2017 House of the Year gets exciting new additions

0
1270

 

This year’s Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition is underway, with some innovative new categories to reflect the changing sector.

This year the competition includes three new categories — two for Volume and Group House builders, and one for multi-units, such as apartments.

Registered Master Builders Association chief executive David Kelly says these new categories reflect the changing market and the types of homes that are now a part of our landscape.

“House of the Year showcases what is possible by introducing new trends, materials and approaches. The focus on sustainable building over the past few years is a key example of this,” Mr Kelly says.

“We are now moving into a period which will see a major rise in multi-unit homes and apartments — that is very exciting for the industry and for New Zealand.

“Demand for building in this country is calling for new ways of operating and new types of building. Multi-unit dwellings are expected to account for 40% of residential builds by the end of 2021, and we want to ensure, as the prominent house building competition, we reflect this new landscape.”

Mr Kelly says the Registered Master Builders Association and the House of the Year competition play a leading role in ensuring a better built New Zealand.

“House of the Year has been celebrating quality and innovation in New Zealand construction for more than 25 years. These changes recognise that the market continues to evolve and grow, but the focus of our builders remains on quality across all types of homes and price brackets,” he says.

“This competition sets a standard for the industry, and has become a valuable source of ideas for anyone thinking about building a new home or undertaking renovation.”

The competition will see Master Builders from around New Zealand compete for regional titles, with the best of the best going on to compete for the sought-after national titles of 2017 Supreme House of the Year and Supreme Renovation of the Year.

Homes entered into the competition will be assessed by a panel of judges — a team of industry experts — who will travel around New Zealand to find the best builds in the country, ranging from new homes and show homes to renovations and builders’ own homes.

The homes are first judged at a regional level, with award-winners announced at 11 regional events held throughout New Zealand during July and August.

The top local Gold Award winners will become Gold Reserve National Finalists. The national finalists will then be re-judged by a panel of judges who will determine the overall national winners. These winners will be announced at the national awards event in November.

“Last year, there were more than 330 homes entered, showcasing our Master Builders’ high standards and commitment to quality across the sector.

“We are excited to see the range of homes this year and the innovation that is currently taking place in the industry,” Mr Kelly says.

 

Previous articleSearch is on for New Zealand’s top carpentry apprentice
Next articleImmaculate earthquake rebuild wins first-time national award