ACT projects among 2020 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Award winners

The national 2020 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards saw the ACT take home two gongs out of the 21 on offer – the Bathroom of the Year and the Townhouse/Villa Development of the Year.

The accolades were held virtually for the first time in the program’s decades-long history on Friday, May 29, acknowledging housing projects across the country. The Housing Industry Association judged the projects on the quality of workmanship, creative design and business acumen.

Canberra-based businesses Creative Building Services and DNA Architects won the Townhouse/Villa Development of the Year award for the Folia Collective development in Macquarie.

The award recognised multiple residential projects in the one development including dual occupancies, townhouses and villas.

According to HIA, the design and construction of the five townhouses were “bright and airy, with allowances made for the target market of downsizers to age in place”.

HIA also commended the townhouses’ orientation, high, raked ceilings and the central courtyard.

“The judges were impressed with the impeccable workmanship of the trades, such as the joinery and tiling, plus the individuality afforded to each unit,” HIA said.

Ross Norwood of DNA Architects attributed the win to teamwork from both DNA Architects and Creative Building Services.

“The Folia Collective has all the bells and whistles, from double-glazed windows, designer kitchens to spacious living areas that capture the winter sun and each unit has street frontage … the beauty was in the details which were executed perfectly,” Mr Norwood said.

“Creative Building Services was great to work with … their work is second to none and was of high quality. They usually work on bigger projects so when they do smaller projects such as this, the standard is very high.”

The combined forces of Braithwaite Innovative Joinery, Preferred Builders and Paul Tilse Architects took home the award for the Bathroom of the Year.

According to Vanessa Hawes of Paul Tilse Architects, the award-winning space was part of a complete renovation at Furneaux House in Forrest, the former residence of ex-Australian treasurer Joe Hockey, which was completed in 2019.

The judges were impressed by the bathroom’s balance between colours and timber finishes, “[making] the space as welcoming as it is stylish”.

The judges also described the bathroom as having a “sleek Manhattan-style”, commenting on the quality workmanship and aesthetics of the room.

“The finished walls in understated marble-look panels and white mosaic tiling contrast with the galvanised black steel framing on the doors and mirror. Along with the matching matt black tapware, this gives the en suite a durable appearance, without overwhelming the space,” HIA said.

Ms Hawes said Paul Tilse Architects, Preferred Builders and Braithwaite Innovative Joinery worked tirelessly to create the award-winning room, noting that a lot of “sweat and tears” went into building the bathroom.

“There were a lot of complexities that went into the bathroom, particularly with the tiling … everyone worked really hard on this and it’s great to see their work rewarded,” Ms Hawes said.

“It’s a gorgeous bathroom and home, and one of the best projects we’ve worked on. The attention to detail from Preferred Builders and Braithwaite Innovative Joinery was amazing.”

HIA managing director Grahame Wolfe praised the winners, adding that the awards recognised the best in the industry.

“The winners have surpassed the highest standards in workmanship and pushed the boundaries with design and innovation,” Mr Wolfe said.

“It is my absolute pleasure to congratulate each winner for their hard work and commitment to excellence in both building and business practices.”