Parkview sails away with housing award
12 May 2007
 

A ground-breaking design by NSW's Parkview and Walter Barda copying the curves of a ship and complemented by the materials used, won the HIA-Trend Windows & Doors Australian Townhouse/Villa Development of the Year at the Housing Industry Associations-CSR national awards, in Sydney tonight (Sat 12 May). This category is partnered with Trend Windows & Doors.

'The Boatshed', designed by architect Walter Barda, is a three-home development located on Sydney's Palm Beach Peninsular. Its recycled blackbutt floors are reminiscent of a boat deck and the ambiance is heightened by copper detailing and natural, rough-hewn timber walls.

The design is so faithful to the maritime theme that shipwrights were employed to work on some elements of the construction.

Judges said 'The Boatshed' "rewrites the text book when it comes to capturing the essence of design and craftsmanship".

"The sensible and responsible blend of materials, technology and innovation rewards the environments as well as the owners."

The awards took place in front of a gala audience at the Sydney Convention Centre. Introducing the event, HIA Managing Director Ron Silberberg said it was now firmly established as one of the great annual occasions on the Australian home building calendar.

"At no other time of the year will you see a greater array of construction industry expertise dedicated to quality and efficiency," he said.

HIA is Australia's peak building industry body, representing 40,000 builders, suppliers and trade contractors in all states and territories. The industry is responsible for development projects, new homes and renovation activity worth about $50 billion each year and employs more than 350,000 people.

The association's awards acknowledge excellence in housing construction, design, innovation and technology, recognising the talent of builders and building companies involved in the planning and construction of quality housing.