A landmark Sunshine Coast government building was among the top honours at the Master Builders Queensland 2023 Housing & Construction Awards.
A spectacular equestrian homestead, and a luxury Brisbane home were also acknowledged as the best of the best in the state at a glittering black-tie event, held in the Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 14 October.
As always, the calibre of entries in this year’s field was outstanding with members bringing creative innovation to the table.
The judging panel was impressed with the level of entries, their stunning finishes, and the degree of difficulty in construction.
McNab collected the coveted Professional Certification Group Project of the Year and Commercial/Industrial Building over $50 million for the Sunshine Coast City Hall.
This Maroochydore project has 10 storeys and includes retail, civic, and commercial spaces.
The theatre-style council chambers are a masterpiece and took more than four months to construct. Its bespoke feature tiered ceiling is breathtaking and timber wall cladding in natural blackbutt was expertly installed by hand for this space.
V-Build Construction Services secured the sought-after Colorbond House of the Year with their spectacular equestrian homestead, Mountainview located in Maudsland.
The sprawling home on an 80-acre property is a combination of a New Zealand mountain home and an American ranch, complete with horse stables, an arena, and a basketball court.
V-Build Construction Services was also winner of the ABI Interiors Individual Home over $3 million category.
Graya Construction collected three awards on the night for various projects, including the prestigious BUSSQ Building Super President’s 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 snapped up the Best Residential Bathroom award for the Skyline project and Best Residential Swimming Pool for Seachange in Brisbane.
Other big winners of the night were Luke Maye from Reef Coast Constructions who took the Apprentice of the Year title and Katie Garay from BESIX Watpac claiming the Women in Building Award.
The Xact Accounting Rising Star title went to Todd Stolberg from Alternative Construction Projects.
Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell congratulated the winners across all 58 categories.
“From stylish renovations and beautiful new homes to state-of-the-art hospitals, sports hubs, pubs and eco-tourism facilities, and soaring residential towers inspiring the imagination – there’s nothing Master Builders can’t accomplish,” he said.
“The efforts from promising apprentices, women leading the way in the industry, and builders showing their commitment to the future ahead, is also something we are always excited to celebrate. “Whether a winner or not, their craftsmanship is a credit to the Master Builders name, and each of them is a part of our family.
“We pride ourselves on always having their back, whether that means being there in times of need or celebrating their achievements.
“It’s our members’ drive, skill and determination to showcase excellence that is helping to ensure our continued success and viability in both the residential and commercial sectors, now and into the future.”
MAJOR WINNERS
Landmark City Hall building sets standard for modern business district:
Winner of the 2023 Professional Certification Group Project of the Year – Sunshine Coast City Hall by McNab
The Sunshine Coast City Hall is a modern-day landmark masterpiece, which achieves the highest sustainable outcomes.
Designed by award-winning Cottee Parker Architects with sustainability at its core design response, the City Hall includes features that will reduce environmental impact and embrace the Sunshine Coast climate.
With 10 storeys, the project includes retail, civic, and commercial spaces and consolidates the council’s diverse operations into one central building.
The theatre-style council chambers are at the heart of the project with its breathtaking bespoke feature tiered ceiling and timber wall cladding in natural blackbutt expertly installed by hand.
Its unique design and iconic façade are inspired by the forms and colours of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most defining landmarks, the Glass House Mountains.
Judges’ comments: “A building design ahead of its time with futuristic curves and finishes.
“The attention to detail is evident throughout this project, with an impressive quality finish.
“The building incorporates a five-star green rating and the amenities and functionality within this facility have considered all the stakeholders.”
Top gong for hinterland homestead:
Winner of the 2023 Colorbond House of the Year – Mountainview by V-Build Construction Services Mountainview offers luxury with a combination of timber, limestone and stonework throughout.
The home has six fireplaces, state-of-the-art cinema, wine and whiskey rooms and a gym. It is built around a 10-metre-high, 19th-century style timber barn that is incorporated into the structural steel and window façades.
The project includes the construction of an Olympic standard, undercover equestrian rink and stables, as well as a basketball court.
The home delivers features including two elevators, a car wash in the basement garage and custom-made cabinetry in every room to provide a luxurious and stylish lifestyle.
Judges’ comments: “Mountainview is something special and deserving of the House of the Year Award.
“This project boasts exceptional workmanship throughout.
“This project is huge, and includes the home, stables, Olympic standard equestrian rink, machinery shed and a 10-car underground basement.
“All bedrooms have an ensuite and are decorated with nine different wallpapers.
“The cobblestones were imported and repurposed from actual Belgium roadways.”
Construction marvel with winning minimalist design:
Winner of the 2023 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 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.”
