An exceptional effort by the builder.”
“The construction is of a very high standard in terms of quality and is extremely good value for money.”
“Designed to suit the corner block with unique and appealing two-street frontage, and north-facing outdoor living areas.”
Unsurpassed quality in a commanding position
Winner of the 2021 Downs & Western House of the Year – Redwood by Mark Ross Timber Homes QLD Pty Ltd
Set in a commanding position overlooking the range, this exceptional four-level masterpiece has been designed with the latest technology and energy efficiency in mind. The exterior is the brainchild of Jesse Bennett Studios, while the interior was designed by its owners, David and Emma McTaggart.
The clients were all about the home’s green footprint. Constructed of brick and off form concrete, it also incorporates recycled roof tiles as cladding, and bluestone from the demolished former dwelling. Fully automated using control 4 technology, everything can be operated using a smart phone or tablet, or touch screens located on every level. The imported engineered Italian timber flooring is heated via a green energy hydronic warm water system, while all the glazing incorporates high-performance glass.
The stunning view from the master suite, internal lift and wine cellar are also highlights, with the builder excelling on a difficult sloping site with complex detail.
Judges’ comments:
“This house stands out from the pack. The level of detail in this residence is unbelievable.”
“The skill & craftsmanship on display in this house are remarkable.”
“An enormous amount of work has been carried out in the construction of this dwelling. The quality of work carried out by the builder is unsurpassed. The site conditions were difficult due to the steepness of the site so retaining walls had to be installed prior to construction. The builder has done an excellent job to complete with a minimum of fuss.”
World-class regional healthcare for generations to come
Winner of the 2021 Downs & Western Project of the Year – Roma Hospital Redevelopment by BESIX Watpac.
The $86 million Roma Hospital Redevelopment project is a fantastic asset to the local community, providing public health care and accommodation that is second to none. BESIX Watpac has been widely-praised on an exceptional job completed to such a high standard – and delivered ahead of schedule – in a remote location.
With standout finishes, the fit-out of the medical rooms and plant room to the highest standard, a 24-hour emergency department, and state-of-the-art water birthing suites among its many features, this facility is a one-stop shop for the region when it comes to healthcare.
BESIX Watpac also upheld their reputation for immersing themselves in the local community, by creating local jobs, sponsoring local events, and running a crane naming competition in schools.
Judges’ comments:
“Hospital purpose-built to deal with any medical emergency in one place. Private enterprises are incorporated into hospital to enhance capabilities rather than transferring to metropolitan hospital for care.”
“The builder and subcontractor have done an exceptional job to complete a project of such a high standard in a remote location. Not only do all the finishes stand out but the plant room is neat as well – one of the most organised plant rooms I have seen. This is a testament to the services contractors, as a new hospital includes very complex services.”
“The project which the builder has undertaken is of extremely high standard, and due to the poor soil conditions and difficult engineering specifications, the builder should be praised for their efforts. Due to the remoteness of the project and difficulty of obtaining materials the builder has delivered an exceptional project completed ahead of schedule.”
All Downs & Western winners
Construction
- Health Facilities up to $20 million – J. Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for SVPHT Emergency Department (Toowoomba)
- Health Facilities over $20 million – Watpac Construction Pty Ltd for Roma Hospital Redevelopment (Roma)
- Education Facilities up to $10 million – FK Gardner and Sons Pty Ltd for Edmund Rice Cultural Centre (Toowoomba)
- Sporting Facilities - Bedford Built Pty Ltd for Faith Lutheran College, Plainland - Sports Complex (Plainland)
- Community Service Facilities – J. Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for Toowoomba Private Mental Health (Toowoomba)
- Retail Facilities up to $5 million – Newlands Commercial Construction Pty Ltd for ALDI Highfields Retail Centre (Highfields)
- Commercial Building up to $5 million – Cavanough Builders Pty Ltd for Avenue Motel Apartments (Toowoomba)
