Housing & Construction Awards 2019 Excellence in Building Far North Queensland

Far North Queensland

Published by

NEWSCORP on behalf of Master Builders Queensland

Editors: Jennifer Spilsbury & Lauren Pratt

Journalists: Arun Singh Mann & Roz Pulley

Graphic design: Evolet Hill

Cover photo: MyPanorama, Mooroobool, by MyStyle Homes, Best Residential Swimming Pool at the 2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards

PROJECT

HOME RENOVATION

Port

INDIVIDUAL

Gordonvale

LANDMARK PROJECT

The

WHY BUILD WITH A

The

Building excellence recognised at industry’s crowning awards

Spotlight shines on Far North Queensland building excellence

In our ever busy daily lives sometimes, no matter what industry you’re working in, it’s easy to see endless to-do lists and over look celebrating our own success.

Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards provides an opportunity for the building and construction industry to take a moment to come up for air, celebrate success and receive recognition for their astounding work.

It also provides an opportunity for the broader community to take a peep behind the curtains and take pride in the amazing work being produced in our Queensland communities.

The feedback from our judges has noted the high calibre of entrants; both those we’ve not seen in the awards before and those who continued their stellar work and made our judges’ job a difficult one.

Each of our entrants has put their business, product and work manship under scrutiny as part of an extremely competitive process.

Their work, whether a winner this year or not, is a credit to the unwavering quality and craftsmanship of an authentic Master Builder.

Sharon Vella Master Builders Far North Queensland regional manager

“Each year the bar seems to be raised higher and higher and this year was certainly no expectation. The excelling quality highlights the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of Far North Queensland’s Master Builders.”

Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards cater for entrants ranging from apprentices to trade contractors and small family businesses to the biggest names in the building and construction industry. It is with great honour that I welcome you to the 2019 Far North Queensland Awards winners’ magazine.

Each year the bar seems to be raised higher and higher and this year was certainly no expectation. The excelling quality highlights the exceptional skills and craftsmanship of Far North Queensland’s Master Builders.

Over the past few months, our panel of dedicated judges have physically attended each entrant’s property and made a thorough assessment of each entry against the strict awards criteria list. The judges aren’t looking for the cleanest home or the best interior design, their eagle eyes are honed in on workmanship, degree of construction difficulty, external appeal, siting and aspect along with amenities and aesthetics.

After jam-packed weeks of reviewing entries, the judges returned to our FNQ headquarters to deliberate. Over a period of several days meeting together, they gradually began to make a shortlist. After much passionate discussion and sometimes, debate – one winner was selected for each category.

Since 1882, Master Builders has been the voice of the industry, representing the interests of our members and the broader in dustry. We are the peak body of practical and relevant informa tion to the industry and consumers. We have helped thousands of builders and trade contractors to operate professional, profitable and viable businesses that deliver superior quality and craftsmanship to their customers.

The Far North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards car ry a long and distinguished history of showcasing the absolute best in the industry, and the level of competition among this year’s entrants is unsurpassed.

If you are considering a new build or renovation, please con sider this book a showcase of the incredible work that can be achieved when choosing a Master Builder. Get in touch with one of the award-winning builders featured here directly, or utilise our Find a Master Builder search at www.mbqld.com.au. This search will populate a list of properly licensed contractors who match your unique criteria and building needs.

On behalf of Master Builders, thank you for your remarkable work and congratulations on your deserving win. I thank you for supporting the 2019 Housing & Construction Awards program.

House of the Year

A Trinity Beach residence became a palace fit for royalty after it was renovated. Its 1990s design became a modern, stylish and sophisticated home, landing it two gongs in the awards

This 1990s Trinity Beach home is now valued at more than $2 million thanks to the handy work of La Spina Homes, which won House of the Year at this year’s Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards.

The Berther renovation project also picked up the Home Renovation/Remodelling Project over $2 million award and was a complete strip-out and rebuild of an existing eight-bedroom dual-occupancy building.

The residence was then turned in to a family-friendly, liveable home for up to six people.

There were many challenges with the demolition process, supporting the existing building in place while the new structure was being built, with structural input from Westera Partners Engineers.

Shaun Lockyer Architects used the ideas of the owner for this renovation, and transformed this 1990s-style building into a modern, stylish and sophisticated home.

The Berther residence pushes the boundaries of the latest design ideas, using multiple product types throughout the home, and has been rebuilt with a large par ents’ retreat which includes a gym, media room, balcony with daybed and private garden and an ensuite.

The ground floor also features another media room, dining and family rooms, as well as a casual undercover outdoor terrace area by the pool with two sets of double garages and a rear entry to the property.

Upon entry to the property there is a roofed gate house with dry stack stone walls, a prominent feature which is complemented by the well-designed landscaping and a green wall garden feature.

This dry stack stone wall is featured throughout the home and creates a warm, earthy feel.

The living area floors are a large-format honed finish white stone, which reflects the natural light brightening up the timber and stone kitchen with its black painted Accoya ceiling.

