Lancaster Homes crowned Riverina Home of the Year winner

Wagga-based builder Lancaster Homes has taken out the prestigious Riverina Home of the Year award at the Housing Industry Association (HIA) 2024 Riverina Housing Awards.

The awards ceremony, held at the ‘Wild Vine’ in Oura on Friday, celebrated excellence in residential building across the region.

HIA Executive Director Greg Weller congratulated the winners and highlighted the quality of entries, stating, “Once again, the Riverina has shown the quality of builders, designers and trades in the region, with some really outstanding finalists and winners.”

The winning home by Lancaster Homes was described as “a remarkable departure from the typical suburban house.” The four-bedroom, two-bathroom residence boasts bespoke internal features including timber-lined ceilings, custom joinery with stone benchtops, and concrete bath and basins.

Notably, the home achieved a 7.1-star energy rating, featuring an east-west orientation and seamless indoor-outdoor living spaces along the northerly aspect. The design incorporates passive temperature control through strategic window placement and concrete floors that absorb winter sun.

Weller noted that winners from the Riverina awards will progress to the ACT and Southern NSW Housing Awards in November, to be held at the National Arboretum in Canberra.

This year’s event held special significance as it marked 20 years since the formation of the HIA Wagga Branch.

The HIA housing awards aim to recognise excellence across all aspects of residential building, from design to construction.

Lancaster Homes’ winning entry showcases the innovative and sustainable building practices emerging in regional Australia, setting a high standard for future residential developments in the Riverina area.