Awards recognise building brilliance
14 September 2006; The Manly Daily Home Living
 

NORTHERN beaches property owners have reaped the benefits of employing some of the most outstanding players in the building industry.

On the evening of Friday September 8, the NSW building industry's peak body, the Master Builders Association, acknowledged the exceptional workmanship emanating from leading building and construction firms, through its prestigious Excellence in Housing awards.

The Master Builder of the Year award went to Warriewood company Construction Connection for its contemporary, sympathetic extension to an 80-year-old sandstone cottage in Marlo Rd, Whale Beach.

The winning house maximises views of the beach and includes an unusual cantilever staircase to a pool.

Meanwhile, a Seaforth home in Laura St was also in the spotlight on Friday night after Pimas Gale Construction picked up the award for house additions/alterations/renovations $1m plus for its transformation of this Middle Harbour property.

Originally a large, cold and dark 1970s face-brick design which spread over three levels, the home was gutted, the roof removed and the layout on all levels completely changed.

The result was a bright and friendly residence with a feeling of spaciousness.

And Palm Beach in its usual form was not about to let others take the limelight without joining in, thanks to Parkview, owner and builder of a project in Snapperman Lane, Palm Beach, called The Boatshed.

This nautical-style apartment block is built on the site of an old boat-building workshop and is the brainchild of architect Walter Barda and Parkview construction manager Gary Cory.

The MBA's Excellence in Housing Awards is an annual event in NSW. The association has a membership base representative of all sectors of the building and construction industry.