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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.”
“There were 48,620 new homes approved for construction in the first quarter of 2025, up by 20.8 per cent on a year earlier,” stated HIA Senior Economist Tom Devitt.
“The Housing Industry Association (HIA) calls on the newly elected Federal Government to make housing a first-order priority from day one, any delay or political grandstanding will only deepen the nation’s housing crisis,” HIA Managing Director Jocelyn Martin said today.
“A strong pipeline of new shovel-ready residential land at Mount Peter is fundamental to putting downward pressure on housing prices across the entire region,” said HIA Executive Director North Queensland, Peter Fry.
An increase of the strata building bond from 2 per cent to 3 per cent was due to take effect from 1 July 2025. In a win for the multi-residential construction industry, HIA has been advised that this increase will be deferred for a further 12 months, to 1 July 2026.