On the 26th of November Registered Master Builders held their annual awards evening at the Cordis Hotel in Auckland, to announce the House of the Year 2022 Awards.

In a first for the competition, the National Supreme House of the Year Award has been split into two, recognising homes under and over $1 million. The new award has been introduced to better reflect the market and celebrate top builders across different price brackets. 

The industry celebrated the House of the Year National Awards in-person for the first time in two years, with nearly 300 entries this year across eight regions.

2022’s winners:

• Metzger Builders Ltd (MBL) from Christchurch won National Supreme House of the Year over $1 million and National New Home over $4 million category
• Buildcraft from Wanaka won National Supreme House of the Year under $1 million and National New Home $500,000 - $750,000 category
• Roger Gilchrist Building Services from Oamaru won National Supreme Renovation of the Year, National Kitchen Excellence Award, and National Renovation over $1.5 million category
• Urbo Homes from Rotorua won National Renovation of the Year up to $750,000 category and National Special Award

National Supreme House of the Year over $1 million

Metzger Builders Ltd (MBL) took home the National Supreme House of the Year over $1 million for its home in Christchurch, along with the National New Home Over $4 million category. 

The judges were in awe of how the project team delivered a home with the scale of a commercial build, that retained the liveability of its much smaller peers. It has striking marble, bluestone, herringbone timber and solid brass features sprinkled throughout its graceful living spaces. The entrance to the property is also particularly notable, with automatic gates and a long-landscaped driveway that crosses a stream.

National Supreme House of the Year under $1 million

Buildcraft won the National Supreme House of the Year under $1 million for its home in Wanaka as well as the New Home $500,000 - $750,000 category. 

The judges were blown away by how the project team were able to deliver this exceptionally high-quality, architecturally designed holiday home. The western red cedar vertical cladding, sheltered private deck, and easy indoor-outdoor flow were real standouts. Built for two families, the compact home has a large amount of amenities and living space for its size.

National Supreme Renovation of the Year

Roger Gilchrist Building Services took home three awards for its home in Oamaru including the National Supreme Renovation of the Year, National Kitchen Excellence Award, and National Renovation over $1.5 million category.

The judges were impressed by how the project team had turned this homestead from the 1800s into a luxurious, modern family home. Its award-winning marble and oak kitchen is elegant and well positioned as the heart of the home.

National Renovation of the Year & Special Award

Urbo Homes took home the National Renovation Award and Special Award for their sympathetic renovation of a historic, 100-year-old fishing cottage, located on the shores of Lake Rotoiti.

All the facilities have been updated and special details have been well thought out and incorporated. The judges felt the builder had successfully retained the original character of the old cottage whilst bringing it into the 21st century.

Other awards

An additional 11 category awards including a craftsmanship, platinum and three lifestyle awards were announced at the awards ceremony.

It was a special evening for Urban Homes, who was awarded the prestigious Platinum Award.  The Platinum Award is bestowed on builders who have achieved outstanding building excellence, winning five or more National Category titles, two of which can be lifestyle awards. 

Registered Master Builders Chief Executive David Kelly says the organisation is proud to have been showcasing the best of New Zealand residential buildings over the last 32 years. 

“Master Builders make up some of the best builders in the country and this competition is an opportunity to recognise their efforts to build quality homes in New Zealand. Each year we reach a new level with innovative designs and excellent craftsmanship.

“We are working with the Government to support policy settings focused on smoothing the boom-bust cycles that have beset the sector over the past 30 years. That remains key to maintaining the long-term stability and wellbeing of the industry,” says Kelly. 

The Awards are made possible through the support of Altus Window Systems, Bunnings Trade, CARTERS, GIB, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, Pink Batts, Plumbing World, Resene and APL Window Solutions.