The bedrooms and walkway floors are American oak with selected walls also lined in American oak.

This transformation from a 1990s-style house to this home is truly magnificent and is a credit to the design team, and all who have been involved with this project.

La Spina Homes is no stranger to the Housing & Construc tion Awards. The builder was recognised as the National Residential Master Builder of the Year and won National Luxury Project Home over $2 million in 2015.

Since 1956 La Spina Homes has been dedicated to quality service and the willingness to tackle any project, with their work on display throughout Far North Queensland with a showcase of projects from Tully to Cooktown.

The Cairns-based builder has experience in high-end hous es, commercial projects, offices, cold-storage facilities, multi-unit developments, aged care facilities, civil work and residential construction.

This transformation from a 1990s-style house to this home is truly magnificent and is a credit to the design team and all who have been involved with this project.

2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing

Construction

Winners 2019

Master Builders congratulates this year’s winners who have demonstrated excellence across a wide range of categories

Major Awards

President’s Award

KCA Constructions FNQ

KCA Constructions Display Home Mulgrave Design, Gordonvale

Project of the Year

FK Gardner and Sons

Cairns Performing Arts Centre, Cairns

House of the Year

Matteo La Spina T/A La Spina Homes

The Berther Residence, Trinity Beach Construction

Education Facilities up to $10 million

Richard Field Constructions Pty Ltd

Trinity Bay SHS Multi-Purpose Hall

Sporting Facilities

Vis Constructions Pty Ltd

St Mary’s Catholic College, Covered Courts

Retail Facilities up to $5 million

Richard Field Constructions Pty Ltd

Quicksilver Dive Centre, Port Douglas

Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million Prime Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd Riley, a Crystalbrook Collection Resort

Commercial Building over $50 million FK Gardner and Sons

Cairns Performing Arts Centre

Community Accommodation for Aged Care and Nursing Homes

Hansen Yuncken Pty Ltd

Star of the Sea Elders Village, Thursday Island

Refurbishment/Renovation over $750,000 Prime Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd

Riley — a Crystalbrook collection resort

Excellence in Workplace Health and Safety Prime Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd

Riley — a Crystalbrook collection resort

Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year

Anthony K Dunlea T/A Only Floors

Reef Hotel Casino refurbishment

Housing

Display Home up to $250,000 Value Homes (NQ) Pty Ltd

The Euclid, Smithfield Village

Display Home $251,000 – $350,000

KCA Constructions FNQ

KCA Constructions Display Home Mulgrave Design

Display Home $351,000 – $450,000 Kenfrost (1987) Pty Ltd as Trustee for the Kenfrost Trust, Trading as David McCoy Homes

The Airlie, Smithfield

Display Home $451,000 – $550,000 Kenfrost (1987) Pty Ltd as Trustee for the Kenfrost Trust, Trading as David McCoy Homes

The Vue, Mt Sheridan

Display Home over $551,000

Allaro Homes Cairns Pty Ltd

Marina Blue, Trinity Park

Individual Home up to $250,000

Matt Greenwood

Constructions Pty Ltd

Coutts, Gordonvale

Individual Home $251,000 – $350,000

Matt Greenwood

Constructions Pty Ltd

Luderick, Kanimba

Individual Home $351,000 – $450,000

MyStyle Homes (Qld) Pty Ltd

MyPaperBark - Kurt, Palm Cove

Individual Home $451,000 – $550,000

Matt Greenwood

Constructions Pty Ltd

Deppler, Edmonton

Individual Home $551,000 – $650,000

BIMC Constructions Pty Ltd

Bolton, Whitfield - CMT Constructions FNQ, Whitfield

Individual Home $651,000 – $750,000

Ken Fox Homes Pty Ltd CROW, NarragonCove

Individual Home $751,000 - $950,000

Ashlee Jones Homes Pty Ltd

The Manor, Gordonvale

Individual Home over $2 million MyStyle Homes (Qld) Pty Ltd

MyPanorama - SummerHill, Mooroobool

Best Use of Sloping Sites up to $1 million

Ken Fox Homes Pty Ltd

Vecchio, South Mission Beach

Best Use of Sloping Sites over $2 million

MyStyle Homes (Qld) Pty Ltd

MyPanorama - SummerHill (Best Sloping Site), Mooroobool

Best Use of Steel Frame Housing Flory’s Homes Pty Ltd T/A

Superior Steel Homes NQ Serenity, Tolga

Home Renovation/Remodelling Project up to $275,000 Sherriff Contractors Edge Hill

