Velvin Building reigns supreme as nationwide category winners honoured
For more than 30 years, Master Builders House of the Year has been the ultimate showcase of New Zealand’s finest homes, celebrating bold design, masterful execution, and innovation in every detail.
From fine workmanship to thoughtful architecture, this year’s winners set the bar for residential construction in New Zealand and will inspire the next generation of homes.
Velvin Building built on last year’s Supreme Renovation of the Year Award win for its bold A-frame, lake-view new home in Queenstown. This year it took the Supreme House of the Year over $1 million Award for another Queenstown project, plus several other awards, marking them double Supreme Award winners.
Standing out for its innovative material use along with precise detailing, the house undoubtedly lifts the standard and quality of residential work.
“Velvin Building’s Queenstown home is an exceptional example of what can be achieved when craftsmanship and vision align. It demonstrates the calibre of skill, precision and pride that defines our members, and why New Zealand continues to set the standard for residential construction excellence,” says Master Builders CEO, Ankit Sharma.
National Supreme House of the Year over $1 million Award
Velvin Building stood out at this year’s awards, with their home winning the National Supreme House of the Year over $1 million Award, the National Kitchen Excellence Award and the National Resene New Home $2 million–$4 million category. The judges praised this home for its exceptional use of materials and precise detailing, calling it a thoroughly deserving winner.
“Set on a steep site above the Frankton Arm Walkway, this home makes a demanding location feel effortless. From the street, it is calm and restrained, offering only a glimpse of the sheltered courtyard beyond. Inside, the plan unfolds with quiet clarity: warm, well-connected rooms, views carefully framed to water and hills, and light handled with real care throughout the day,” said judges.
“Materials are innovative and well used, giving the house a grounded, tactile feel without fuss. The detailing is precise and consistent, and the build quality is clear in every junction. It also reads as a true partnership between architect and builder, where ideas and execution align. The result is a confident, refined home that sits naturally in its setting and lifts the standard for residential work. A thoroughly deserving Supreme winner.”
National Supreme House of the Year under $1 million Award
Nestled in the laid-back surf town of Raglan, Nixon Homes won the National Supreme House of the Year under $1 million Award and the National Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000–$1 million category for their tranquil haven. Raising the bar for what can be achieved under $1 million, the judges praised the home for its standout architecture.
“Confident and finely made, this home delivers real architecture within a disciplined budget. Three discrete pavilions are cleanly linked by decks, stairs and covered walkways, giving a strong street presence without excess. Steel cladding and timber shiplaps bring durability and warmth, while the outdoor planning is smart: a sheltered street-side court for everyday use and a generous view-facing deck with clear zones for dining and lounging,” said judges.
“Inside, rooms are arranged to capture rural vistas and flow effortlessly outdoors. The detailing is tidy, the materials are honest, and the result feels both robust and refined. It sets a benchmark for what can be achieved under $1 million, a thoroughly deserving Supreme winner.”
National Supreme Renovation of the Year Award
Howe Construction’s renovation of a Queenstown home earned them the National Supreme Renovation of the Year Award and the National Renovation over $2 Million category. The judges praised the meticulous detailing throughout the home, which honours its views of Lake Wakatipu.
“A complex brief handled with real finesse. This significant apartment renovation resolved the challenges of altering the external fabric within a body corporate and re-levelling uneven floors, all without fuss. The design is minimalist and meticulously detailed, delivering clarity, calm and refined simplicity,” explained judges.
“The plan now comfortably accommodates multiple generations, balancing precision with warmth and providing generous, highly functional spaces that feel restrained yet welcoming. Highlights include a beautifully crafted bespoke kitchen and living areas that open easily to expansive decks with spa and BBQ, creating a seamless setting for everyday life and effortless entertainment. A confident and deserving Supreme Renovation.”
Other awards highlighted
Along with the Supreme winners, an additional seventeen category awards, a craftsmanship award, a special award, and five lifestyle awards were announced.
Sharma says the 2025 competition remains a cornerstone for recognising excellence in residential building.
“Each year, House of the Year showcases the finest work from New Zealand’s residential sector. The 2025 entries reveal not only superb technical execution but a commitment to creating homes that genuinely enhance everyday living,” says Sharma. “We’re proud of the Master Builders who continue to deliver outstanding results for New Zealanders. Their work lifts expectations of quality and craftsmanship and inspires the future of residential building.
“Every winning home is the result of skilled, disciplined professionals who care about building a better New Zealand. It is a privilege to acknowledge their achievements and the contribution they make to communities across the country.”
Full list of winners
Supreme House of the Year over $1 million: Velvin Building, Southern
Supreme House of the Year under $1 million: Nixon Homes, Waikato
Supreme Renovation of the Year: Howe Construction, Southern
Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award: Gudsell Designer Homes, Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau
Special Award: High Country Homes Canterbury, Canterbury
APL Environmental and Sustainable Excellence Award: Urbo Homes, Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau
New Home over $4 million: Smith Construction NZ, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel
Resene New Home $2 million – $4 million: Velvin Building, Southern
New Home $1.5 million – $2 million: Gudsell Designer Homes, Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau
Bunnings New Home $1 million – $1.5 million: Petersen and Barnes, Central North Island
Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 – $1 million: Nixon Homes, Waikato
New Home $500,000 – $750,000: Stark Building, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel
New Home up to $500,000: Hardy Construction, Central North Island
Volume/Group Housing New Home $500,000 – $750,000: Navigation Homes Counties Franklin, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel
Volume/Group Housing New Home up to $500,000: Sentinel Homes Waikato, Waikato
Master Build 10-Year Guarantee Multi Unit (Apartments/Duplexes/Terrace Housing): Calley Homes, Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau
GIB Show Home: Eden Homes, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel
Builder’s Own Home: High Country Homes Canterbury, Canterbury
Renovation over $2 million: Howe Construction, Southern
Renovation $1 million – $2 million: Duncan Hare Builders, Bay of Plenty & Central Plateau
Renovation $500,000 – $1 million: Coppins Construction, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel
Renovation up to $500,000: Symphony Construction, Waikato
Plumbing World Bathroom Excellence Award: Smith Construction NZ, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel
Kitchen Excellence Award: Velvin Building, Southern
Outdoor Living Excellence Award: Smith Construction NZ, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel
Interior Design Award: Steve Brown Builders, Canterbury
Mixed Development Award: BCG Construction, Auckland / Northland / Coromandel.