2025 Queensland Award winners celebrated at first-ever Gold Coast gala

11 October 2025

Pride, progress, and possibility were at the heart of the winning projects and people celebrated at the 2025 Master Builders Queensland Housing & Construction Awards.

The industry’s most prestigious and glamourous celebration of the year saw the red carpet rolled out at The Star Gold Coast on Saturday 11 October as regional winners vied to be named the best in the state – the first time the Awards have been held on the glitter strip in their 39-year history.

Horseshoe Hill was named Queensland’s Colorbond House of the Year, rewarding Jager Build for the exceptional level of technical expertise and precision in constructing the uniquely curved Sunshine Coast hilltop home. Lauded for having demonstrated a mastery of both traditional and contemporary building techniques, the stunning property also earned the Jager Build team best Individual Home over $10 million.

Innovative Design and Build Group lived up to their name by winning the BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award for Gold Coast Hinterland retreat, Illalangi. The team were hailed as having exhibited superior craftsmanship and meticulous attention to detail in delivering the sustainable, single-storey sanctuary that pays due respect to its breathtaking natural surrounds.

The landmark Queen’s Wharf Integrated Resort Development on the Brisbane River earned Multiplex Constructions Qld the Xact Accounting Project of the Year Award, and best Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million. In the words of one of the judges, the Multiplex team delivered an iconic build “that reminds me what is possible when we don't listen to the voice in our heads telling us, ‘It’s not possible, you can't do that’.”

Sunshine Coast industry veteran Anita Bouwman took out the Women in Building Award. The first woman employed by GJ Gardner Homes, Anita has spent 45 years shaping major design and construction projects. In 2010, she founded J Co Constructions with her sons – today a reflection of her vision, values and dedication. Brisbane’s Jimmy Gray won the Rising Star Award for his leadership and commitment to quality, efficiency and safety. With a decade of experience, Jimmy launched Penelope Homes in 2021, now a sought-after builder with glowing client reviews. Rounding out the Individual categories Far North Queensland’s Rhianna McDonald was named KIA Australia Apprentice of the Year. Known for her initiative, teamwork and craftsmanship, Rhianna began with MiHaven on work experience and now is a mentor to younger apprentices, with ambitions to become a licensed builder.

Hutchinson Builders swept the pool on the night with four Awards, including best Retail Facilities up to $5 million for Hungry Jacks Gracemere; Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) up to $20 millionfor Marella Residences; best Community Accommodation for The Verge Stage 3; and Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation over $30 million for Venue.

Master Builders Deputy CEO and Awards Ambassador, Sue-Ann Fresneda, said each of the winners – and all finalists – were awe-inspiring.

“This year’s entries pushed boundaries in every direction. From coastal marvels to rural retreats, our members continue to prove that no terrain is too tough when you’ve got vision, skill and a commitment to excellence,” Ms Fresneda said.

“The stories behind our Individual Award winners reflect the evolving face of our industry – diverse, driven, and leading the way. These are the people shaping the future of building in Queensland, and I couldn’t be prouder.

“Next year marks 40 years of our Awards program. It’s a chance to honour our legacy and the incredible people who’ve shaped it – and I can’t wait to be part of it.”

Ms Fresneda said eligible winners from the Queensland Awards would be put forward for Master Builders Australia’s National Excellence in Building & Construction Awards, to be held in Adelaide on 28 November.

“Queensland led the nation last year with 13 wins at the National Excellence Awards. With the strength of this year’s field, we’re quietly optimistic about another standout showing this year.”

An image of the QLD House of the year, Project of the year and President's Award for 2025

Major winners

Winner of the 2025 Queensland Colorbond House of the Year Award – Jager Build for Horseshoe Hill (Sunshine Coast)

Horseshoe Hill celebrates a harmonious blend of innovative design and technical expertise, showcasing a mastery of both traditional and modern construction techniques. The Jager Build team perfectly executed the unique construction of the signature horseshoe-shaped curve, from the concrete elements to the integration of recessed lighting, warm wood and stone, displaying exceptional craftsmanship in this incredible home. Boasting a double height living area with dramatic stone fireplace, infinity pool, and stepped terraces meeting the landscape, Horseshoe Hill is a masterpiece.

