Three ACT companies nail prizes at MBA national awards

Part of Manteena’s stunning, award-winning extension to an old Deakin cottage. Photo: Manteena.

Three Canberra construction companies have won national awards across the residential, commercial and civil sectors at the Master Builders Association 2023 National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards in Perth.

Manteena won the National Renovations/Extensions Award $650,000 to $1 million for its transformation of an old Deakin cottage.

Monarch Building Solutions was winner of the Best Use of Australian Made Products – Commercial category for its work on the new John McGrath KIA Showroom at the Phillip dealership.

Chincivil won the National Civil/Infrastructure Award – over $25 million for the Acton Waterfront Phase 2 at West Basin by Lake Burley Griffin.

Master Builders ACT CEO Michael Hopkins said the three ACT award winners demonstrated the breadth and quality of the city’s building and construction industry.

He said Manteena’s renovation and extension lifted the original 1950s cottage in MacGregor Street to a modern and Spanish colonial-style home with beautiful curved-steel framed doors that show masterful technical expertise and a custom-fabricated sunken lounge.

Manteena says the extension integrates seamlessly with the original part of the home, creating an oasis that makes you completely forget you are in Canberra’s Inner South upon entering the front door.

Extension works comprised the new entry, master suite, kitchen and dining area, outdoor alfresco area, powder room, butler’s pantry and sunken lounge.

Significant structural works to the existing cottage were required to allow for the additional works.

Manteena's MBA-winning extension at McGregor Street Deakin.

The KIA Showroom at John McGrath Phillip. Image: Monarch Building Solutions.

Mr Hopkins said Monarch Building Solutions’ showroom fit-out featured an attractive, durable, cost-effective Polytec Plantation Ash Woodmatt laminate that was innovatively installed with precision at the curved junction of the walls and ceiling.

Monarch says the fit-out is the perfect example of outstanding carpentry, demanding a high degree of accuracy to ensure each panel junction was lined up precisely.

Open Principle Architects designed the fit-out, which took nine weeks to complete.

Mr Hopkins said Chincivil’s inviting extension of the boardwalk adjacent to Henry Rolland Park for the ACT Government showcased exemplary organisation, planning and forethought that would serve the Canberran community and visitors for many years to come.

ACT Apprentice of the Year Mitch Gattenby was also named among the top three apprentices in Australia.

“Trained at MBA Group Training in Fyshwick, Mitch exemplifies the quality training ACT-based carpenters can access at the MBA,” Mr Hopkins said.