Home Renovation/Remodelling Project $276,000 – $575,000

Jesse Le Howe

Humpy On The Hill, Tinaroo Park

Home Renovation/Remodelling Project $1 million - $2 million

Nathan Verri Pty Ltd

Coles Residence, Port Douglas

Home Renovation/Remodelling Project over $2 million

Matteo La Spina T/A

La Spina Homes

The Berther Residence, Trinity Beach

Medium Density up to 3 Storeys – 2 to 5 Dwellings

MiHaven Pty Ltd

MiHaven – Mahogany, Manoora

Medium Density up to 3 storeys –over 5 Dwellings

MiHaven Pty Ltd

MiHaven Student Living - Gatton, Parramatta Park

Excellence in Sustainable Living

MyStyle Homes (Qld) Pty Ltd

MyCastle - Newland (Sustainable Excellence), Bentley Park

Trade Contractor/ Specialty

Best Residential Bathroom James Nasser Constructions Pty Ltd

The Lakehouse - Slalom, Yungaburra

Best Residential Kitchen MyStyle Homes (Qld) Pty Ltd

MyPlacidity - Harper, Yungaburra

Best Residential Swimming Pool MyStyle Homes (Qld) Pty Ltd

MyPanorama - SummerHill, Mooroobool

Individual

Apprentice of the Year

MiHaven Pty Ltd

Sam Brayshaw

Rising Star KCA Constructions FNQ

Kane Alley

Women in Building Prime Constructions (Qld) Pty Ltd

Annette Sommerville

Rachel Synnot and Peter Bridgewater

Grant and Nikki Bocca with Thomas Edwards

Laura Jarmain, Cherie Roche, Bree Croft, Kate Fabian and Julie Verri

Scott and Peta-Marie Broadley, Dean Smithers and Sean McLean-Williams

Cathy Devietti, Michelle Traill and Sonia Bloomfield

Nancy Vecchio and Sam Leahy

Ken Fox and David Leahy Lois and Adrian Vis

Pictures: ANNA ROGERS

Builders

Angela and Scott Worthington

Nathan Verri, Callum Curtis, Danny Roche and Kim Fabian

Julianne and Richard Field

Yolonde and Warren Entsch with Marina Anthony

Sharon Vella with Ashlee and Kristy Jones

Leann Everist, Maureen Kalter and Lynn Colahan

Cynthia Melvin, Rhonda Jones and Trish Porta

PROJECT OF THE YEAR

Project of the Year

The region’s entertainment centre gets a major upgrade and with that, an award

Formerly known as the Cairns Civic Theatre, the Cairns Performing Arts Centre was completed last year by FK Gardner and Sons, who won the 2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards Project of the Year.

The FKG Group won the same award last year for their efforts in constructing the Cairns Aquarium and Reef Research Centre.

The new Performing Arts Centre features facade appeal with architectural features and incorporates a state-of-the-art main auditorium, a secondary studio theatre, foyer, highvolume bar and catering facilities, back-of-house facilities, first-class acoustics and performance management infra structure.

The main auditorium seats 960 people and the studio theatre has a 400-seat capacity. The building contains state-of-theart performance management equipment including lighting controls, prop-lift systems, movable orchestra pits and stage floor elevators.

The studio theatre has been specifically crafted to feature an innovative, movable floor system.

This advanced system enables the main floor of the studio theatre to be reconfigured for different performance types, including theatre in round or dance floor configuration, mosh-pit style, tiered seating, and several combinations

of these configurations.

This project included a touch of environmental innovation with the use of more than 6.3 million recycled glass bottles from the Cairns Regional Council recycling initiative, to form ‘sand’ for backfilling and pipe bedding throughout the construction.

This project proved a major boost to the economy during and after completion as throughout construction more than 1460 workers were employed on site, 60 local trade companies were engaged, 14400 tonnes of concrete was poured, and 500 tonnes of structural steelwork was completed.

The $65 million project did not come without its difficulties, however, as there were challenges presented with the high level of acoustic isolation required.

It was essential that the acoustic panelling dampened any external noise that could impact the quality of performances, and likewise performance noise had to be controlled as to not impose on surrounding businesses and residents. Due to the abundance of varying internal levels and voids, successfully layering this acoustic panelling over a complicat ed structure resulted in difficult internal logistics and a very labour-intensive fit out.

The FKG Group also won the Commercial Building over $50 million award for their work on the Cairns Performing Arts Centre.

The purpose-built theatre was designed to meet the expectations and needs of local, regional, national and international performers for the next 50 years

President’s Award

Keeping cool was a high priority for KCA Constructions’ design of this home

The key to living in Far North Queensland is keeping cool — capturing the tropical breeze and maintaining a view of the surroundings.

KCA Constructions created this unique, four-bedroom, high-quality, display home at Gordonvale for the Far North Queensland weather, which has taken out this year’s Presi dent’s Award.

An open-plan living area fitted with clear glass louvres and high ceilings includes feature fans to keep the house cool, while a high-raked ceiling with shadowline cornices create an open-style living area that flows on to a strategically built patio — capturing the magnificent view of the iconic Walsh’s Pyramid.

A custom-built kitchen incorporates Smartstone marble benchtops paired with matte black tap wear and accessories.

Pendant lighting, innovative appliances, fixtures and fittings teamed with timber features, highlight a modern but homely feel.

The prestige master bedroom features a walk-in robe and luxurious ensuite, which flows through to its own private courtyard.

