This year we are celebrating 30 Years of House of the Year! Over the next few months we are going to be shining a light on some of the people who have played a massive part in the competition. Keep an eye out on our channels as our members share some of their best memories as a builder.
CLIVE BARRINGTON CONSTRUCTION - 2003
"I’ve only ever had one boss. His name was James Bond… He was a good man. A very skilled and hardworking boss who gave me a chance.
I became a builder because my father was in the industry. I would go to work with him every Saturday and all school holidays, watching the carpenters working away with all their tools. I really wanted to do that, to build something, so I started hammering in nails from the time I was about 10.
I became an apprentice carpenter at 16 years old and went into business for myself at 20. 39 years later we have 61 staff, including eight or nine apprentices. Seeing youngsters prosper is something that really spins my wheels. As they get stronger, we do, too.
Winning my first House of the Year National Supreme Award in 2003 was special. We entered a modernist house that was ahead of its time. Beautifully detailed using concrete panels and cedar. We really pushed the materials to the limit. It was a challenging build, but the crisp and demanding details made it absolutely worth it.
All builders know the satisfaction of building something that lasts. A Supreme Award is a great recognition of that commitment to quality. It might not make you rich, but the public believe in awards and it’s a special thrill to win." - Clive Barrington, Clive Barrington Construction
