Paterson Builders has won the top award at the 2026 HIA Hunter Housing and Kitchen & Bathroom Awards, securing the HIA Hunter Home of the Year title for its custom-built coastal residence, Avoca Beach House. Presented on 17 October 2026 before regional construction leaders from across the Central Coast, Hunter, and Mid Coast regions, the annual awards program evaluated residential projects across 34 categories, presenting 71 awards in total.

Located on a Central Coast ridgeline, the four-bedroom Avoca Beach House earned Paterson Builders multiple accolades, including Custom Built Home of the Year and the GreenSmart Sustainable Home award. Major project winners on the night included Hunter Homes for Display Home of the Year and Project Home of the Year, Custom Built Projects for Renovation/Addition Project of the Year, JL Monin Building & Projects for Spec Home of the Year, MARS Building for Apartment of the Year, and Greenbuild Construction for Townhouse of the Year.

Professional builder awards were presented to Eden Brae Homes for Professional Major Builder, Sea to Saw Building Co for Professional Small Builder, and Manning Homes as Emerging Builder. Individual training honours went to Louis Carmichael for Apprentice of the Year and Patioworld Central Coast & Sydney North for Apprentice Host Trainer. Kingston Building secured three categories: Affordable Housing, Specialised Housing, and Work Health & Safety. Integrated Blinds won the inaugural Building Supplier/Service Provider award, while Green Ink Design Studio won Residential Design and Kull Building won Outdoor Project of the Year.

In kitchen and bathroom design, Cutting Edge Joinery won Kitchen of the Year and Cabinetmaker/Kitchen Manufacturer, Sam Horn Building won Bathroom of the Year, Designed by Arna secured Kitchen Design, and Tailored HQ won Bathroom Design. Major category winners will now represent the Hunter region at the national HIA Australian Housing Awards in 2027.

Executive Director of HIA Hunter, Craig Jennion stated that the awards showcase high standards of workmanship across the regional residential building sector.

“HIA members are dedicated to achieving the highest standards of workmanship and professionalism in every project they undertake,” Craig said.

“The HIA Awards provide an outstanding opportunity for members to showcase their projects and highlight the innovation, craftsmanship and design excellence that exists throughout our region. HIA is delighted with the exceptional quality of entries and the level of competition this year. All winners and finalists should be immensely proud of their achievements and their contribution to raising industry standards across the region.”

IMAGE | Paterson Builders wins Home of the Year at 2026 HIA Hunter Housing Awards