MBAV judges look beyond the surface

Vaughan Constructions earned the honour of Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) at the Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards, held at Crown Palladium on 10 August.

The project that earned the award for Vaughan was Dulux Merrifield Coatings in Melbourne’s north, the largest coatings factory in Australia and New Zealand. I like the message this year’s award sends — the judges look at broad criteria to decide a winning project, not just a building’s visible surfaces. The winner doesn’t have to host sporting events or make a bold public statement. Buildings that achieve technological success can take out the top honors. The Dulux Merrifield project won because of the craftsmanship in the way its parts come together while meeting significant program challenges.

DAS Constructions Pty Ltd won the award for Regional Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) for their work on Newhaven College in Rhyll on Phillip Island. It is a project that reveals its interesting features mostly on the inside, with the exterior playing a quieter but equally important role letting the attractive island landscape and surroundings remain the focus of attention.

We also honoured Marco Bonadio as Young Builder of the Year. Marco has worked for Kane Constructions since 2005. With over 17 years of experience in the building industry, he is an accomplished, confident and professional builder who is driven by complex building challenges.

Vaughan Constructions will now go on to compete at the Master Builders Association National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards at the Adelaide Convention Centre on Saturday, 24 November.