Revere, Volume 5

CELEBRATING CRAFTSMANSHIP OF THE HIGHEST CALIBRE

VOLUME FIVE 2022

REVERE

Welcome TO REVERE VOLUME

05 “ We are proud of our members' high standards and their ability to collaborate with other experts in the design and building industries, delivering homes that their owners love.”

Special thanks to WAVE Creative Communications Agency for the design, Awaywithwords for the copywriting, Open2view for the photography and Kale Print for print and distribution.

For further information about Revere, contact – Editor, Julie Thomas revere@nzcb.nz ISSN 2624-1447 (Print) ISSN 2703-4488 (Online)

We are delighted to welcome you to this year’s memory book of highly crafted New Zealand homebuilding.

Our member builders have proven once again they are the epitome of resilience. They weathered Covid-19 lockdowns, supply chain disruptions, and material shortages in 2021, while still delivering homes of the finest standard during the pandemic.

Resilient could also describe the homes featured within these pages. The custom houses in this issue of Revere are built to withstand the harshest Kiwi weather while providing warmth and comfort. They are also beautiful: the realisation of a dream for homeowners, and a significant project for the builders who showcased their skills, experience, and creativity.

From north to south, Revere homes are built in harmony with their environment while serving as lasting works of art.

We are proud of our members’ high standards and their ability to collaborate with other experts in the design and building industries, delivering homes that their owners love.

The projects in this edition range in size from a small Auckland boathouse to a mammoth Arrowtown manor.

Many builds are brand new, while others are clever renovations that marry the past with the present.

NZCB was founded over 20 years ago with an emphasis on continually raising the bar for the New Zealand building industry. If you are envisioning a new build or renovation, contact a member of NZCB. The best in the business, they can bring your plans to fruition.

We extend special thanks to the owners who have graciously allowed us inside their homes and shared their building journey with us.

Enjoy,

Grant Florence Chief Executive, NZCB

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VOLUME FIVE 46.

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4.

18.

32.

52.

Anderson Homes BOP Limited

Building Central 2013 Limited

Divine Construction Limited

Lucid Homes Limited

Bay of Plenty

Waikato

Northland

Auckland

6.

20.

34.

54.

Atrium Homes Limited

Clegg Builders Limited

Mr.Ralph Lighting

homestyle's favourite finds

Bay of Plenty

Auckland

by Rachel Williamson

by Alice Lines

8.

22.

36.

56.

Bayview Construction Limited

Gibbons Architects Limited (NZIA)

EBUILD

RBJ Limited

Otago

New Plymouth

Wellington

Otago

10.

24.

38.

60.

Begovich Builders Limited

D M Wilson Construction Limited

G Donaldson Builders Limited

Renovation Builders Limited

Waikato

Canterbury

Auckland

Auckland

12.

26.

40.

64.

Resene Colour Trends

D.G.I. Morgan Limited

Hatchard Builders Limited

fmi Building innovation

Canterbury

Northland

14.

28.

44.

66.

Brendan Fry Builder Limited

Divine Construction Limited

Smith & Sons Franklin

Gisborne

Northland

Resene Construction Systems

46.

70.

IBL Imre Builders Limited

T and K Services Limited

Auckland

Bay of Plenty

48.

72.

JRA Construction Limited

NZCB Building Something Special

6.

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Auckland

50.

Kaiser Construction Limited Northland

Waikato

18.

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56.

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70.

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32.

52.

Divine Construction Limited

Lucid Homes Limited

Northland

Auckland

34.

54.

Mr.Ralph Lighting

homestyle's favourite finds

by Rachel Williamson

by Alice Lines

36.

56.

EBUILD

RBJ Limited

Wellington

Otago

38.

60.

G Donaldson Builders Limited

Renovation Builders Limited

Auckland

Auckland

40.

64.

Hatchard Builders Limited

fmi Building innovation

Northland

44.

66.

Resene Construction Systems

Smith & Sons Franklin

46.

70.

IBL Imre Builders Limited

T and K Services Limited

Auckland

Bay of Plenty

48.

72.

JRA Construction Limited

NZCB Building Something Special

Auckland

50.

Kaiser Construction Limited Northland

Waikato

18.

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56.

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70.

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Built by Anderson Homes BOP Limited

Feature creature Tauranga | Bay of Plenty

Sitting on a small, suburban site, this unobtrusive Tauranga house doesn’t lead you to expect a home packed with a myriad features. But surprises abound inside. Packed into 195m², high raking ceilings that dazzle with negative-detail whitewashed ply, luxury tapware throughout the house, and floor-to-ceiling tiles in the bathrooms, tell you this modern home is special.

Builder Daniel Rowley-Anderson bought the section following the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, planning to use the new build as a showhome.

The plan didn’t last.

“Because its features were so different from other houses on the market, the property drew a lot of attention.”

“Because its features were so different from other houses on the market, the property drew a lot of attention,” says Daniel. The home sold quickly, thanks to the meticulous work of the Anderson Homes team.

The crew’s relentless attention to detail is evident in the sliding doors in the kitchen/lounge area. There’s no corner post obstructing your view. “Once it is open, it looks like the doors are floating,” says Daniel. “A lot of engineering went into that. All the steel work and framing was challenging.” The raking ceiling heightened the home’s design sense and also required careful planning.

Extensive use of tiling adds to the up-spec feel.

The kitchen splashback and laundry room are tiled in a herringbone pattern with a glossy black finish.

Convenience is another feature inside this house.

The scullery is accessible through the garage, so you can deposit your groceries right away. It is all part of the beauty and brains package, wrapped in a stylish, contemporary layout.

NZCB Member

⁄ Daniel Rowley-Anderson

www.andersonhomesbop.co.nz

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Built by Atrium Homes Limited

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Fan-tastic result Tauranga | Bay of Plenty

The journey to building this unconventional Bay of Plenty home was paved with cedar, schist, and curved, laminated beams. Three distinctive roof planes overlap to form three fans, creating bends and interesting angles throughout the house.

Builder Allan Shaw of Atrium Homes says you will not find a right angle anywhere but the garages.

“There are cavity sliders sitting in a curved wall, which is amazing. The wooden support beams were up to 21 metres long. We made it work through multiple calculations and careful planning.”

“It is a home of exceptional design and quality. We cannot believe our good luck.”

