5 August 2023
Builders and tradies proved their expert craftsmanship and expertise at the North Queensland 2023 Housing & Construction Awards.
From stylish homes and radical renovations to multi-level car parks, and even a water park, the awards showcased a diverse selection of the best of the best.
More than 30 builders, projects, and individuals were recognised at the glamorous event, held at the Ville Resort - Casino on Saturday, 5 August.
Gedoun Constructions swept the pool with six awards on the night, including the prestigious Wilson Ryan Grose Lawyers House of the Year for Castle Hill Home. This radical renovation involved the demolition and substantial renovation of a property in the hillside suburb of Yarrawonga. The builder transformed the 1970s house into a modern, beautiful home with breathtaking 270-degree sea views.
Castle Hill Home also took the top spot in the Home Renovation Project over $1 million category, and snapped up the Best Residential Kitchen Award.
The Gedoun Constructions team walked away with trophies in three other categories including the best Display Home over $550,000 for Santorini, Commercial/Industrial Building up to $5 million for Sales Office and Café and the Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes award for SDA Home in Rosslea.
Hutchinson Builders delivered the James Cook University – Townsville Student Accommodation project in Douglas, winning the team the coveted QSolutions Project of the Year award and the trophy for best Education Facilities over $10 million.
The external colours and materials on this project were chosen to reflect old, past and present buildings on the campus by using concrete, steel, glass and engineered timber.
Orana House by Franzmann Constructions picked up the BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award as well as a win in the Individual Home from $500,000 up to $750,000 category.
The project pays homage to the traditional Queenslander blended with Spanish mission architectural features – think arches and natural textures. The home has been built with the summertime North Queensland lifestyle in mind.
Industry individuals were also recognised on the night with Luke Maye from Reef Coast Constructions earning the Apprentice of the Year award and Andrew Lewis from Lewis Constructions taking the Rising Star title. Katie Garay from BESIX Watpac clinched the Rapid Building Approvals Women in Building title.
Master Builders’ North Queensland Regional Manager, Alana Hopkins, congratulated all the winners across the 36 categories.
“From spectacular retail spaces and innovative educational facilities to stylish renovations, display homes and seaside residences, this year’s entries delighted the judges,” she said.
“It’s a true testament to the quality of building that happens in and around the 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,” she said
Major winners
Queenslander renovation project combines contemporary and traditional style
Winner of the 2023 North Queensland BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Orana House by Franzmann Constructions
Orana House pays homage to the traditional Queenslander blended with Spanish mission architectural features and Palm Springs styling. It ties contemporary living with a traditional street-facing façade including a hip roof, double-level front verandahs, arches and casement windows restored from the original home. The Orana House spares no creature comforts while maintaining a strong connection to the traditional Queenslander heritage features of the area.
Making the best use of the property size and orientation, the double-door shed has been integrated with a pool house and pool area which looks back towards the rear patio.
This project showcases quality workmanship in the Residential category and highlights the builder’s attention to detail and overall excellent craftsmanship.
Uni student accommodation reflects generations of learning
Winner of the 2023 North Queensland QSolutions Group Project of the Year – James Cook University- Townsville Student Accommodation by Hutchinson Builders
The James Cook University Student Accommodation building is a seven-story, LEED Gold-rated and Cyclonic Debris-rated building. It delivers a high-quality residential complex that celebrates Townsville’s tropical environment and lifestyle. The external colours and materials have been chosen to reflect old, past, and present buildings on the campus by using concrete, steel, glass, and engineered timber, all softened using tropical vegetation and landscaping.
Levels 1-6 consist of 304 student rooms, including shared amenities, kitchenettes and multiple learning spaces and a sky lounge and deck overlooking Mount Stuart.
The ground floor boasts a self-catered kitchen, laundry facility, games lounge, cinema, and meeting and study rooms. The outdoor entertainment area is fitted with a BBQ, seating areas, gardens complete with a ping pong table.
Castle on the hill with spectacular views
Winner of the 2023 North Queensland Wilson Ryan Grose Lawyers House of the Year – Castle Hill Home by Gedoun Constructions
The Gedoun Constructions team worked to transform Castle Hill Home into a modern and stylish home. Originally built in the 1970s, the home was redesigned to be compliant with current building codes.
Due to the hillside location, every element is custom-made to intertwine with the slope of the land. The living areas are completely open with massive pocket sliding glass doors that encapsulate the spectacular views.
Custom cabinetry features in every element of this home with the use of Talostone benchtops and splashbacks, the craftsmanship evident in every aspect of this project.
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