The National Excellence in Building & Construction Awards showcases the finest work in the building industry, with Master Builders Australia naming a Gold Coast canal home and North Sydney’s tallest commercial tower as standout 2024 winners.
The pinnacle of Australia’s building and construction industry was celebrated at the National Excellence in Building & Construction Awards, spotlighting the country’s best in residential, commercial, and infrastructure construction.
Among the 50 award categories, major accolades included National Residential Master Builder of the Year and National Construction Master Builder of the Year, awarded to Havendeen for its PALA project and Billbergia for its work on 88 Walker.
“These awards celebrate not just the structures and projects but the people behind them – builders, subcontractors, and their teams who go above and beyond to transform communities,” Master Builders Australia chief executive officer, Denita Wawn, said.
National Residential Master Builder of the Year – Havendeen
Havendeen won the National Residential Master Builder of the Year award for its PALA home project in Queensland.
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PALA sits closer to the street and fans out on its expansive waterfront block, widening towards the water. Picture: Master Builders Australia
Earlier in the year, PALA already garnered acclaim at the Master Builders Queensland 2024 Housing & Construction Awards, sweeping the House of the Year, Best Residential Kitchen, Best Residential Swimming Pool, and Individual Home from $5 million up to $10 million categories.
Designed by Studio Snell, PALA is described as a “house for a Gold Coast lifestyle,” built with longevity and modern living in mind. The residence leverages concrete, steel, and glass to capture serene water views, maximising the benefits of northern sun and breezes.
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PALA pushes the boundaries of residential design and construction, featuring an underground basement, three suspended post-tensioned concrete slabs, and precast vertical panels – one measuring at 12.7 metres.
Unlike typical canal homes, PALA sits closer to the street and fans out on a wedge-shaped, north-east facing block. This design expands the outdoor area, which has an infinity lawn, resort-style pool, fire pit, and an entertainer’s pavilion with point position views.
National Construction Master Builder of the Year – Billbergia
Family-owned Billbergia won National Construction Master Builder of the Year Award for its work on 88 Walker in North Sydney.
88 Walker features 20 levels of hotel facilities and 24 levels of open plan office spaces. Picture: Master Builders Australia
This $372 million, 50-level mixed-use commercial building stands as North Sydney’s tallest at 180 metres above street level. It also sits above the Firehouse Hotel and incorporates the heritage-listed hotel into the tower’s facade.
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Designed by architects fitzpatrick+partners, the building also features a 5-star Green Star rating, a testament to its sustainable design, with a double-height lobby, pedestrian walkways and extensive amenities.
Inside the tower, there’s a 252-suite hotel complete with a reception, restaurant, lounge and gym facilities.
There are also 24 levels of open planned office spaces offering sprawling views over Sydney Harbour.
National Medium Density – over five dwellings – Made Property
For medium density projects of over five dwellings, the winner went to NSW’s Made Property for The Isles in Drummoyne.
Designed by renowned SJB Architects, expansive apartments prioritise indoor-outdoor living. Picture: Made Property
The collection of nine luxury waterfront residences has its own secret beach and private jetty, with generous living and entertaining areas opening to balconies that overlook a secluded harbour garden.
The Isles has also won the Housing Industry Association (HIA) award in 2024 for NSW Apartment Complex of the Year.
National Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award – Retirement Villages – Built
Built’s Waterfront Cottesloe Redevelopment Project – Stage 1BC in WA took out the National Lifestyle Housing for Seniors Award – Retirement Villages.
Featuring Venetian plaster, Acratex finishes, and dark metal cladding, the design ensures coastal resilience and visual appeal. Picture: Built
The project expanded the development to 76 Independent Living Units (ILUs) and features in-situ concrete structures.
Sitting adjacent to the restored and renovated MCL heritage building, in addition to the 76 ILUs, the facility also includes three commercial tenancy spaces, extensive external landscaped areas, plaza areas, a gymnasium, yoga studio, an ocean lounge, and a pool.
Other notable awards included National Young Builder of the Year and National Apprentice of the Year, won by South Australian Matt Cates and Tyler Love from New South Wales.
Aspire Melbourne offers 594 apartments and multi-level amenities for exercise, entertaining, and recreation. Picture: realestate.com.au
National High Rise Apartment Building went to Hickory’s Aspire, a 65-storey residential tower in Melbourne.
Comprising 594 apartments with a mix of one-, two- and three-bedroom apartments, Aspire also features luxury amenities such as boardrooms, a library, media room, whiskey parlour and hydro spa.