Solid oak parquet flooring throughout the open plan layout, with radial inlays to accentuate the curved floor-plate, exemplify the quality of materials and craftsmanship of the home.

At 375m², the home is big enough to entertain guests while providing a homely atmosphere for its owners. Allan says it is immediately welcoming.

“You open the door and look straight through the hall and living spaces and out to the view. The water is just 50 metres from the house.”

Keith and Brenda can now relax and enjoy what Allan’s team has masterfully created from Kelvin’s design.

“We love the place,” says Keith. “When we wake in the morning and open the curtains to a huge, sweeping view of the Tauranga Harbour, we get a real sense of ‘wow’. It is a home of exceptional design and quality.

We cannot believe our good luck.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Allan Shaw

allan@atriumhomes.co.nz

Homeowners Keith and Brenda enlisted architect Kelvin Peck to design a modern home that capitalised on its perch above the shimmering waters of Tauranga Harbour.

Kelvin says the clients sought an interesting roof-form that would extend to the interior. “They wanted to make the most of the site because it is a beautiful location.”

The intricate design work and precise execution involved have paid off handsomely. The roof is angled to let sunlight and full moon reflections into the internal spaces of the house, creating elements of surprise and delight. The spectacular cantilevered fan over the deck provides shade in the summer, but warming sunshine floods the deck in winter, allowing the owners to enjoy year-round indoor/outdoor living.

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Built by Bayview Construction Limited

Mountain masterpiece Wanaka | Otago

“I wanted something modern and low maintenance on the outside that would still look good in 20 years.”

Precision craftsmanship brought this Wanaka wonder to life. Builder Lloyd Nolan says accuracy was key when building the 340m² home. The house features two-millimetre negative detailing instead of skirting and architraves. “It had to be perfect from start to finish,” says Lloyd.

Now that the build is complete, the homeowner says he has achieved his vision for a high-end, beautiful home.

“I wanted something modern and low maintenance on the outside that would still look good in 20 years.

Lloyd was great. His knowledge of the building industry far outweighs his years in the business.”

The exterior also needed a considerable amount of care. Lloyd says the owner wanted to avoid brown tones in the Central Otago schist that has been used for the chimney and wraps the bottom of the house. His team opened every bag containing a total of ten tonnes of rock, removing stones outside the colour palette.

“The stonemason spent quite a bit of time at the quarry selecting them as well. It was a feat of engineering to get the stones that high. There are 30 tonnes of concrete to anchor the schist.”

The same gorgeous craftsmanship shows inside, too.

Interior designer Melanie Craig orchestrated cabinetry and a Corian® island shaped like a boat. The splashback is brushed brass. Full floral-design wallpapers adorn the bathrooms, which also feature walk-in showers with subway tiling. Corten steel surrounds the fireplace and features on the stairwell of the French oak stairs.

The homeowner, who lives outside the region, says he was pleased with Lloyd’s communication and his process. “I did not have to be there all the time. I needed someone who could get in and do the job.”

NZCB Member www.bcw.co.nz

⁄ Lloyd Nolan

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Built by Begovich Builders Limited

Beauty and the beach Waihi Beach | Bay of Plenty

“We really pushed the build out, to see how far we could take the detail.”

Details make this black bach-beauty shine. The new build, by Shaun Begovich of Begovich Builders, is 220m² but feels bigger, thanks to its clever use of space and massive sliding stacker doors between the kitchen and deck. Shaun worked with Edwards White Architects on features like a hidden door in the garage that blends into the cedar cladding. “I have to point out the access door to people. You can only see it because of the key lock, which is a point of difference for the house.”

Other details include flashing on the Flaxpod COLORSTEEL® roof, a covered walkway between the house and garage, polished concrete floors, and ply on the high-stud kitchen ceiling. Shaun says his team was focused on precision. “We really pushed the build out, to see how far we could take the detail.”

Despite delays due to the 2020 Covid-19 lockdown, the homeowner is thrilled with the pace and quality of the work. “We used to travel across from Hamilton most weekends to see what was going on. We always felt like we were part of the process.” The couple sought more than a rectangle on a small site.

“We wanted something that had a ‘wow’ factor.

We wanted to build it, do it once, and do it right. We are really pleased with how it has turned out.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Shaun Begovich

www.begovichbuilders.co.nz

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Resene Colour Trends

New decorating ideas to bring home Whether you are building new or renovating your home to better suit your personality and lifestyle, we have rounded up a selection of new trending ideas to help inspire your next project – from quick weekend refreshes to total home makeovers.

Resene colours: wall in Ziggurat, floor in Mountain Mist, light fixture in Half Duck Egg Blue, Blue Bayoux and Rolling Stone, bowl in Nebula, ball in Half Duck Egg Blue, and artwork in Celeste, Nocturnal, Rolling Stone, Blue Bayoux and Alabaster, framed in Half Duck Egg Blue.

Added dimension Adding more texture to a space is a sure-fire way to increase the interest in a room. Tongue-andgroove panelling and battens are highly fashionable ways to add dimension to your walls and ceilings.

However, decorators are coming up with more creative methods to incorporate them, moving past predictable grids or dado rails in favour of designs with a clever twist or a freeform attitude. Try building reverse wainscotting that protrudes, instead of being set in, or upcycling old picture frames to create a unique look.

Lighter than air Recent events have reminded all of us of the need to take (or make) time to switch off and tune in to what’s really important: our own wellbeing and the health of those we care about. This turn, towards self-care and wellness, is materialising as a sweeping change of lifestyles and values, and a rethink of how we bring this into the design of our homes.

A renewed love of honesty in materials, which favours those that come from nature, has made decorating with linen, wood, cane, clay and stone incredibly desirable. Coupling their longevity with light, bright and breezy Resene paint/timber-stain colour pairings and low-sheen natural-look clear finishes enhances these materials’ inherent beauty.

Simple, pared down silhouettes, Scandinavian influences like whitewashed timbers in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, and minimalist furnishings that focus on quality and sustainability over quantity, are hugely popular.

A headboard in Resene Colorwood Whitewash adds visual texture to the Resene colours of this airy, tonal space: wall in Triple Pearl Lusta, floor and lamp in Eighth Pearl Lusta, artwork in Half Black White, vases in Triple Bison Hide and Half Bison Hide, bowl in Grey Olive and chair in Brown Bramble.

