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The result was announced to a packed audience at the Hobart Grand Chancellor, full of Tasmania’s leading residential builders, designers and manufacturers who gathered to celebrate the 2024 HIA-CSR Tasmanian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, in a memorable evening of industry recognition, entertainment and glamour.
HIA Tasmania Executive Director Stuart Collins said, “The judges follow a meticulous process considering a range of elements including quality of workmanship, design effectiveness, visual and market appeal, and innovation, and could not fault the quality of the Merlin Constructions’ entry despite the build involving the highest degree of difficulty.
“The externally glazed facade encases the house on all sides from floor-to-ceiling but is offset with the incorporation of natural band sawn timber to the exterior of the art studio which provides a contrast and softens the external palate. The addition of a green roof on the lower level also helps to balance the effect allowing the home to blend seamlessly into its surrounds.
“The judges were impressed with the way the builder was able to overcome site challenges by elongating the footprint along the contours, without compromising space or access to achieve both form and function.
“The judges also commented on the timber screens housing the stairs and separating the dining from the living area, the floor to ceiling joinery, timber screens in the living room and staircase, the feature Chimney Philippe fireplace and the bespoke bathrooms and kitchen.
“Without a doubt this is a remarkable example of the exceptional quality and workmanship available in Tasmania and is a great testament to Merlin Constructions,” said Mr Collins.
Merlin Constructions also won Custom Built Home of the Year and Outdoor Project for this same build.
Other outstanding winners of major awards on the night included St Joseph Affordable Homes for Specialised Housing; Wilson Homes for Display Home; Blythe & Watchorn Builders for Apartment of the Year; J & N Developments for Townhouse/Villa of the Year; Compatible Construction for GreenSmart Sustainable Home; New Trend Homes Tasmania for Townhouse/Villa Development and Turner Trading was awarded Renovation/Addition Project of the Year.
The 2024 HIA-CSR Tasmanian Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards evening also celebrated the best kitchen and bathroom projects and designs. Kitchen and Bathroom of the Year was awarded to Merlin Constructions and ID Joinery; Zanetto Builders for Kitchen Design while Compatible Construction received the Bathroom Design award.
This year’s awards also featured several individual winners that have made significant contributions to industry. HIA Apprentice of the Year is Oliver Pritchard from Blythe & Watchorn Builders. Young Achiever went to Ellie Boxhall from St Joseph Affordable Homes, Professional Service Excellence to Katie White, KT Kitchens by YT Joinery and Small Business Management to Kyle Zanetto from Zanetto Builders.
In the hotly contested Professional Builder awards, Zanetto Builders, St Joseph Affordable Homes and Wilson Homes won Small, Medium and Major Professional Builder/Renovator, respectively.
Mr Collins further said, “We’re extremely proud of the work that has been recognised on such a significant night for HIA Tasmania and its members and express our sincere gratitude to all the entrants and industry partners that support this vitally important industry.”
The Housing Industry Association (HIA) has lodged its initial submission to the Fair Work Commission's 2026 Annual Wage Review (AWR), calling for a 3.5 per cent increase to the National Minimum Wage - and warning that any higher determination risks crushing the small builders Australia is counting on to solve the housing crisis.
Events in the Middle East are currently having a significant impact on the building industry. Members have reported price increases to HIA across a wide range of building projects and industry services.
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The Housing Industry Association (HIA) is disappointed that the Victorian government has chosen to rush ahead with implementation of the latest update to the National Construction Code – NCC 2025.