Branthaven Homes 2000 Inc. and Losani Homes Ltd. won the top prize for a shared development in Binbrook at last night's Awards of Distinction event for members of the Hamilton-Halton Home Builders' Association (HHHBA).

"The Fairgrounds" development, a joint project between Branthaven Homes and Losani Homes, was recognized as Community of the Year, and its "Gardenview" model by Losani Homes Ltd. won Best Interior Merchandising Model Home (in a home over 2,500 square feet). "The Derby" model by Branthaven Homes 2000 Inc. won Best Townhome (in a home under 1,499 square feet). "The Fairgrounds" also won Project of the Year and a number of sales and marketing awards.

"Once again HHHBA members have demonstrated how their communities rank as some of the best in Ontario," says one award judge, Myles Lawlor, owner of Lawlor & Company Marketing & Communications Ltd.

The Awards of Distinction - formerly known as the Sales and Marketing (SAM) Awards - have been held annually by the HHHBA for more than 20 years.

The competition recognizes the highest levels of achievement in the home building industry covering product design and marketing, says HHHBA executive officer Doug Duke. "Builders are awarded for their overall excellence, and consumers can see some award-level work happening in the Hamilton and Halton area."

Award judge Lou Frustaglio, president of DreamBuilders Ltd. of Toronto, noted that the quality of this year's award entries reflected how local builders are "performing and exceeding consumer expectations. HHHBA members are continually raising the bar in top quality and design."

Starward Homes Ltd. walked away with five awards at last night's competition: Most Outstanding Exterior (on a home under 2,499 square feet), Best Interior Merchandising Model Home (in a home under 2,499 square feet), Best Townhome (over 2,000 square feet), Best Townhome (1,500 - 1,999 square feet), and Best Web Site.

Multi-Area Developments Inc. won four awards: Green Builder of the Year, Most Outstanding Kitchen (in a home over 2,500 square feet), Most Outstanding Bathroom (in a home under 2,499 square feet), and the Susan Smalley Memorial Award for Best Signage.

Marz Homes Holdings Inc. won two promotion awards, along with Best DÈcor/Design Centre (under 1,199 square feet), and Sales Team of the Year for its "Waterview Village" development in Stoney Creek.

Most award judges are from Toronto and spent two days in Hamilton and Halton visiting building sites to view entries.

The HHHBA was formed in 1942 to provide a voice for the local new home construction industry and to be an advocate for new home buyers. Its members subscribe to a Code of Ethics for high quality construction products and fairness in customer relations.