Coben Building Pty Ltd has been named Master Builders Victoria Master Builder of the Year - Residential for a stunning multi-unit development built into the Studley Park cliff face in Kew.

Tonight (Friday) at Crown Melbourne, Master Builders Victoria (MBV) CEO Rebecca Casson congratulated Coben Building Pty Ltd and other major award winners at a gala awards ceremony in front of nearly 800 guests. 

“Through another difficult year, our Excellence in Housing Awards were again brimming with outstanding homes,” she said. 

“The residential projects showcased in this year’s awards were awe-inspiring.  

“MBV congratulates all winners and nominees, together with all our wonderful members, who further enhanced in 2022 the reputation of what a Master Builder is capable of creating.” 

Ms Casson said Coben was a Melbourne-based builder focusing on luxury residential and architecturally driven commercial projects.

She said the nine residences at Fenwick Street were situated in the most exceptional location in Kew.

“This picture-perfect site deserved a building that embraced and enhanced its location – and Coben delivered it perfectly,” Ms Casson said.

“The project consists of three separate buildings (eight apartments and one four-level townhouse) located to capture views over Studley Park and situated over a substantial two-level basement.

“The project is recognisable for its use of board-marked precast panels, large, glazed window apertures, copper screening, and extensive landscaping.  

“As the building is cut into the Studley Park cliff face, accessing and sequencing the works was a significant challenge that required using a tower crane for a large portion of the works.

“The three buildings nestled into the landscape have been built to reduce the scale of the built form and to fit in with its natural surroundings.”

Meanwhile, the Regional Builder of the Year – Residential was awarded to Virtue Homes for its work on a statement home in Traralgon.

Ms Casson said the winning home had some well-thought-out, high-end features showcased throughout the house.

“Every main room has a statement feature piece incorporated into the design,” she said.

“Externally, a combination of high-quality products has been used to complement every aspect of the front façade.

“From hardwood timber feature battens around the entry area to the San Selmo Corso Livenza Italian 50mm feature bricks wrapping around the corner of the home, this home is sophisticated and of high quality.

“Internally, you can see the characteristics and craftsmanship with soaring 3.3-metre-high ceilings, a timber feature wall separating the entry hallway, and a gorgeous high-end kitchen and butler’s pantry.”

The Young Builder of the Year – Residential award was awarded to Anthony Larne from Anthony Larne Constructions. 

Mr Larne started in the industry as an apprentice carpenter working with small builders. This provided him with a breadth of experience across multiple residential projects. 

He later established Anthony Larne Constructions and currently employs three supervisors and two contract administrators.

Ms Casson said Mr Larne focuses on large heritage homes and undertakes extensive renovations.

“The most recent was to a 100-year-old home which underwent significant renovations and expansions, including a large underground car park located under a swimming pool and an operable grassed lid to the access ramp,” she said.

“Anthony is a very well accomplished and confident young professional builder who has created a team around himself with similar work ethics and building culture. 

“He prides himself on the level of detail and quality of finish for every project. 

“He is a firm supporter of MBV and would like to one day be part of the Housing Committee and potentially mentor other rising young builders.”

Click here to view all the 2022 Master Builders Victoria Excellence in Housing Award winners.