Riverina’s finest homes and builders shine at 2026 HIA Awards

THE Riverina’s finest builders, designers and tradespeople have been recognised for their craftsmanship and innovation, with Jamie Carroll Constructions claiming the region’s top housing honour for 2026.

The residential building industry gathered in Wagga Wagga on Saturday night, September 5, for the 2026 HIA Riverina Housing Awards, celebrating some of the region’s standout new homes, renovations, kitchens and bathrooms.

Jamie Carroll Constructions emerged as one of the night’s biggest winners, taking out the prestigious HIA Riverina Home of the Year for an 8-star energy-rated home described by judges as an outstanding combination of sustainable, high-performance living, refined design and quality workmanship.

2026 Riverina Home of the Year, Custom Built Home of the Year, and GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Home of the Year, Custom Built Home of the Year, and GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year | Image: HIA

Designed to deliver year-round comfort while minimising energy use, the home features a striking monochrome exterior, twin-gabled form and carefully considered selection of materials.

According to the Housing Industry Association, close collaboration between the builder and homeowners ensured each element of the project struck a balance between thermal performance, functionality and design.

The project also earned Jamie Carroll Constructions the GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year award.

2026 Riverina Home of the Year, Custom Built Home of the Year, and GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year | Image: HIA

“This is an extraordinary example of the remarkable quality and workmanship available in the Riverina and is a great testament to Jamie Carroll Constructions,” HIA Executive Director ACT and Southern NSW Geordan Murray said.

It was part of an impressive night for the company, which also won the Custom Built Home of the Year and Custom Built Home of the Year $750,000 to $1 million categories.

2026 Riverina Home of the Year, Custom Built Home of the Year, and GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year | Image: HIA

Several other Riverina businesses collected multiple awards.

TG Homes claimed Bathroom of the Year and Bathroom Design of the Year for a luxurious space featuring four-metre-high ceilings, warm-toned travertine tiles, soft arched doorways and a fluted stone bath.

The company also won Custom Built Home of the Year $1 million to $1.5 million.

2026 Riverina Bathroom of the Year and Bathroom Design of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Bathroom of the Year and Bathroom Design of the Year | Image: HIA

Harrison’s Joinery secured both Kitchen of the Year and Kitchen Design of the Year for a sophisticated family kitchen featuring deep chocolate cabinetry, scalloped overhead cupboards, bronze shadow lines, precision stone detailing, a generous island and adjoining butler’s pantry.

2026 Riverina Kitchen of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Kitchen of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Kitchen Design of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Kitchen Design of the Year | Image: HIA

Duncan Construct was awarded Renovation/Addition Project of the Year for the transformation of an older character home into a spacious contemporary family residence.

The project incorporated a substantial ground-floor extension, new first-floor living space, large alfresco area, additional garage and an updated roof form while retaining the character of the original dwelling.

2026 Riverina Renovation/Addition Project of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Renovation/Addition Project of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Renovation/Addition Project of the Year | Image: HIA

Riverina New Homes was another double winner, taking out Project Home of the Year and Spec Home of the Year, while Jacinta Bodel Homes collected three awards, including Townhouse Development of the Year, Townhouse of the Year and Custom Built Home of the Year $500,000 to $750,000.

G.J. Gardner Homes Wagga won Display Home of the Year, while Lancaster Homes was named Country Home of the Year.

2026 Riverina Display Home of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Display Home of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Display Home of the Year | Image: HIA

Mr Murray said the awards highlighted the depth of talent within the Riverina’s residential construction sector.

“The Awards celebrated the skills, innovation and professionalism found throughout the Riverina’s residential building industry,” he said.

“The quality of this year’s winning projects demonstrates the depth of talent we have across the Riverina.

2026 Riverina Country Home of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Country Home of the Year | Image: HIA

2026 Riverina Country Home of the Year | Image: HIA

“From highly energy-efficient homes and carefully integrated renovations to outstanding kitchens and bathrooms, these projects showcase the craftsmanship and attention to detail that HIA members bring to their work.”

Mr Murray congratulated the winners and finalists, saying recognition at the HIA Awards reflected not only the work of builders and designers, but the contribution of tradespeople, suppliers and clients involved in bringing the projects to life.

2026 HIA Riverina Housing Award winners

• Riverina Home of the Year: Jamie Carroll Constructions
• Bathroom of the Year: TG Homes
• Bathroom Design of the Year: TG Homes
• Custom Built Home of the Year: Jamie Carroll Constructions
• Custom Built Home $500,000–$750,000: Jacinta Bodel Homes
• Custom Built Home $750,000–$1 million: Jamie Carroll Constructions
• Custom Built Home $1 million–$1.5 million: TG Homes
• Display Home of the Year: G.J. Gardner Homes Wagga
• Kitchen of the Year: Harrison’s Joinery
• Kitchen Design of the Year: Harrison’s Joinery
• Project Home of the Year: Riverina New Homes
• Renovation/Addition Project of the Year: Duncan Construct
• Spec Home of the Year: Riverina New Homes
• Townhouse Development of the Year: Jacinta Bodel Homes
• Townhouse of the Year: Jacinta Bodel Homes
• Country Home of the Year: Lancaster Homes
• GreenSmart Sustainable Home of the Year: Jamie Carroll Constructions

To view the galleries in full, click here.