Tonight, before an audience of over 650 in the building and construction community, Kane Constructions Pty Ltd received top honours as Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) at the Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards at Crown Palladium. Also recognised tonight was David Purcell, a Kane Constructions project manager who was named Young Builder of the Year (Commercial).

After a high-energy performance by Australian singer Kate Ceberano, Master of Ceremonies Tania Zaetta introduced the presentation of the highest accolade of the event for Kane’s work on the Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, a distinctively domed edifice offering a compelling new space while simultaneously reinvigorating heritage architecture.

A matrix of glass fibre-reinforced concrete cladding distinguishes the new GLHC, displaying approximately 550 panels including

“In addition to its striking form, the building’s respect for the original architecture of the old library makes the strongest impression,” Master Builders CEO Radley de Silva said. “Succeeding with a major renovation of a heritage building is an enormous challenge, and Kane has scored a big win for the community of Geelong.”

“On Master Builders’ 141st anniversary, we are very fortunate to have high-calibre projects such as this one to demonstrate the significance of Victoria’s building and construction industry and contribute to its distinguished heritage.” Mr de Silva said.

David Purcell, 37, received the young builder honour for his broad-scope management and oversight of complex projects in Melbourne, Queensland and China, including the aforementioned Geelong Library and Heritage Centre, where the technical demands included the arrangement and management of geometrically shaped and curved GRC roof panels. Purcell has also worked on other outstanding projects like the Australian Embassy in Beijing and a number of jobs at Melbourne Airport.

“David demonstrates an admirable ability with the management of multifaceted, complex building projects and has clearly earned the trust and respect of his colleagues,” Mr de Silva said.

“I am impressed with his enthusiasm for his work and his grasp of technical and challenging aspects of the projects entrusted to him.

“David 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 emerge,” Mr de Silva said.

BFN Developments was named Regional Master Builder of the Year (Commercial) for its work on the Newmason project, a multifaceted development including a multi-storey hotel, apartments and medical offices, in Warragul.

Kane Constructions will now go on to compete at the Master Builders Association National Excellence in Building and Construction Awards at the Great Hall Parliament House, Canberra, on Saturday, 24 November 2016.

A complete list of the winners is available here.