Here is just a small selection of New Zealand’s most amazing homes – some of the local winners in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition for 2018.
The national winners will be announced November 24.

Auckland – Supreme Renovation (over $1million) – Builder Hargrave Homes
This modern makeover on a 1970 design by Robert Railley in Auckland is nothing short of breathtaking. Both the client and architect Daniel Marshall were keen to preserve some of the character and detail of the original home, while introducing contemporary elements into new spaces. The results speak volumes. The home boasts five bedrooms, three bathrooms and three living spaces.

Christchurch – Supreme Renovation – Builder Takahe Construction Ltd
A stunning renovation that captured the owners’ discerning tastes, no expense was spared in delivering this entertainer’s paradise destined to be an enduring family home. After significant damage from the Canterbury quakes, this substantial 1754sqm site was mechanically re-levelled and then stripped back to enable further structural enhancements. Six bedrooms, six ensuites, two powder rooms, a library, separate upstairs lounge, indoor squash court, gym,and pool house ensure plenty of space for fine contemporary living.

Southern – Supreme Renovation – Builder W Hamilton Building Ltd
A recent renovation has opened up this two-storey brick character hillside home in Dunedin to the wonders of solar gain and modern-day entertaining. The existing kitchen was located at the dark end of the house with little access to the sun. The living areas were suffering from the same lack of light. A little rearranging and a lot of skill has brought this much-loved family home up to date and into the light. The new layout makes the most of the 235sqm interior. The renovation included demolition of walls along with partial demolition of the exterior to increase indoor-outdoor flow. Brickwork was expertly reinstated where necessary. Large bifold doors open the superb new kitchen-family area to a newly developed patio and alfresco domain with built-in seating and fireplace.

Marlborough West Coast – Home $1million to $2million – Builder Jason Gardiner Builders
With breathtaking views and stunning interiors, this 210sqm home northeast of Nelson certainly has wow factor. The modern, architecturally designed structure is expertly fitted onto a rocky, narrow hillside platform. Utilising a mix of cladding materials, the front of the home is wrapped in a cedar screen, giving it a woolshed-like character. The building’s numerous angles sit well in the scenery, complementing surrounding hills. A fluted concrete beam is just one striking feature of the interior, starting in the entertainer’s kitchen and running the length of the home. The material echoes the look of corrugated iron, fostering that classic Kiwi build feel.

Wellington/Wairarapa – New Home over $2million – Builder Planit Construction Ltd
A hybrid city-country home, this architecturally designed home frames views over Wellington from the comfort of its secluded hilltop. The structure exists in harmony with the land while offering sheltered and sunny alfresco living spaces. Oiled cedar and zinc cladding ensures enduring good looks in the unforgiving climate. The skillion ceiling delivers a dynamic feeling of space in the main living area. Areas of floor-to-ceiling glass enhance the open connection with nature. The four-bedroom, three-bathroom layout offers parents and children their own wings. These converge in the shared social spaces.

Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau – Supreme New Build – Builder The Craftsmen Ltd
Situated on one of the most sought-after streets in Taupo, this four-bedroom Hilltop home with four bathrooms and three living spaces is all class. Stylishly clad in stained shiplap cedar the timeless and solid structure sits beautifully on an elevated site. It overlooks a reserve and the lake, with mountains in the distance. This is the stuff dreams are made of. But it’s once you step inside that the true beauty is revealed. Fijian kauri plywood ceilings are sure to draw gasps from guests. The material carries through to the soffits and an impressive front door which towers to 3m.

Waikato – Supreme Renovation – Builder Urban Homes NZ
Situated on one of the most sought-after streets in Taupo, this four-bedroom Hilltop home with four bathrooms and three living spaces is all class. Stylishly clad in stained shiplap cedar the timeless and solid structure sits beautifully on an elevated site. It overlooks a reserve and the lake, with mountains in the distance. This is the stuff dreams are made of. But it’s once you step inside that the true beauty is revealed. Fijian kauri plywood ceilings are sure to draw gasps from guests. The material carries through to the soffits and an impressive front door which towers to 3m.

East Coast – Supreme Renovation – Builder Bain Construction
To demolish or not to demolish? That was the question. And this stylish, sun-soaked modern country home is the resounding answer. Rather than start over, the owners chose to maximise the potential of their original 1934 dwelling in Pehiri, a place that has been in the family for generations. Special attention was paid to preserving its original character, while adding plenty of modern features. The renovation has created a luxurious living environment for the family. The house is now fully insulated and double glazed, ensuring warmth and energy efficiency.

Mid South Canterbury – Supreme New Build – Builder Avenue Construction
A steep raking ceiling floats above polished concrete floors in this innovative and aesthetically pleasing Palmerston North design. The feeling of space is enhanced by a bold black feature wall with bulkhead in the open-plan area – a nod to the dark exterior. Unexpected strips of colour add a modern industrial feel throughout. The playful twists highlight the choice of fittings and furnishings on display.