Both ensuite and main bathrooms are highly functional and practical.

The ensuite has a double shower with frameless glass screens and doors teamed with stylish basins.

The main bathroom includes a bathtub and freestanding shower to make full use of the room. The features in both bathrooms make them standout rooms on their own.

Another key feature which makes this such a unique display home is the finer attention to detail throughout the whole design.

There is practical, discrete storage in the large double-bay garage and a large functional laundry which opens on to a courtyard with an easily accessible clothes line.

The internal and external neutral colour pallet absorbs in to the surroundings and the bold feature colours and textures display a modern design, providing a relaxing environment.

The prestige master bedroom features a walk-in robe and luxurious ensuite, which flows through to its own private courtyard. Both ensuite and main bathrooms are highly functional and practical.

EXCELLENCE

SUSTAINABLE LIVING

Excellence in Sustainable Living

The environment is front and centre in this modern home

The house may be white, but the philosophy behind MyCastle is pure green.

Sustainable design practices and liveability are key to its construction with cross-flow ventilation, site aspect, wide doorways and open-plan living incorporated in to the design, reflecting the region’s tropical lifestyle, while reducing energy costs.

And it’s a home the owner won’t need to move out of any time soon. Step-free access throughout and concealed reinforce ment in walls have future-proofed the home, allowing for the fit-out of grab rails if needed. It’s that level of commitment that won the Excellence in Sustainable Living award from Master Builders as well as the Silver certification with Livea ble Housing Australia.

MyStyle continues to push the boundaries of energy-efficient design and innovative technology, and earned an incredible 9.9-star energy efficiency with the MyCastle display home at Newland Court in Cherrybrook estate. Here’s how:

• Ventilated eave sheets creating a cooler ‘lid’ for the house

• Cross ventilation through strategic windows and openings

• Casement windows and louvres to catch breezes and improve circulation

• Fans which maximise air circulation and reduce the need for airconditioning

• Tinted windows to reduce solar glare and heat transfer

• Solar power with storage for further use through Tesla battery system

• Positioning home and windows to factor in breezes, as well

as winter and summer sun

• Maximising heat reflection and minimising heat absorption through light exterior colours

• Insulating ceiling and walls to prevent heat gain

• Integrated roofing over large alfresco area to create liveable outdoor area

• Energy efficient hot water system

• Tapware to reduce water flow without compromising on output or experience

Technology is also top of the list at MyCastle.

An iPad fitted to a living room wall centralises the control of equipment in the home and keeps technology costs down. It includes apps for airconditioning, security, home entry, audio and the power system, which can be downloaded to a mobile phone, computer or tablet for remote control.

MyStyle says the 9.9-star energy efficiency rating cannot be understated and should not be undervalued.

“This rating provides confirmation and proof that the sustain able living practices implemented in this home have provided return on their investment and value for money on a home that is also modern, attractive, practical and very appealing.

“The team at MyStyle recognised from the very beginning that environmental sustainability would become central to all of their projects and this display home was an ideal opportu nity to showcase the many solutions and methods that can be employed to create a greener and more energy efficient and sustainable home.”

Display Home up to $250,000

This affordable display home packs a quality punch

It’s hard to believe a home of this quality was built for less than $250,000 but that is exactly what Value Homes NQ achieved for The Euclid at Smithfield Village.

Their efforts in this project earned them the best Display Home up to $250,000 at the 2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards.

The fresh Hampton-inspired Euclid design showcases freeform living with easy access to the patio through dual-corner stacker doors.

These doors extend the flow of living to the outdoors and maximise space and light to the living areas.

The entry is private with a feature recess that acts as an aesthetic buffer and opens into the stunning 2.9m, vaulted living area.

This four-bedroom, two-bathroom plan has plenty of space for each member of the family, including double robes to the bedrooms, a large walk-in-robe to the master suite and a very spacious walk-in-pantry to the kitchen.

Stylish tapware and semi-frameless fittings complement the kitchen and bathrooms.

The house was intelligently designed to fit on a narrow-lot property without sacrificing on quality or comfort and still includes many euclid-themed features.

It allows ample space in the backyard for a playground or a

pool with easy visibility and peace of mind from the kitchen.

This home is guaranteed to highlight the best of the tropical lifestyle and is perfectly located within a stone’s throw of the gorgeous Northern Beaches.

Value Homes has been operating locally for 25 years after the award-winning company was opened in 1992 by builder Ralf Dutton.

In 1976, Ralf was living in Cyclone Tracy damaged homes in Darwin and working on the rebuilding efforts.

He has represented the building industry at both a local, state and national level.

Value Homes pride themselves on meticulously designing homes with liveability, practicality and the tropical environ ment in mind.

Value Homes provides their customers peace of mind by providing them a three-dimensional look at the property before any contracts are signed and even offer a custom design service.

The fresh Hampton-inspired Euclid design showcases free-form living with easy access to the patio through dual-corner stacker doors.

Best Residential Kitchen

MyPlacidity is a beautiful home built on the edge of Lake Tinaroo at Yungaburra by MyStyle Homes.

