Every November, the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut recognizes outstanding builders with its Home Building Industry Awards (the HOBIs). On awards night, hundreds of builders, architects, interior designers and other housing- industry professionals gather to find out the winners. Last fall, HOBIs producer and master of ceremonies Joanne Carroll presented awards to an exceptional group in a wide variety of categories, including custom homes, spec homes, remodeled homes and much more. Here, we highlight just a half dozen of the best of the best.
BLUEWATER HOME
CUSTOM HOME OF THE YEAR, BEST CUSTOM KITCHEN, BEST HOME OFFICE
This 7,645-square-foot custom Shingle-Style home on a picturesque three-acre property was carefully positioned to capture maximum sunlight and frame sweeping views, with a dramatic curved driveway leading to a parking court and a grand entry tower. The interior boasts five ensuite bedrooms, including a primary suite on the first floor. In addition to four wood-burning fireplaces with Liberty Hill stone veneer chimneys, the home features bespoke cabinetry and wide-plank white oak floors throughout. A suite of luxury amenities includes a black and white marble entry foyer, an elevator, a spectacular chef’s kitchen and secondary kitchen, a fully equipped home office, private gym, state-of-the-art home movie theater, and an immersive golf simulator. The home is finished with tapersawn pressure-treated cedar roofing and white cedar siding, lending texture to the timeless character of this Shingle-Style home. Interior design is by McCann Custom Interiors, and architecture is by Tanner White Architects.
HOBBS, INC.
CUSTOM HOME PROJECT OF THE YEAR, BEST EXTERIOR HOME FEATURE: ROOFTOP BAR
This custom waterfront home with a dock and Long Island Sound access has a refined palette of natural materials, including Chinese granite and a slate roof. The main staircase—a central architectural feature—connects all three levels and features meticulously crafted stair treads and risers in rift and quartered white oak, a sleek glass balustrade, and VeroMetal bronze accents. Amenities include custom architectural millwork, his-and-hers offices with water views, a wine room and a full gym with recreation spaces that offer direct access to a backyard, pool and outdoor areas. The award-winning rooftop bar with glass railings and a wooden deck is accessed from the third floor via a motorized hatch, which provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces. Architecture is by Cardello Architects.
BRAYDAN CONSTRUCTION
REMODELED HOME OF THE YEAR
Rocklyn—one of Greenwich’s original coastal homes built in the 1890s as a summer retreat by the Binney family—has been reimagined for modern living while preserving its historic character. After a 1927 fire, the house was rebuilt as a stone fortress with two-foot-thick walls, which helped it survive the hurricane of 1938. This comprehensive renovation and north wing rebuild introduced a custom kitchen and family room on the first floor and a master suite above, while the original home was carefully restored and upgraded. Spaces were reconfigured to create a grand entry, new entertaining areas, expanded second-floor living and enhanced curb appeal. To create 10-foot ceilings on the main level, the second floor and roof had to be lifted. Luxury amenities—such as geothermal and solar energy, a full smart-home system, and multiple wine closets—blend seamlessly with the home’s historic craftsmanship. Architecture and interior design are by Aventine.
ABLE CONSTRUCTION
SPEC HOME OF THE YEAR
The Spec Home of the Year, designed by Christian Rae Studio, presents the pinnacle of contemporary luxury living. This exquisite residence showcases custom detailing throughout its expansive layout. Key features include a dramatic oak and metal floating staircase and a Venetian plaster fireplace wall. The kitchen and dining space boasts a custom fluted island and cabinetry with quartz countertops, while a freestanding soaking tub takes center stage in the bathroom. Unique elements like a ladder to a lofted flex space, custom built-ins in the mudroom, and floor-to-ceiling fixed windows with a waterfall view enhance its bespoke appeal. Architecture is by Christian Rae Studio.
NR CONTRACTING & DEMAIO DESIGN GROUP
BEST RESIDENTIAL REMODEL $1 MILLLION–$2 MILLION, BEST DESIGNED REMODEL
This was a full home remodel with an addition added to the footprint. Located in an AE flood zone, the basement had frequently flooded. Due to substantial improvements being made to the house, everything was brought into compliance with FEMA, and the basement was abandoned and filled in to be crawl space. The existing first floor footprint was mostly left in place. A small addition was added for a new main entry and focal stair, while the rest of the new space was created by going up with a second and partial third floor. Inside, an open stair tower features white oak on the ceiling, and spaces are defined with mitered white oak beams. The coastal Shingle-Style aesthetic boasts contemporary accents such as standing seam metal roofs, large windows and galvanized gutters. Custom exterior railings were made for this project that are composed of composite framing elements and a heavy-gauge metal mesh sandwiched in between.
LOPARCO ASSOCIATES
BEST CUSTOM HOME 5,000–6,000 SF, BEST OUTDOOR FEATURE: INFINITY EDGE POOL
LoParco Associates built this home in Dryvit and pillowed granite with glass garage doors. Inside the home, outstanding features include a floating staircase with metal stringers, stainless mesh risers and oak treads, a 15-foot kitchen island, a stunning primary bath and walk-in closet with Fry Reglet molding applied flush to the drywall. Smart-home features include a full Ketra Lighting smart system. The lower level features a backlit Cristallo quartzite bar, and the mechanical room is lined with diamond plate walls. Radiant heat is used throughout. A Special Focus HOBI was awarded for the home’s rooftop infinity edge pool with three descents, a waterfall, sunshelf and fire feature. The rooftop deck has a granite- wrapped fireplace. Architecture is by Christian Rae Studio.
