An Illawarra builder has been recognised for a heritage renovation project with another prestigious award.
Unanderra-based builders Souter Built recently took home a Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Housing Award.
Souter Built accepted the State award on Saturday night for the 'Best House Addition/Alteration/Renovation, $1.2 Million - $1.3 Million' category.
The winning project was a heritage (circa 1880) renovation, located in Lavender Bay.
The terrace is in a heritage conservation area that consisted of narrow hallways, separate dining areas, doors into a separate kitchen, an unused light well, with a separate laundry and little landscaping.
The client's vision was to be able to open their front door and see the backyard, with their dream home of a provincial theme with prestige.
"It involved a full demolition of all the load bearing ground floor walls leaving the three-storey terrace floating on temporary props while we hand-excavated new structural piers down to rock," Adam Souter, director of Souter Built said.
"The complexity of the demolition that was involved to preserve not just the existing terrace, but the remaining neighbouring properties was an achievement in itself."
The result of the renovation was an open planned layout, leading to a freshly landscaped garden and barbecue area.
An award-winning bathroom was converted from an unwanted bedroom into a master en-suite with walk-in wardrobes.
Another aspect of the renovation was the transformation of the facade, from a dilapidated and dated yellow and green, to a stylish approved heritage colour scheme and reinstated heritage features.
The Master Builders Association judges acknowledged that the "exceptionally high quality of materials and workmanship were evident throughout this structurally complex project".
"Finishes were sophisticated and faultless and, in the opinion of the judges, would satisfy the most fastidious of clients," they said.
The Master Builders Association of NSW's annual Excellence in Housing & Pool Awards were presented by Johanna Griggs and Peter Colquhoun at The Star Casino, Sydney.
The awards aim to encourage, promote and recognise outstanding workmanship in residential and commercial building in NSW.
Souter Built recently won two Regional awards at the Master Builders Gala night.
"Working on dwellings that have been in place for over a century and bringing them back to life for another 100 years, I believe is one of the most sustainable practices that we can achieve," Mr Souter said.
As for future projects. Souter Built now have an approved DA and are about to commence construction on what is reportedly the first 'certified passive house' in the Illawarra region.
"We are really excited about being one of the first pioneers of this ultimate sustainable building technology," Mr Souter said.
Brendan Crabb
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
I'm a member of ACM's national property team, covering the Illawarra and South Coast. Based in Albion Park, NSW, I write about exciting, interesting or just downright quirky properties that have been listed for sale, major sales, market trends, auctions and more. One of my favourite aspects of being a journalist is I believe everyone has a story to tell. What's yours?
