Local builders dominate construction awards

There was a distinct local flavour to a regional construction awards ceremony at Geelong last month which saw a host of Surf Coast, Geelong and Bellarine projects scoop awards for their outstanding design and delivery.

High-end custom homes, outstanding displays as local estates and commercial projects were all in the spotlight at Master Builders Victoria’s Regional Building Awards, Western Region hosted at The Pier.

A recently completed short-stay accommodation home called Horizon at Separation Creek was among the big winners, claiming the Best Custom Home over $2 million.

Horizon was also the flagship build for Ballarat-based firm BCM Homes, which was named Regional Residential Builder of the Year.

The builder will now progress to the Victorian Excellence in Construction Awards on August 11.

The region’s reputation as home to some of regional Victoria’s best custom builds was further solidified following multiple wins and commendations in those categories.

Ocean Grove custom builder MJS Built won three prizes four outstanding projects; winning Best Custom Home in the $500,000-$600,000 category for an East Geelong home, the $600,000-$800,000 prize for a Connewarre residence and the $800,000-$1 million award for a Jan Juc build.

The builder stated on social media it was “thrilled” with the results.

“[We’re] incredibly grateful and thankful for our amazing team of trades, subbies, designers, and of course, our clients.”

Geelong builder Enso Homes was close behind with a pair of wins in the $300,000-$400,000 category for a Highton project and a joint triumph in the $400,000-$500,000 at Point Lonsdale.

“We worked closely with our amazing clients to deliver their vision and could not have achieved these outstanding outcomes without them,” Enso Homes stated.

Elsewhere, Geelong Property Investments was named best custom build between $1 million-$2 million, while Derbyshire Homes (Barwon Heads project) and Larkin & Drought Builders (Ocean Grove home) each received special commendations.

Local housing displays also featured heavily at the Western Region awards.

Geelong Homes’ Riverside 246 design was named Best Display Home from $350,000-$500,000, while Hamlan Homes’ Cumberland 266 at Fyansford project won the over $500,000 and Best Sutainable Home categories.

Sherridon Homes had the best volume builder display of $250,000-$350,000 for its Clifton 27GE at Lara.

Plan Group Geelong brought home a commercial construction award with its delivery of Metricon’s new offices at South Geelong, which houses its Studio M showrooms plus office space and front-of-house facilities. The project won the $1 million to $3 million commercial buildings prize.

Master Builders Victoria chief executive officer Michaela Lihou said the quality of entries demonstrated the talent and passion of the Victorian building industry.

“Right across our regions, we’re seeing some truly inspiring projects and these award winners across Western Victoria are among some of the best.

“Despite the challenges our industry continues to face, these projects show the true resilience of our members and their commitment to best practice.