Construction Control has won the prestigious Project of the Year gong at the Master Builders and Cbus Excellence in Building Awards for the third time in four years – this time for its work on the $44 million Vibe Hotel at the Canberra Airport.
Around 1500 people celebrated the industry’s best at the gala black tie awards event at the National Convention and Exhibition Centre on Friday.
Kirk Coningham, Executive Director of Master Builders ACT, said the judges were impressed with the architecture, design and construction of the Vibe Hotel, which reflected the capital city’s history, urban setting and natural surroundings.
“Construction Control’s expert delivery has resulted in a new destination that will attract visitors and residents with its timeless design, attention to detail and high quality finishes,” Mr Coningham said.
“Importantly, the Vibe Hotel was an economic driver for our city at a time when the construction sector was slowing, and created 600 jobs during the construction phase.
“The Vibe Hotel adds strength to the case for direct international flights into the ACT, and demonstrates the enduring value our industry delivers to the Canberra community.”
Construction Control’s work on the Vibe Hotel was also recognised with the award for a commercial project valued between $20-$50m, while J & J Interiors got the gong for the interior finish in the Vibe Hotel’s striking black and white atrium.
Project Manager of the Year went to SHAPE’s Kevin Hodson for his work on the complex and challenging refurbishment of Canberra Hospital.
A reinvention of the classic country retreat in the Wells Place Project at Googong was named House of the Year. The team from Better Building Services, DNA Architects and Sugar Designs collected the prestigious award along with the prize for a custom built home of more than 350m2.
Mr Coningham said the home blended the best of liveability, technology and sustainability, and demonstrated the ACT industry’s commitment to innovation.
“The judges were impressed with the project team’s workmanship, attention to detail and determination to deliver a home that complements its landscape,” Mr Coningham said.
Woden Contractors was applauded for its civil construction work on the new shared pedestrian and cycling system around Bowen Drive at Lake Burley Griffin.
Christopher Walmsley, owner of Walmsley Building Solutions, picked up the Youth Participation and Training award for his dedication to the industry’s young builders.
“A former apprentice with MBA Group Training, Chris is now committed to giving back to his industry by hosting young people at the start of their careers. His skill and knowledge are a testament to the quality of builders we’re producing in the ACT,” Mr Coningham said.
The Professional of the Year for 2016 was awarded to Peter Leary from Peak Consulting.
“Peter handles complex and challenging building repair projects on a daily basis. With a deep understanding of local legislative and building code requirements, Peter is held in high regard by his clients and peers, and is a worthy recipient of this award,” Mr Coningham said.
Bathroom and kitchen specialist Southern Innovations took home the Supplier of the Year for its enduring commitment to the ACT and its dedicated customer service, while Geocon was applauded for its health and safety innovations on Wayfarer, Canberra’s largest residential tower.
The largest black tie event in Canberra with 1500 attendees, the awards were held on Friday at the National Convention and Exhibition Centre and featured MC Shane Jacobson, the Black Sorrows and Vika and Linda Bull.
A full list of winners and finalists is available at www.mba.org.au
More photos from the night are available on Facebook: www.facebook.com/masterbuildersact
Photos: Attendees celebrate at the awards on Saturday night; 2016 House of the Year by Better Building Services, DNA Architects and Sugar Designs; Vibe Hotel