- Commercial Building from $5 million up to $50 million – D J Buckley Builders Pty Ltd for Paroo Community and Civic Centre (Cunnamulla)
- Industrial Building over $5 million – McNab NQ Pty Ltd T/A McNab for TRC Principal Works Depot (Charlton)
- Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) up to $20 million – J. Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for Inspire South Central (Toowoomba)
- Community Accommodation for Aged Care and Nursing Homes – Palm Lake Works Pty Ltd for Palm Lake Care Toowoomba (Cranley)
- Refurbishment/Renovation up to $750,000 – Betros Constructions Pty Ltd for Ray White Toowoomba (Toowoomba)
- Refurbishment/Renovation over $750,000 – Kane Constructions (QLD) Pty Ltd T/A Arete Australia (QLD) for Toowoomba Sports Club & Gaming Refurbishment (Toowoomba)
Housing
- Individual Home from $250,000 up to $350,000 – Gordon Bourke Constructions Pty Ltd for Lagom (Middle Ridge)
- Individual Home from $350,000 up to $450,000 – Urbane Build Pty Ltd for Campbell 2.0 (East Toowoomba)
- Individual Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Highfields Builder Pty Ltd for Iredale Bliss (Iredale)
- Individual Home from $550,000 up to $650,000 – Arden Vale Homes Pty Ltd for Moncrieff 1 (Middle Ridge)
- Individual Home from $650,000 up to $750,000 – BBC Qld Pty Ltd for The Atrium (Blue Mountain Heights)
- Individual Home from $750,000 up to $950,000 – Urbane Build Pty Ltd for Trafalgar House (Middle Ridge)
- Individual Home from $950,000 up to $1.25 million – Kev Morris Builder Pty Ltd for Katoomba Vista (Prince Henry Heights)
- Individual Home from $1.25 million up to $2 million – Gordon Bourke Constructions for Gallet (Preston)
- Individual Home over $2 million – MARK ROSS TIMBER HOMES QLD P/L for Redwood (Toowoomba)
- Home Renovation/Remodelling Project up to $275,000 - J S G Constructions PTY LTD for Florence (East Toowoomba)
- Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $275,000 up to $575,000 – Clayton Lewis Jesse T/A Clayton Jesse Construction Group for Project Newtown (Newtown)
- Home Renovation/Remodelling Project from $575,000 up to $1 million – S & S Timmer Constructions Pty Ltd for Morennan Homestead (Wyaga)
- Home Renovation/Remodelling Project over $1 million – Winzim Investments Pty Ltd T/A Mark Winter Constructions for Guyong (Toowoomba)
- Display Home up to $250,000 – Nick Ruhle Homes Pty Ltd for The Brennan (Harristown)
- Display Home from $250,000 up to $350,000 – Gordon Bourke Constructions Pty Ltd for Sepia (Sepia)
- Display Home from $350,000 up to $450,000 – Paragon Homes Pty Ltd for Carlow Lane (Middle Ridge)
- Display Home over $550,000 – Hughes Elite Builders Pty Ltd for Project Lakeview (Rosenthal Heights)
- Medium Density up to 3 Storeys – 2 to 5 Dwellings – Nick Ruhle Homes Pty Ltd for Enabled Living Empress St Villas (Centenary Heights)
- Medium Density up to 3 Storeys – over 5 Dwellings – All Built Up Pty Ltd for Neves (Rangeville)
- Best Heritage Restoration – Janke Constructions Pty Ltd for Glen Alpine (Toowoomba)
- Excellence in Sustainable Living – NJP Carpentry Pty Ltd T/A Titanium Homes for Sorrento (Kearneys Spring)
- Best Use of Sloping Sites – Will Lamble T/A Lamble Building for Treehouse (Prince Henry Heights)
Specialty
- Best Residential Kitchen – Brett A Dallinger T/A Concept Kitchens & Detail Joinery for Range Home (Rangeville)
- Best Residential Bathroom – Mark Hughes for Project Lakeview (Rosenthal Heights)
- Best Residential Swimming Pool – Gordon Bourke Constructions for Gallet (Preston)
Individual
- Apprentice of the Year – Hamish Selkirk from BBC QLD PTY LTD (Blue Mountain Heights)
- Rising Star – Damien Weeks from BBC QLD PTY LTD (Blue Mountain Heights)
- Women in Building – Shay Scott from Hotondo Homes Toowoomba (Toowoomba)
- Residential Trade Contractor of the Year – Brett A Dallinger T/A Concept Kitchens & Detail Joinery for Range Home Project (Rangeville)
- David Turton Memorial Award – Scott Hartshorn from Highfields Builder (Meringandan)
- Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – NRG Electrical (Qld) Pty Ltd T/A NRG Services for Roma Hospital Redevelopment (Roma)
Major
- President's Award – Gordon Bourke Constructions Pty Ltd for Lagom (Middle Range)
- Project of the Year – Watpac Construction Pty Ltd T/A BESIX Watpac – Roma Hospital Redevelopment (Roma)
- House of the Year – MARK ROSS TIMBER HOMES QLD P/L for Redwood (East Toowoomba)
ENDS
Media enquiries:
Melissa Seiler, Communications Advisor at melissa.seiler@mbqld.com.au
Christine Buzzard, Digital Communications Advisor at christine.buzzard@mbqld.com.au
Julie Russell, Manager Communications & Media at julie.russell@mbqld.com.au
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