Building innovation rewarded

WINNERS of the Master Builders State Housing & Construction Awards were announced at a gala presentation held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

TQ Properties Pty Ltd trading as Millenium Homes Qld won the Individual Home $2 million - $4 million award and Sommer & Staff Constructions Pty Ltd the Refurbishment/Renovation over $4 million award at the Master Builders Annual Dinner and State Housing & Construction Awards in Brisbane last Friday.

Winners of the Master Builders State Housing & Construction Awards were announced at a gala presentation held at the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre.

The Housing & Construction Awards recognise those at the forefront of building innovation and excellence in the housing and construction industry in Queensland.

Master Builders executive director Graham Cuthbert said the awards were a great way for builders to gain public and industry recognition, particularly in these strained economic times. The calibre of entrants in this year's awards was outstanding and resulted in only the best of the best being chosen.

"The enormous effort from members to produce a quality project was certainly evident in the winning projects," Mr Cuthbert said.

Master Builders regional manager Tony Ryder said the wins were an excellent achievement for the region, which has been getting back on its feet after the devastating floods earlier this year and the impact of the global financial crisis.

"The home by TQ Properties Pty Ltd t/as Millenium Homes Qld is simply stunning and was well deserved of this win," he said.

Designed by world renowned architect Paul Clout, the owners brief was to incorporate Tropical Queensland with Asia-Pacific architecture.

Water is a prominent feature, with internal ponds, dynamic water fountains and wet edge pool seamlessly linking this magnificent home to the mountain beyond.

Natural elements such as timber, sandstone, travertine, marble and New Zealand schist stone combine effectively to achieve style and sophistication. Technology has not been overlooked with a fully integrated electronic monitoring and management system included. This beautiful home is aptly named 'Mauna', which is Hawaiian for 'mountain view'.

"Sommer & Staff Constructions Pty Ltd were honoured with the award for Refurbishment/Renovation over $4 million after they transformed the Toowoomba Courthouse into a modern, functional and secure justice precinct.

"With the building continuing operation as a court facility throughout the project, this is an exceptional achievement."

For a full list of winners, visit the Master Builders website at www.masterbuilders.asn.au.

Originally published as Building innovation rewarded