Every element of the home had a high level of input from the owner, however, it was MyStyle Homes’ efforts in the kitchen that won them the Best Residential Kitchen at the 2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards.

The spectacular kitchen features a two-pack finish with granite benchtops and waterfall ends. It has been designed to integrate many considerations

Best Residential Bathroom

James Nasser Constructions’ lakeside build at Yungaburra’s Edgewater Estate offers a resort-style lifestyle and many luxurious features but it’s the quality of the bathroom that landed them the Best Residential Bathroom Award.

The main bathroom is fully tiled with beautiful ceramic tiles and a large two-pack finish vanity with a waterplane, solid-surface double basin, beautiful tapware and heated towel rails.

Complementing the stylish streamlined bathroom are bold black-framed mirrors, a freestanding bath and

glass display shelving. This award-winning bathroom is featured in a home that has an open-plan living area and deck which provide views of the lake and a private, sheltered area to entertain.

Due to its durability and low maintenance, NexGen Graphite composite decking was chosen for the deck areas. The bold, black entrance door and softly flow ing water feature sets the tone for the home.

Strong elements such as the concrete piers and exposed hardwood rafters combine to enhance the white exterior against the blue and green of the lake.

of ideal kitchen planning into its design and the premium Smeg kitchen appliances complete this high-quality fit-out.

This quality and finish continues outdoors to the nearby built-in barbecue area cabinetry that fully complements the kitchen, both in scheme and also in details, such as ensuring a matching of the multiple benchtop heights.

There is a substantial kitchen corner bi-fold window that extends from the benchtop to the ceiling.

Sam Brayshaw

Best Residential Swimming Pool

This stunning swimming pool is positioned to overlook the city, with a tiled wet edge on two of the sides.

This trapezoid-shaped swimming pool in the MyPano rama property at Mooroobool earned its constructer, MyStyle Homes, the Best Residential Swimming Pool at the 2019 Awards.

The pool has been built so it is part of the main living area of the house, which flows seamlessly from indoor to out door living, allowing the pool to remain as the focal point.

Impressive water jets shoot water across the pool with built-in lights giving the ability to change the colour of the water streams.

This pool also features a built-in ice box so you don’t have to leave the comfort of the pool to grab another drink.

At the principal entry to the home, a tiled front portico is lined on both sides with garden beds and walls finished with ledgestone-rock wall, giving the facade immediate warmth and a unique and impressive appearance.

Home Renovation Project up to $275,000

This Edge Hill renovation project was pieced together by multiple contractors, but it was Sherrif Contractors which oversaw the project, leading to its crowning as Best Home Renovation/Remodelling Project up to $275,000 at this year’s Awards.

The property had passed through five owners in the past seven years and its design had become a mixutre of multiple ideas. In this renovation the front external stairs were re moved to build a carport with a covered walkway to the front entrance and internal stairs were built instead.

The main bathroom was stripped, rebuilt and now features an added laundry chute. Upstairs there were four different floor heights from the bedroom, to the kitchen, living room and bathroom.

All the floors were levelled in height and new bi-fold doors were added to the kitchen, which open out to the back deck.

The kitchen’s servery also received some treatment with the addition timber fittings around the windows as well as a timber trim to the ceiling.

Downstairs, a second bathroom was stripped and remodelled as well as the laundry. The downstairs kitchen was removed all together.

The aim downstairs was all about maximising ceiling height and this was achieved in the carport, storeroom and the gym.

Outside, the concrete driveway was raised and this has allowed for the use of grate drains, which has stopped water flowing around the house and in to the backyard.

Home Renovation Project $1m-$2m

Murphy at Port Douglas was a complete renovation of a two-storey, mixed-style home in to an executive, three-storey Hamptons-style residence.

This truly unique transformation earned Nathan Verri the Home Renovation/Remodelling Project $1 million-$2 million award.

What was a four-bedroom, three-bathroom home is now a five-bedroom, six-bathroom residence with three outdoor entertaining areas and an additional level that was created

during an eight-month project. A three-level lift was installed to allow easy access to all areas of this large residence.

Louvered windows and custom-engineered bi-fold doors, with integrated louvres and screens, allow the home to capture the beautiful views and tropical breeze.

The pavilion roof was removed via a crane to allow for the additional level to be added and the building required propping up to install seamless structural elements.

The architectural plans required redesign and therefore the

build documentation was on-the-fly to achieve the desired re sult. The project was completed before time and under budget with a fantastic relationship with the client during all phases.

Key features include:

• Superior quality and finishes throughout

• Integrated flush bi-fold door sills and screening system

• Every surface including landscaping was included in the deliverables

• Existing pool shell was totally refurbished with mosaic waterline tiles and Noosa blend pebble

Individual Home $751,000-$950,000

This home ticks all the boxes for luxury indoor/outdoor living

Ashlee Jones Homes didn’t waste the view when building The Manor at Gordonvale.

