ŌCHT Wins Again At NZ Commercial Project Awards
tautahi Community Housing Trust has won a Gold Award at the 2025 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards for its Willard Street development in Spreydon. The project was recognised for its innovative design, high-quality construction and positive community impact.
Willard Street has earned Ōtautahi Community Housing Trust another national award – recognised for delivering high-quality homes that lead the way in design, performance and community impact.
The new Spreydon community received a Gold Award (Residential) at the 2025 New Zealand Commercial Project Awards, presented by Master Builders. The awards celebrate projects that demonstrate innovation, quality and collaboration across New Zealand's building sector.
Willard Street includes 35 warm, comfortable homes designed for modern public housing. The development was commended for its thoughtful layout, smart use of land, and strong partnership between client, builder and architect.
It's the second year in a row an ŌCHT development has won Gold in the Residential category. The Trust's Glovers Road development received the same award in 2023, along with an Innovation Award.
The Willard Street homes were designed by South by Southeast Architects and built by Consortium Construction. The mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom homes are arranged around shared green spaces that support whānau living and community connection.
This was ŌCHT's first development using structural insulated panels (SIPs) – large-format, high-performance panels manufactured off-site and craned into place. The technique reduced build time and significantly improved thermal performance.
Judges praised the development for raising the bar in public housing:
'Willard Street impresses with its attractive, efficient design and the seamless collaboration between architect, builder and client. The result is high-quality homes that feel genuinely welcoming and are thoughtfully designed for the people who live in them.'
ŌCHT general manager property and development Ed Leeson says the award recognises the consistent quality and ambition behind every new community.
'Each of our developments has taken innovation a step further. Willard Street showed we could lift performance again – especially in thermal efficiency and build technique,' Ed says.
'It's also proof of what's possible when you work with expert partners who share your vision to build better homes.'
Willard Street replaced 26 ageing bedsits built in the 1940s. The new Homestar 7-rated homes were funded through an innovative private sector loan from Generate KiwiSaver via Community Finance – the first time the Trust has used this model.
This award adds to the development's earlier wins at the Canterbury Architecture Awards and the Property Council NZ Property Industry Awards.
'This latest award is a testament to what's possible when skilled teams work with a shared purpose – to create homes that serve communities now and into the future.'
Previous awards
Willard Street: NZ Commercial Project Awards Gold Award (Residential) 2025; Canterbury Architecture Award 2024; Property Industry Awards Excellence Award 2024
Glovers Road: NZ Commercial Project Awards Gold Award (Residential) and Innovation Award 2024
Brougham Street: NZ Commercial Project Awards Silver Award 2023; Property Industry Excellence Award 2022; Canterbury Architecture Award 2022; Civic Trust Award (Category A) 2022
Tiwaiwaka Lane: NZ Commercial Project Awards Silver Award (Residential) 2021
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Scoop
20-07-2025
- Scoop
Regional Winners Announced For 2025 Master Builders House Of The Year For Bay Of Plenty & Central Plateau
An exceptionally executed home in Kinloch, Taupō built by Beck Building has been named Supreme House of the Year Over $1 million at the 2025 Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau Master Builders House of the Year Awards. The judges highlighted the build's precision, material detailing, and collaborative delivery, noting it excelled across all key criteria. The project also received the New Home $1.5–$2 million category, the Kitchen Excellence Award, and a Gold Award. A remarkable renovation by Duncan Hare Builders at Lake Rotoiti, Rotorua has taken top honours at the 2025 Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau House of the Year Awards winning Supreme Renovation of the Year, the Special Award, the Renovation $1 million - $2 million category, and a Gold Award. This project revitalised a cherished family home, retaining its original character while incorporating practical, contemporary updates. The renovation was recognised for its balanced approach respecting the past while meeting modern living standards. The Master Builders House of the Year competition showcases the best in residential building across New Zealand, celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship, and construction. Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Ankit Sharma remarked, 'House of the Year continues to showcase the skill and innovation of our Master Builders members. These homes represent the highest standards of craftsmanship our country has to offer – whether it's a bespoke renovation, a volume-built home, or a high-end new build. 'This year's entries reflect the full breadth of our membership talent, with outstanding work across a range of price points and project types. From precision detailing to sustainable materials and smart design, our members are leading the way in building quality homes that meet the needs of New Zealanders today and into the future.' The House of the Year awards are supported by Altus Window Systems, Bunnings Trade, GIB, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, Mitre 10 Trade, Plumbing World, Resene, and APL Window Solutions. About Master Builders: Master Builders have been building the foundations of this country, its homes, and workplaces for over 100 years. We are the voice of the building and construction industry. We represent quality-built environments where we live, work and play. We stand for quality, and we back our Master Builders to ensure we deliver value to building owners. We provide them with the support and services they need to build better building businesses, so they can build a better New Zealand. We work with Government and the sector to develop and uphold the highest standards. We are part of every conversation about the built environment - focused on better homes, better workplaces, and ultimately better lives for all New Zealanders. Through collaborative working, high craft standards and ethical behaviour, New Zealand can have peace of mind with a Master Builder backed by Master Builders. It means a better-built New Zealand. About the competition The Master Builders House of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in residential building across New Zealand. Judged by a team of experts who personally visit each home, the competition is held in two stages. The first is at regional level, with nearly 279 homes taking part in 2025. Properties are awarded a range of quality marks, and Regional Supreme Winners for both new builds and renovations are announced at events nationwide from July. From these, 100 homes will be selected for Top 100 status and proceed to a second round of national judging. In November, the National House of the Year Awards take place, where Category and Supreme winners are revealed.
