Erle Levey
Noosa builders were in the spotlight at the 2023 Master Builders Sunshine Coast Housing and Construction Awards … a sell-out night held at Caloundra Events Centre.
From sublime waterfront homes to stunning renovations, from resort-style apartments to a forever’ beachside retreat, the level of expertise from Noosa’s tradespeople shone through.
With about 27 years in the industry, Chris Smith has built some amazing homes in the past and been a multi-award winner.
This year was no different. A sublime waterfront house at Noosa Waters has taken out the Individual Home from $3 million up to $10 million category.
Saltwater is right up there with the best. The five-bedroom, five-bathroom house comes with a pool that includes a spa and swim-up bar.
Chris, who has for the past 15 years operated as Chris Smith Constructions, said the surprising element of this build was what designer Chris Clout managed to fit into the constraints of property.
“It has the perfect aspect … the morning sun in the kitchen and lounge while the pool and entertaining areas all face north.
“It’s certainly well positioned.’’
A highlight is the useable top deck, the way it opens out and uses sheer sunweave shade covers to make it even more useable.
The challenges were the amount of formed concrete used in the build, and the different finishes throughout the house … trying to incorporate them all together.
What really appealed to Chris was the whole outdoor pool area that incorporates into the games room and flows seamlessly.
LIVEABILITY AND DESIGN
The renovation of a traditional Queenslander in Tewantin to one with modern colonial features was one that took the 2023 Master Builders Sunshine Coast Housing and Construction Award judges by surprise.
The Bahamas at Crank project by Silk Design and Construct won the Home Renovation Project from $650,000 up to $1 million category.
The uniquely designed, north-facing property was renovated to be the homeowner’s final home.
The high ceilings, sophisticated layout and clever use of transitions reflect how the clients live their lives.
The home is a quirky fusion of traditional Queenslander, with modern colonial features.
The character of the original house along with the clients’ visions were carried through the extension where a new kitchen and lounge were created.
A second storey was added, creating an additional two bedrooms and spacious ensuite.
The home boasts a seamlessly integrated indoor-outdoor living and entertaining space, with a pool and pool house completing the home. The street appeal was significantly enhanced through the sympathetic use of modern materials and bay windows.
FOREVER BEACHSIDE HOME
It was a build that the judges of the considered of such quality that it warranted a special commendation.
The Kleinschmidt Residence at 13 Tern St, Peregian Beach, by Mojac Constructions was planned and designed with the knowledge of the finished project would be the “forever’’ beachside home for the clients.
Working closely with the designer and clients, the builders ensured the ocean views, practicality of the home along with a “wow’’ factor all came into fruition.
Features of the build included the custom-designed, hand-laid natural stone to the front entrance and, being mindful of sustainablity, a 10kW solar system was also part of the project along with a Zip water system installed in the kitchen.
To save on the home’s footprint of recycling rubbish, the Palonia timber ceilings to the deck areas and entry, including the lounge room eave, are grown from a sustainable timber plantation in Western Australia.
LUMINA L2 RISES IN QUALITY
You can count on the quality of the design and the finish of Lumina residential apartments at Noosa Heads and the builder RCQ.
It was little wonder that Lumina L2 took out the award for Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) up to $20 million.
The fifth stage of the award winning Settlers Cove development is L2. This comprises 15 exceptionally designed apartments.
L2’s hallmarks include large floor-to-ceiling windows to maximise light and outlook, and spacious balconies to make the most of the gorgeous Noosa views.
L2 has a strong focus on attention to detail in design, fixtures and finishes.
The project also saw Ultimate Shower Screens take out Residential Trade Contractor of the Year.