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Resene Papier Mache

Resene’s hottest home-decorating colours: upper wall in Stone Age, lower wall in Wilderness, floor in Green White, side tables in Alabaster with ‘marble effect’ in FX Paint Effects medium coloured with Rolling Stone, cacti pot in Celeste and accessories in Beethoven, Papier Mache, Hampton, Toffee, Teak and Twine.

Resene Beethoven

Resene Rolling Stone

Resene Leather

Resene Coral

Resene Half Duck Egg Blue

Resene Triple Bison Hide

Resene Eighth Pearl Lusta

Greens reign supreme From fashion to interiors, there is no hotter hue right now than green. As recently as last year, it was lighter shades of sage that were the dominant variation, but there has been a sharp shift as greens have become less grey and instead have taken on warmer and yellowed undertones.

While paler celery greens, appetising avocados and lavish chartreuses are all relevant varietals, it is richly saturated and enticing olive greens that are currently most popular for home decoration.

Distinctly comforting and cosy with strong roots in nature, it is understandable why lush and leafy colours like Resene Olive Green, Resene Seaweed and Resene Woodland have become so desirable, as we seek solace in the midst of an increasingly complicated world.

Brown comes back Not since the 1990s and, before that, the 1970s has brown been as big a deal as it is right now. Hues like Resene Leather, Resene Dusty Road, Resene Brown Sugar and Resene Brown Pod are skyrocketing in popularity, likely for their ability to simultaneously ground and warm the spaces that they are used in – both highly desirable qualities to bring into a busy, contemporary home. But unlike the one-dimensional browns of the 90s, these variations are rich and complex, with spirited undertones that love to be layered with one another or blended with greys, beiges and taupe, such as Resene Mondo, Resene Half Akaroa and Resene Half Nomad.

Contemporary Resene browns add richness and warmth: back wall in Quarter Linen, right wall in Leather, skirting board in Coral and floor stained in Colorwood Dark Ebony.

Remember when it comes to decorating, use the trends as inspiration but be true to what you love. There’s no point following a trend if it doesn’t resonate for you in your home. Pick and choose the trends you love and adapt to suit how you want to live in colour. Happy decorating!

For more inspiration and fresh trends, visit www.resene.co.nz/latestlooks and your Resene ColorShop.

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Built by Brendan Fry Builder Limited

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Sea forever Wainui Beach | Gisborne

Maximising sea views from this Gisborne beach pad was a must for the homeowner.

Initially, Brendan Fry was hired to renovate her oceanfront cottage. During the extensive renovation, issues arose with the foundation work to support the existing structure, leading the homeowner to decide to build new on the land she loved. “The idea for the home was to be able to look at the sea from all angles. It ended up as a beach house with a Scandinavian feel,” she says.

Brendan worked closely with his client to build a modern home, which boasts three-metrehigh ceilings throughout, with exotic timber panelling adorning the walls. Large aluminium floor-to-ceiling doors and windows capture the sea views, while the interior includes expansive American-oak sliding doors. Precision and meticulous workmanship live in every corner of the house, from polished concrete floors to Italian handmade tiles in the bathrooms.

The exterior features Abodo vertical shiplap cladding, placed to conceal all metal fixings, along with extensive decking wrapping the perimeter to provide the ultimate spaces for outdoor living. Brendan says, “It was a shame to pound a nail into any of the timber, so we came up with different solutions to make sure you could not see any nails.”

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Built by Brendan Fry Builder Limited

Many things about the build turned out to be not as simple as they looked, but Brendan and his team found ways to solve any issues. With land access proving difficult, a helicopter was used to hoist portal frames into place for the huge picture window that overlooks the ever-changing ocean.

“There were many aspects of the build for which there were no second chances – we had to get them right from the start”.

The homeowner says despite having to pivot from renovation to demolition and new construction, Brendan was wonderful to work with. “I was very specific about what I wanted, including massive sliding doors. Every request I threw at Brendan, he handled really well.”

Now settled into her seaside suntrap, the homeowner says the house suits her practicality and makes her very proud. “It meets every requirement, and the simplicity is exquisite.

I go to the beach every morning with my three

“Every request I threw at Brendan, he handled really well.”

pups, and they come back wet and covered in sand: the house accommodates all of that.

It is a beautiful home.”

She credits Brendan with turning her loss into a victory. “I have been in real estate for 40 years and I would not have been the easiest person to please. He did everything I asked of him.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Brendan Fry

www.brendanfrybuilder.com

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Built by Building Central 2013 Limited

Lady of the lake Southern Lake Taupō | Waikato

When you build a legacy, you want it to withstand the test of time. The homeowner of this southern Lake Taupō property wanted a home that would not only look beautiful, but also serve as a gathering place for generations to come. “We have spent 25 years in this part of the world, and we had a chance to build an intergenerational holiday home. We knew this investment was something that would put a smile on our family’s faces for years to come.”

The homeowner worked with Sumich Chaplin Architects on a high-ceilinged home that would still be warm and inviting, thanks to indoor and outdoor fires, grooved ply on the lounge ceiling, and oak flooring. Dormer windows and enormous sliding doors celebrate light and space.

Turangi-based builder Chris Smith had worked on an earlier project with the homeowner, which helped cement a high level of trust. “It is important to bring in the right people for the job, especially when the homeowner is up in Auckland and not readily available for on-site discussions.”

Chris and his team mastered the details while concealing the nails. “The outside deck is 32mm kwila, and we plugged all the screws so you cannot see any fixtures. The whole build is exceptional. You will not see a bolt anywhere.”

Luxury materials, like marble for the kitchen bench, breakfast bar and vanity tops, enhance the home’s beauty. One quirky yet practical

“We knew this investment was something that would put a smile on our family’s faces for years to come.”

feature is the timber bar stools bolted securely under the deck. “All those little details make it special,” says Chris.

The homeowner agrees, saying the house, with stunning lake views and soaring ceilings, still has the cosy feel of a timeless lodge.

“She's an elegant lady of the lake. The home looks like it has always been there."

NZCB Member

⁄ Chris Smith

www.buildingcentral.co.nz

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Built by Clegg Builders Limited

Radiant reno Meadowbank | Auckland

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Anthony Clegg and his team moved an earth mountain to renovate this 1950s craftsman bungalow in Auckland.

The back of the old house was sinking downhill, so two excavators dug five-metre-deep holes to support new foundations. “It was very difficult to get machines around the back,” says Anthony. “But it’s not about how quickly you do things. It’s about the result.”

