2025 Badger Craftsman Award Winners
Best Bathroom: realistic builders - racine, wi
Our client did not want to clean grout lines and wished to see a beautiful backdrop for this glass shower. Full quartz jambs wrap the outside of these 4-foot x 8-foot sheets of porcelain built into these shower walls and are grain-matched to enhance the design. The steam shower is complete with a multi-body spray system and a handheld for ease of use. The floor tiles are marble to complement the porcelain sheets. The air jet-infused soaking tub was angled for relaxation after a long workday. Under the towel warmer is a bench for sitting that doubles as a hamper. Each cabinet has pull-out trays to ensure nothing is ever lost. The toilet room has a niche for the toilet paper holder and extra storage below for paper rolls. Our client finds this primary bathroom a place for relaxation and rejuvenation.
Best Finished Basement/Bonus Room: realistic builders - racine, wi
The ultimate speakeasy in a custom Somers, Wisconsin home is hidden behind a bookshelf entryway. You are ushered into a room full of a collection of bourbon, comfortable leather chairs, a humidor full of cigars, and a heating and air conditioning system that exchanges the air every three minutes, drawing in fresh air from the outside. No detail was left behind as we worked in tandem to design this room with a detail-oriented set of homeowners. The bricks on the back wall are a homage to the owner's grandparents' house, which was torn down to make way for this new home. Behind the bricks, custom steel brackets hold the floating shelves in place, mixed between a wall of vertical ductwork vents under the shelving to ensure the air is sweeping from all angles of the room. The ceiling was designed to perfectly fit these copper tiles from American Tin Ceilings to pop against Sherwin Williams Black Magic Paint.
Best Home Feature: michael f. simon builders - waunakee, wi
Transforming an unused space into a luxurious home theater, this project delivers an unparalleled cinematic experience. Step inside and feel the magic of an immersive 9.3.6 surround sound system, where every speaker is invisibly integrated to keep the focus on the action. Wrapped in exceptional comfort, the theater features premium leather seating with heating and cooling options, ensuring the perfect temperature for every viewer.
Engineered for superior acoustics, the room is meticulously sealed and insulated, keeping the intense, heart-pounding sound contained while maintaining peace throughout the rest of the home. A dedicated HVAC system and state-of-the-art soundproofing elevate the experience, creating a sanctuary for movie lovers. Controlled effortlessly through a Control 4 touchscreen, this space offers seamless operation at your fingertips.
This theater isn’t just about watching movies—it’s about escaping into a world of entertainment in ultimate comfort. Designed with precision and passion, it showcases the perfect blend of functionality and luxury, proving that even the most overlooked spaces can become the crown jewel of a home.
Best Kitchen: andersen built construction - eagle river, wi
One photo taken of a blue antique furniture piece was the inspiration for this kitchen transformation. Custom cabinetry, designed with a distressed finish capture the charm and color of the image, while offering modern functionality. Rich hickory flooring was installed, grounding the space with a sense of natural warmth. Sub-Zero appliances bring high end performance to the heart of the home. The kitchen island, expansive and welcoming ensure plenty of space for entertaining. Countertops of Cambria quartz, add an element of refined elegance and durability. Behind the main kitchen area, a butler's pantry perfect for additional storage. Tucked seamlessly into the kitchen, a prep zone including under counter washer and dryer add a layer of practicality to this remodel.
Best Landscaping/Outdoor Living: Davis Landscape and Construction; Franksville, wi
Lakefront Serenity is a beautifully designed outdoor space that perfectly complements its lakeside setting. This project features a spacious paver patio with a bold black border and a stunning fireplace, creating the perfect gathering space. Massive retaining walls provide both structure and style, blending seamlessly into the landscape. The natural stone steps curve into a flowing paver walkway, tying the entire design together. Every element was carefully chosen to enhance the property’s beauty and function, resulting in a breathtaking outdoor retreat on the water.
