Last November, hundreds of builders, architects, interior designers and other housing-industry professionals gathered for the 30th Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut’s Home Building Industry Awards (the HOBIs). HOBIs producer and master of ceremonies Joanne Carroll presented awards in a wide variety of categories, including custom homes, spec homes, remodeled homes and much more. Here, we highlight a half dozen of the best of the best.
SKYVIEW BUILDERS
Awards: SPEC HOME OF THE YEAR, BEST SPEC HOME OVER $10 MILLION
This custom-built luxury estate showcases modern architectural design, premium finishes and breathtaking panoramic views. Every detail in this home speaks of elegance—from the grand entryway to the bespoke interiors. Built by Skyview Builders owner Paul Gudas with ICF construction, it boasts Klar triple-glazed windows and sliding walls. Outstanding features include a dramatic floating staircase, innovative LED lighting and room dividers, a black quartz bar with marble finish, concrete epoxy floor, a yoga room with trapezoid window, and a glass walk-in-closet with backlit island. The pool terrace has a sunken firepit and swim-up bar. Architecture is by Paula Piotrowska.
YANKEE CUSTOM BUILDERS & VANDERHORN ARCHITECTS
Awards: CUSTOM HOME PROJECT OF THE YEAR, BEST CUSTOM HOME 10,000–15,000 SF
Situated along Long Island Sound, this home showcases striking architectural details. A hydrostatic foundation and sea walls were implemented to ensure structural integrity and protect against potential flooding. The Shingle-style residence has a cut and pillowed stone veneer with buttress details, expansive glass sightlines, three-dimensional gable details, and deep overhanging rooflines with custom timber brackets all tied together by gradually flared rooflines. The family room has a vaulted wood truss ceiling and water views. Other notable features include the barrel-vaulted mudroom with curved beams, built-in children’s beds that mimic a boat and a primary bath with full slab book-matched marble. Interior design is by Christina Lake Interiors.
EAST COAST STRUCTURES & CHRISTOPHER PAGLIARO ARCHITECTS
Awards: CUSTOM HOME OF THE YEAR, BEST CUSTOM HOME 5,000–6,000 SF
Located on Five Mile River with a downriver view of Long Island Sound, builder John Sullivan of East Coast Structures took on the steeply sloped site, and architect Chris Pagliaro twisted the house toward the view with privacy in the rear and the front encased in glass. Generally one-room deep in planning, the main living spaces run front-to-back—resulting in a fully transparent home. The focal point of the entry is a striking entry stair in oak and charcoal, plus a wall of Klar windows. Masterfully composed interiors ground the simplicity of the interior architecture. The use of color and texture—with bold, yet subtle art—helps to provide scale and coziness. Interior design is by Lauren Vallario Designs.
GARRETT WILSON BUILDERS
Award: BEST POOL HOUSE
Wrapped in textured natural stone and warm cedar, this pool house was built by Garrett Wilson Builders. The structure—designed by Christian Rae Studio to complement the existing mid-century home—blends seamlessly into the surrounding woodland landscape. Inside, glass walls surround a central lounge area topped with a cedar cathedral ceiling. The centrally located fireplace opens to dining and game areas, while sliding glass walls connect the space to the outdoor pool and spa. A custom kitchenette is finished with a steel backsplash and limestone floor. The creative lighting is by Rachel Calemmo. Landscape design is by Hoffman Landscapes.
WHEELHOUSE PROPERTIES
Awards: BEST REMODEL $5 MILLION–$7 MILLION, BEST BUTLER’S PANTRY, OUTSTANDING PRIMARY BATH
This home underwent a comprehensive gut renovation and remodel, while maintaining its original footprint to preserve its prime waterfront location. The design features elegant oak-detailed ceilings, full slab-oak doors, and Marvin Elevate windows and doors. Every room boasts stunning water views, enhanced by a sophisticated smart home system and hidden speakers integrated seamlessly into the design. Other highlights include a custom kitchen in quartzite slab and white oak, a butler’s pantry, a floating stair, and a bath with quartzite slab floor and red cedar Japanese soaking tub, plus bespoke vanities. The renovation also included blasting the basement crawlspace to achieve 8-foot ceilings, adding a wine cellar and a gym to the lower level. Architecture is by James Schettino Architects, and interior design is by Amy Aidinis Hirsch Interior Design.
PRUTTING + COMPANY CUSTOM BUILDERS
Award: BEST MODERN CUSTOM HOME OVER 5,000 SF
The design of this house was driven by the four views it frames: a mountain view to the west, a meadow view to the south, a farm view to the north, and a forest view to the east. The U-shaped house forms three walls of a courtyard with a forest treeline forming the fourth. The exterior is clad in cedar processed in the Shou Sugi Ban method. Inside, the primary suite occupies the south volume of the house, with a long wing of social, entertaining and dining spaces between it and the guest suite to the north. Full-height glazing connects the living room to the covered terrace and pool. The kitchen contrasts black-stained oak cabinetry with white Covelano marble countertops and backsplash. The dining room features natural stone tile floor and a custom ribbon light fixture. Interior design is by Rees Roberts + Partners; architecture is by Martin Finio, In Studio.