The seamless renovation marries old-world charm with modern style and convenience. Anthony’s team saved old brickwork to incorporate into the new build. They also increased the home’s size from around 180m² to 250m² without changing its profile.

The homeowner had lived in the bungalow for nine years before starting the renovation. She had seen Anthony’s work in her neighbourhood and, after meeting him, knew he was up to the job. “We lived here during the whole renovation and we had a very good working relationship. Anthony understood our needs. We like him and we trust him.”

That trust has delivered a radiant result, transforming a closed-in home to one with an open plan kitchen and lounge area, new bathroom, new kwila decking, and solid wood floors.

The original floors were rimu, which was also laid in the new areas of the house. Old rimu doors remain throughout the property, and wooden joinery has been introduced to reinforce the home’s original character.

For Anthony, it’s all about satisfying the client, and this homeowner couldn’t be happier. “Everything is just how we wanted it. We don’t need to go away on holiday. We have everything here.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Anthony Clegg

www.cleggbuilders.co.nz

“Everything is just how we wanted it. We don’t need to go away on holiday. We have everything here.”

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Gibbons Architects Limited (NZIA)

Sustainable design To some people, sustainable building might sound scary and expensive. But it doesn’t have to be. Here, Sarah and Brady Gibbons of award-winning, boutique practice Gibbons Architects share their top tips for sustainable design. = Use what nature provides. Work your floor plan to make the most of solar gains and natural light. Choose materials that store and release the sun's heat to reduce heating costs in the winter. In summer, carefully placed windows can provide natural ventilation, and overhangs can provide shade to help prevent overheating. = Prioritise the things you can’t see by investing in construction that surpasses the Building Code. Increased R-value insulation and thermally broken windows will provide you with a drier, more temperate interior environment, reducing both heating and cooling costs and ensuring your family has a healthy home for years to come. = Reduce your home’s footprint by creating smaller spaces that work harder. Consider flexible spaces – such as a family living room that doubles as a spare bedroom – rather than building a spare room that is rarely used. Look at integrating your dining table as part of your kitchen island bench, instead of building a dedicated dining room, or use a built-in window seat to create both workspace seating and storage.

= Outdoor spaces can be holistically incorporated into your design. Planted courtyards can moderate environmental impacts. Retractable shading devices allow protection from summer sun and winter rain for year-round use. = With challenges arising from the supply of building materials, look for readily available ‘off the shelf’ materials that can be used in different and interesting ways. = Consider the finished product. Using timber lining instead of plasterboard for your walls or ceilings provides visual warmth and texture, is low maintenance, has a lower carbon impact and is more sustainable. = Think quality over quantity. Focus your investment on the things you use most by choosing durable materials that wear in, not out. Source locally made products where possible. This helps to support New Zealand businesses and is better for the environment!

Sarah and Brady Gibbons Gibbons Architects, New Plymouth New Zealand Institute of Architects (NZIA) gibbonsarchitects.co.nz

REVERE

DBC Building Limited, NZCB Member

Gilchrist Building Limited

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Built by D M Wilson Construction Limited

Alpine delight Hanmer Springs | Canterbury

Building a two-storey holiday home on a small site in Hanmer Springs might be a daunting task for many builders, but David Wilson and his crew relished the challenge. “We had to do quite a big site cut. There were a lot of earthworks and retaining walls to get the site levelled.” David collaborated with Threefold Architecture in Christchurch on a design involving structural steel columns and portals.

Devoted to details throughout the process, David relied on experience and project management software to ensure everything was built to the highest standard. “We have a steadfast approach to quality assurance, using a 280-point checklist.

We go above and beyond to make sure customers are happy with the finish.”

The homeowner is pleased to have been kept in the loop throughout the build despite living hours away in Christchurch. “David organised everything and it all worked smoothly. The finish was excellent.

Achieving great views was paramount and we have accomplished that.”

NZCB Member

⁄ David Wilson

www.wilsonconstruction.co.nz

“The finish was excellent.

Achieving great views was paramount and we have accomplished that.”

The home blends with the natural alpine environment, thanks to classic stone veneer, long-run cedar, and Metalcraft cladding on the exterior. “We knew we had to take our time and make sure everything was right. It is in a prime position in Hanmer Springs. We could not afford defects or blemishes.”

The crew’s craftsmanship shows throughout the home, with large decks on either side, raked ceiling in the lounge, staircase with custom timber handrail, and a central log burner to keep guests warm on chilly Canterbury nights.

Built by D.G.I. Morgan Limited

Feeling big Rangiora | Canterbury

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Years of working as a kauri boat builder gave David Morgan of D.G.I. Morgan a firm foundation for crafting homes. “If you build a boat wrong, it sinks. One four-inch nail hole will sink a boat in four hours,” says David.

Today, David focuses on bespoke homes while remembering the lessons of his ship-building past. He and his team specialise in architectural builds and renovations. “We can build to any period. We are experts at matching details.”

“For a small, comfortable home, it really stands out. I am proud of what we have achieved.”

It helps to have your own glass and steel fabrication divisions. David and his team shepherd the build from idea to completion.

“We are available throughout all steps of the process, and we make things function from the start.” David’s team uses its own structural steel framing above sliding doors and on either side of full-height windows, always meeting or exceeding earthquake requirements.

While this Rangiora home occupies just 151m², it feels bigger thanks to generous living spaces. The house has only two bedrooms, though four would fit. Floor-to-ceiling and clerestory windows provide an open, airy atmosphere, and the private courtyard extends the entertaining area.

The exterior is clad in imported larch, and concrete block that has been acid-washed and weathered. Black ceramic tiles, which form the bottom window sills, are paired with black flashing to make a dramatic statement. The interior features a stainless steel kitchen bench, custom-made by the fabrication division, and solid oak laminate flooring. Plush underlay beneath the carpet provides a luxurious feel.

“For a small, comfortable home, it really stands out,” says David. “I am proud of what we have achieved.”

NZCB Member

⁄ David Morgan

www.dgimorgan.co.nz

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Built by Divine Construction Limited

Wonderful woods Totara North | Northland

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Built by Divine Construction Limited

Natural materials throughout this Northland home create a haven in tune with its gorgeous surroundings. Built on the edge of a bluff above the Whangaroa Harbour, the property offers a waterfront outlook with unobstructed views.

