The 2014 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards were unveiled today at the residential building industry's prestigious awards ceremony at the Gold Coast Convention & Exhibition Centre.

A stunning mix of sophisticated elegance and architectural design impressed the judges, who congratulated Giorgi Exclusive Homes on the exceptionally finished home.

The HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards remain the ultimate platform to showcase the talents of the nation's top builders and designers. Winners are selected from a list of state-based finalists, with awards in 21 separate categories (see full list below).
Australian Home of the Year, partnered by CSR, is the top accolade, presented to WA builder Giorgi Exclusive Homes.

Housing award winners come from all across Australia and include:

Giorgi Exclusive Homes took out the top award winning the 2014 HIA-CSR Australian Home of the Year. They also won the award for the Australian Custom Built Home. The resort style home is contemporary in design and perfectly suited to the Mediterranean climate of Perth. The well-designed living spaces offer privacy and comfort between different zones. By taking advantage of its aspect, natural light and ventilation is abundant throughout the home. The stunning indoor/outdoor area is beautifully landscaped and offers a private escape from the outside world.

Cordwell Lane in Tasmania won Australian Apartment. The judges commented on the surprising transformation of an unused space to become a unique penthouse apartment. The 'omnipod' design blends seamlessly with the existing commercial building beneath it. Outstanding and flawless detail was achieved by most of the work being done off-site.

CABE Developments in NSW won Australian Apartment Complex. The judges said the resort style apartments offered stunning beach views and comfortable seaside living.

Each apartment has been designed to maximize natural cross-flow ventilation and sliding metal louvres to reduce heat from direct sunlight.

Devrite Constructions in Western Australia won Australian Townhouse/Villa. The judges said this was a well-designed home maximising the available space with light-filled, spacious rooms creating a relaxed ambience. Judges were impressed by the quality and value for money of the “forward thinking trades” and exceptional craftsmanship.

Mirvac (Docklands) Pty Ltd in Victoria won Australian Townhouse/Villa Development. The judges were very impressed with this prestigious development of townhouses all within walking distance of Melbourne's CBD. The modern design of each townhouse perfectly matches the recent Docklands' development which includes a promenade and marina.

Tallwood Constructions in Western Australia won Australian Special Purpose Housing Project. The judges said this 15 unit respite care centre demonstrated a high aesthetic appeal and thoughtful design for its residents. Comfortable lounge areas are easily accessed with a community kitchen and dining area making it feel like home.

Grandwood Homes in Western Australia won Australian Spec Home. The judges described this home as 'an exceptional example of the modern technology age', with almost everything accessible via a phone app. The well-designed layout allows the living spaces to connect and create a strong visual appeal. High quality fixtures and workmanship show great attention to detail and create a home that is truly liveable.

Better Building Services and TT Architecture in ACT won Australian Display Home. Judges noted the trade workmanship of this home was of an exceptionally high level with great attention to detail. This unique home's design balances urban and environmental features to create a modern sustainable home.

Alvaro Bros Builders Pty Ltd in NSW won Australian Renovation/Addition Project. The judges said this was a beautiful restoration of a Victorian mansion that blends old world charm with a modern new extension. The skill and standard of workmanship is exceptional creating a timeless home that is warm and inviting.

Sceam Construction in Victoria won Australian Outdoor Project. Judges commented on this innovative, one-off design as having “an immediate wow factor”. The 'Summer House' incorporates a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor living. The BBQ area is easily accessed from the pavilion via sensor or manually operated glass doors which adds to the appeal of year round outdoor entertaining.

Camelot Homes in NSW won Australian Project Home. A grand family home that perfectly fits the client brief for a 'rural estate' type home suited to its surrounds. The design has been well-thought out with excellent flow between living spaces through to alfresco and the granite and glass tiled pool. Judges noted the “standout carpentry and joinery” work throughout the home.

RG Burness Constructions in QLD won Australian Solutions in Steel. The judges said this was a standout example of effectively using steel in creating a practical and stylish home. The façade features several different materials to enhance the character of the home and helps it to blend in with the natural surroundings.

Minosa in NSW won Australian Bathroom Design. The judges described this as a “luxurious day spa style design”, with its sandstone cliff face a remarkable feature. The glass sliding doors on one wall of the shower opens it up to the elements and allows natural airflow.

Rosin Building Pty Ltd and MMM Interiors in ACT won Australian Bathroom. The judges said the design is spacious and filled with natural light. A stunning feature is the marble wall behind the bath which creates a sophisticated look and feel. A concealed steam room is beautifully clad in glass mosaic tiles which add to the sense of luxury.

Craig Sheiles Homes and International Cabinets in Western Australia won Australian Kitchen Design. The judges said this clever and practical design takes this kitchen to another level. The space is divided into a crisp, clean entertaining and social area; and a functional prep zone with a stainless steel bench. The timber veneer adds warmth to the contrast of the sharp, straight lines of the linear layout.

AG Constructions in Victoria won Australian Kitchen. An exceptional kitchen with its striking fish tank wall, creating an immediate 'wow' factor and central focal point. The judges noted the excellent flow through from the kitchen through to the alfresco entertaining area that seamlessly brings the two areas together.

Sam Drury in Victoria has won the Jim Brookes Apprentice. Sam's passion for the building industry was ignited when he was young boy helping his dad on home projects. It was Sam's strong work ethic and commitment to his work that really impressed the judges.
Dale Alcock Homes in Western Australia won Australian Professional Major Builder. The judges commented on the dedication to strong customer service that has helped to drive their success as a well-respected company within the building industry.

Dale Alcock Home Improvement in Western Australia won Australian Professional Medium Builder/Renovator. The judges were impressed with the exceptional standard of quality and professional service provided by the team at Dale Alcock Home Improvement.

Amerex Renovations & Additions in Western Australia won Australian Professional Small/Renovator Builder. For over 25 years' Amerex has been building quality additions and renovations to residential homes. With a team of six core staff and many specialist subcontractors Amerex provides outstanding, personalised service and workmanship.

Heather Ghidella of MyStyle Homes in North Queensland won Australian Business Partner. The judges were impressed with how, in just two years, Heather had helped create and brand MyStyle Homes by making it a young, dynamic operation.

HIA Managing Director Shane Goodwin offered congratulations to all the winners and participants of the 2014 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards, noting the continued high standards of entries received this year.

“The Australian Housing Awards is the culmination of multiple awards ceremonies that have been held across the country over the past twelve months. Over three thousand individual entries are submitted each year; with awards presented at events attended by over a combined, ten thousand HIA members, staff and families.”

“To be selected as a finalist is a great achievement in itself, while tonight's winners have reached the pinnacle of recognition by their peers for excellence for workmanship, innovation and design in residential building.”

“The Australian Housing Awards not only acknowledge the dedication and skills that are required to achieve success at the awards, but they also provide an important marketing opportunity for winners into the future.”

The awards recognise the talent of builders, designers and industry professionals who plan and construct quality new housing, apartments, renovations, kitchens and bathrooms. HIA is Australia's peak building industry body representing more than 40,000 builders, suppliers and contractors involved in residential construction.

For images of the winning project visit: media.hia.com.au

For further information on award winners, please contact:

Catherine Lynch, Group GM, Marketing & Communications
M: 0411 622 535

For further information on HIA, please contact:
Greg Weller, National Director – Communications
M: 0438 846 752