Best Smart Home: In the lite Automations; Merrill, wi
This gorgeous home, located on Lake Nokomis, has stunning lighting to showcase the owners numerous wild game trophies.
As this is the homeowners second home, security was paramount. They wanted to keep an eye on their home, whether they are there or not. A security system, a smart electrical panel, smart smoke detectors, and a whole-home lighting system were all integrated. This gives them the ability to have eyes on their property, monitor the homes energy consumption, and even use “smart away” to have the lights randomly turn on. This mimics someone being home, even when they are away for weeks.
One important feature of this home is that the owner hand-made almost all lighting fixtures including the chandeliers and the canoe on the ceiling. We were able to take these hand-made fixtures and add them to the smart lighting system.
In total, there are over 40 smart devices integrated throughout the home. These devices can be controlled by tabletop or wall keypads, voice-operated, set on a schedule, or controlled via a smart device.
Best Remodel - Room Addition: Michael F. Simon Builders Inc.; Waunakee
This stunning home addition seamlessly blends timeless design with modern functionality, creating a warm and inviting space for family living and entertaining. The heart of the project is a sunlit family room that offers breathtaking views of the private, tree-lined backyard, providing a serene retreat from the everyday. A thoughtfully designed kitchen upgrade enhances the home’s flow, with a new island and pantry space that make gathering and meal prep a breeze.
The addition also features a charming, screened porch, perfect for relaxing in any season. With its vaulted wood ceiling, integrated hammock space, and cozy ambiance, it extends the comfort of the indoors to the outdoors. The adjoining deck and hot tub area offer an inviting space for outdoor enjoyment.
This project beautifully connects old and new, honoring the home’s original character while providing functional upgrades. It’s not just a home addition, it’s a lifestyle upgrade, delivering comfort, style, and endless possibilities for making memories. A true blend of craftsmanship and livability!
Best Remodel - Whole House: dw3 construction, inc. - crivitz, wi
Originally built in the early 1900s, this farmhouse remodel was originally built by the clients' family and they wanted to keep the original structure. We added on a two-stall garage with office space above. The office space includes his and her offices with great views from each side , extended great room for added square footage, added a full master suite to main level featuring a custom-built walnut his and hers vanity, walk-in shower with glass walls and door, large soaking tub, front and back porch to enjoy the summer days in the woods. We were able to make our clients' dreams come true by rebuilding their family farmhouse by transforming it into a modern farmhouse, and their forever home.
workforce housing award: under $350K: eliquin homes - mosinee, wi
Placed on a one-acre wooded lot, this two-bedroom, one-bathroom cabin provides a peaceful all-seasons retreat for its owners, who's primary residence is in large city. The design work for this cabin was a close collaboration between the owners and the builder, taking some cues from modern Scandinavian design style.
The cabin is built on concrete frost walls with a sealed concrete slab serving as the interior ground floor. Leaving this concrete slab exposed as the finished floor surface provides a long-lasting surface with a great deal of character. The exterior is clad with a standing seam steel roof, corrugated steel panel siding and a natural cedar plank rain screen on the north and south ends.
There are several energy-efficient features including hydronic in-floor heat, blown-in cellulose insulation, and triple-pane composite windows. The cozy interior boasts a custom-built spiral staircase leading to a spacious loft area. The primary ceiling is finished with locally sourced tongue and groove basswood planks with a touch of whitewash stain. The living room features a 20-foot-tall cathedral ceiling, a modern gas fireplace and an impressive floor-to-ceiling log wall accent. A screened-in porch and corner lean-to provide options for enjoying the outdoors with varying levels of protection from the elements.
With its refined rustic character and all the modern features we've come to expect in a new home, this cozy cabin is truly a place to love all year round.
workforce housing award $350K-$500K: JP Brooks - maple grove, mn
This beautifully designed B elevation slab-on-grade home features a welcoming full front porch and an expanded three-car garage with a dedicated workshop area. The upgraded kitchen boasts elegant crown molding, quartz countertops, a stylish tiled backsplash, and stainless-steel appliances.
