Southern House of the Year 2026 winners announced

The Southern region’s finest homes have been recognised at the 2026 Master Builders House of the Year regional awards. Explore the Supreme winners and see the full list of award-winning new builds and renovations below.

Supreme House of the Year over $1 million
Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award

Trinity Construction + Projects for a home in Lower Shotover, Queenstown.

A stunning, architecturally designed home, this Supreme winner brings together bold forms, complex detailing, and an impressive level of construction control. Set within a challenging environment, the home demanded careful planning from the outset, with schist, metal, and cedar all brought together through precise alignment, clean junctions and thoughtful execution.

The consistency of the workmanship stands out across every part of the build. Subtle, understated details are apparent inside and out, from the generous entry through to the rear courtyard and carefully framed views. Every window and door has been positioned to capture the landscape, while the layered materials and finely finished interiors show the strength of the whole project team. Beautifully planned, highly detailed, and built with evident passion, this is a home the owners will truly treasure.

Supreme House of the Year under $1 million

Gibson Builders for a home in Northlake, Wānaka.

The builder’s passion for this project is evident in every part of the home. Designed and built as the builder’s own, it reflects a clear vision carried through with confidence, from the bagged brick, Abodo, and vertical metal cladding, to the carefully crafted interior.

Every detail has been thoughtfully considered and executed to an exceptionally high standard, with very little the judges could fault. The kitchen is a particular showcase, combining impeccable detailing with outstanding workmanship to create the heart of the home. Delivered within an impressive construction timeframe and finished with a refined, cohesive palette, this entry left a lasting impression. A home of real warmth, personality and precision, it is a very deserving winner of the Southern Supreme House of the Year under $1 million Award.

Supreme Renovation of the Year

Hunter & Craig Architectural Design & Build for a home in Bannockburn, Cromwell.

This beautifully crafted renovation brings together the history and character of the original mud-brick cottage with a confident, modern addition. Supporting and protecting the historic structure during construction presented considerable challenges, yet the connection between old and new has been resolved seamlessly and with remarkable skill.

The contemporary, metal-clad addition sits confidently against the surrounding hills, while thoughtful details give the home a deeply personal quality. A former coal range has become a television nook, hardwood power poles have been repurposed as feature beams, and powerline crossarms have been transformed into shelving honouring the owner’s working life. Few renovations carry the story of an original home forward with such care and confidence. Beautifully crafted, rich in history and exceptionally well executed, this is a truly special renovation and a deserving Supreme winner.

Southern House of the Year 2026Complete List of Award Winners

Supreme Awards

Supreme House of the Year over $1 million Trinity Construction + Projects for a home in Lower Shotover, Queenstown.

Supreme House of the Year under $1 million Gibson Builders for a home in Northlake, Wānaka.

Supreme Renovation of the Year Hunter & Craig Architectural Design & Build for a home in Bannockburn, Cromwell.

Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award

Trinity Construction + Projects for a home in Lower Shotover, Queenstown.

Special Awards

Velvin Building for a home in Kawarau Falls, Queenstown

Lifestyle Awards

Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award Dunlop Builders for a home in Speargrass Flat, Queenstown.

Kitchen Excellence Award A J Saville Builder for a home in Arrowtown.

PDL Smart Home Award
McKenzie & Willis Interior Design Award
YBL Building for a home in Queenstown.

Outdoor Living Excellence Award
Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award
Trinity Construction + Projects for a home in Lower Shotover, Queenstown.

Category Awards

New Home over $4 million Trinity Construction + Projects for a home in Lower Shotover, Queenstown.

Resene New Home $2 million - $4 million Third Little Pig Homes for a home in Challis, Dunedin.

APL New Home $1.5 million - $2 million Brownie Construction for a home in Kelvin Heights, Queenstown.

Bunnings New Home $1 million - $1.5 million Velvin Building for a home in Kawarau Falls, Queenstown.

Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 million Jennian Homes Wanaka for a home in Pembroke Terrace, Wānaka.

New Home $500,000 - $750,000 Nigel Robertson Building for a home in Windsor, Invercargill.

New Home up to $500,000 Gibson Builders for a home in Lake Hāwea, Wānaka.

Builder's Own Home Gibson Builders for a home in Northlake, Wānaka.

Renovation $1 million - $2 million Hunter & Craig Architectural Design & Build for a home in Bannockburn, Cromwell.

Renovation $500,000 - $1 million Modbox Queenstown for a home in Fernhill, Queenstown.

Master Build 10-Year Guarantee Multi Unit Third Little Pig Homes for a home in Mosgiel, Dunedin.

Gold Awards

  • A J Saville Builder for a home in Arrowtown.
  • Bayview Construction for a home in Peak View, Wānaka.
  • Bayview Construction for a home in Wānaka.
  • Brownie Construction for a home in Kelvin Heights, Queenstown.
  • Craig Read Building for a home in Wānaka.
  • Dunlop Builders for a home in Speargrass Flat, Queenstown.
  • G.J. Gardner Homes Otago for a home in Blackhead, Dunedin.
  • Gibson Builders for a home in Lake Hāwea, Wānaka.
  • Gibson Builders for a home in Northlake, Wānaka.
  • Hunter & Craig Architectural Design & Build for a home in Bannockburn, Cromwell.
  • Jennian Homes Wānaka for a home in Pembroke Terrace, Wānaka.
  • Modbox Queenstown for a home in Fernhill, Queenstown.
  • Muirhead Building for a home in Gibbston, Queenstown.
  • Nigel Robertson Building for a home in Windsor, Invercargill.
  • Trinity Construction + Projects for a home in Lower Shotover, Queenstown.
  • The Breen Construction Company for a home in Earnscleugh, Central Otago.
  • Third Little Pig Homes for a home in Challis, Dunedin.
  • Third Little Pig Homes for a home in Mosgiel, Dunedin.
  • Third Little Pig Homes for another home in Mosgiel, Dunedin.
  • Velvin Building for a home in Kawarau Falls, Queenstown.
  • YBL Building for a home in Queenstown.

Silver Awards

  • Adam Newton Homes for a home in Menzies Ferry, Southland District.
  • Ajax Building Contractors for a home in Gore.
  • Benchmark Homes for a home in Wānaka.
  • Diemarco Projects for a home in Gibbston, Queenstown.
  • Mackenzie Homes (Queenstown) for a home in Lower Shotover.
  • Modbox Queenstown for a home in Queenstown.
  • Platinum Homes Otago for a home in Ocean View, Dunedin.
  • Smith and Sons Queenstown for a home in Mount Creighton, Queenstown.
  • The Breen Construction Company for a home in Albert Town, Wānaka.

Bronze Awards

  • Precision Builders Otago for a home in Glenleith, Dunedin.

National Sponsor Family

Master Builders House of the Year is proudly supported by our national sponsor family:

Altus Window Systems
Bunnings Trade
GIB
Master Build 10-Year Guarantee
Plumbing World
Resene
Mitre 10 Trade
APL Window Solutions
PDL by Schneider Electric