Winner of the 2025 Queensland BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award – Innovative Design and Build Group for Illalangi (Gold Coast)

Perched high on top of a mountain, Illalangi is a wonder of modern construction. Fully off-grid and self-sustaining, the home has been designed to maximise its 360-degree breathtaking views of the Scenic Rim region. The project required the Innovative Design and Build Group to push the boundaries, expertly coordinating its integrated technologies, and precisely executing the complex outdoor living space. Boasting superior craftsmanship and hailed by our judges as ‘spectacular’, Illalangi sets a new benchmark for excellence in residential construction.

Winner of the 2025 Queensland Xact Accounting Project of the Year Award – Multiplex Constructions Qld for Queen’s Wharf Integrated Resort Development (Brisbane)

The Queens Wharf Integrated Resort Development is among the biggest and boldest construction projects in Queensland – and Australia. Spanning more than four city blocks, it includes three towers, retail space and casino, and a suspended Skydeck. In our judges’ words, ‘a remarkable display of coordination and craftsmanship by Multiplex, delivering textures, forms and finishes that defy expectation. This iconic development has transformed the Brisbane skyline – and stands as a powerful example of what’s possible when complex vision meets expert execution.’

All Queensland winners

Major winners

  • Colorbond House of the Year Award – Jager Build for Horseshoe Hill (Sunshine Coast)
  • BUSSQ Building Super President's Award – Innovative Design and Build Group for Illalangi (Gold Coast)
  • Xact Accounting Project of the Year Award – Multiplex Constructions Qld for Queen's Wharf Integrated Resort Development (Brisbane)

Individual winners

  • KIA Australia Apprentice of the Year Award – Rhianna McDonald from MiHaven (Far North Queensland)
  • Rising Star Award – Jimmy Gray from Penelope Homes (Brisbane)
  • Women in Building Award – Anita Bouwman from J Co Constructions (Sunshine Coast)

Specialty winners

Housing winners

  • Display Home up to $400,000 – Affinity Designer Homes for Mia Mia (Far North Queensland)
  • Display Home from $400,000 up to $600,000 – Ultra Living Homes for Calista 33 (Gold Coast)
  • Display Home from $600,000 up to $800,000 – Paragon Homes for Fuente (Downs & Western)
  • James Hardie Display Home over $800,000 Award – Palm Lake Works for Zafiro Display Home (Sunshine Coast)
  • Individual Home up to $400,000 – Gordon Bourke Constructions for Rowies Retreat (Downs & Western)
  • Individual Home from $400,000 up to $550,000 – George Built Constructions for Onyx (Downs & Western)
  • Individual Home from $550,000 up to $700,000 – SX Homes for The Waterhen (Sunshine Coast)
  • Individual Home from $700,000 up to $850,000 – Cotter Builders for Villa Athena (Mackay & Whitsunday)
  • Individual Home from $850,000 up to $1 million – Phillip Bonaventura for The View (Mackay & Whitsunday)
  • Individual Home from $1 million up to $1.5 million – Corbett Homes for Casa Bella Vista (Central Queensland)
  • Individual Home from $1.5 million up to $2 million – Xceed Building Solutions for Cedar House (Sunshine Coast)
  • Individual Home from $2 million up to $2.5 million – Ash Moseley Homes for Pine Ridge Retreat (Far North Queensland)
  • Individual Home from $2.5 million up to $3 million – O’Shea & Sons Builders for Kamares sto Appia (Brisbane)
  • Individual Home from $3 million up to $4 million – GRAYA Construction for DOMUS (Brisbane)
  • Individual Home from $4 million up to $5 million – Tabrizi Home Builders for Chateau Cache (Brisbane)
  • Individual Home from $5 million up to $10 million – MCD Construction for Birdwood House (Brisbane)
  • Individual Home over $10 million – Jager Build for Horseshoe Hill (Sunshine Coast)
  • Best Use of Sloping Sites – MCD Construction for Birdwood House (Brisbane)
  • Truecore Best Use of Steel Frame Housing Award – Villaworld Homes by AVID for Prospect 23 (Sunshine Coast)
  • Foundation Technologies Australia Prefabricated and Modular Housing Award – Oly Homes for Thursday Island Modular Housing (Far North Queensland)
  • Home Renovation Project up to $300,000 – Freedom Constructions Qld for Bayview Under-Home Transformation (Far North Queensland)
  • Home Renovation Project from $300,000 up to $450,000 – Weston Building Group for Project Franklin (Downs & Western)
  • Home Renovation Project from $450,000 up to $600,000 – BCM Building for Hamilton (Central Queensland)
  • Home Renovation Project from $600,000 up to $750,000 – Townsend Constructions NQ for The New Chesney (North Queensland)
  • Home Renovation Project from $750,000 up to $1 million – Weston Building Group for Eden Cottage (Downs & Western)
  • Home Renovation Project from $1 million up to $2 million – Seeka Constructions for Broadwater Project (Gold Coast)
  • Home Renovation Project over $2 million – Corella Construction for Wilston Renovation (Brisbane)
  • Medium Density up to 3 storeys – 2 to 5 dwellings – PJH CONSTRUCTIONS AUSTRALIA for Tides (Gold Coast)
  • Trend Commercial Medium Density up to 3 storeys – over 5 dwellings Award – Graya Multi-Res for CHALK (Brisbane)
  • Weathertex Excellence in Home Sustainability & Innovation Award – Bungalow for K’gari Bungalows (Wide Bay Burnett)
  • Residential Trade Contractor of the Year – Mariners Pools Plus for Illumina Haven (Wide Bay Burnett)

