Home sweet homes wow House of Year judges
Homes over $2 million category and the GIB Living Award.
Winning Renovation of the Year was Riordian Construction Ltd, with a three-bedroom home in Matua, Tauranga.
‘‘We were incredibly impressed with the creative enhancement of proportions to allow for the family’s changing lifestyle, without moving outside the original footprint of the home. Care has been taken to maximise the outlook of its stunning site,’’ the judges said.
‘‘The time and care spent to retain the old while introducing the new is evident in aspects such as the re-laying of original roof tiles and cobblestones and the exquisite restoration of fireplaces and handrails.’’
The builder was also awarded the Placemakers Renovation over $500,000 Award and the Placemakers Heart of the Home Kitchen Award.
Clive Barrington Construction Ltd won the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment – Building and Housing New Homes under $250,000 award for its home in Merivale, Christchurch.
The timber house was described by the judges as ‘‘small in pro- portion, but big in personality’’.
‘‘Outstanding workmanship and exceptional design have created a home that is sympathetic to its surroundings and could well find its place in the housing solutions for Christchurch,’’ the judges said.
Allan Wallace Builders Ltd won the BRANZ Sustainable Homes $500,000 to $1 million (and the Future Proof Building Energy Efficiency Award) award for its house in South Head, Rodney.
Judges said it is a fabulous symmetrically planned house.
‘‘It incorporates a multitude of heat-capturing, energy-saving and power-providing components including photovoltaics, solar and a wood-fired boiler,’’ they said.
‘‘Thicker than normal interior concrete floors, extensive insulation, low E glazing and woodburning fires throughout provide a thermal mass requiring zero input from local facilities, while recycled clad timber walls separate living spaces and bedrooms.’’
The House of the Year contest finalists – all National Gold Reserve winners – were selected from 12 regional competitions held throughout New Zealand during July and August.