Builder of units on Kew cliff-face wins top Master Builders Victoria gong

An apartment block in Kew’s best location with view of the Yarra River has won a major industry award. See the full winners list.

The Fenwick apartment project in Kew. Picture: Supplied

The builder of a “stunning” apartment block on a Kew cliff face has won a top gong.

Coben Building has been named Master Builders Victoria (MBV) Master Builder of the Year Residential for the multi-unit project in Fenwick St.

The announcement was made in a gala ceremony held at Crown on Friday.

MBV CEO Rebecca Casson said Coben’s nine dwellings construction was in Kew’s best location.

Coben Building has been named Master Builders Victoria Master Builder of the Year Residential.

“This picture-perfect site deserved a building that embraced and enhanced its location – and Coben delivered it perfectly,” she said.

“The project consists of three separate buildings (eight apartments and one four-level townhouse) located to capture views over Studley Park, and situated over a substantial two-level basement.”

“As the building is cut into the Studley Park cliff face, accessing and sequencing the works was a significant challenge that required using a tower crane for a large portion of the works.”

The building was praised for embracing and enhancing its natural location near the Yarra River.

More than 30 firms were honoured for their work at the MBV 2022 Excellence in Housing Awards.

Winners included APC Build for best renovation/addition under $300,000; Porter Davis Homes for best display home $750,000-$1m; Flux Construction for best multi-unit development up to three units; and Damco Kitchens for best bathroom over $30,000.

Regional Builder of the Year Residential was awarded to Virtue Homes for its work on a Traralgon home.

Ms Casson said the winning home had high-end features in each main room.

“Externally, a combination of high-quality products has been used to complement every aspect of the front facade,” she said.

“From hardwood timber feature battens around the entry area to the San Selmo Corso Livenza Italian 50mm feature bricks wrapping around the corner of the home, this home is sophisticated and of high quality.”

Young Builder of the Year Residential award was given to Anthony Larne from Anthony Larne Constructions.

Ms Casson said Mr Larne focused on large heritage homes and did extensive renovations.

“The most recent was to a 100-year-old home which underwent significant renovations and expansions, including a large underground car park located under a swimming pool and an operable grassed lid to the access ramp,” she said.

Ms Casson said the awards were brimming with outstanding homes completed in a difficult year due to the pandemic.