The Master Builders Association of Victoria has announced the state's best display home designs at this year's Excellence in Housing awards, with multiple winners pushing volume design boundaries.
Showcasing exceptional craftsmanship and standards of excellence in Victoria's residential building sector, the Excellence in Housing awards recognise quality across a range of categories and price brackets.
If you're looking to build, the list of high achievers is a great reference point for your research. Winners span Best Master Builders, Best Custom Homes, Best Multi Unit Developments, Best Renovations, Best Display Homes and more.
The Adah by Roseleigh Homes is a winning display home with architectural sophistication, taking out the $750,000 to $1 million category.
Victoria Display Home of the Year winners 2024
In the case of display homes, the judges highlight the best individual designs – a weight off the shoulders of those wanting to start the new build process who find themselves spoiled for choice with scores of different styles, facades and layouts.
Even better, the list of winning builder designs are segmented by budget, starting as low as $250,000.
Winner $250,000-$300,000: SJD Homes
SJD Homes took out the most affordable category with their Savanna 223 display home, described by judges as "a charming four-bedroom home, thoughtfully designed to maximise space and comfort, featuring two distinct living areas that cater to the diverse needs of modern families."
The Savanna 223 is part of SJD's Haven range, providing an accessible entry point into home ownership. Picture: realestate.com.au
Aimed at first-home buyers and investors aiming to crack the property market, judges praised the "intelligent use of space" in the Haven range, saying that the builder is "demonstrating that affordability does not have to compromise quality."
Winner $300,0000 - $350,000: Metricon Homes
Australia's largest home builder, Metricon Homes, took out the $300-$350,000 range with their Lloyd 29 single-storey design, which features an open living space to the front of the home, creating a "separate sanctuary" away from the main hub.
Judges noted the four-bed home blends modern family living with spaciousness, functionality and flexibility as it can be easily customised and configured to a range of lifestyles and budgets.
Metricon's Lloyd 29 was highlighted for a floorplan with separate living area away from the main hub. Picture: realestate.com.au
"On offer is a wide range of predetermined alternative layout options and popular façade choices that further enhances the ability to custom the home design and add one’s unique touch," judges said.
Metricon also had success in NSW, with their Vantage 52SL design taking out the top spot for the $1 million and over category.
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Winner $350,000 - $500,000: Beachwood Homes
With a dash of Hampton's influence out front and a contemporary feel inside, the Norfolk 28 from Beachwood Homes combines functionality with aesthetics.
"Striking gable rooflines and elegant timber cladding radiate a contemporary and welcoming vibe on approach," judges said of the facade.
Style and substance are available with the Norfolk 28, thanks to charm from the pitched roofline and cladding, as well as an 'innovative design and layout' with loads of standard inclusions. Picture: realestate.com.au
Well-suited to family life, the four-bedroom, 2.5-bath home with study nook has a flexible floorplan. Judges praised the "extensive standard inclusions" and "innovative design and layout", as well as additional design flair and features.
"There is a vast open-plan area at the rear, which is bathed in natural light and offers a sense of grandeur. A standout feature is the impressive in-situ atrium room, which effortlessly merges with the indoor space through sliding doors, enhanced by skylights to provide a perfect setting for entertainment throughout the year."
Winner $500,000 - $750,000: Beachwood Homes
Another success for Beachwood Homes, their two-storey Lorne 40 display home features a Hamptons-inspired facade that has it standing out from the fray at the display village in Clyde North.
"This home showcases the popular Lorne 40 floorplan, tailored for large families, offering up to five bedrooms and three expansive living areas, providing ample space for each individual to enjoy their own private sanctuary," said the judges.
The two-storey Hamptons-inspired Lorne 40 suits multi-generational living with multiple ensuite bedrooms. Picture: realestate.com.au
Beyond the spaciousness of the layout, judges enjoyed that the design suits multi-generational living.
"Upon entering, you’re greeted by a floorplan designed with multi-generational families in mind. Each bedroom on the first floor is equipped with a walk-in wardrobe and ensuite, ensuring a personal haven for every family member."
The house also includes living spaces on both levels, a dedicated study area, large kitchen with butler’s pantry, and a grand master suite with a luxurious ensuite and plentiful wardrobe space.
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Special Commendation: Metricon Homes
It must have been a tough call crowning the $500-$750,000 category, as judges have provided a special commendation to Metricon Homes for their Botanica 36SL.
The handsome single-level design works well on sloping blocks by utilising split levels into the floorplan, which is spacious and functional.
The Botanica offers a split-level design with stylish, contemporary interiors including gourmet kitchen with contrasting cabinetry and butler's pantry. Picture: Supplied
"The Botanica is a stunning home design that offers a perfect blend of functionality and style, sure to delight homeowners. One of its standout features is the magnificent master bedroom, complete with a large ensuite bathroom and his and hers walk-in-robes, providing a luxurious retreat within the home," said the judges.
"The heart of the Botanica is its spacious open-plan living area, which includes a contemporary kitchen design with a butler’s pantry, a family room, dining area, and outdoor room. This setup is perfect for modern living, providing ample space for family gatherings and entertaining guests."
Winner $750,000 - $1 million: Roseleigh Homes
With the feel of a custom architectural build, it's no wonder Roseleigh Homes' Adah design took out the winning spot for best display home over $750,000.
"Designed to suit a larger block size, the Adah seamlessly combines architectural sophistication, considered design and stunning aesthetics to form a home with spaces that exude warmth, functionality, and embody the spirit of contemporary Australian living," praised the judges.
The open-plan layout of the home's central hub, inclusive of a sprawling high-end kitchen with butler's pantry, becomes a showstopper thanks to a soaring vaulted ceiling reaching up to 4.2 metres.
Designed for a larger block, the Adah includes excellent indoor-outdoor flow between a central gabled hub inside to the alfresco entertaining area with deck and pool. Picture: Roseleigh Homes
Judges also noted the indoor-outdoor flow of the design, and ample entertaining zones.
"Designed with a focus on family gatherings and contemporary lifestyles, the dining and living zones effortlessly transition onto an inviting entertainment-friendly alfresco area. This outdoor retreat extends to a picturesque landscape featuring a pool, decking area, and meticulously crafted garden, completing the Adah’s commitment to modern family living."