Scoop
16-07-2025
- Scoop
Northpower Trust 2025 AGM Bound For Whangārei
Northpower's electricity consumers throughout Kaipara and Whangārei are being encouraged to attend the Northpower Electric Power Trust (the Trust) Annual General Meeting on 30 July, 2025. Chair Phil Heatley says all Trust consumer beneficiaries connected to the Northpower electricity network can attend. They will hear from Trustees, along with the Northpower Board and Executive members about the company's performance the past year. Northpower Limited is owned by the Trust () on behalf of consumers connected to Northpower's electricity network in the Kaipara and Whangārei districts. Mr Heatley says he is looking forward to welcoming people to the AGM at Northland Events Centre on July 30. 'It is a good opportunity for Kaipara and Whangārei residents connected to the Northpower electricity network to meet Trustees, Northpower Directors and Management over a relaxed lunch. 'With more than 1400 employees stretching from Northland to many other regions throughout the North Island, Northpower is a significant home-grown success story we can all be proud of,' says Mr Heatley. 'An example of this success is the efforts of the team responsible for designing and building Northpower's first grid scale solar farm - Te Puna Mauri ō Omaru - at Ruawai. 'Stage one of solar project is now fully commissioned with the 16.8 MW solar farm capable of generating enough electricity to power over 3,000 average residential homes.' The Trust Deputy Chair Sheena McKenzie says in addition, phase two of the project was commissioned this month, delivering an extra 2.5 MW of clean energy, enough to supply a further 450 homes and businesses. 'Together, these milestones represent real progress in our commitment to a more sustainable and resilient energy future,' says Ms McKenzie. She says on behalf of Northpower consumers, Trustees continue to maintain a thorough overview of electricity sector and regulatory matters throughout the year. The Trust AGM will be held at Northland Events Centre, 51 Okara Drive, Whangārei. A light lunch will be served at 12:30pm.
Scoop
13-07-2025
- Scoop
Regional Winners Announced For 2025 Master Builders House Of The Year For Central North Island
Ten standout builders across the region receive top honours, with 15 earning Gold Awards, part of nearly 300 entries nationwide across seven regions. A standout Hastings home by Davcon has been awarded the Supreme House of the Year over $1 million at this year's 2025 Central North Island Master Builders House of the Year Awards. The home took out multiple award wins, including the coveted Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award, New Home over $4 million category, Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award, Outdoor Living Excellence Award, and a Gold Award. Situated on a spectacular site above Hawke's Bay, this Supreme award-winning home is a masterclass in thoughtful design and refined execution. Every element was purposefully considered from the effortless flow between family zones and private retreats, to the dramatic use of stone that anchors the home with strength and permanence. eHaus Manawatu won the Supreme House of the Year under $1 million along with the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 million category and a Gold Award for its home in Palmerston North. For its home in Hastings, Inspired Projects took home the Central North Island Supreme Renovation of the Year, along with the Renovation $1 million – $2 million category, the Interior Design Award, and a Gold Award. The project is a standout example of how a creative and considered interior redesign can elevate a home. The renovation enhanced liveability while honouring the original architecture and the homeowner's vision. The Master Builders House of the Year competition showcases the best in residential building across New Zealand, celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship, and construction. Chief Executive Officer of Master Builders Ankit Sharma remarked, 'House of the Year continues to showcase the skill and innovation of our Master Builders members. These homes represent the highest standards of craftsmanship our country has to offer – whether it's a bespoke renovation, a volume-built home, or a high-end new build. 'This year's entries reflect the full breadth of our membership talent, with outstanding work across a range of price points and project types. From precision detailing to sustainable materials and smart design, our members are leading the way in building quality homes that meet the needs of New Zealanders today and into the future.' The House of the Year awards are supported by Altus Window Systems, Bunnings Trade, GIB, Master Build 10-Year Guarantee, Mitre 10 Trade, Plumbing World, Resene, and APL Window Solutions. About Master Builders: Master Builders have been building the foundations of this country, its homes, and workplaces for over 100 years. We are the voice of the building and construction industry. We represent quality-built environments where we live, work and play. We stand for quality, and we back our Master Builders to ensure we deliver value to building owners. We provide them with the support and services they need to build better building businesses, so they can build a better New Zealand. We work with Government and the sector to develop and uphold the highest standards. We are part of every conversation about the built environment - focused on better homes, better workplaces, and ultimately better lives for all New Zealanders. Through collaborative working, high craft standards and ethical behaviour, New Zealand can have peace of mind with a Master Builder backed by Master Builders. It means a better-built New Zealand. About the competition The Master Builders House of the Year Awards celebrate the very best in residential building across New Zealand. Judged by a team of experts who personally visit each home, the competition is held in two stages. The first is at regional level, with nearly 279 homes taking part in 2025. Properties are awarded a range of quality marks, and Regional Supreme Winners for both new builds and renovations are announced at events nationwide from July. From these, 100 homes will be selected for Top 100 status and proceed to a second round of national judging. In November, the National House of the Year Awards take place, where Category and Supreme winners are revealed.
