2 Awards for 2 Projects

Source: Housing Industry of Australia; Published: 17/08/2009; Author: Toni Bull

MB & CM Jorgensen took away two titles at the Northern NSW Housing Awards on Saturday night for two different projects in Inverell.

MB & CM Jorgensen won the title of The Northern NSW Renovation & Addition Project under $300,000 (partnered by HIA Insurance Services). Judges were impressed that the renovation involved realigning floor levels throughout and realigning the roof frame. "The existing timber windows were reused and a new entry was created by realigning the 4th bedroom allowing for a federation style front verandah", they said.

The title of Northern NSW Custom Built Home under $600,000 (partnered by Omega Smeg) was won for their spectacular five bedroom home. The judges describe a lower level with three living areas, kitchen, laundry, office, double garage and a covered deck area. "A feature of this home is the exposed timber beams in the main entrance, family room and kitchen", they said.

The awards took place in front of a large audience during a gala function at the Novotel Pacific Bay Resort. Special guests included Federal member for Cowpar, Luke Hartsuyker, State member for Coffs Harbour, Andrew Fraser, the Mayor of Coffs HJarbour. Keith Rhoades, and HIA's NSW President, Martin Walsh.

Congratulating MB & CM Jorgensen. HIA's NSW Executive Director, Graham Wolfe, said the awards were an outstanding demonstration of the housing industry's capacity, innovation and resilience in regional areas of NSW.

"It is no secret that it is a challenging business environment at present, but amidst tentative signs of a turnaround HIA's members have not lost their commitment to excellence, and support for these awards has been outstanding", he said.

"Winners tonight can look forward to progressing to the full state awards in Sydney where I believe they will compare very favourably with their big city counterparts".

"I would not be surprised to see some make it all the way to next year's national competition".

HIA is Australia's peak building body representing more than 40,000 builders, suppliers and trade contractors. The industry is responsible for development projects, new homes, renovations and additions worth more than $43 billion each year and generating about 350,000 jobs.

The association's awards acknowledge the excellence in housing construction, design, innovation and technology and recognise the talent of builders and building companies that design and construct quality housing.