Central Queensland builders prove resilience during tough times at awards

13 August 2020

LOCAL builders have shown true grit and determination by fielding a stellar list of projects at this year’s Master Builders Central Queensland Housing & Construction Awards.

More than 25 builders, projects and individuals were recognised at the livestreamed event on Thursday, 13 August.

D R Moore Constructions swept the pool with an impressive four awards for their Spyglass project at Pacific Heights, including the coveted House of the Year.

With breathtaking vistas of the bush landscape and the Keppel Islands engaging the eye through its many windows, Spyglass truly lives up to its moniker. D R Moore Constructions has truly surpassed the client’s discerning brief, which called for a modern, striking building with a unique and memorable look, not just ‘a house next door.’ Distinctive, elegant lines and minimalistic shapes are at its core, with the building and outdoor living areas shaped and formed to flow with the land, also earning it the award for Best Use of Sloping Sites. Boasting a master suite with separate living area, four bedrooms, four and a half bathrooms, three internal living spaces, as well the Awards’ Best Residential Swimming Pool among its many features, this home is a true retreat for a widespread family to enjoy and come together on holidays, just as the client envisioned. Spyglass rounded out its four wins with the nod for Best Individual Home $1.26 million – $2 million.

Paynters furthered cemented its already sterling reputation, this time in the education space, winning Project of the Year and Best Education Facilities over $10 million for their construction of the new Calliope State High School.

Consisting of nine one-and-two-storey buildings, stop-drop-go facility, sports oval, landscaping, roads and more than 200 parking spaces, the Paynters team designed the project to suit the local climate and contemporary education needs. All three portions were delivered between four and eight weeks early, and under budget, with Gidarjil Cultural Heritage interests also taken into consideration. Paynters also took home the gong for Best Educational Facilities up to $10 million for the CQ University - Gladstone Marina Campus Consolidation Project.

The workmanship and style of the Edenbrook Display Home captured the judges’ attention, nabbing Chris Warren Homes the prestigious President’s Award – as well as Best Display Home $251,000 – $350,000. Located in the tranquil and picturesque Edenbrook Estate, this four-bedroom, two-bathroom home achieves its goal of low-maintenance style and is filled with an abundance of extras at an affordable price. Chris Warren Homes also won Best Individual Home $251,000 – $350,000 for the House of Hope project at Parkhurst.

Master Builders’ Central Queensland Manager, Dennis Bryant, congratulated the winners across all 29 categories.

“With so much uncertainty in our industry and the economy, it’s never been more important than it is now to recognise and celebrate resilience and talent,” Mr Bryant said.

“Our Housing & Construction Awards are one way we can achieve this – even if the program looked a little different this year.

“I’m so proud of the way the Central Queensland building industry has rallied, resulting in some truly exceptional projects this year.

“With Mercy Health - Bethany Community Centre and ALDI Allenstown also among the winning projects, our local communities are benefiting from the fact our builders are tough and can rise above, no matter the challenges COVID-19 throws at them.”

Central Queensland winner

Major winners

New school’s design is ahead of its time

Winner of the 2020 Central Queensland Project of the Year – Paynters Pty Ltd for Calliope State High School

Designed to suit the local climate and contemporary education needs, stage one of this project was a true collaboration between the clients and Paynters, which saw multiple setbacks overcome, innovative ideas implemented, and special conditions satisfied. A clever future-proofing plan will allow for laboratories to expand by opening false walls, and the hall to expand eastward as the school grows, while rainwater tanks and solar panel system tick the sustainability box. The angles of the distant mountain ranges inspired details of flat metal bar and perforated metal screens, roof forms and acoustic blade feature ceilings, resulting in Paynters delivering a true vision speaking to the local surrounds.

Judges’ comments:

“This new high school has broken new ground by providing the first senior schooling facility for the Calliope community – but has also established new standards of architectural appeal for regional schools.”

“The study and teaching areas are open, attractive and functional. The public areas are also welcoming, light and attractive, with the use of colour and texture in material an added attraction for students.”

Family sanctuary only has eyes for nature

Winner of the 2020 Central Queensland House of the Year – D R Moore Constructions Pty Ltd for 'Spyglass'

A true family retreat, this modern, striking building stands out from anything else in the neighbourhood. Boasting distinctive, elegant lines and striking minimalistic shapes, it is a true sanctuary. The various timbers used throughout the build help in creating a division of living spaces yet provide a warmth to the home that only timber can.

It was very important that the house and outdoor areas had synergy and not only linked physically but visually, providing privacy between the various living spaces and from neighbours. Custom processes were needed countless times throughout the build, from the internal steel staircase, to the swimming pool and outdoor shower, down to the timber undercroft screening with perfect circles and half circle cut outs and the little bridge in the garden. Even the clothesline was crafted onsite to suit the style of the build.

Offering stunning views, chic, yet comfortable living and a truly bespoke look, Spyglass by D R Moore Constructions is what the House of the Year award is all about.