A 12m sliding glass door has replaced walls and windows to bring the outdoors indoors in this striking home, which was named the 2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Hous ing & Construction Individual Home $751,000-$950,000.

Built on a 7.2ha property with enviable views of Walsh’s Pyramid, the intelligent design has maximised lifestyle, provided a plethora of natural light within and catered to every demand of the modern Far North Queensland family.

From the impressive portico at the front to the 135sq m patio at the rear, nothing has been left to chance.

Three-and-a half metre high ceilings and oversized rooms give an expansive feel. A discreetly hidden bathroom and state-ofthe-art outdoor kitchen mean a seamless connection between inside and out.

Rice-paper Shoji screen doors allow for a barely noticeable separation of living areas.

The executive kitchen has been built around a single slab of luminous white stone with fluid grey veining as a splashback, giving a five-star finish befitting any hotel. The same stylish

stone features in the cleverly concealed pantry.

Two wings separate the master suite to the west and five bedrooms to the east.

The palatial west wing is a virtual oasis. Striking views, a separate sitting area, large tiled ensuite and Jurassic marble basins on a stone-finished vanity are just part of the attraction. Then there’s the capacious wardrobe with classic librarian ladder.

The east wing features a zone for girls and another for boys. The girls have three bedrooms, the boys two. Each also has a bathroom and powder room with a large, shared sound proofed media room and teenager retreat.

Three superbly appointed offices, the New Guinea rosewood entrance door and smart minimalist reception area add the final touches and take working from home to the highest level.

The executive kitchen has been built around a single slab of luminous white stone with fluid grey veining as a splashback, giving a five-star finish befitting any hotel.

Individual Home $251,000–$350,000

Building has always been a passion for Matt Greenwood. Growing up on the family’s sugar cane farm at Gordonvale, it was a penchant for tools rather than tractors that had him take on a carpentry apprenticeship at 16.

Home owners in the Far North are thanking him for that.

Now, more than two decades on, Matt has projects big and small under his belt and awards for many of them. A Master Builders Far North Queensland Rising Star Award winner in 2016, he also has a clutch of awards for his home builds.

Matt says good fortune brought the Luderick project his way.

“The clients came to me with the design and plans already done,” he says. “The client being a local valuer and her father being a local building inspector, the emphasis on this build was always going to be based around high-quality finishes and outstanding workmanship.”

Matt says the design of the house complements the block, capturing spectacular city views. “Spacious living areas flow ing out on to the patio corner stacking doors is fantastic for entertaining and the theatre and high ceilings give the house a very prestigious feel,” he says.

A large main bedroom with sizeable his and hers walk-in ward

robes add to the feeling of space and style, with emphasis also placed on tiling and cabinetry.

“The owners were very specific with their tastes and require ments,” Matt says.

“A lot of time was spent at the quoting stage, making sure everything was included in the contract price and there were no extras at the end of the build.

“This was a great build for my team and to have such fantastic and happy customers at the end really shows in the finish.”

Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10m

A new hotel rises in the heart of the city and collects a prestigious award

For the past two years this hotel has been the talk of the town as there grew a certain expectation of the finished product.

Crystalbrook Collection’s Riley hotel delivered on those high expectations and earned Prime Constructions QLD Constructions the award for the best Tourism and Leisure Facilities Over $10 million.

This project attracted substantial attention, being the first new hotel built in Cairns in more than 20 years.

Along with the new build came the complete refurbishment of the former 255-room Rydges hotel.

Adjustments were made to the building’s original footprint to include additional dining and function facilities, along with a new 1000sqm lagoon-style swimming pool with a man-made beach.

The build value of the two-for-one project totalled more than $100 million.

Riley is the first of three hotels in Crystalbrook’s Cairns col lection and the innovative 12-storey, 55-room, elliptical glass tower is the first of its kind in Cairns.

The tower’s rooftop bar — Rocco — provides patrons with a 270-degree panoramic view of the city and Trinity Bay.

The 42m-high tower also includes a restaurant and a day spa.

Riley was to be the project that would help kickstart the Cairns economy and provide employment for a least 400 workers throughout the construction phase.

It achieved this and recorded more than one million hours worked by subcontractors, which included 50 apprentices across 14 different trades.

More than 100 short course qualifications were awarded and almost 2000 site inductions were completed during this project.

On a technical front, 363 tonnes of steel-reinforcing mesh and bars were supplied for the 127 tonnes of structural steel used during construction.

More than 100 tradies worked around the clock the day before the rooftop bar was set to open in December last year.

Internally, more than 11,000 pieces of cutlery and more than 10,000 glasses were supplied, along with 922 dining chairs.

Since opening, Rocco has become a popular choice among locals and tourists especially on weekends with its live music performances.

Education Facilities up to $10m

No obstacle was too great in building this school’s new multipurpose hall

Trinity Bay State High School’s new multipurpose hall was designed and constructed by Richard Field Constructions, which picked up the Education Facilities up to $10 million at the 2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing & Constructions Awards.

