Each year, Registered Master Builders House of the Year showcases the best New Zealand homes. This year is no different. Designers and builders nationwide enter their best work, hoping to impress the judges enough to win a coveted Gold, Silver, Bronze, Best in Category or the ultimate national award.
Over the years, Design Builders clients and teams have won several awards. Here’s a preview of homes that we’re putting in front of the 2021 judging panel, plus details on the categories we’re entering and competition results dates. Good luck to our clients and all the teams behind these incredible one-off homes. We’ll let you know how we get on.
Created for Living
This modern take on the classic Kiwi country house is carefully positioned to maximise sun. The covered outdoor areas on the east and north extend the living space into the outdoors. The house has the charm of a heritage lodge but features all the latest innovations, design details and warmth of a new build. The expertly designed floorplan makes the most of spectacular views to the east, and south-east across Lake Taupō to Mount Tauhara. Among other features are raking ceilings, high-pitch roof line, and two built-in wood burners. Weatherboard cladding and stone emphasise the luxury lakeside lodge feel.
Entry details: Design Builders Taupo have entered this home into the GIB Showhome category. The Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau Region winners will be announced on 9 July at Trustpower Baypark, Tauranga.
Natural Beauty
As showhomes go, this is a beauty – two storeys perched on a ridge with three sides connecting with a reserve covered in native bush. This exemplar of good building practice demonstrates what can be achieved on a tricky site and how a home can be nestled into a bush-clad section. Built to maximise all-day sun and beautiful surrounds, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom home has spacious living, plenty of glass and outdoor areas to connect with nature. Extensive use of dark timber helps embed it into the site. This two-storey home perched on a ridge sweeping into native reserve is in perfect harmony with its natural setting.
Entry details: Design Builders Wellington have entered this home into the GIB Showhome category. The Wellington & Wairarapa Region winners will be announced on 30 July at Lower Hutt Event Centre, Lower Hutt.
Styled for Life
Anyone for tennis? A dip in the pool? Perhaps a workout in the gym? This home has been designed for the needs of a growing family, with five sunny bedrooms, three bathrooms, multiple living spaces and, at the heart of the open-plan living zone, a sense of light and openness, thanks to a 2.6m stud height. Clever design means some areas can also be closed off to create more intimate spaces. The focal point of the kitchen, complete with scullery, is the granite-topped island, around which everyone in the family gathers. Glass doors to the outdoor living room create great flow and the possibility of year-round entertaining.
Entry details: Design Builders Waikato have entered this home into the New Home $1.5 million–$2 million category. The Waikato Region winners will be announced on 23 July at Claudelands, Hamilton.
Riverside Retreat
Imagine savouring the ever-changing views of the Waikato River while sipping your morning coffee in the dining nook or relaxing on the full-width deck. Sounds wonderful, doesn’t it? The main bedroom suite on the ground level of this riverside home is a true sanctuary, with a stylish walk-through wardrobe to an ensuite with a double shower and luxurious bath – a retreat away from today’s busy world. Upstairs are two bedrooms, a bathroom, another living area and kitchenette. It’s all tied together with excellent detailing and a natural flow. The exterior timber cladding and coloursteel work together in this striking contemporary home.
Entry details: Design Builders Waikato have entered this home into the New Home $1 million–$1.5 million category. The Waikato Region winners will be announced on 23 July at Claudelands, Hamilton.