Judges’ comments:

“This is an architectural masterpiece; unique and out-of-the-box, but not out of place in its setting. The interior is a further extension of the builder’s expertise, with the finished article setting an extremely high standard without being ostentatious.”

“The layout reflects the owners’ desire to provide individual retreat spaces but still allowing family to gather. This build is further evidence of the builder’s expertise in delivering high-end projects.”

“External areas are very well designed for purpose – open, clean and appealing. Light and airy to suit this climate.”

Abundance of extras belies bargain price tag

Winner of the 2020 Central Queensland President’s Award – Chris Warren Homes for Edenbrook Display Home

Boasting high ceilings, floor to ceiling bathroom tiling, a huge entertainment area, spacious open plan kitchen and loads of storage options, this home encapsulates everything the President’s Award is all about. With room for the whole family to spread out, without breaking the bank, the Edenbrook Display Home by Chris Warren Homes is something the everyday Australian can easily aspire to.

Judges’ comments:

“This home is further proof of the builder’s ability to continue to turn out a quality product at a reasonable price.”

“This project has not only met the criteria set for the President's Award but has also met the market need for a high-end budget-priced home. Excellent value for money, very liveable and well-designed for families.”

All Central Queensland winners

Construction

  • Education Facilities up to $10 million – Paynters Pty Ltd for CQ University – Gladstone Marina Campus Consolidation Project (Callemondah)
  • Education Facilities over $10 million – Paynters Pty Ltd for Calliope State High School (Calliope)
  • Sporting Facilities – J Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for Carinity Stage 5 (Glenlee)
  • Retail Facilities up to $5 million – J Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for Carl's Jr Rockhampton (Rockhampton)
  • Retail Facilities over $5 million – Mainbrace Constructions (QLD) Pty Ltd for ALDI Allenstown (Allenstown)
  • Commercial Building up to $5 million – J Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for New ARB Showroom and Warehouse (Rockhampton)
  • Industrial Building up to $5 million – J Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for Pickles Auction (Gracemere)
  • Community Accommodation for Aged Care and Nursing Homes – Taboh Pty Ltd T/A BT Builders for Mercy Health - Bethany Community Centre (The Range)
  • Refurbishment/Renovation up to $750,000 – Dean P Lea T/A Lea Build Pty Ltd for Ian Weigh Toyota Administration Refurbishment (Rockhampton)
  • Refurbishment/Renovation over $750,000 – J Hutchinson Pty Ltd T/A Hutchinson Builders for Ian Weigh Toyota and Rockhampton Lexus (Rockhampton

Housing

  • Home Renovation/Remodelling Project $276,000 – $575,000 – Blankhart Pty Ltd T/A Wolf Constructions for Cinderella House (Rockhampton)
  • Display Home $251,000 – $350,000 – Chris Warren Homes Pty Ltd for Edenbrook Display Home (Parkhurst)
  • Individual Home $251,000 – $350,000 – Chris Warren Homes Pty Ltd for House of Hope (Parkhurst)
  • Individual Home $351,000 – $450,000 – Shamrock Building Constructions Pty Ltd for Elwick Skillion (Emerald)
  • Individual Home $451,000 – $550,000 – Olman Constructions Pty Ltd for Whistler (Parkhurst)
  • Individual Home $551,000 – $650,000 – Cody James Spence T/A Spence Building Developments for Hamptons on Inverary (Rockyview)
  • Individual Home $751,000 – $950,000 – Swebworthy Constructions Pty Ltd for Corrigan Springs (Nankin)
  • Individual Home $1.26 million – $2 million – D R Moore Constructions Pty Ltd for Spyglass (Pacific Heights)
  • Best Use of Sloping Sites – D R Moore Constructions Pty Ltd for Spyglass (Pacific Heights)
  • Medium Density up to 3 Storeys – 2 to 5 Dwellings – Day to Day Constructions Pty Ltd for Church (Allenstown)

Specialty

  • Best Residential Bathroom – Cody James Spence T/A Spence Building Developments for Hamptons on Inverary (Rockyview)
  • Best Residential Kitchen – Swebworthy Constructions Pty Ltd for Corrigan Springs (Nankin)
  • Best Residential Swimming Pool – DR Moore Constructions Pty Ltd for Spyglass (Pacific Heights)

Individual

  • Apprentice of the Year – Bailey Price from Darrin Price Constructions (Gladstone)
  • Rising Star – Miles Olman from Olman Constructions (Rockhampton)
  • Women in Building – Sophie Fulton from Custom Building Improvements (Nerimbera)

Major

  • President's Award – Chris Warren Homes Pty Ltd for Edenbrook Display Home (Parkhurst)
  • Project of the Year – Paynters Pty Ltd for Calliope State High School (Calliope)
  • House of the Year – D R Moore Constructions Pty Ltd for Spyglass (Pacific Heights)

ENDS

Media enquiries:

Christine Buzzard, Digital Communications Advisor at christine.buzzard@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6418
Julie Russell, Manager Communications & Media at julie.russell@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6436
Melissa Seiler, Communications Advisor at melissa.seiler@mbqld.com.au or 3225 6424

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