The 2400sqm facility provides staff offices, kiosk, fitness room, amenities, storage spaces and a 1600sqm indoor sports court.

It also includes stimulating learning spaces and is finished with durable colours selected for a robust sporting environ ment, yet considerate of the school’s palette.

The impressive covered entry successfully addresses the street, presenting a welcoming facade, with strategically placed covered links connecting the building with the school.

The multipurpose sports courts can be manipulated to host sports such as basketball, netball, volleyball and badminton.

It is fitted with a timber floor and built-in sports post receivers, electronic scoreboards and retractable basketball rings.

The sports court is also designed to keep students cool with

a two-stage louvre, cross-ventilation system.

Richard Field Constructions was able to reduce the building area by 25sqm by conducting an analysis of the floorplan and designing a more efficient room layout.

The project was delivered under budget, however, did present its fair share of challenges.

Richard Field Constructions had to work around issues presented by waffle pod slabs and suspended slab areas, which included having to change the material used along with a 100-tonne crane to erect structural steel for the sports court.

Despite dealing with a reported 1000mm of rain in March during construction, this project was only delayed by eight days and was helped by Richard Field Construction’s decision to increase labour allocations.

Richard Field Constructions incorporated various clientdirected scope changes into their work.

They managed requests throughout the construction period without affecting the program and satisfied all stakeholders.

Bucking the trend

From black matte finishes, butler’s pantries and a Hampton’s feel to the home ... these are the big-ticket items in home design

From butler pantries and mud rooms to lifts, electric car charging stations and black and white colour schemes –that’s what’s trending in new homes this year.

The insider insight comes courtesy of the judging panel in the 2019 Master Builders Far North Queensland Housing & Construction Awards.

And they should know, they’ve just spent the past few months physically visiting each home entered into the awards to make a thorough analysis of the build.

The judges noted other trends to be a strong continuation of the Hamptons-style homes seen in 2018, including airy white interiors fit with shutters and neutral colour schemes.

Another trend – a throwback to the ‘90s – is family homes where parents allow their children to choose the colour for a feature wall in their bedroom.

“The butler’s pantries are almost the norm. For anything above $300,000 they definitely are, but even under that they’re increasingly incorporated,” the judges said.

“Homeowners love them so the kitchen looks neat and tidy when people are over.”

The judges said black and white had also clearly returned in a big way.

“It’s a timeless look and it’s certainly back to the fore,” the judges said.

“All of a sudden it makes an appearance, whereas five years ago it was all off-white and cream.

“Now, we see a lot of crisp white with black trims and

handles that almost aren’t visible.

“Everything’s gone really matte in line with this, the gloss finish is gone. As a result, there’s a growing market for fingerless matte surfaces to avoid fingerprints with black finishes.”

The judges said the increase in Hampton’s style and mud rooms came hand-in-hand.

“It’s what the Americans have, it’s the room between the inside and the outside of your home. The terminology has come through from America and Canada where there’s snow and lots of water and a mudroom is imperative.”

The judges said the attraction for Hampton’s style was a “homely” feel.

“It’s what you envisaged as a child, the architectural styl ing of the house has broad appeal,” the judges said.

“But the reason we don’t see it more is because of the cost. You’d probably put 20 per cent on to the cost of the house to go for Hamptons over rendered brick. Adding to this, in this style of home you see the dark, charcoal carbonated wood floors area quite prevalent.”

Beyond this, the judges said a growing trend in the higher end of the market was electric car charging stations and lifts in multi-level homes.

“Charging stations are around and being incorporated into architecturally designed homes. People are putting them in with the solar system,” the judges said.

“With some homes now the height of a multi-level unit development, lifts are an increasingly common inclusion in the higher end of the market.”

A win in the prestigious Master Builders Housing & Construction Awards program has become a pinnacle those in the industry aspire to achieve.

Why? For more than 30 years, the Awards program has highlighted the movers and shakers in the industry Those who stand out from the pack, whose craftsmanship, attention to details and innovation is second to none.

The high calibre of entries is compounded by increasing entries year on year across the state making the competition a tough one. The Awards program is not a design showcase, rather a building competition and our judges are armed with a strict list of criteria that each entry must meet.

Originally known as the Housing Awards Competition, the first iteration of the awards was held in 1987 The next year, the awards were expanded to include both residential housing and commercial industrial fields. The event was rebranded as the Housing & Construction Awards.

The new program was run in conjunction with the Housing and Construction Conference in 1988, which formed part of the iconic Brisbane’s Expo ’88 event program.

Regional Queensland joined the party in 1993 when the awards were opened across the state at the first Master Builders Regional Housing & Construction Awards

The state-wide ceremonies have grown from strength to strength over the years and Brisbane has blossomed from a small ceremony with just a handful of categories to 57 categories including construction, housing, trade contractor/specialty and individuals awards.

Now, as we continue to celebrate our industry more than 30 years on from those initial awards ceremonies, it is truly heart-warming to see original regional winners who are still active Master Builders’ members today Visit mbqld.com.au for more information.

