Judges Rob Dines and Faye Pearson-Green discuss the Whanganui entrant in the House of the Year competition.
Judges Rob Dines and Faye Pearson-Green discuss the Whanganui entrant in the House of the Year competition.
A rural home near Whanganui is in the running for the Registered Master Builders 2018 House of the Year competition.
It is the only Whanganui entry of the 16 properties in the Manawatu-Whanganui-Taranaki regional competition.
Built by Shane Stone Builders and designed by Paul McKenna, the 387sq m house is in the $700,000 to $1 million category. The rural property has a country-look interior with features such as craftsman architraves and ceiling beams and was designed to make the most of the views.
The ceiling beams are a feature of the home.
Judges Faye Pearson-Green, an architectural designer, and builder Rob Dines visited the home this week.
Pearson-Green said she and Dines were judging two categories in the competition which involved viewing properties throughout New Zealand.
"We're on the road for eight weeks and will be looking at 70 homes in the two categories," Pearson-Green said.
"They are scored on workmanship which is 1300 points and design which is 700 points.
"With workmanship we look at finishing, structure, installation of products and how the exterior cladding is put on. We also consider if it is fit for site, future-proofing, aesthetics and design layout."
Pearson-Green said the judges had seen more emphasis on insulation and sustainability this year.
"There have been more passenger lifts in houses this year. People are future-proofing so they don't have to move out in the future. With a passenger lift now about $15,000, in the context of a new house build it's not much.
"Polished concrete floors are very popular and they are site specific in terms of colours. You see the colours change around the country as it follows the colour of the land."
Timber tiles, industrial-style lighting and a 1970s "flashback" in lighting and interiors were also popular.
Dines said there were a lot of first-time entrants this year.
"There are a lot of new young builders, the next generation coming through. The homes are remarkable in terms of quality and attention to detail."
Pearson-Green said entering the competition was a great opportunity for builders to recognise their teams and sub-contractors.
"It's for all the staff involved - they all take pride in it."
More than 340 homes will be assessed as the judges travel around New Zealand, with regional award winners announced during July and August.
