Latest news with #MasterBuilders
News.com.au
5 days ago
- Business
- News.com.au
‘Like a treehouse': Old school Darwin meets modern dual living
An award-winning elevated surrounded by greenery has hit the market, sitting on a private block walking distance to markets, restaurants, clubs and East Point. Athena Pythagoras and Lloyd Babb bought the home with granny flat and pool at 3 Clancy St, Fannie Bay, after falling in love with the beautifully-updated 'quintessentially tropical house'. 'We hadn't really had that experience before and I figured, we're coming to Darwin, so we want to have that Darwin lifestyle,' Ms Pythagoras said. 'I can in all honesty say it's my favourite house I've ever lived in. 'It's so beautiful, it's got this peaceful feeling and there is enough together space and space where you can take yourself off, lie on a daybed and have privacy and peace.' Ms Pythagoras said living in the home was like living in a treehouse, surrounded by 360-degrees of greenery, including a park next door with a huge raintree. 'It feels like you're living inside a tropical canopy and for a Sydney girls that's a really special feeling,' she said. '(The previous owner) did an incredible job with the gardens. 'I really appreciated thoughtfulness that went into the garden as well as the house.' Aus' shocking list of untouchable suburbs Ms Pythagoras said the couple they bought the property off had perfectly updated and renovated the Clancy St home. 'We had a chance to speak to them and we realised how meticulous they were with the build,' she said. 'They wanted to restore and rejuvenate the place with high quality finishes. 'I'm really grateful we got the benefit of their hard work and attention to detail. 'It's not just for your eyes – it's actually a really quality build.' The home was the 2019 HIA winner for Renovation/Addition Project and the 2019 Master Builders winner for Alteration/Addition Project over $400,000. Set across two levels on a 1000 sqm block, the home has a granny flat with kitchen and bathroom downstairs, along with a store room and plenty of undercover space. Upstairs, the home has timber floors, banks of louvres and easy indoor-outdoor flow. 'The boards have a honey colour that sends a beautiful gold glow into the house,' Ms Pythagoras said. The open plan living, dining and kitchen space flows out to three separate decks. The kitchen has a feature island bench, stainless steel appliances, including a wine fridge and five-burner gas stovetop. 'The layout of the house really lends itself to entertaining,' Ms Pythagoras said. 'I can be in the kitchen and talking to my family or my friends or my guests, who are out on the deck overlooking the park. 'That connectedness is fantastic.' Down the hallway there is space for a study nook. The main bedroom has a walk-in robe and ensuite, while the two remaining bedrooms have balcony access and there is a family bathroom with freestanding tub. Outside, there is a resort style pool surrounded by landscaped gardens. Ms Pythagoras said her favourite part of the home was the entry deck. 'It's just so beautiful, overlooking our very private pool,' she said. 'I work from home and I watch the world go by from there. 'I feel connected with rest of the street but also feel like it's a private little oasis.' Ms Pythagoras said the home was perfectly located between all the things they loved about Darwin. 'We're close Parap markets, so we will often do Parap markets on Saturday. 'We have a ton of visitors and they really enjoy that too. 'Every morning we walk our dog either up to East Point or back down to Bundilla, past the Sailing Club, Trailer Boat Club and the Ski Club. 'If you go in the other direction in Parap you've got the Darwin Railway Club. 'We couldn't be better location for eating out and entertainment in Darwin.' Ms Pythagoras and Mr Babb are selling as they are relocating, but they will miss their Top End sanctuary. 'If we could lift this house up and just transport it with us, I would love to that,' Ms Pythagoras said. PROPERTY DETAILS Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Carparks: 3 Price guide: $1.8m
Scoop
20-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Regional Winners Announced For 2025 Master Builders House Of The Year For Bay Of Plenty & Central Plateau
An exceptionally executed home in Kinloch, Taupō built by Beck Building has been named Supreme House of the Year Over $1 million at the 2025 Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau Master Builders House of the Year Awards. The judges highlighted the build's precision, material detailing, and collaborative delivery, noting it excelled across all key criteria. The project also received the New Home $1.5–$2 million category, the Kitchen Excellence Award, and a Gold Award. A remarkable renovation by Duncan Hare Builders at Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua has taken top honours at the 2025 Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau House of the Year Awards winning Supreme Renovation of the Year, the Special Award, the Renovation $1 million - $2 million category, and a Gold Award. This project revitalised a cherished family home, retaining its original character while incorporating practical, contemporary updates. The renovation was recognised for its balanced approach respecting the past while meeting modern living standards. The Master Builders House of the Year competition showcases the best in residential building across New Zealand, celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship, and construction. Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Ankit Sharma remarked, 'House of the Year continues to showcase the skill and innovation of our Master Builders members. These homes represent the highest standards of craftsmanship our country has to offer – whether it's a bespoke renovation, a volume-built home, or a high-end new build. 'This year's entries reflect the full breadth of our membership talent, with outstanding work across a range of price points and project types. From precision detailing to sustainable materials and smart design, our members are leading the way in building quality homes that meet the needs of New Zealanders today and into the future.' The House of the Year awards are supported by Altus Window Systems, Bunnings Trade, GIB, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, Mitre 10 Trade, Plumbing World, Resene, and APL Window Solutions. About Master Builders: Master Builders have been building the foundations of this country, its homes, and workplaces for over 100 years. We are the voice of the building and construction industry. We represent quality-built environments where we live, work and play. We stand for quality, and we back our Master Builders to ensure we deliver value to building owners. We provide them with the support and services they need to build better building businesses, so they can build a better New Zealand. We work with Government and the sector to develop and uphold the highest standards. We are part of every conversation about the built environment - focused on better homes, better workplaces, and ultimately better lives for all New Zealanders. Through collaborative working, high craft standards and ethical behaviour, New Zealand can have peace of mind with a Master Builder backed by Master Builders. It means a better-built New Zealand. About the competition The Master Builders House of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in residential building across New Zealand. Judged by a team of experts who personally visit each home, the competition is held in two stages. The first is at regional level, with nearly 279 homes taking part in 2025. Properties are awarded a range of quality marks, and Regional Supreme Winners for both new builds and renovations are announced at events nationwide from July. From these, 100 homes will be selected for Top 100 status and proceed to a second round of national judging. In November, the National House of the Year Awards take place, where Category and Supreme winners are revealed.
