The best houses of the year

Auckland builder PSL Construction has won the Supreme Award for the Registered Master Builders 2014 House of the Year.

This is the third time builder Phil Leach has been presented with the Supreme Award – he also won in 2009 and 2012. This year, he also received the sought-after Craftsmanship Award and the Westpac New Homes over $2 million category for a home in Waipu, Northland.

The Supreme Award for the Registered Master Builders 2014 Renovation of the Year went to Absolute Building Services for the major renovation of a home in Devonport. The builder also received the Future-Proof Renovation Award over $500,000.

The competition judges said PSL Construction¹s relentless attention to detail is well-complemented by the excellent standard of workmanship achieved throughout this well-designed home in Waipu, Northland.

“As you walk in the front entry, the hallway meanders down gentle ramps to beachfront views, passing a giant outdoor fireplace and chimney that protrudes into the hallway and incorporates a curved recess,” judges said. “A matching in situ concrete fireplace and chimney is also found in the main living space, together with timber floors and poplar plywood ceilings, all setting the scene for a home that has been meticulously built.

“This home is testament to this builder’s construction ability. The high standard of workmanship and attention to detail PSL Construction has constantly achieved makes the business a worthy recipient of this year¹s Supreme Award,” they said.

Absolute Building Services’ Supreme Award-winning renovation in Devonport, Auckland, which also won the Future-Proof Building Renovation Award over $500,000, impressed the judges who said this was a renovation of major proportions with numerous challenges for the builder.

“The builder was faced with a difficult building environment, with a steep site requiring scaffolding over 10 metres high, and a narrow shared drive providing the only access to the site.

“Structurally, everything except the garage, kitchen floor joists and lift shaft were removed. The kitchen was removed and placed in storage before being reinstated in the existing position. Clever cavity sliders allowed the entry foyer to be closed off from the large living area, and the balance of the home was incorporated into three levels.”

All supreme, lifestyle and category award winners were selected from 100 Gold Reserve national dinalists, which were each involved throughout the 11 regional competitions held throughout New Zealand during July and August.

Registered Master Builders 2014 House of the Year results:

Supreme awards

Supreme Award for the Registered Master Builders 2014 House of the Year

PSL Construction Limited for a home in Waipu, Northland

Supreme Award for the Registered Master Builders 2014 Renovation of the Year

Absolute Building Services Limited for a renovation in Devonport, Auckland

Craftsmanship Award

PSL Construction Limited for a home Waipu, Northland

Category winners

Master Build Services Renovation Award up to $250,000

Beach House Builders Limited for a renovation in Whangamata

ITM Renovation Award $250,000 - $500,000

Breen Homes for a renovation in Alexandra, Otago

Future-Proof Building Renovation Award over $500,000

Absolute Building Services Limited for a renovation in Devonport, Auckland

Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment New Homes under $250,000

Redshaw Homes for a home in Greenmeadows, Napier

PlaceMakers New Homes $250,000 - $350,000

Fowler Homes (Manawatu) Limited for a home in Feilding, Manawatu

PlaceMakers New Homes $350,000 - $450,000

Inhaus Developments Limited for a home in Richmond, Nelson

James Hardie New Homes $450,000 - $600,000

Harris Builders for a home in St Arnaud

Nulook New Homes $600,000 - $1 million

HAMR Home Building Contractors for a home in Whitianga

Carters New Homes $1 million - $2 million

Lost Craft Carpentry Company Limited for a home in Onetangi, Waiheke Island

Westpac New Homes over $2 million

PSL Construction Limited for a home in Waipu, Northland

Builder’s Own Home Award

Urban Homes for a home in Tamahere, Hamilton

GIB Show Home Award

A J Saville Builder for a home in Queenstown

Lifestyle Awards

Outdoor Living Award

Metzger Builders Limited for a home in Duvauchelles, Canterbury

Heart of the Home Kitchen Award

Metzger Builders Limited for a home in Duvauchelles, Canterbury

Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award

Trevor Ward Builders Limited for a home in Closeburn Station, Queenstown

Resene Sustainable Home Award

Bella Homes for a home in Hikurangi, Northland