Tallwood Custom Built Homes takes out top gong at HIA WA Housing Awards

• Builders of a stunning Yallingup home have been awarded HIA WA Home of the Year.
• The challenging build incorporated innovative and sustainable solutions.
• Builders were recognised for rising to the continuing challenges in industry.

This year’s awards have seen a growing level of innovation in the building and construction industry.

HIA WA executive director, Michael McGowan, praised the work of the industry, particularly in the face of the continually challenging conditions.

“We have seen an increased focus on new and varied construction methods and materials over the last few years, and some excellent examples featured in the awards.”

Michael McGowan, HIA

Ingenuity was at the fore, with builders rising to many unique challenges.

Holst Design & Build was awarded Lightweight Housing of the Year for a unique home that maximises an angular block in Dunsborough.

Gnangara-based, PIQUE, was awarded Modular and Prefabricated Housing of the Year for their outstanding modular home which challenges preconceptions of modular and prefabricated homes, and highlights the future for this method of construction.

Acknowledging the challenging environment for builders and suppliers McGowan emphasised the significance of the Excellence in Service Awards presented to South West Building Company (small builder); Novus Homes (medium builder); and Blueprint Homes (large builder). Ford & Doonan Air Conditioning took the Customer Service Award.

Up and coming talent was also recognised, with Wannanup-based builder Samuel Beevor of Beevor & Co awarded this year’s Emerging Builder and this year’s best Start-Up Business.

“All winners and finalists across the State have showcased their ability to deliver the highest quality of homes and service for their clients. I congratulate them all for their wonderful achievements and wish them luck representing WA at the 2023 HIA-CSR Australian Housing Awards,” said McGowan.

Yallingup holiday home takes the top award

Dunsborough builder, Tallwood Custom Built Homes, was awarded for its work on a remote and exposed site in Yallingup.

The stunning home offers full panoramic views of the ocean and Leeuwin-Naturaliste National Park, and features rammed limestone walls, weathered timber, a huge cantilevered ceiling, and expansive double glazed windows.

McGowan said the Yallingup home was an outstanding winner and demonstrated what the awards stand for.

“The HIA housing awards recognise the skill and professionalism of our members, and their commitment to delivering projects with the highest standard of workmanship.

“The judges admired the result describing the home understatedly elegant and achieving a relaxed and comfortable holiday home perfect for the unique setting,” he said.

Construction of the home was challenging, with innovative and sustainable solutions employed.

Limestone removed from the building footprint was repurposed in the rammed earth walls, and excess stone was further masoned and used for internal feature walls surrounding the fireplace.

The cantilevered ceiling delivers huge vertical views and northern light, while the double glazed windows, insulation, and hydronic underfloor heating ensure a comfortable environment in all conditions.

The rainwater harvesting can be used for both potable water and firefighting, with the inclusion of PV cells and battery storage, this home has the ability to run as a complete off grid solution.

“Despite the considerable challenges of the remote site, weather exposure and trade availability, the judges commended Tallwood Custom Built Homes for the outstanding quality and execution of a complex and detailed build, which also won Custom Built Home of the Year and Regional Home of the Year,” said McGowan.

Full list of winners

2023 HIA WA Housing Award Winners

Source: HIA.