Sky News AU
16-07-2025
- Business
- Sky News AU
Master Builders CEO Denita Wawn delivers brutal warning for Labor as it strives to build 1.2 million homes by 2029
Private markets have conceded it is 'too costly to build' in Australia, the CEO of Master Builders said, in a massive blow to prospective first time home buyers looking to break into the market. Fresh data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics showed in the 12 months to March 31 about 179,000 dwellings were completed. This falls about 60,000 short of Labor's annual target of 240,000 new homes a year if it is to hit its target of 1.2 million new homes by 2029. The number of new dwellings in March fell 4.4 per cent compared to the December quarter to 43,517. Master Builders' chief executive Denita Wawn said the construction industry in Australia continued to be plagued by fiscal troubles limiting housing growth. 'Increase of building (costs) over the last five years has been significant and our productivity has declined and as a consequence, the private market has simply said it is too costly to build,' Ms Wawn said on Sky News Business Now. 'The demand's there, it's just latent. So we've got a productivity issue that we need to address.' She said Labor's 1.2 million homes target was achievable but stressed, as Treasurer Jim Chalmers had earlier in the week, that there needed to be a widespread effort to boost housing in Australia. 'We need to focus on getting more people into the sector,' she said. 'We need access to finance and we need to ensure that we're being as efficient as possible. 'We think it can be achieved, but it does need everyone realising the seriousness of the issue and implementing the changes that we know are necessary.' Construction costs have increased about 20 per cent over the past five years, thwarting many investors from the property market. Ms Wawn said many in the industry were building at a loss with hopes of maintaining cash flow. 'That needs to change and private investment is the way we will resolve the shortage we have in housing at the moment,' she said. 'We cannot rely on government investment alone. So, as a consequence, we need more people. We need easier, simple planning approval systems. 'We need a construction code that makes sense and (to) stop making so many changes to it so often. 'We need to ensure that we have utilities in our building site so we can then get building the actual construction of the homes.' The new ABS figures come just days after leaked information showed Treasury had warned Labor after it was re-elected that its goal to build 1.2 million homes "will not be met". The department also called on Labor to build a 'coherent and well-prioritised' housing agenda.
