Queensland builders showcase excellence at 2023 Awards

14 October 2023

A spectacular equestrian homestead, a luxury Brisbane home and a landmark government building took top honours at the Master Builders Queensland 2023 Housing & Construction Awards.

The best of the best in the state were celebrated at a glittering black-tie event, held in the Plaza Ballroom, Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre on Saturday, 14 October.

As always, the calibre of entries in this year’s field was outstanding with members bringing creative innovation to the table. The judging panel was impressed with the level of entries, their stunning finishes, and the degree of difficulty in construction.

V-Build Construction Services secured the sought-after Colorbond House of the Year with their spectacular equestrian homestead, Mountainview located in Maudsland.

The sprawling home on an 80-acre property is a combination of a New Zealand mountain home and an American ranch, complete with horse stables, an arena, and a basketball court.

V-Build Construction Services was also winner of the ABI Interiors Individual Home over $3 million category.

McNab collected the coveted Professional Certification Group Project of the Year and Commercial/Industrial Building over $50 million for the Sunshine Coast City Hall. This Maroochydore project has 10 storeys and includes retail, civic, and commercial spaces.

The theatre-style council chambers are a masterpiece and took more than four months to construct. Its bespoke feature tiered ceiling is breathtaking and timber wall cladding in natural blackbutt was expertly installed by hand for this space.

Graya Construction collected three awards on the night for various projects, including the prestigious BUSSQ Building Super President’s Award for Larc. This construction marvel shows off a minimalist design and innovative use of construction techniques.

The Hamilton home boasts curved walls, stone benchtops, and a steam room with fibre optic twinkle lights. The attention to detail and technical achievements make Larc a standout.

The Graya team also snapped up the Best Residential Bathroom award for the Skyline project and Best Residential Swimming Pool for Seachange in Brisbane.

Other big winners of the night were Luke Maye from Reef Coast Constructions who took the Apprentice of the Year title and Katie Garay from BESIX Watpac claiming the Women in Building Award.

The Xact Accounting Rising Star title went to Todd Stolberg from Alternative Construction Projects.

Master Builders CEO Paul Bidwell congratulated the winners across all 58 categories.

“From stylish renovations and beautiful new homes to state-of-the-art hospitals, sports hubs, pubs and eco-tourism facilities, and soaring residential towers inspiring the imagination – there’s nothing Master Builders can’t accomplish,” he said.

“The efforts from promising apprentices, women leading the way in the industry, and builders showing their commitment to the future ahead, is also something we are always excited to celebrate.

“Whether a winner or not, their craftsmanship is a credit to the Master Builders name, and each of them is a part of our family. We pride ourselves on always having their back, whether that means being there in times of need or celebrating their achievements.

“It’s our members’ drive, skill and determination to showcase excellence that is helping to ensure our continued success and viability in both the residential and commercial sectors, now and into the future.”

Major winners

Top gong for Hinterland homestead

Winner of the 2023 Colorbond House of the Year – Mountainview by V-Build Construction Services

Mountainview offers luxury with a combination of timber, limestone and stonework throughout. The home has six fireplaces, state-of-the-art cinema, wine and whiskey rooms and a gym.

This home is built around a 10-metre-high, 19th-century style timber barn that is incorporated into the structural steel and window façades.

The project includes the construction of an Olympic standard, undercover equestrian rink and stables, as well as a basketball court.

The home delivers features including two elevators, a car wash in the basement garage and custom-made cabinetry in every room to provide a luxurious and stylish lifestyle.

Judges’ comments

“Mountainview is something special and deserving of the House of the Year Award.”

“This project boasts exceptional workmanship throughout.”

“This project is huge, and includes the home, stables, Olympic standard equestrian rink, machinery shed and a 10-car underground basement.”

“All bedrooms have an ensuite and are decorated with nine different wallpapers.”

“The cobblestones were imported and repurposed from actual Belgium roadways.”

Construction marvel with winning minimalist design

Winner of the 2023 BUSSQ Building Super President's Award – Larc by Graya Construction

Larc is a luxurious mansion by Graya Construction that boasts a minimalist design and innovative use of techniques.

Complete with six bedrooms, six bathrooms, a gym, and an expansive wine cellar, the impressive home flaunts premium products and superb craftsmanship.

This home’s unique features including curved walls and custom joinery, demonstrate the degree of difficulty involved in its construction.

The home’s elegant design blends seamlessly with its surroundings with impressive street appeal.

Larc provides modern, stylish living with a breathtaking view over the Brisbane River.

Judges’ comments

“An impressive project with clever structural solutions and clearly a winner in its category.”

“The craftsmanship is excellent, and the joinery is exceptional. Larc boasts high-end detail and the builder really thought outside the box with this project.”

“It’s a very contemporary design with clever structural solutions.”

“The execution of stonework was second to none. It shows the builder took a long time to perfect this home.”

“The attention to detail in the finishes, including the tiling and plastering is superb.”

Landmark City Hall building sets standard for modern business district

Winner of the 2023 Professional Certification Group Project of the Year – Sunshine Coast City Hall by McNab

The Sunshine Coast City Hall is a modern-day landmark masterpiece, which achieves the highest sustainable outcomes. Designed by award-winning Cottee Parker Architects with sustainability at its core design response, the City Hall includes features that will reduce environmental impact and embrace the Sunshine Coast climate.

With ten storeys, the project includes retail, civic, and commercial spaces and consolidates the council’s diverse operations into one central building.

The theatre-style council chambers are at the heart of the project with its breathtaking bespoke feature tiered ceiling and timber wall cladding in natural blackbutt expertly installed by hand.

Its unique design and iconic façade are inspired by the forms and colours of one of the Sunshine Coast’s most defining landmarks, the Glass House Mountains.

Judges’ comments

“A building design ahead of its time with futuristic curves and finishes.”

“The attention to detail is evident throughout this project, with an impressive quality finish.”

“The building incorporates a five-star green rating and the amenities and functionality within this facility have considered all the stakeholders.”

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