MARGARET River-based building company Tectonics Building Design was recognised earlier this month with two awards at the Housing Industry Association Homes of the Year presentation night.
Director Peter Lea said the awards, which recognised two distinctively South West designs, were an honour.
“To be recognized by and independent judging panel is quite rewarding. This is the South-West, not just Margaret River so there is a reasonable amount of competition,” Mr Lea said.
“I feel it also acknowledges the skill or our tradesmen which is quite important.
“All of our trades live locally. We have a good working relationship with the trades and it often extends beyond the work environment.
“We are very connected to the town, I even employ a couple of people I knew when they were kids. We mainly source local materials where possible, occasionally availability requires us to look elsewhere. We have excellent tradesmen and get invaluable help from our supervisor, Geoff Uhd.”
A single storey building at Fermoy Estate was named winner in the Framed Housing category $450,000 to $650,000 and was a finalist in the Framed Home of the Year.
“The existing house on the site had not taken advantage of solar access or view and the clients wanted a bright sunny house where visiting international guest could relax in comfort whether it is clear or a raging storm outside,” Mr Lea explained.
A two storey home located on Illawarra Avenue won the Custom Housing $600,000 to $750,000 category.
“This home is built alongside the original cottage and was designed to create a contrast between the old and new, yet be linked with access and careful positioning.
“The family have grown children with children of their own and this building provides the extra space and privacy. The building itself is a two storey home with the living areas upstairs.
“The construction in mainly timber framed with rammed limestone.”
Mr Lea said there was a strong focus within the company of designing homes that would provide comfort during the colder South West months.
“This is the time when we will spend the most hours in a home and it need to be somewhere you really want to be.
“Any well designed home in Margaret River should not need a cooling system for any time of the year however consideration of warmth is paramount.”
“We often have clients bring in their own plans and we feel the need to discuss and point out flaws in the orientation.
“It is quite a good feeling when you run into the client a year or two later and they thank you for advising them to move the courtyard away from the southerly wind or reduce the glazing to sensible sizes.”