The Dulux factory in Merrifield has earned Vaughan Constructions the top honour as Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) at the Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards, held at Crown Palladium tonight.

Before a crowd of over 600 guests, Vaughan Constructions accepted the highest accolade for a commercial project—Dulux Merrifield Coatings, which is now the largest coatings factory in Australia and New Zealand. The project answered the call for a complex facility that remains durable in a harsh, chemical- based environment. The factory uses a compressed air system to pump materials required in the paint production process through stainless steel lines throughout the entire facility.

To see a complete portfolio of the winners, click here.

Due to the propensity for detection systems to be exposed to high levels of dust, a reflected beam smoke detection system was chosen for the Powders Hall, which utilises mirrors and optical beams for detection. A gas compression system is installed in the power substation and standard smoke and thermal detection systems are used throughout the remainder of the facility.

“This extraordinary workplace houses a company that distinguishes itself by the spectrum of vivid colour it makes possible for other buildings,” Master Builders Victoria CEO Radley de Silva says.

“This award sends the message that the judges look at broad criteria for who might win, and a building which is a technological success can take out the top honors. The winner doesn’t have to host sporting events, or make a bold public statement to be an industry-leading project. This one wins because it expresses remarkable craftsmanship in the way its components come together and meet program challenges,” Mr de Silva said.

Also honoured tonight was Marco Bonadio, named Young Builder of the Year. Marco has been working 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.  Marco is a natural leader who fosters a collaborative approach and prides himself on delivering on time and to very high-quality standards. 

“Marco represents the important achievements of younger people in our industry’s workforce, and the pool of talent from which future leaders in Victorian building and construction will continue to emerge,” Mr de Silva said.

We also recognize DAS Constructions Pty Ltd as Regional Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) for their work on Newhaven College in Rhyll. The Senior Learning Centre features classrooms, common and locker areas, a senior student lounge, lecture theatres, a lift and outdoor student areas at the front and the back of the new building. The specialist facility features science laboratories and classrooms including an arts room, storage facilities, staff rooms and special breakout areas.

“It’s a project that reveals it many merits on the inside, leaving the exterior to play a supporting role to the sky and landscape, which are so much a part of the experience of living in that part of Victoria” Mr de Silva said.

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. 

See following pages for the full list of winners. Photos and interviews available. Winners available post-event only.

Excellence in Construction Awards Winners 2018

#35

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings under $3M

Fairbrother Pty Ltd

Project: Port Fairy Waterfront Restaurant, Port Fairy

#36

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $3M - $5M

Fairbrother Pty Ltd

Project: One77 View Street, Bendigo

#90

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $5M - $10M

S.J.Weir (Ballarat) Pty Ltd

Project: Ballarat & Clarendon College Fitness Centre, Pool & Indoor Rowing Facility, Ballarat

#89

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $10M - $15M

FDC Construction & Fitout (VIC) Pty Ltd

Project: Jemena, Broadmeadows

#14

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $15M - $20M

Buxton Constructions (Vic) Pty Ltd

Project: Bargoonga Nganjin, North Fitzroy Library, North Fitzroy

#10

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $20M - $30M

Kane Constructions

Project: The Geoff Handbury Science and Technology Hub, Melbourne Grammar School, Melbourne

#16

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings $30M - $80M

ADCO Construction (VIC) Pty Ltd

Project: South Melbourne Primary School, Southbank

#53

Excellence in Construction of Commercial Buildings over $80M

John Holland

Project: Ravenhall Correctional Centre, Ravenhall

#32

Excellence in Construction of Industrial Buildings

Vaughan Constructions

Project: Dulux Merrifield Coatings, Mickleham

#86

Excellence in Fitout

Buildcorp Interiors

Project: Maddocks Office, Melbourne

#45

Best Sustainable Project

Atelier Projects

Project: Oakleigh South Childcare Centre, Oakleigh South

#51

Excellence in Civil Construction

Lloyd Group

Project: Melbourne Zoo Predators Precinct Stage 2, Parkville

#12

Excellence in Health & Safety

Kane Constructions

Project: The University of Melbourne (WEBS) Western Edge Bioscience Stage 1, Parkville

#82

Excellence in Highrise Apartment Buildings

L.U. Simon Builders Pty Ltd

Project: Brunswick Heart, Brunswick

#70

Excellence in Low-rise Apartment Buildings

VCON Pty Ltd

Project: Elwood House, Elwood

#73

Best Specialist Contractor

HBS Group Pty Ltd

Project: Alexandra Fountain, Bendigo

5SE

Regional Builder of the Year

DAS Constructions Pty Ltd

Project: Newhaven College, Rhyll

Young Builder of the Year

Marco Bonadio

Kane Constructions

#32

Master Builder of the Year              

Vaughan Constructions

Project: Dulux Merrifield Coatings, Mickleham