On this tranquil and beautiful spot, builder Joshua Alley and his team created this new home using a range of native timber, most of it sourced locally. Joshua says each piece of wood has a story. A wooden hallway panel features rimu tongue and groove. “The rimu came from a local sawmill that had closed. We re-machined the timber and brought it back to life.”

The soffit lining on the deck is built with kauri tongue and groove sarking from the same mill.

Befitting the area, much of the wood inside is totara, including the front door and two big feature double doors. The bathroom vanities are rimu. Flooring throughout most of the house is matai.

Timber isn’t the only organic star in this house.

Masonry contributes to the home’s solidity, with stone sourced from the hills above the bluff.

A local stonemason helped create a rustic look, with features such as an entry wall that appears to travel from the outside of the home through

to the inside. The totara front door has been scribed into the stonework, giving the impression that the door was installed after the stone.

The home juxtaposes rugged earthiness with square, modern lines. The mono-pitch roof, with square edges, hangs above rusticated wood with negative-detail flushed lines, blending robust materials with a smooth finish. “The craftsmanship in our woodworking is the standout feature of this home,” says Joshua.

You can see it in the weatherboards and in the kauri sarking on the underside of the soffits as well as in the custom headboards that match a bedroom wall. “It is a bespoke build,” says Joshua. “None of this is standard.”

Supply chain disruptions and material shortages made the project extra challenging.

But Joshua says it was gratifying to be part of a very special home. “The house has a level of woodworking you do not often find, even on architecturally designed houses. This was an opportunity to showcase some of our skills and to demonstrate what kind of workmanship we can execute.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Joshua Alley

www.divineconstruction.co.nz

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“The house has a level of woodworking you do not often find, even on architecturally designed houses.”

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Built by Divine Construction Limited

“We were so excited, like little kids. Nothing was too much for the builders.”

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Farm-fresh build Kerikeri | Northland

Careful planning and attention to detail produced a fresh, new farmhouse that is simultaneously simple and sophisticated. Builder Joshua Alley says the homeowners wanted a country-cottage atmosphere for their rural Kerikeri property.

They also sought a place of timeless grace and endless practicality.

The house makes an impression even before you enter the front door. The exterior is clad in timber weatherboard and stone pillars guard either side of the front door. Chunky timber window sills and vertical baseboards around the base of the home bring old villa charm to the property. “I feel like we aced the clients’

wish for the country home feel,” says Joshua. “It is their pride and joy and a real feature piece. And it seems like the place has been there for quite some time.”

The solid home also has style. French doors lead to a cosy formal lounge featuring a pallet timber wall and television mounted above a robust fireplace.

Floor-to-ceiling tiles enhance the bathroom walls.

Joshua believes the biggest challenge was getting the house off the ground. Wet weather and clay soil meant his crew dug footings for the foundations three times. “We would dig and put in reinforcing steel, then it would rain and flood the footings,” says Joshua.

This is the homeowners’ first time building, and the couple enjoyed the process. “It was like being with family because we were at the site every day. We were so excited, like little kids. Nothing was too much for the builders.

We were sad when the house was finished because we enjoyed being around all the tradespeople so much.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Joshua Alley

www.divineconstruction.co.nz

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Rachel Williamson, Founder, Mr.Ralph

Create an atmosphere and dictate the vibe with beautiful lighting Building or renovating your home is an exciting time, but many people put off thinking about their lighting because it's one of the last things to be installed. In truth, it pays to think of this early in the design process because it is the function and jewellery that will need to last for years to come.

Manhattan pink pendants

Lighting is an emotional tool. It creates the atmosphere of your home and dictates the vibe.

Think about the function of each room.

What do you need your lighting to do for you?

For example, your kitchen will have different lighting needs compared to other rooms. You'll likely want task lighting and lots of it: there is nothing more frustrating than insufficient light in your kitchen. In comparison, you'll have one or two ambient light sources over your dining table to create an intimate and inviting space. Sometimes we want accent lighting in the form of wall lighting and lamps. This is because light that surrounds us is more relaxing than light that is above us.

Layer all three forms – task, ambient and accent – to create a rich and flexible space.

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Natural and organic rattan

Sleek and lineal

Over time we've become more experimental and confident with our lighting choices. Although three pendants over a kitchen island is still a popular choice, the use of two statement pieces is a gorgeous alternative. We're seeing pendants clustered at one end of the island and relying on LED recessed or spotlights to provide the function.

Also gaining traction is a simple, sleek lineal fitting over the island, with statement pieces in the dining or lounge to compensate.

Sponge overhead pendants providing light amplification

There has also been a movement toward natural, organic materials like clay, wood and rattan. Texture and warmth are huge. Wall lights are back, as are coloured and opal glass.

Clustering your favourite pendants is a clever way to mimic the old chandeliers in terms of void fillers and light amplification. And on the rise is sustainable technology, with LED bulbs and fittings packing a punch in terms of beauty and form.

Rachel Williamson Founder, Mr.Ralph For fresh trends and further guidance, visit www.mrralph.co.nz Natural and organic clay dome

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Built by EBUILD

Modern twist Strathmore | Wellington

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Elegant, contemporary style emanates from every corner of this Wellington wonder. The interplay of light and colour dazzles all who enter the two-storey home.

A pop of bright red on the stairwell greets you just beyond the front door and a shiny yellow splashback draws you into a spacious, stunning kitchen.

Goodson Architects recommended EBUILD for the project because of the company’s experience in dealing with overseas and absent owners. Tony from EBUILD says they manage communication with architects and clients by holding onsite meetings, and via phone, video, and email. “We only met the clients in person for an hour or so,” he says. “We took hold of the project with the architects and it fell into place quite quickly.”

The team spent 15 months ensuring every detail of the build was perfect. Plans were tweaked along the way, says Tony. “The project evolved on many different fronts, and we had to adapt and react to those changes. We had a great crew and, together, we delivered an outstanding product through challenging circumstances, including Covid-19 lockdowns and constant changes.”

“We had a great crew and, together, we delivered an outstanding product through challenging circumstances.”

The end result is breathtaking. The high-pitched roof allows ceilings to soar; glass above the stairwell floods the home with light; and the wide-planked, wooden floors add solid sophistication. Features like colour-changing LED lights in the stairwell, floor-to-ceiling tiles in the bathrooms, and two giant walk-in wardrobes provide surprises along the way.

