104 | BUILDING Lakes Building Company T T Kim Bowden Attention to detail brings rewards “It’s about working with your guys pretty closely, to make sure we don’t miss anything. It’s also about getting the guys to study a lot about new products, and being honest and open.” When Lakes Building Company took out a Gold and Regional Special Award at the 2025 Master Builders House of the Year Awards, it was a proud moment for the Queenstown-based business. Their winning Gibbston vineyard home stood out as a contemporary residence that manages to still blend seamlessly with its rugged surroundings. Designed by Anna-Marie Chin Architects, the 230sqm dwelling sits among the vines, finished in weathered steel and cedar that pick up the colours of the landscape. When asked what caught the judges’ attention, Lakes Building Company owner Stuart Clark highlights the home’s meticulous detailing and high-spec features, all executed to the highest standard by his team. Inside, rich timber floors, dark-toned panels and minimalist lines create both warmth and contrast, with sliding walls and disappearing doors ensuring good flow between indoors and out. Practical touches help ground the house – there’s a recessed firewood store in the garage wall, a front entrance with plenty of space for boots and coats, and a bespoke bunkroom for the kids or guests. There are other comfort-driven features too, including cross-ventilation systems and acoustic glazing designed to buffer the hum of vineyard frost fans – both of which required practical know-how from the building team. Achieving that level of detail, superior finish, and functionality, Stuart says, comes down to teamwork, a hands-on approach, and practical know-how. “It’s about working with your guys pretty closely, to make sure we don’t miss anything. It’s also about getting the guys to study a lot about new products, and being honest and open.” For Stuart, the Gibbston project exemplifies what sets Lakes Building Company apart in a competitive Southern Lakes market: “It’s our attention to detail; that’s probably our biggest attribute.” In addition to its regional awards, the project earned national recognition as one of the top 100 entries in the Master Builders House of the Year, and the accolade also pays tribute to a well-respected colleague. “We actually lost a really good staff member that did a lot of the detailing in this house, so it’s a bit of a legacy project,” Stuart says. Stuart has more than 30 years in the trade, including 23 years building across the Southern Lakes. He founded Lakes Building Company in 2009, and has since delivered a wide range of projects – from bespoke homes like the Gibbston residence to renovations and commercial builds. Today, the firm operates with a tight-knit team of eight skilled carpenters and apprentices, backed by office support staff. “We’re trying to keep it still as a family-run business,” Stuart says. • Plumbing • Gasfitting • Drainlaying • Central Heating E: plumbing@queenstown.co.nz P: 03 428 2299 www.plumbingqueenstown.co.nz
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