The HIA-CSR 2008 South Australian Housing Awards on Saturday night at the Adelaide Convention Centre demonstrated the wealth of talent within the Clare Valley building industry.
A gala audience of over 1200 industry personalities celebrated a wonderful evening in which the state’s building industry reaffirmed its commitment to excellence with winners revealed in 58 categories.
Clare builder MacKenzie Homes was the biggest winner of the evening taking home four awards.
SJM Carpentry and Building was the other winner from Clare with the award for Custom Built Home $200,000 to $350,000.
MacKenzie Homes’ spectacular haul included Custom Built Homes $550,000 to $750,000 and Colorbond Most Innovative Use of Steel awards for a project in Auburn; Sustainable Housing award for a project in Clare and the highly prestigious and hotly contested Country Builder award.
Commenting on SJM Carpentry and Building’s entry judges said: “Restricted heritage and environmental requirements were addressed and overcome by the builder by the use of earthy raw materials whilst incorporating modern day conveniences. The extensive use of rammed earth, western red cedar, iron bark and Australian Oak were featured throughout this extremely energy efficient home.”
While judging MacKenzie Homes’ Custom Built and Most Innovative Use of Steel winning entry, they said: “This sensational architecturally designed home has two distinct living zones taking full advantage of the seasons. Energy efficient ideas, sustainability and site orientation were all incorporated in this modern innovative home. Outstanding workmanship and finer attention to detail were simply impeccable.”
Describing the Sustainable Housing winner, judges explained their delight at seeing a home that provides the owners all the cost saving benefits associated with sustainable housing, while also having features conveniently located and well concealed as not take away from the ambience of the home.
In announcing the Country Builder award for MacKenzie Homes, judges said they could not overlook a builder who combined innovative ideas, colour and style melded with building expertise to produce an exciting masterpiece.
HIA executive director David Gaffney said the awards represented the pinnacle for building industry excellence in the state. “HIA is very proud of the quality of our awards. They recognise the achievements of both companies and individuals, who lead the way in design, construction, innovation and technology of the housing and kitchens and bathrooms sectors,” he said.