“We are proud to have been chosen to deliver this amazing home to the new owners who arrived in New Zealand and moved straight into a completed product!” says Tony.

“It is everything you could want in a modern house.”

NZCB Member www.ebuild.co.nz

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Built by G Donaldson Builders Limited

“Gary and his team had a lot of input, and we made decisions together throughout the build.”

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Black magic Beachlands | Auckland

Gary Donaldson says a pool company recommended him as the builder for this stunning 278m² home, and he couldn’t have been happier for the referral. His team brought the homeowner’s dreams to life in a two-storey, rustic-meets-modern build.

“The client was heavily involved in the design,” says Gary. “Between myself, the pool builder and the client, we came up with a theme.”

The theme was black and gold. The exterior features black-stained cedar cladding, while the interior and the entryway showcase natural cedar. The entrance envelopes you in black on two sides, with natural cedar on the ceiling and Vitex hardwood decking on the floor.

Rows of fresh, green plants soften the sharp architectural lines.

The home opens with a view of floating stairs connected by industrial steel stringers. The bespoke staircase is made of American oak.

Wooden slats that finish at different lengths create a functional work of art. The homeowner says the fact he designed the property and produced sketches before handing it to a draughtsman meant more calculations for Gary and the crew.

“The plans were very basic and not as detailed as if I had used an architect. Gary and his team had a lot of input, and we made decisions together throughout the build.”

Consistent communication and attention to detail produced a grand result; with the property’s studs at 2.7m high, and a steepled cedar ceiling, everyone who enters is dazzled. The homeowner says the pool provides a fine focal point for family life. “We live in that pool and the outdoor area.

When you push the stackers wide open, it offers a huge amount of space in the summer.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Gary Donaldson

www.gdbuilders.co.nz

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Built by Hatchard Builders Limited

Russell renewal Russell | Northland

When builder Matt Hatchard examined the original version of this Russell home, he knew the job would be tough. The decades-old Lockwood build needed a make-over, but daylight restrictions meant his team could not demolish the entire home without losing square metres. “It was more work than if they were building new. The owners loved the site and the views but wanted a fresh, new house.”

Matt and his crew restructured the home, knocking out more than half of the lower storey, bumping out a couple of sides, extending existing decks and building new ones, with glass balustrades, at the front and back. The additions maximise views over Long Beach in one direction, and Matauwhi Bay in the other.

“There wasn’t anything we did not touch; there is new plumbing, electrics, and roofs. From the top to the bottom, it is renewed,” says Matt.

The build took a little over a year, despite the interruption of the first Covid-19 lockdown.

The massive renovation threw the team other challenges, such as non-existent traditional framing in the old house, a rotting roof, and asbestos in the old tiles. Matt also moved the staircase and the main entrance.

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Built by Hatchard Builders Limited

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“Our guests have the same spectacular view downstairs as we have upstairs. It is wonderful to wake up to.”

The homeowner was on site most days.

“I was in charge of the broom, cleaning up and helping out where I could.” He says consistent communication was crucial. “When we discovered issues, we made decisions on the fly, and no time was wasted.”

The result is a modern home that still fits with Russell’s historic charm. The white weatherboard exterior encircles an open plan house with oak floors and a bespoke floating oak staircase. Quality fixtures and fittings include a granite benchtop in the kitchen and marbleveined tiles in the master bathroom. The bottom storey consists of two bedrooms, a bathroom, and a kitchenette. The homeowner says the separate space was key. “Living in the Bay, you have a long queue of people who want to stay with you.”

Matt says rolling with changes and providing solutions kept the project on target. The homeowner agrees. His goals to maximise views, open the interior and create self-contained quarters have been achieved. “Our guests enjoy it.

They have the same spectacular view downstairs as we have upstairs. It is wonderful to wake up to.

We are very happy with the end product. Matt and his team have done a great job.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Matt Hatchard

www.hatchard.builders

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Bormeister Architects, Christchurch INTEGRA lightweight concrete plaster facade system with Rockcote coloured plaster finish Alpine Housing Limited, NZCB Member

TM

Timeless Finish.

Enduring Quality.

Driven to create surfaces that make a living environment feel good to live in, we believe the tactile nature of plaster cladding is unrivaled.

The construction process contains many facets which, when combined and applied accurately, make for a shining and durable example of the construction process – from the clients, architecture, through to the selection of products, and the professional tradespeople that apply their skills to the installation and finishing of these components.

At Resene Construction Systems we only promote the best products, solutions and practice for each and every project we work on.

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Built by IBL Imre Builders Limited

Tidal treasure Herne Bay | Auckland

Creating solutions is builder Mike Imre’s superpower. That’s why the owner chose him and his team to craft a boathouse below a steep cliff in Herne Bay, Auckland. “It involved a lot of problem solving. For a start, getting materials to the site was difficult,” says Mike. The crew created a chute from the top of the bluff to the bottom to deliver materials and used barges to approach from the sea. “We would have three to five hours up our sleeves until the tide came up and we had to stop,” he explains. “We created a suspended floor to work from and we were always improvising.”

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In the end, the team succeeded, producing a boathouse that looks like a sail and feels like a classic yacht. Details from architect Michael Cooper’s plans are beautifully ornate with sharp design work. The build features Meranti marine plywood, stainless steel, aluminium, and purpleheart hardwood decking to ensure the structure’s rugged beauty will withstand decades of saltwater spray.

The homeowner says the custom design is tall enough to store a Laser dinghy with its mast extended.

The elegant shed also includes an office on the mezzanine. “I’m in here every day, which stretches its usage well beyond a container building,” he says.

Mike and his crew also replaced a rickety staircase leading from the top of the cliff to the bottom with solid, one-metre-wide stairs. Specialised equipment was used to drill deep into the cliff before steps were anchored with steel and concrete.

“Because of the 65-foot cliff, we were separated from the water. Now we have access. It’s almost like having a private beach.”

The boathouse works well and looks great, says the homeowner. “We have fantastic views over the Waitematā Harbour. Because of the 65-foot cliff, we were separated from the water. Now we have access.

It’s almost like having a private beach. Mike and his team have absolutely delivered what we wanted, and we are looking forward to our first full summer with it.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Mike Imre

www.iblbuilding.co.nz

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Built by JRA Construction Limited

Revolutionary renovation Mount Eden | Auckland

Perched on a hill, this 1930s Auckland arts and crafts home exudes ageless elegance, but it was not always this spacious. The homeowner says the original house had just two bedrooms.

