A local design/build firm has been recognized with an award by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of Connecticut, Inc.

Kling Brothers Builders was among the state’s top builders, remodelers and members of the housing industry in the state to be honored during the 30th Annual HOBI Awards ceremony, November 13 at Aqua Turf Club in Plantsville.

The Newtown-based contractor was this year’s recipient of the HOBI — or Home Building Industry — Award for Best Custom Home (3,000-4,000 Square Feet). Awards are presented in categories of Custom Homes, Spec Homes, Special Categories (Best Green/Energy Efficient, Best Special Purpose Building, Best Not So Big Home, and others), Production Housing In A Community/Subdivision, 55+ Housing (Age Restricted), Communities, Special Focus Awards (Best Entry or Entry Foyer, Best Mudroom or Laundry Room, Best Home Gym/Playroom, and others), Remodeling (Whole House or Addition), Commercial Entry, Sales and Marketing I, Sales and Marketing II, Websites, Showrooms, Interior Design/Home Staging, and Home Financing Awards. A total of 127 awards were presented during the recent event.

Kling Brothers earned its 2024 award for a new hilltop home in Roxbury. Owner and architect David Kubik, at BKSK Architects, designed the 3,600-square-foot custom home as a family retreat with many special details tailored to the specific needs and preferences of the homeowner, according to his description of the home.

Kling Brothers Builders worked closely with the owners to bring their vision to life, Kubik also noted. Of note was complicated site work, site drainage, a new septic system, new well, and a 650-foot-long new driveway.

Kling Brothers also built multiple retaining walls, a new pool, stepped foundation along a hillside, custom wood siding and trim details, carefully detailed bathrooms, and many custom interior millwork areas including the kitchen.

The position of the new house reinforces the historic lot divisions marked by stone walls and overlooks the existing two-acre apple orchard immediately downhill. The main house and detached garage are simple gabled volumes pulled apart to create an arrival threshold.

The layout features an open corner entry and open glazed corners facing south and east towards the view. A wraparound porch extends across the kitchen and dining room and turns in the form of a clearstory roof to enclose the living room which projects out of the main house with large windows creating a sense of an elevated, outdoor room.

A series of stone retaining walls allow for a pool easily accessed through the walkout cellar level.

Kling Brothers Builders Owner/CEO Keith Kling and David Kubik were joined by members of the Kling team for the recent awards ceremony in Plantsville. Among those joining the celebration were President Kyle Kling and Vice President Kory Kling, sons of the current owner/CEO; Senior Staff Architect Steve Odams, Staff Architect and Interior Designer Wendy Odams, Accounts Payable Manager Debbie Kling, and Account Billing Manager Luisa Olah.

Kling Brothers Builders is in its third generation of family ownership. The company was founded more than 60 years ago by brothers Douglas and Ozzie Kling, the current owner’s father and uncle, respectively.

The firm can assist clients with everything from design through construction to the full completion of a project. Its staff includes two architects, a project managing and construction team, and a division for custom and stock cabinets. It has a showroom within Colonial Park Plaza, 103 South Main Street in Newtown.