All 2023 Queensland Winners
Construction:
Health Facilities up to $20 million – D.R. Moore Constructions for Wheatmen Pty Ltd (Central Queensland);
Health Facilities over $20 million – Broad Construction for Kingaroy Hospital Redevelopment (Downs & Western);
Education Facilities up to $10 million – FDC Construction & Fitout (QLD) for Central Queensland University School of Manufacturing Gladstone (Central Queensland);
Education Facilities over $10 million – Hutchinson Builders for Fortitude Valley State Secondary College — Stage 2 (Brisbane);
Sporting Facilities – Hutchinson Builders for Brighton Homes Arena (Brisbane);
Community Service Facilities – Rohrig for Tzu Chi Community Centre (Brisbane);
Community Accommodation for Specialist Disability, Aged Care and Nursing Homes – Paynters for Berlasco Inclusive Residential Care (Brisbane);
Retail Facilities up to $5 million – Apollo for Straddie Brewing Co (Brisbane);
Retail Facilities over $5 million – Hutchinson Builders for Paradise Centre (Eastern Precinct) (Gold Coast);
Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million – J Torrisi Building for Barrel View Luxury Cabins (Downs & Western);
Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million – Hansen Yuncken for Thomas Dixon Centre Redevelopment (Brisbane);
Commercial/Industrial Building up to $5 million – Spaceframe Buildings for M-Space Windsor (Brisbane);
Commercial/Industrial Building from $5 million up to $10 million – McNab for Universal Store for TradeCoast Central (Brisbane);
Commercial/Industrial Building from $10 million up to $20 million – Evans Built for SUNCENTRAL A1 (Sunshine Coast);
Commercial/Industrial Building from $20 million up to $50 million – ADCO Constructions for Springfield Central Station Park ‘n’ Ride (Brisbane);
Commercial/Industrial Building over $50 million – McNab for Sunshine Coast City Hall (Sunshine Coast);
Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) up to $20 million – 5Point Projects for AMERSHAM (Brisbane);
Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) over $20 million – Cavcorp QLD for Luminare (Brisbane);
Refurbishment/Renovation up to $5 million – Ashley Cooper Construction for Somerville House – Heritage Heart, A Block Refurbishment (Brisbane);
Refurbishment/Renovation over $5 million – BESIX Watpac for Townsville Bulk Sugar Terminal Roof Replacement Project (North Queensland);
Commercial fit-out up to $5 million – Newlands Commercial Construction for Hogans Family Jewellers (Downs & Western);
Commercial fit-out from $5 million up to $10 million – Buildcorp Group for Herston Private Hospital (Brisbane);
Commercial fit-out over $10 million – FDC Construction & Fitout (QLD) for University of Queensland Brisbane City (Brisbane);
Excellence in Energy Efficiency and Environmental Management – Kane Constructions (QLD) for Electro Group Training, Renewable Energy Training Facility (Brisbane);
HBA Legal Excellence in Workplace Health & Safety – Plexxcon for Gibson Island Overhead Access Solution (Brisbane);
Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – Arden Architectural for 80 Ann St (Brisbane).
Housing:
Display Home up to $250,000 – Ellis Developments for The Haven (North Queensland);
Display Home from $250,000 up to $350,000 – Orbit Homes (QLD) for Galleria 262 (Brisbane);
Display Home from $350,000 up to $450,000 – GJ Gardner Homes Gold Coast North for Edgewater 219 (Gold Coast);
Display Home from $450,000 up to $550,000 – Ultra Living Homes for Amara 27 Display Home (Sunshine Coast);
James Hardie Display Home over $550,000 – Brighton Homes for BLK49C (Brisbane);
Individual Home up to $350,000 – Surfside Homes for Hale Residence (Brisbane);
Individual Home from $350,000 up to $500,000 – Hancock Homes for The Stradbroke (Brisbane);
Individual Home from $500,000 up to $750,000 – AusDesign Homes Pty Ltd for Serenity Breeze (Gold Coast);
Individual Home from $750,000 up to $1 million – Troy Ware Constructions for Amaroo House (Sunshine Coast);
Individual Home from $1 million up to $2 million – PJH Constructions Australia for The Breeze House (Gold Coast);
Individual Home from $2 million up to $3 million – Morris Constructions QLD for The Coral Sea House (Mackay & Whitsunday);
ABI Interiors Individual Home over $3 million – V-Build Construction Services for Mountainview (Gold Coast);
Home Renovation Project up to $200,000 – Townsend Constructions NQ for Maryvale Renovation (North Queensland);
Home Renovation Project from $200,000 up to $400,000 – Alkira Constructions for The MacGregor Residence (Far North Queensland);
Home Renovation Project from $400,000 up to $650,000 – Stalwart Constructions (Qld) for Wurtulla Beach House (Sunshine Coast);
Home Renovation Project from $650,000 up to $1 million – Franzmann Constructions for Church House (North Queensland);
Home Renovation Project over $1 million – PJH Constructions Australia for Kooringal Lodge (Gold Coast);
Weathertex Excellence in Sustainable Living Award – Kai Konstruct for Kingfisher Residence (Gold Coast);
Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings – OneLife Property Group for Luxe by OneLife (Sunshine Coast);
Medium Density up to 3 storeys – over 5 dwellings – Alliance Building and Construction for Fairway View Terraces (Downs & Western);
Best Use of Sloping Sites – Wave Developments for Burleigh Hill Home (Gold Coast);
Truecore Best Use of Steel Frame Housing – Xceed Building Solutions for Amaroo (Buderim, Sunshine Coast);
Residential Trade Contractor of the Year – Aspen Stone Construction for Toorak (Brisbane).
Specialty:
Best Residential Bathroom – Graya Construction for Skyline (Brisbane);
Best Residential Kitchen – BBH Projects for Warmington (Brisbane);
Best Residential Swimming Pool – Graya Construction for Seachange (Brisbane).
Individual:
Apprentice of the Year Award – Luke Maye from Reef Coast Constructions (North Queensland);
Xact Accounting Rising Star Award – Todd Stolberg from Alternative Construction Projects (Sunshine Coast);
Women in Building Award – Katie Garay from BESIX Watpac (North Queensland).
Major:
Colorbond House of the Year Award – V-Build Construction Services for Mountainview (Gold Coast);
Professional Certification Group Project of the Year Award – McNab for Sunshine Coast City Hall (Sunshine Coast);
BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Graya Construction for Larc (Brisbane).