“It looked massive because of its big, peaked roof, but we needed to increase the kitchen and living space.” The owners worked with Logan Architecture, who designed a marvellous make-over that respected the home’s character.

Builder Joseph Allen of JRA Construction says the owners wanted a seamless renovation that placed quality above speed.

They also wanted flexibility. “We have a full-time quantity surveyor, which gives clients the benefits of being able to chop and change and extend,” says Joseph.

The JRA team demolished half of the house before extending the front and back halves and adding second stories to both ends.

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The home is impeccably styled by Barbara Forrest of Amelia Holdings, and each room packs a visual punch. The entranceway features solid hardwood panelling, with detailing throughout. Ceilings are beautifully panelled and adorned with chandeliers. Rimu, on the bathroom vanities, and granite on the kitchen bench add old-world charm.

Joseph says working around the existing home was difficult. “A lot of the house was neither square nor straight. Our goal was to make everything look like it had always been there.”

The owner has renovated several other homes and was living on the property during the build. “I was involved with decision making and styling, and was reassured by Joseph’s constant communication. Feeling like part of the team made this so much easier than any other job I have done.”

Lockdown would have been much more difficult if not for the renovation, says the homeowner. “It has revolutionised the way we live. The indoor/outdoor space is amazing.

The kitchen is huge. I recommend Joseph and his team to everyone I know.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Joseph Allen

www.jraconstruction.co.nz

“The renovation has revolutionised the way we live. The indoor/ outdoor space is amazing.

The kitchen is huge.”

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Built by Kaiser Construction Limited

“We put everything we love into this place ...”

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Tree-mendous result Whangārei | Northland

You will have to look up to see Kaiser Construction’s new masterpiece. This Whangārei home sits in the trees, surrounded by an acre of native bush. Tabitha and John knew constructing the family home of their dreams would be a challenge when they bought the steep section, but they fell in love with it as a spot to raise their growing family.

Kaiser Construction worked with its in-house team and consulting engineers to fashion a plan involving tall foundation walls, backfilled with polystyrene to reduce the load on the slope.

At its highest, the home sits 5.5m above the ground. “All the trunks are below, and the house is nestled up in the canopy,” says John.

The contemporary treehouse has spaces for work and play. One upstairs loft is an office: the other, a hobby room. The home’s atmosphere is minimalistic yet comfortable, with polished concrete floors, a glass balustrade, and laminated plywood on the impressive custom-built staircase.

The exterior is clad in cedar and white bevelback timber weatherboards. “We put everything we love into this place and Kaiser Construction made it a reality for us,” says Tabitha.

The new home includes many features that elevate the family’s quality of life. An attractive, cedar-clad garage door welcomes you upon arrival. A sustainable hardwood deck, with powder-coated aluminium railings, mirrors the shape of the surrounding native trees.

Negative-detail plywood linings in the interior adds warmth and focal points.

There were many firsts and a lot of lessons from this build for the Kaiser Construction team.

The house stands as proof that sticking to a strong design vision in the face of difficulties pays off. The team has delivered a bespoke family home, and the clients could not be happier with the final result.

NZCB Member

⁄ John Kaiser

www.kaiserconstruction.co.nz

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Built by Lucid Homes Limited

Cedar sensation St Heliers | Auckland

Maximising views of Rangitoto from this St Heliers, Auckland home was a high priority for the homeowners. The couple had lived on site in an old weatherboard house for 18 years before starting the new build. “It was well past its use-by date,” says the homeowner. “We wanted to capitalise on our water views, but the house also needed to be functional and minimalistic, with plenty of light.”

Builder Dylon Walsh of Lucid Homes came highly recommended for the job. Dylon worked with architect John Durkin on a sleek design with industrial touches.

The home pairs exposed powder-coated steel structural beams inside with a plywood ceiling featuring negative details. American oak and steel stringers grace the fabulous floating staircase. Cedar and bagged plaster brick have starring roles on the home’s exterior.

Dylon says managing through disruptions caused by Covid-19 lockdowns proved challenging, but the team held to their deadlines fairly well. “I think the workmanship is second to none, and the relationship with the client was as good as it gets.”

“It has a great indoor/ outdoor flow. It is bright, warm, and functional.”

The team produced a handsome home that looks strong on the outside and bright and welcoming on the inside. The kitchen features a brass splashback, stone benchtop, and a herringbone cabinet finish. The homeowners say the end result is exactly what they wanted.

“It has a great indoor/outdoor flow. It is bright, warm and functional. It is light years ahead of what we had before.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Dylon Walsh

www.lucidhomes.co.nz

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homestyle’s favourite finds...

by Alice Lines, Stylist and Editor of Homestyle Magazine Local designs that add a touch of class.

Monmouth glass

Glass and a half Monmouth Glass Studio, New Zealand makers of exquisite hand-blown glassware, has released their latest collection. So much more than your standard fare, it features pieces pigmented with opal frit to create a speckled effect, which has the striking spin-off of casting bewitching shadows on your walls and surfaces. Treat yourself to a single bud vase or tumbler and guard it like it’s your ‘Precious’, or splash out on several to arrange as a functional still life on your mantelpiece or table.

Bremworth at the Brake House

Looped in West Auckland’s mid-century masterpiece, ‘the Brake House’ (designed by architect Ron Sang in the 1970s for photographer Brian Brake) has had a bit of an update. To uphold the iconic home’s history, Bremworth’s retro-ish Galet carpet in Sienna was selected for the floor. Using gorgeous New Zealand wool, woven in a random loop-pile style, the carpet creates textural interest through its irregularity.

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Positively lovely Collaborating with artisan groups in Africa to produce handmade homeware, Kiwi venture Asili seeks to have a positive impact on local communities and the environment – as well as your décor, of course. They mostly work with reclaimed materials, but their new range is crafted from gorgeous jacaranda, a fastgrowing softwood, widely planted in Kenya.

This time, they have moved into furniture, too, with a traditional stool.

Asili stool and bowl

Quiet strength Packing quite the visual punch with its impeccably refined combination of lines and curves, Powersurge’s Fall coffee table has exploded into our hearts. Elegantly juxtaposing the lightness of the composition with the weight of the solid brass, it is a minimalist dream offered in three finishes: Light Antique (pictured), Dark Antique, and Blackened.

