An Eastern Bay home has been awarded honours in the Master Builders 2026 Bay of Plenty and Central Plateau House of the Year awards.

The Wainui home overlooking Ōhiwa Harbour, built by Rotorua-based Urbo Homes, won the Resene New Home $2 million - $4 million category and a Gold Award.

More than 200 homes were entered into the Master Builders 2026 Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau House of the Year Awards held in Rotorua on Saturday night.

One hundred of these homes will proceed to a round of national judging. The National House of the Year awards will take place in November.

The judges described the Wainui home as a “luxurious new home shaped by its site and delivered with exceptional care”, noting how the inner harbour revealed itself gradually within the hillside setting, creating a memorable sense of arrival before opening out to expansive views.

The exterior combines vertical cladding, local stone and bespoke timber detailing, which they said gave the home a sense of permanence while keeping its presence refined and understated.

Planning was considered one of the home’s great strengths.

“A generous hallway guides movement through the home, acting as a spine that leads towards light, outlook and dramatic 270-degree views.

“Warm timber flooring, plywood ceilings with crisp negative detailing and precise joinery create interiors that feel elegant and welcoming.

“Even the circulation spaces have been carefully handled, becoming moments to pause and connect with the landscape.”

Urbo homes won a second Gold Award and the Bunnings New Home $1 million to $1.5 million category for an Ōkere Falls home.

The Supreme House of the Year award was won by Mount Maunganui-based architectural builders Calley Homes for a Pāpāmoa build.

The judges celebrated the home for transforming a challenging coastal site into an exceptional place to live. They gave praise to its light-filled spaces, sheltered courtyard and connection to the surrounding landscape.

The natural materials, careful planting and detailed cedar work were standout elements, showing the technical skill behind the project.

Calley Homes was also awarded the Mitre 10 Trade Craftsmanship Award, won the New Home over $4 million category, and the Renovation over $2 million category for a Mount Maunganui home.

Landmark Homes Eastern Bay of Plenty and Rotorua was recognised with a Silver Award.