Enjoy the vaulted four-season porch complete with a ceiling fan, and a spacious living room featuring a vaulted ceiling, cozy fireplace, and durable luxury vinyl plank flooring. The vaulted primary suite offers a luxurious en suite bath with an expanded, fully tiled shower, built-in bench, and custom glass door. Thoughtfully finished with on-site painted trim throughout.
Located in the desirable Fox Run community of New Richmond, WI, this home offers both style and functionality in a serene setting.
Best New Home $500K - $750K: P.e.a. builders - muskego, wi
Designed for efficient living with timeless style, this clean-lined, modern home combines open-concept living with smart building science for comfort that lasts.
The layout features a flowing floor plan centered around a courtyard-style screened porch, creating a seamless connection between indoor and outdoor spaces. Passive solar design and radiant floor heating work together to maintain steady, comfortable temperatures year-round, while minimizing energy use.
Beneath the beauty, high-performance materials make all the difference. We built this home on an insulated slab-on-grade foundation and used our Hybrid Tier I exterior wall system to ensure long-term durability and efficiency. Every layer was carefully considered to enhance comfort without sacrificing simplicity.
This home is a perfect blend of modern design and energy-smart construction—an ideal example of how thoughtful planning and quality materials can create a space that’s easy to live in, maintain, and love for years to come.
Best New Home $750k - $1.2M: lakefront Building & design - eagle river, wi
Designed for luxury lakeside living, this 4,000 square foot custom home seamlessly blends functionality with stunning craftsmanship. The thoughtfully planned layout includes 3 bedrooms, an office, an exercise room, and a lake storage space. An open-concept great room, kitchen, and dining area serve as the heart of the home, highlighted by timber accents and a masonry fireplace.
Maximizing outdoor living was a key design element, offering multiple spaces to enjoy the serene lake views. A large, covered deck, uncovered wrap-around deck, dry patio below, and lakeside seating provide endless opportunities for relaxation. The welcoming front porch adds to the home’s charm, while an attached and detached garage ensures flexibility and convenience.
The primary suite is a true retreat, featuring a custom tile shower, a soaking slipper tub, and high-end finishes. The home’s 2.5 bathrooms are designed for comfort and style. The kitchen is both beautiful and functional, complete with a working pantry for additional storage and prep space.
With exceptional craftsmanship and thoughtful design, this home captures the essence of Northwoods lakefront living—where elegance meets comfort in a breathtaking natural setting.
Best New Home over $2.25M: victory homes of wisconsin - germantown, wi
This stunning, one-of-a-kind home was thoughtfully designed to incorporate all the homeowners’ wish list items, expertly combining superior craftsmanship with personalized functionality. This 7,674 square foot Contemporary home has a timeless beauty that exudes elegance and sophistication. The interior design beautifully merges clean, sleek lines with warmth, textures, and natural elements, creating a sophisticated and inviting living space. The open concept floor plan is suitable for family living or entertaining guests, with plenty of spaces to quietly unwind and comfortably gather.
The home features two spacious outdoor entertaining areas that are perfect for spending quality time with loved ones, as well as a secluded home office, formal dining room, walk-though butler’s pantry, elevator and a multi-level six car garage. The opulent primary bedroom suite, located on the first floor, evokes a sense of serenity with oversized windows, bespoke lighting, a luxurious bath and custom-designed walk-through closet.
The home’s second floor features two bedrooms, two full baths, loft, exercise room and spacious bonus room. The finished lower level adds a rec room with wet bar, multi-level media room, the home’s second home office, and a covered porch with motorized screens and multi-slide doors. An independent, fully accessible guest apartment, complete with open concept living area, kitchenette, bedroom suite, mudroom with laundry, ample storage, garage access, and a private entry is also incorporated into the exposed lower level.
Don’t overlook the back yard, where you’ll discover a magnificent pool house with serving area, a full bath, premium hot tub, and multi-slide doors that open to the inground pool.