Invercargill, Q'town houses win supreme building awards
A Queenstown home constructed by Velvin Building has been awarded the supreme house of the year over $1 million at the 2025 Southern Master Builders House of the Year awards.
Velvin Building also won four additional awards: for the new home $2 million-$4 million category, the trade craftsmanship award, environmental and sustainable excellence award and a gold award. The awards took place in Invercargill over the weekend.
The home built by Velvin Building was described by the judges as "unconventional" and "the result of deep collaboration and a shared creative vision".
"Velvin Building embraced a dynamic, evolving process meeting complex design challenges with confidence and skill. The result is an expertly crafted home that celebrates individuality and stands as a true supreme winner," the judges said.
RDR Builders walked away with the supreme house of year under $1 million for this Invercargill residence.
RDR Builders won the supreme house of year under $1 million award, in the new home $750,000-$1 million category and a gold award for a home in Invercargill. The judges called this home "a confident blend of smart design and skilled craftsmanship".
''Its striking twin-wing layout, refined material palette, and polished detailing create a space that is both functional and balanced."
The southern region supreme renovation of the year award was won by Howe Construction for a penthouse in Queenstown.
The supreme renovation of the year award was won by Howe Construction for a penthouse in Queenstown.
The builder also won the renovation over $2 million category and a gold award for the same build. The judges remarked that every inch of the penthouse spoke to quality.
"From managing the logistical challenges that came with difficult site access to the variety of building materials used, Howe Construction approached the build with care, confidence, and extraordinary craftsmanship," the judges said.
The Master Builders House of the Year competition showcased the best in residential building across New Zealand, celebrating excellence in design, craftsmanship and construction, Master Builders chief executive Ankit Sharma said.
''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," he said.
— APL
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