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Regional Winners Announced For 2025 Master Builders House Of The Year For Central North Island
Ten standout builders across the region receive top honours, with 15 earning Gold Awards, part of nearly 300 entries nationwide across seven regions. A standout Hastings home by Davcon has been awarded the Supreme House of the Year over $1 million at this year's 2025 Central North Island Master Builders House of the Year Awards. The home took out multiple award wins, including the coveted Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award, New Home over $4 million category, Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award, Outdoor Living Excellence Award, and a Gold Award. Situated on a spectacular site above Hawke's Bay, this Supreme award-winning home is a masterclass in thoughtful design and refined execution. Every element was purposefully considered from the effortless flow between family zones and private retreats, to the dramatic use of stone that anchors the home with strength and permanence. eHaus Manawatu won the Supreme House of the Year under $1 million along with the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 million category and a Gold Award for its home in Palmerston North. For its home in Hastings, Inspired Projects took home the Central North Island Supreme Renovation of the Year, along with the Renovation $1 million – $2 million category, the Interior Design Award, and a Gold Award. The project is a standout example of how a creative and considered interior redesign can elevate a home. The renovation enhanced liveability while honouring the original architecture and the homeowner's vision. The Master Builders House of the Year competition showcases the best in residential building across New Zealand, celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship, and construction. Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Ankit Sharma remarked, 'House of the Year continues to showcase the skill and innovation of our Master Builders members. These homes represent the highest standards of craftsmanship our country has to offer – whether it's a bespoke renovation, a volume-built home, or a high-end new build. 'This year's entries reflect the full breadth of our membership talent, with outstanding work across a range of price points and project types. From precision detailing to sustainable materials and smart design, our members are leading the way in building quality homes that meet the needs of New Zealanders today and into the future.' The House of the Year awards are supported by Altus Window Systems, Bunnings Trade, GIB, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, Mitre 10 Trade, Plumbing World, Resene, and APL Window Solutions. About Master Builders: Master Builders have been building the foundations of this country, its homes, and workplaces for over 100 years. We are the voice of the building and construction industry. We represent quality-built environments where we live, work and play. We stand for quality, and we back our Master Builders to ensure we deliver value to building owners. We provide them with the support and services they need to build better building businesses, so they can build a better New Zealand. We work with Government and the sector to develop and uphold the highest standards. We are part of every conversation about the built environment - focused on better homes, better workplaces, and ultimately better lives for all New Zealanders. Through collaborative working, high craft standards and ethical behaviour, New Zealand can have peace of mind with a Master Builder backed by Master Builders. It means a better-built New Zealand. About the competition The Master Builders House of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in residential building across New Zealand. Judged by a team of experts who personally visit each home, the competition is held in two stages. The first is at regional level, with nearly 279 homes taking part in 2025. Properties are awarded a range of quality marks, and Regional Supreme Winners for both new builds and renovations are announced at events nationwide from July. From these, 100 homes will be selected for Top 100 status and proceed to a second round of national judging. In November, the National House of the Year Awards take place, where Category and Supreme winners are revealed.
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Regional Winners Announced For 2025 Master Builders House Of The Year Canterbury
Eleven standout builders across the region receive top honours, with 24 earning Gold Awards, part of nearly 300 entries nationwide across seven regions. Steve Brown Builders' beautiful home in Redcliffs, Christchurch has been named Supreme House of the Year over $1 million at the 2025 Canterbury Master Builders House of the Year Awards. The project also received awards for the New Home over $4 million category, the Kitchen Excellence Award, the McKenzie & Willis Interior Design Award, and a Gold Award. Praised as a testament to resilience and collaboration, the project was celebrated for its elegant, multi-level design that honours its remarkable setting - a masterclass in refined construction and architectural excellence. The judges described the kitchen and interiors as sculptural yet functional, beautifully detailed, materially rich, and deeply considered. Saunders Building had a standout performance, taking home the Canterbury Supreme House of the Year under $1 million, the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000–$1 million category, and a Gold Award, for a home in Kennedys Bush, Christchurch. They also collected awards for two additional builds, including the New Home $750,000–$1 million category, Bunnings New Home $1 million–$1.5 million category, and two more Gold Awards for homes built in Christchurch. For a beautifully reimagined home in Merivale, Christchurch, Matt Harrison Construction was awarded the Canterbury Supreme Renovation of the Year, along with wins in the Renovation $1 million – $2 million category, the Outdoor Living Excellence Award, and a Gold Award. This standout project is a complete reinvention that respects the home's 1990s origins while confidently embracing contemporary living. The Master Builders House of the Year competition showcases the best in residential building across New Zealand, celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship, and construction. Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Ankit Sharma remarked, 'House of the Year continues to showcase the skill and innovation of our Master Builders members. These homes represent the highest standards of craftsmanship our country has to offer – whether it's a bespoke renovation, a volume-built home, or a high-end new build. 'This year's entries reflect the full breadth of our membership talent, with outstanding work across a range of price points and project types. From precision detailing to sustainable materials and smart design, our members are leading the way in building quality homes that meet the needs of New Zealanders today and into the future.' The House of the Year awards are supported by Altus Window Systems, Bunnings Trade, GIB, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, Mitre 10 Trade, Plumbing World, Resene, and APL Window Solutions. About Master Builders: Master Builders have been building the foundations of this country, its homes, and workplaces for over 100 years. We are the voice of the building and construction industry. We represent quality-built environments where we live, work and play. We stand for quality, and we back our Master Builders to ensure we deliver value to building owners. We provide them with the support and services they need to build better building businesses, so they can build a better New Zealand. We work with Government and the sector to develop and uphold the highest standards. We are part of every conversation about the built environment - focused on better homes, better workplaces, and ultimately better lives for all New Zealanders. Through collaborative working, high craft standards and ethical behaviour, New Zealand can have peace of mind with a Master Builder backed by Master Builders. It means a better-built New Zealand. About the competition The Master Builders House of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in residential building across New Zealand. Judged by a team of experts who personally visit each home, the competition is held in two stages. The first is at regional level, with nearly 279 homes taking part in 2025. Properties are awarded a range of quality marks, and Regional Supreme Winners for both new builds and renovations are announced at events nationwide from July. From these, 100 homes will be selected for Top 100 status and proceed to a second round of national judging. In November, the National House of the Year Awards take place, where Category and Supreme winners are revealed.