Construction winners

  • Health Facilities up to $20 million – Paynters for Capricorn Coast Renal Services Extension and Essential Energy Building (Central Queensland)
  • Health Facilities over $20 million – BESIX Watpac for Gold Coast University Hospital - Secure Mental Health Rehabilitation Unit (Gold Coast)
  • Education Facilities up to $10 million – Apollo for Walkervale Childcare Centre (Wide Bay Burnett)
  • Education Facilities over $10 million – BESIX Watpac for James Cook University - Engineering and Innovation Place (North Queensland)
  • Sporting Facilities – BADGE Constructions (Qld) for Palm Beach Aquatic & Community Centre (Gold Coast)
  • Community Service Facilities – Premis Solutions for Everton Park Library (Brisbane)
  • Retail Facilities up to $5 million – Hutchinson Builders for Hungry Jacks Gracemere (Central Queensland)
  • Retail Facilities over $5 million – Ashley Cooper Construction for Carina Leagues Club Redevelopment (Brisbane)
  • McCabes Lawyers Excellence in Workplace Health & Safety – RCQ for Mental Health Initiative (Sunshine Coast)
  • Tourism and Leisure Facilities up to $10 million – Cumberland Homes for Elementa Whitsunday and 74 Islands Distillery (Mackay & Whitsunday)
  • Tourism and Leisure Facilities over $10 million – Multiplex Constructions Qld for Queen’s Wharf Integrated Resort Development (Brisbane)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building up to $5 million – Evbuilt for Boutique Business House (Gold Coast)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building from $5 million up to $15 million – Shadcon for Caloundra Mazda (Sunshine Coast)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building from $15 million up to $30 million – Bryant Building Contractors for McLeod St Redevelopment (Far North Queensland)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building from $30 million up to $50 million – McNab for Electrolux’s Distribution and Experience Centre for Port of Brisbane (Brisbane)
  • Commercial / Industrial Building over $50 million – ADCO Constructions for Brisbane Metro Depot (Brisbane)
  • Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) up to $20 million – Hutchinson Builders for Marella Residences (Gold Coast)
  • Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) from $20 million up to $50 million – Mosaic Construction for The Mowbray by Mosaic (Brisbane)
  • Residential Building (high-rise over 3 storeys) over $50 million – Mosaic Construction for The Witton by Mosaic (Brisbane)
  • Community Accommodation – Hutchinson Builders for The Verge Stage 3 (Gold Coast)
  • Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation up to $5 million – Ashley Cooper Construction for St Margaret’s Community House - Heritage House (Brisbane)
  • Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation from $5 million up to $15 million – Murchie Constructions for Wintergarden Community Hub (Wide Bay Burnett)
  • Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation from $15 million up to $30 million – Mettle for Peppers Yaralla (Central Queensland)
  • Commercial Refurbishment/Renovation over $30 million – Hutchinson Builders for Venue (Brisbane)
  • Commercial Fitout up to $5 million – Mettle for Edward Street (Brisbane)
  • Commercial Fitout from $5 million up to $10 million – Unita (Qld) for Supernormal Brisbane (Brisbane)
  • Commercial Fitout over $10 million – Buildcorp Group for ARUP Living Building Challenge Office Fitout (Brisbane)
  • Commercial Trade Contractor of the Year – Arden Architectural for Arup Brisbane Office (Brisbane)

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