HIA AWARDS STAR TIMBER
THE NATIONAL AWARDS CELBRATE THE BEST OF THE YEAR’S BUILDS AND BUILDERS.
Meticulous timber joinery shows the high level of finish from BCM Homes.
The kitchen workbench features eye-catching, interlocking geometric timber shapes.
The chevron parquets in the Bronxx apartment link the penthouse to its natural surrounds.
MAIN PIC – BCM Homes won home of the Year for this Separation Creek design where solid timbers alleviate the austere wind and fire-proof concrete exterior.
Last weekend the annual HIA Awards celebrated the best of building in Australia and it’s no surprise that timber played a starring role in many of the winning categories.
Ballarat Construction Management (BCM) Homes won Home of the Year, People’s Choice Home of the Year and Custom Built Home for its Separation Creek build on Victoria’s Great Ocean Road. Reflecting the tough seaside and fire-prone location, concrete is a major material – roughly a hundred truckloads were used and the resulting build is rated to BAL 40 – but it is the solid timber incorporated into the façade and used internally that elevates the building, nestling it into the wild surrounds and softening the hard interior surfaces.
In the kitchen, one side of the workbench is practical traditional joinery while the other features a geometric puzzle of timber tringles that draws and holds the eye.
“We are so proud and humbled to bring this national award back to Victoria and to Ballarat,” said BCM director David Moyle, who also owns the house.
“It goes to show what we can do from a regional centre.”
The 2024 HIA Australian Apartment of the Year was won by Bronxx with its Oasis Cronulla build’s penthouse. The featured eye-catching parquetry floor throughout the major living spaces ties into views over the water and nearby national parks, as well as the timber joinery and contrasts with the natural stone used for the kitchen islands and hard flooring. Passive design principles were combined with sustainable materials choices for this very luxe but also successfully low-environmental impact result.
Meanwhile, the HIA Apprentice of the Year is Oliver Burnell of Ronald Young & Co Builders, a young chippie who is already making a difference in his career. As HIA’s notes said: “Oliver has consistently exhibited an unwavering work ethic, positioning himself as a role model for his peers. He consistently goes above and beyond to assist other trades and ensure the utmost satisfaction for clients.
“Oliver’s communication skills, both written and verbal, are exemplary. He keeps everyone well-informed, provides accurate updates, and excels in collaboration with team members, stakeholders, and clients. His professionalism, meticulous attention to detail, and pride in his work, tools, and appearance reflect his deep commitment to representing Ronald Young + Co Builders in the best possible way.
“Oliver’s performance as an apprentice has been outstanding, propelling him ahead in his apprenticeship progress. This award not only celebrates Oliver’s remarkable journey but also highlights the hard work and commitment of all apprentices in the construction industry.”
