Winner: 2025 HIA Northern NSW Home of the Year & Custom Home of the Year

At Rice Construction Group, we are immensely proud to announce that this meticulously executed project has been recognized as the 2025 HIA Northern NSW Home of the Year & Custom Home of the Year. This prestigious award affirms our commitment to excellence in construction and our success in translating a complex architectural vision into a truly high-performing residence.

Crafting a High-Performance Retirement Home

We had the privilege of bringing this architecturally refined home to life for a couple focused on their retirement lifestyle. Our mandate was clear: deliver an exceptional living experience that prioritizes ease of living, cutting-edge energy performance, and a seamless connection to the native garden setting.

Precision and Materiality

The construction showcases our commitment to high-quality materials and precision finishing. We expertly integrated warm, tactile materials with the contemporary design. The exterior features premium Spotted Gum cladding and decking (sourced from Mortlock), installed to provide a rich texture and enduring depth. Inside, our team laid polished concrete floors equipped with hydronic heating for efficient, whole-house comfort. The installation of full-height, performance-rated glazing ensures light-filled living spaces that effortlessly frame the landscape. A distinctive feature we executed was the purpose-designed music room, a testament to our ability to accommodate unique client requirements.

Complex Build, Refined Finish

The structural integrity of this award-winning home required a complex steel structure and roof assembly. Navigating this complexity while maintaining architectural tolerances was a significant project achievement. Despite the technical challenges, the final result is a highly refined home where the generous timber deck flawlessly extends the main living area, blurring the line between indoor and outdoor living.

Commitment to Sustainable Performance

A core focus for our build team was delivering on the ambitious thermal and energy performance goals. We ensured substantial insulation was integrated into the walls, floors, and ceilings to maximize thermal efficiency. This robust envelope is complemented by a sophisticated energy system, including a 7kW solar array and advanced rainwater harvesting systems to service greywater and irrigation.

The final home is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and a successful collaboration, resulting in a high-performing, refined residence that perfectly aligns the architectural vision with the clients’ long-term lifestyle and sustainability goals.