We’re thrilled to share that three of our one-of-a-kind homes have been named among New Zealand’s Top 100 homes in the 2026 Master Builders House of the Year Awards.
Representing three different regions, these homes showcase the creativity, craftsmanship and collaboration of our teams across the country. All three entries will now head to the National Awards in November, a very special achievement for everyone involved.
A huge congratulations and thank you to our clients, suppliers, subcontractors, staff and in-house design team. Creating exceptional homes is a team effort, and this recognition is a reflection of the talent and collaboration behind every one-of-a-kind home.
The Onyx | Design Builders Canterbury
Category: New Home $500,000 – $750,000
Award: Top 100, Regional Gold
View image gallery: here
Designed to make the most of its compact site, this striking pavilion-style home combines low-maintenance living with thoughtful architectural detail. A strategic pop-in design allows natural light to flow into the kitchen and living areas, while feature raking ceilings create a heightened sense of space throughout the open-plan kitchen, dining, and living zones.
Brushed concrete feature walls add texture and character, complementing the home’s modern aesthetic. Seamless indoor-outdoor flow connects the living spaces to private decks, ideal for relaxed entertaining.
Beautè Noir Shwohome | Design Builders Taupō
Category: GIB Show Home
Award: Top 100, Regional Gold, Regional, Category Winner
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Design Builders’ Taupō Showhome in Nga Roto Estate aims to intrigue with its distinctive exterior design. The asymmetrical gable, adorned with full-height timber slats, portrays a bold and modern street presence. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by a grand hallway and a contemporary staircase that ascends to a thoughtfully integrated mezzanine. This overlooks the design’s centrepiece: a sun-drenched living area boasting double-height raking ceilings and an expansive feature window framing the native bush and views to the magnificent Tauhara Maunga and beyond.
Best of Both Worlds | Design Builders Franklin/Waikato
Category: APL New Home $1.5 million – $2 million
Awards: Top 100, Regional Gold, Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence
View image gallery: here
This 289sqm house has all the benefits of a modern build, but all the charm of an era beloved by the owners. They wanted a property that suited its rural position as well as a canvas for their furniture and collectibles. It sounds like a tall order, but the Design Builders team has managed it all, with a serious measure of skill. From the exterior, the double pavilion-style design is all clean lines and understated elegance in vertical timber and reclaimed bricks. Windows — picture, clerestory and high-placed ribbon glazing, and wide brick chimney are all reminiscent of the architectural style from the 1940s to the late 60s.
