New Zealand’s largest building awards programme has just become bigger, and even more focused on the country’s drive to become a sustainable economy.
The Registered Master Builders Federation has announced three new awards to recognise excellence in sustainable building in the PlaceMakers 2008 House of the Year competition.
Registered Master Builders Federation chief executive Pieter Burghout says the Sustainable Building Awards are a major development for the competition, which is in its 18th year.
“We are reflecting New Zealand’s desire to focus on more sustainable solutions for the built environment,” Mr Burghout says.
“The addition of these award categories will ensure that the prestigious House of the Year programme continues to reflect the latest advances in building trends, keeps pushing the industry’s boundaries and responds to consumer interest.
”The competition judges will consider the way in which a building company has incorporated sustainable principles in a home’s design, choice and installation of materials, and the methods with which it has been built.
“The three new categories, which will be open to builders of new homes and renovations, are based on the value of the building project.
They are:
• Sustainable Homes under $500,000,
• Sustainable Homes $500,000 – $1 million, and
• Sustainable Homes over $1 million.
In addition to the new Sustainable Building Awards, there has been a change to the pricing structure of the new home categories. The current $600,000 threshold has been lifted to $650,000, therefore the New Homes $450,000 – $600,000 category becomes New Homes $450,000 – $650,000, and New Homes $600,000 – $1 million becomes New Homes $650,000 – $1 million.
Mr Burghout says last year’s competition was a huge success, attracting almost 700 entries, and he expects the introduction of the Sustainable Building Awards will attract even greater interest.
Entries for the Registered Masters Builders 2008 PlaceMakers House of the Year and RMB Commercial Project Awards are open at www.houseoftheyear.co.nz or www.rmbcommercial.co.nz.
All Registered Master Builders have been sent entry kits. If these haven’t been received, please register online or call your local Association. Please note that entries close on Friday March 7, 2008.
