UPDATE: Expert judges have been up and down the country determining the best home builds and renovations of 2019. After lengthy deliberation post the regional awards, the Top 100 National Finalists have been announced for the Registered Master Builders 2019 House of the Year competition. We were thrilled that both our Lakes showhome and the Oceanbeach Road property made this coveted list. Subsequently, these homes will be reassessed again (by different judges), and the results announced at the National Master Build House of the Year.
The annual Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau Master Build Awards were held on 4th July. It was a fantastic night with Thorne Group awarded 'Gold' for each of their three entries - consistently achieving the pinnacle of building excellence. It was very special seeing the emotional response from the guys that had worked on these homes, endorsing the quality and dedication of the their craft. One job spanned over two winters and was located on a exposed hilltop. Site Manager Craig said of this job "I could barely feel my fingers some mornings". It felt great to have the judges recognise the high quality finish of this technical structure".
Below is an overview of our award winning homes:
Show of Strength - Designed by Jon McAlpine, Thorne Group Architecture
With expansive views over Tauranga Harbour and positioned with Mount Maunganui as the main axis, this country home sets the benchmark for rural living.
Expansive glazing, including screen sliders and skylights, harnesses solar gain.
A floated glass canopy roof draws you into the entry. The ceiling skyrockets to 8m through the main living area with its kitchen/dining domain and lounge.
The introduction of local Kaimai stone lends a sense of timelessness and permanence to the building. With five bedrooms, multiple living areas, a guest wing and expansive covered outdoor areas to enjoy those views, this home delivers comfort and style without being precious about it.
Oceanbeach Road - Designed by Jon McAlpine, Thorne Group Architecture
UPDATE: This home has been awarded 2019 Master Build House of the Year Gold Reserve Finalist.
Nestled into the dunes, this modern Tauranga home is in harmony with its surroundings. The design utilises a soft-toned palette of robust materials that promise to withstand the moody coastal environment.
Sustainable elements include insulation, solar panels, heating and cooling systems and passive solar design.
The enviable outlook is evident the moment you step inside, with a view shaft to the pool and dunes through a cantilevered staircase.
The ground floor houses three guest bedrooms, a rumpus room, laundry and garaging.
Up the solid oak stairs the vast coastline is framed through floor-to-ceiling glazing. The kitchen, with large scullery, and the dining area and lounge, with 3m stud, all lap up views. A cantilevered roof extends to cover the deck for a more up-close experience of the beach vista.
The master bedroom also boasts commanding sea views, plus it enjoys a large ensuite, dressing room and private deck. A media room with covered deck is situated to the rear of the home. Adjustable vertical louvres close for privacy or open to the evening sun.
Thorne Group showhome - - Designed by Jon McAlpine, Thorne Group Architecture
UPDATE: This home has been awarded 2019 Master Build House of the Year Gold Reserve Finalist.
A soft, natural outlook complements the down-to-earth palette of materials. Cedar-clad wall linings are subtly enhanced with recessed LED strip lighting.
The open-plan living layout adds a separate lounge with high raking ceiling and window seat. Overheight glazing is another feature here. A covered open-air retreat serves as a versatile extension of the home.
The kitchen is a multi-faceted space too, with a walk-in pantry to one side and study area to the other.
Ideal for entertaining, the dining area opens to another deck for enjoying meals alfresco. A feature cedar slat eyebrow roof extends over this spot creating shade and filtered light.
Elongated along the property’s east-west axis, this well-thought through 227sqm northfacing design is optimised for passive solar energy. The home embraces winter sun, while also providing exterior cover to temper strong sunlight.
A huge congratulations to Jon McAlpine and the team for coming away with three awards, including two category wins at the Architectural Design Awards (ADNZ) in Hamilton on the same night. It was celebrations all around, and a great result to reflect the hard work and dedication of both teams.
