12 August 2023
From much-needed community facilities and retail projects to beautiful family homes and seaside abodes, the Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday 2023 Housing & Construction Awards showed off craftsmanship and stylish detail in construction.
The best of the best in the building and construction industry were celebrated at the Awards held at the Mackay Convention Centre on Saturday, 12 August.
Morris Constructions snapped up the prestigious House of the Year Award for the coastal luxury home, Coral Sea House.
Designed by Chris Clout, the home encapsulates the natural and relaxed vibes of Airlie Beach, showcasing the deco wood-featured cladding, screens, and doors.
Coral Sea House also secured the Individual Home from $2 million up to $3 million Award and the Best Residential Swimming Pool.
Gangemi Cabinet Makers were awarded Residential Trade Contractor of the Year for the superb project.
Paynters delivered a landmark project with the Great Barrier Reef Arena in Mackay, winning them the McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year, as well as the Best Sporting Facility Award.
Envision Plastering & Construction also walked away with the Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year title for the world-class facility.
The project was upgraded to allow a capacity of 10,500 spectators including new seating areas, a roof structure over the grandstand, multiple event entrances and a landscaped outdoor community and events precinct.
Lowcock Builders collected the coveted BUSSQ Building Super Presidents Award for Queens Bay Home in Bowen.
With breathtaking views over the Whitsundays from a private deck, the three-bedroom, entertainers dream boasts superb workmanship and quality. Queens Bay Home is truly fit for royalty.
The Lowcock Builders team also won the best Education Facilities up to $10 million award for their Bowen TAFE Agricultural Centre of Excellence.
Luke Keune Builders was among the other big winners on the night, taking home the Ken and Nola Clark Perpetual Award Judges Commendation for Farlane Park Homestead in Dysart.
The judges were impressed with the immaculate craftsmanship with heritage fretwork details that adorn the exterior and interior of this Queenslander.
Michelle Thompson from Porters Glass & Aluminium was awarded the Women in Building title.
Master Builders Mackay & Whitsunday Regional Manager, Malcolm Hull congratulated the winners across all 28 categories.
“The spirit of achievement, dedication and exceptional quality of workmanship inspired our 2023 Housing & Construction Awards program – Shining Bright. This year's projects prove our members are truly innovative and dedicated to building the best for the region.
“This year’s field is diverse, from stunning renovations and beautiful new builds to important community facilities like the TAFE Agricultural Centre and Great Barrier Reef Arena – there’s really nothing Master Builders can’t accomplish.
“It doesn't matter whether they've taken an Award home this year or not. Each of our 2023 entrants is a part of the Master Builders family and helps cement why we're so widely trusted and respected.”
Major winners
World-class arena scores winning goal
Winner of the 2023 Mackay & Whitsunday McInnes Wilson Lawyers Project of the Year – Great Barrier Reef Arena by Paynters
This world-class facility not only provides an exceptional sporting experience but a local venue for the Mackay locals and tourists.
The significant upgrade saw the revamping of spectators, players, officials and media facilities including an upgrade to venue areas, a permanent roof structure over the grandstand and extra seating area.
The project included the stadium building, the deck connecting the existing building to the new arena, change rooms and landscaping connections.
The workmanship is a testament to the project team as well as the hardworking network of local subcontractors on the ground, with the quality results speaking for themselves.
Judges’ comments
“This project fits all requirements of a multi-use arena. Well done Paynters.”
Luxurious coastal home epitomises Airlie Beach vibes
Winner of the 2023 Mackay & Whitsunday House of the Year – The Coral Sea House by Morris Constructions
Set in the beautiful Whitsundays, overlooking the Coral Sea and Airlie Beach, The Coral Sea House showcases the deco wood-featured cladding, screens, and doors.
The open-plan concrete construction was designed with comfortability of living in mind and to allow for maximum airflow. With a view of the ocean like no other, the large sliding glass doors with an extended track open the space to make a seamless transition from inside to outside.
It features an architecturally designed concrete staircase leading up to the three ensuite bedrooms all with customised walk-in robes, outdoor terraces, a gym, and an infrared sauna.
The seamlessly designed kitchen incorporates timber veneer finishings throughout, which overlooks the outdoor entertainment and pool terrace area.
Its generously sized island bench is constructed from Consentino Dekton (Liquid Shell) and features a rippling pattern of the landscape of the ocean floor. The large butler’s pantry is hidden through the seamless cabinetry.
The outdoor entertainer’s paradise has custom off-form concrete seating, an intricately built swimming pool with day beds, a spa, and an outdoor shower.
Enabling accessibility throughout the house includes an electric lift which gains access to all areas of the house. Other features of the house include floor-to-ceiling glass windows, an outdoor garden courtyard, and indoor built-in garden beds.
Judges’ comments
“This beautiful home showcases class and quality.”
“The Coral Sea House is one of the best homes the region has produced in years.”
“From the street to the water views over the pool and outdoor living areas, this home is stunning.”
“A magnificent house built with limited access for construction.”
Seaside home wins President’s praise
Winner of the 2023 Mackay & Whitsunday BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Queens Bay Home by Lowcock Builders
The Lowcock Builders team took the homeowners’ dream and turned it into a reality.
Queens Bay home features two grand entranceways, a double enclosed carport, a master suite with ensuite, and a spacious walk-in robe.
A highlight of the home is the private deck that connects to the breezeway and two large entertainment spaces, one overlooking the pool and the other facing the ocean.
The large open-plan living area includes the kitchen, butler’s pantry, dining, and lounge areas and opens onto the expansive deck. The house has a treatment room, hallway with a study nook, two guest bedrooms, a main bathroom, and laundry.
The attention to fine detail easily caught the judges’ attention and reflects the quality of work by the builder.
Judges’ comments
“This is a magnificent seaside home with a pool and lawn overlooking the coral sea.”
“The bathroom is fantastic with herringbone floor tiles."
“Large storage area including under the house storage.”
“The standard is refreshing and something to be extremely proud of.”
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