Why build with a master builder?

Make the right choice for a home that will last beyond a lifetime

Do you know who you’re building with?

Aw ard win a pinnacle of success Buck ing the trend

There’s thousands of builders in Queensland but not all are Master Builders.

From butler pantries and mud rooms to lifts, electric car charging stations and black and white colour schemes that’s what’s trending in new homes this year.

Did you catch our television ad recently? It featured a man at home, getting ready for the day, newspaper in one hand and fresh glass of orange juice in the other.

a Master Builder search traffic increased 200 per cent com pared with this time last year as would-be home builders and renovators rejoiced in the knowledge there was an easy-touse tool to cut through the clutter and find the right builder for their needs.

“Everything’s gone really matte in line with this, the gloss finish is gone. As a result, there’s a growing market for fingerless matte surfaces to avoid fingerprints with black finishes.”

Sitting at his kitchen counter, he sets his glass down. No sooner, it starts sliding away down the bench. Frustrated, he grabs at the glass and firmly places it back down on the counter. Sure enough, it starts sliding away again.

The insider insight comes courtesy of the judging panel in the Master Builders 2019 Housing & Construction Awards

And they should know, they’ve just spent the past few months physically visiting each home entered into the awards to make a thorough analysis of the build.

The judges noted other trends to be a strong continuation of the Hamptons style homes seen in 2018 including airy white interiors fit with shutters and neutral colour schemes.

We really wanted to get you thinking about who you use for your renovations or new builds. Why? Because the television ad highlighted, finding out your builder is a Master Builder sure beats finding out they’re not.

Another trend a throwback to the ‘90s is family homes where parents allow their children to choose the colour for a feature wall in their bedroom.

Making the choice to build or renovate a home can be one of the biggest and most rewarding investments of your life. It’s important to get it right and set a good foundation for your build.

“The butler’s pantries are almost the norm. For anything above $300,000 they definitely are, but even under that they’re increasingly incorporated,” the judges said.

And whilst there is no doubt a laundry list of decisions for you to make along the way, doing your homework to find the right builder for your needs should be your top priority.

“Homeowners love them so the kitchen looks neat and tidy when people are over.”

The judges said black and white had also clearly returned in a big way

“It’s a timeless look and it’s certainly back to the fore,” the judges said.

But we recognise it’s not always clear who is and isn’t a Mas ter Builder. That’s why our dedicated team at Master Build ers have taken the hard work and stress out of your search with our Find a Master Builder search – it’s an incredible tool that’s made for you.

“All of a sudden it makes an appearance, whereas five years ago it was all off-white and cream.

We know from feedback that when people are looking to build or renovate, they want the most up-to-date and reliable information at their fingertips but at times, that can be hard to find.

“Now, we see a lot of crisp white with black trims and handles that almost aren’t visible.

Through the promotion of our television campaign, the Find

The search is free and we urge you to try it out for yourself. If you head to the Master Builders website (mbqld.com. au), you’ll see the Find a Master Builder search handy on our homepage. Here, you enter a few details about what you’re looking for, where you live and a list of relevant builders and trade contractors will be populated for you.

The judges said the increase in Hamptons style and mudrooms came hand-in-hand.

“It’s what the Americans have, it’s the room between the inside and the outside of your home. The terminology has come through from America and Canada where there’s snow and lots of water and a mudroom is imperative.

The judges said the attraction for Hamptons style was “homely.”

By choosing a Master Builder, you build with peace of mind that you’ve chosen a quality, trusted and properly licensed contractor. Master Builders members complete more than 80 per cent of building work in Queensland so rest assured that wherever you live, there’ll be a quality Master Builder there for you and your home.

“It’s what you envisaged as a child, the architectural styling of the house has broad appeal,” the judges said.

“But the reason we don’t see it more is because of the cost. You’d probably put 20 per cent onto the cost of the house to go for Hamptons over rendered brick. Adding to this, in this style of home you see the dark, charcoal carbonated wood floors area quite prevalent.”

But let’s be real. Building is a complex process and problems can and do arise, which can lead to disputes. The added bene fit of using a Master Builder is that if you find yourself in one of these situations, Master Builders is on hand to assist.

After you test out the search and find a list of builders, if you’re looking to build or renovate head to your nearest display village and meet with their home experts.

Beyond this, the judges said a growing trend in the higher end of the market was electric car charging stations and lifts in multi-level homes.

You will have the opportunity to walk through a full-scale display home. This will give you the opportunity to check for yourself the quality of the build and get a feel for what features, materials and colour you do and don’t like.

“Charging stations are around and being incorporated into architecturally designed homes. People are putting them in with the solar system,” the judges said.

If you’re looking to do a renovation, the display village show cases the latest trends and gives you endless inspiration for whatever project you are ready to take on.

“With some homes now the height of a multi-level unit development, lifts are an increasingly common inclusion in the higher end of the market.”

To find the right builder for your home, visit: mbqld.com.au or call: 1300 30 50 10 for more information.