Waikato region's supreme homes revealed

A new home in Hamilton and a renovation in Whangamata have been named this year’s finest Waikato homes, winning Supreme Awards in the Waikato Registered Master Builders 2014 House of the Year.

Greg McGovern Construction took out five regional awards, including a Gold Award and category win for the PlaceMakers New Homes $350,000 - $450,000, as well as the Resene Sustainable Home Award, Craftsmanship Award and the Waikato Registered Master Builders Supreme Award for the 2014 House of the Year.

Beach House Builders was awarded the Waikato Region Registered Master Builders 2014 Renovation of the Year, as well as a Gold Award and overall category win for the Renovation Award up to $250,000.

Greg McGovern Construction’s winning home impressed judges who said, "Designed as accommodation for farmworkers and built in the style of an old tin shed, this home boasts a multitude of clever features.

"Panelled with sheets of ply that were carefully selected to match the grain, the builder’s eye for detail is absolutely incredible. An exterior cedar curtain panel that acts as a sunscreen during the day and a curtain at night is the work of a craftsman.

"The phenomenal quality of construction and response to a very bold design made this home a worthy winner of the Supreme Award."

The judges said Beach House Builders’ re-clad and re-configuration retains the original scale yet maximises the space available.

"This renovation of one of Whangamata’s original baches has transformed its tiny footprint into an exciting family retreat," they said.

"The home is full of character, from the well-crafted kitchen and bathroom to the efficient cantilevered bunk beds. The colourful interior spills out onto a spacious deck, providing a platform to enjoy one of the gems of the Coromandel."

The results were announced at a gala dinner on Friday, 25 July at the Claudelands Conference & Exhibition Centre in Hamilton. The event was attended by members of the local building industry and the Waikato Region Registered Master Builders.

There were 14 Gold Award winners from the Waikato which will now be assessed alongside Gold Award winners from across the country to find the National Gold Reserve finalists, to be announced in early September.

National category winners and the Registered Master Builders Supreme Awards for Renovation of the Year and House of the Year will be announced at a gala dinner in Auckland in November.

The Awards are made possible through the support of PlaceMakers, James Hardie, GIB, Nulook, Ministry of Business, Innovation & Employment, Future-Proof Building, Carters, ITM, Plumbing World, Resene, Westpac and Master Build Services.

For more information about the competition, visit www.houseoftheyear.co.nz.