Top properties in East Coast announced

A new home in Napier and a renovation in Havelock North have been named this year’s top East Coast properties, winning Supreme Awards in the East Coast Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers 2012 House of the Year.

Gee Builders Limited took out the PlaceMakers Supreme Award for the House of the Year with its build of a Napier home in the New Homes $600,000 - $1 million category. The home also took out the Future Proof Building Energy Efficiency Award, the PlaceMakers Heart of the Home Kitchen Award and the Craftsmanship Award.

Ainsworth & Collinson Ltd was awarded the PlaceMakers Supreme Award for the Renovation of the Year, as well as the Renovation Award over $500,000, the GIB Living Award, the PlaceMakers Bathroom Excellence Award and the Outdoor Living Award for its transformation of a Havelock North house.

Gee Builders Limited’s new home build impressed the competition judges who say the home, built on the side of the hill with landscaping to combat the harsh south westerly winds, takes advantage of the sun and spectacular views over Napier City.

“The use of smooth faced Hinuera stone has given the home a clean rural feel,” judges say.

“The bathrooms are spectacular; particularly the main ensuite which has a freestanding bath that sits on the deck outside. The kitchen is integrated well within the open informal living space capturing the views and the sun. Every part of this stunning kitchen is incredibly well crafted and sits nicely as a central part of the home.

“The swimming pool is a standout feature, maintaining the views and the sun but cleverly screened to protect it from the prevailing wind. The quality of this home stands out immensely; it is well finished and the attention to detail excellent.”

Ainsworth & Collinson Ltd’s renovation also pleased the judges.

“The builders had an interesting brief to both renovate and add to this historic 1880s home. They coped well with previous alterations that had taken place over time and were able to incorporate features that turned the property into a more comfortable, liveable home,” they say.

The builders’ entries were recognised by members of the East Coast region’s Registered Master Builders and the local building industry at Marinaview, Gisborne on Saturday 18 August.

The East Coast region’s competition includes entries from both the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne areas.

There were 5 Gold Award winners from the East Coast Region which will now be assessed alongside Gold Award winners from the other 11 regions of the competition to find the National Gold Reserve finalists, which will be announced in September.

National category winners, PlaceMakers Supreme Awards for the Renovation of the Year and the 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 Living Solutions®, Nulook, Department of Building and Housing, Future-Proof Building and Master Build Services Ltd.

For more information about the competition, visit the Registered Master Builders website www.masterbuilder.org.nz.