General News
22 October, 2025
Stunning home of year
CAIRNS-based builder Ash Moseley Homes has been awarded the prestigious 2025 HIA Cairns home of the year for a breathtaking custom-designed cantilever residence, Pine Ridge Retreat, which captures panoramic views of Lake Barrine and surrounding countryside.
The 2025 HIA Cairns housing and kitchen and bathroom awards were presented at a packed gala event at The Pullman Cairns, celebrating excellence in residential construction and design across Far North Queensland.
HIA North Queensland executive director Peter Fry said the winning property was “a stunning example of scale, sophistication, attention to detail and exceptional workmanship”.
“Built predominantly on one level, the home cantilevers over the ridge with an open-plan design that seamlessly connects all areas, fostering a sense of spaciousness and connection,” he said.
Mr Fry described Pine Ridge Retreat as “a masterpiece that perfectly balances architectural ambition with the art of luxurious living”.
Rhianna McDonald from MiHaven was named 2025 HIA North Queensland apprentice of the year for her passion, maturity, eagerness to learn and strong work ethic.
“Rhianna exemplifies the qualities of a future leader in the construction industry,” Mr Fry said.
CCW Cabinet Works were awarded both Cairns kitchen of the year and Cairns bathroom of the year for their work on Pine Ridge Retreat alongside Ash Moseley Homes. MyStyle Homes won the Greensmart sustainable home for their MyKinkera Style project. Achieving a 9.3-star energy rating, the home incorporates passive solar design, triple roof insulation and natural ventilation, while meeting specialist disability accommodation standards.
Mr Fry said the awards were designed to recognise building and design excellence.
Ash Moseley Homes also won best residential bathroom award and best individual home from $2 million up to $2.5m for Pine Ridge Retreat (Far North Queensland) at the Queensland Masters Builders awards on the Gold Coast last Saturday.
Other MBA winners were:
• Display home up to $400,000 – Affinity Designer Homes for Mia Mia
• Prefabricated and modular housing award – Oly Homes for Thursday Island modular housing
• Home renovation project up to $300,000 – Freedom Constructions Qld for Bayview under-home transformation
• Commercial/industrial building from $15m up to $30m – Bryant Building Contractors for McLeod St Ergon Energy redevelopment.
