Three southern building firms were recognised in the Registered Master Builders 2014 House of the Year awards, announced at a function in Auckland on Saturday night.
AJ Saville won the national Show Home Award for a Queenstown property.
Judges said the ''ski barn'' home, comprising three bedrooms, three bathrooms and a living area was ''full of warmth and character''.
The home had an impressive foyer featuring band-sawn pine walls and cedar ceilings which exuded ''cosy warmth and rural charm, perfect for that skiing holiday''.
''The superb two-level timber home has been designed with a combination of sunrooms and verandas to ensure maximum benefit is enjoyed all year round.''
Trevor Ward Builders was also honoured, winning the Bathroom Excellence Award in the Lifestyle Category for a property at Closeburn.
The master ensuite bathroom, within the four-bed, five-bathroom property which also boasts three living areas, was described by the judges as ''exceptional'' and ''fit for a king''.
Breen Homes won the ITM renovation award, in the $250,000-$500,000 category, for its work on an Alexandra house.
The 112sq m extension featured vertical tray copper cladding and schist rock. Schist lined the home's ''media room'' , complete with a picture frame window, and it was also a feature of hallway walls and a fireplace.
The judges said the house was ''very well constructed and finished'' and said the extension was ''in harmony with the existing house with retention of character well-maintained . . . ''
