As many HIA members know, receiving an award is an exciting way to gain prestige and value. It’s a chance for members to promote some of their most stunning and complex builds. It’s also a chance to praise the team effort that results in innovative and ingenious projects.

Entering awards in the residential building industry is also an opportunity to build credibility and be recognised as a potential leader in the industry. 

While members are well aware of the coveted HIA Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, HIA also works hand-in-hand with the Trends International Design Awards (TIDA).

‘Each year we put forward four Australian kitchen and bathroom winners to compete,’ says Kerrie Wilson, Manager - Member Business Support in HIA’s Engagement & Communications team.

Recognising the best in international design, these awards cover the TIDA International Kitchen of the Year and TIDA International Bathroom of the Year, as well as TIDA International Home of the Year, and TIDA International Interior of the Year. 

Excitingly, five winners, all HIA members, were acknowledged at the recent announcement of 2022 TIDA awards in the following categories:

• Ultraspace won the 2022 TIDA International Bathroom Suite of the Year.
• Archertec Interiors was named finalist for 2022 TIDA International Bathroom of the Year.
• Concepts by Gavin Hepper is a finalist for 2022 TIDA International Kitchen of the Year.
• Walls Bros Designer Kitchens and Klemm Homes were also named finalists for 2022 TIDA International Kitchen of the Year.

Ultraspace

Winner: 2022 TIDA International Bathroom Suite of the Year

Queensland’s Ultraspace team are having a continuous celebration. Their new award is icing on the cake after Ultraspace and John Cardillo Building Services won 2022 HIA Australian Bathroom of the Year at the Gold Coast last year.

Led by Mark Gacesa, Ultraspace produces one-off, creative works, utilising products sourced from around the world. One of his finest works is this winning bathroom, which was part of an extensive house renovation. The property is located on a remote island with limited access and resources, which created various difficulties for the Ultraspace team.

‘When designing the master suite, we had to be mindful of the existing plumbing while pushing the builder and plumber to the limits of possibility and practicality in regards to the new layout,’ says Mark Gacesa, who spoke to Trends.

Both plush and playful, the spacious master suite provides an uninterrupted view from the bath. Mark introduced a custom window with retractable panels and innovative privacy at a switch of a button. The striking vanity has thermoformed sides, drawers and top, while the large oval mirrors open to reveal extra deep storage.

‘The bath is housed within a Corian platform with aluminium channel shadow detail to the verticals of travertine finger tiles and illuminate kick,’ Mark says.

According to the TIDA judges: ‘The level of detail is nothing short of amazing – everything has been thought about. The designer has achieved a form of simplicity with a huge amount of complexities. Beautifully executed design.’

Archertec Interiors

Finalist: 2022 TIDA International Bathroom of the Year

Sonja McAuliffe, the creative designer of ACT-based Archertec Interiors, designed a master ensuite that utilises clever zoning and classic-inspired materials. She was engaged by a husband-and-wife duo in the early planning stages of building their dream home in Canberra’s inner-south.

The opulent master ensuite dazzles with its golden fixtures, marbled surfaces and feature pendant lighting. The expansive adjoining walk-in robe is dressed in European Oak and almond veneer accents, adding instant warmth and allure to the inner chamber.

Despite the complex build, Sonja enjoyed the experience from whoa to go. As well as being a TIDA finalist, Archertec Interiors also won the 2022 HIA Australian Bathroom Design award.

Concepts by Gavin Hepper

Finalist: 2022 TIDA International Kitchen of the Year

An innovative design, an ocean-inspired colour tones and quality materials set the tone for this idyllic kitchen, designed by Concepts By Gavin Hepper. It’s the island bench, however, that makes the kitchen a real one-off. Appearing as one complete solid piece, it has a storage unit concealed in a hydraulic lift that is seamlessly hidden away.  The benchtop is also stain-resistant, durable and hygienic.

The innovative design provides a low-maintenance family kitchen high on functionality and storage.

TIDA and HIA have both recognised the significance of this inspirational kitchen, being a finalist for TIDA International Kitchen of the Year as well as being the winner of the 2022 HIA Australian Kitchen Design award.

Walls Bros Designer Kitchens & Klemm Homes

Finalist: 2022 TIDA International Kitchen of the Year

Based on Passive House principles, this Adelaide home permeates storybook charm with refined sandstone and blackbutt accents bordered by black steel PFC portal frames . Inside, the central living area displays a cathedral ceiling and high triangular windows, while the adjacent, delicately detailed kitchen provides a high-functioning space for entertaining. . The showpiece here is the oval marble island, its curves mimicked in the arched wall just behind. The complete absence of bulky overhead cabinetry gives the room a seamless, sleek quality, thanks also to integrated appliances and an almost invisible rangehood.

This project by Walls Bros Designer Kitchens and Klemm Homes was recognised as a finalist for the 2022 TIDA International Kitchen of the Year. It also won the prestigious 2022 HIA Australian Kitchen of the Year award.

First published on 11 April 23