Powersurge's Fall coffee table

Daily habit

Live large Go for broke in a single masterstroke with the latest magnificent mural-style wallpapers from local super-talent Emma Hayes. This sublime design, which sees swirls of paint dance across the wall, is ‘Daybreak’ and is inspired by atmospheric events like dawn and the polar lights. It’s crafted by heritage manufacturers using paper sourced from FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certified forests and ink made from organic pigments.

Emma Hayes Daybreak wallpaper

Thanks to its walnut frame of intersecting boards and dowels, the Daily Armchair by David Moreland and Nikolai Sorensen for Città is a luxurious seating choice. The cushions can be covered in your choice of fabric – and this seriously cool corduroy means business. Given it looks so swish from all angles, we predict your biggest challenge won’t be where to put it, but how to carve out as much time as possible to sit on it.

Città Daily Armchair

For more ideas on curating a home that’s just for you, visit www.homestyle.co.nz

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Built by RBJ Limited

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Southern splendour Arrowtown | Otago

When the homeowners were planning their dream home in Arrowtown, they wanted it to be big enough to host a cavalcade of family and friends, but cosy enough for two. They spent two years in the design phase with architect Anna-Marie Chin and builder Paul Rogers before the home got off the ground.

“There was a house on the site, which we tried to remodel, but we realised that was never going to work,” says the homeowner.

The clients sought to maximise views of Lake Hayes, the Remarkables, and Coronet Peak.

Their new home had to complement the landscape, using materials and colours that would blend in and weather over time.

With 35 years’ experience in the Queenstown area, RBJ knew they could bring the homeowners’ wishes to life. “We have been fortunate to do so many great projects, we feel there is really nothing we cannot build.”

The steel structural and concrete precast work was one of the first hurdles of the 1000m² build. “The precast work is completely visible on four sides, so everything had to be absolutely perfect,” says Paul.

The homeowner was impressed with Paul and the RBJ team during the entire process.

“They were very open to changes and were focused on the correct outcome rather than what was easier for them.”

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Built by RBJ Limited

“It matches our needs perfectly and the quality is fantastic. Paul and the RBJ team are more than builders: they are artists.”

The crew built 16 bespoke interior doors – some panel, some pivot, and some with metal skins. Natural materials bring the outdoors inside, with gorgeous woods like Southland beech, recycled rimu, and American oak. The gap between the wooden ceiling and wall panels is only three millimetres, so every window, panel and piece of steel had to be precisely installed.

Tongue and groove construction contributes to the seamless sophistication of this solid home.

The exterior is robed in schist, zinc, and iron-pasted steel sheets. A lush, green roof of tussock and native shrubs conceals the underground garage.

Inside, the interplay of a vaulted, beech kitchen ceiling with large windows creates an atrium feel. A sunroom plus nine chimneys, with six fires, provide additional sources of light and warmth. Paul says despite the build’s grand scale, it still feels homely. “It has nice, soft textures with all the wood. It is very liveable.”

The homeowner says the new masterpiece is everything he and his wife wanted – and more. The home is perfect for entertaining and hosting. Separate living areas mean guests can have as much togetherness or as much privacy as they wish. “We are absolutely rapt with the outcome,” says the homeowner.

“It matches our needs perfectly and the quality is fantastic. Paul and his team are more than builders: they are artists.”

NZCB Member www.rbj.co.nz

⁄ Paul Rogers

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Built by Renovation Builders Limited

Total transformation Remuera | Auckland

At more than 100 years old, this Remuera villa oozed charm, but leaked heat and lacked modern style. When the homeowner decided it was time for a change, she called on builder Zane Raphael of Renovation Builders. “I had a sad back-end of a house where all the living happened,” says the homeowner.

“It was a classic, patched-up villa with multiple renovations undertaken over 60 or 70 years.”

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The homeowner aimed to open up and modernise the house while creating a better indoor/outdoor flow. “I had a long time to work out what I wanted, and the plans did change a couple of times.”

Zane rolled with the changes and offered suggestions along the way, such as whether to install aluminium or timber window frames.

“They encouraged me to stick with the wood,” says the homeowner. “It’s the best thing I have done, to keep to the villa theme with kauri floors and wooden doors.”

“They completely transformed the look of the house. Everything is great.

I am really happy with it.”

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Built by Renovation Builders Limited

Renovation Builders helped the homeowner retain traditional Victorian features such as the fireplace and timber profiles, including boxed corners, scotias, and skirtings. Zane says his team matched existing kauri floorboards with recycled kauri. “It gives it a seamless look. The best renovation is where someone walks in and cannot find where the ‘joins’ are. That is what we take pride in.”

Another point of pride is the homeowner’s new workspace. She has an expanded living/dining and kitchen area, which also serves as a home office.

“I used to work on the dining room table. It was hard to tidy up, so I would often eat amongst it,” she says.

“Now I have a dedicated office area, and my computers are not all over the dining table.”

Zane says rebuilding the roof posed a particular hurdle. “When you bring in a beautifully manufactured truss from the factory and put it next to a 100-year-old truss that has sagged and warped over time, it can be a real challenge. You have to make the old match the new.”

The team marshalled their expertise to blend modern style with traditional materials. The home is light and

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bright, with a new, all-weather deck, fourth bedroom and expanded rooms. The big cooker in the kitchen stayed, as did the old black fireplace – after a facelift, of course.

The homeowner says not only is her home more functional, it is more beautiful, too. “They completely transformed the look of the house.

Everything is great. I am really happy with it.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Zane Raphael

www.renovationbuilders.nz

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A Zero Energy home produces as much renewable energy from solar panels as its inhabitants consume in air and water heating, cooking, lighting, and running appliances.

However, a Zero Energy home is not just a green home with solar panels. It uses a combination of advanced design and superior energy-efficient building systems to create a better home.

Even though Zero Energy homes reduce emissions, improve health and well-being, lower energy bills and increase resale value, the awareness and uptake of energy-efficient homes in New Zealand remains very low. FMI Building Innovation, a wholly Kiwi-owned building products company, is actively aiming to change this and to facilitate growth in the market.

Managing Director for FMI Building Innovation, Warren Lewis, explains: “For years there has been an ongoing misconception that the cost to build a Zero Energy home is far greater than a minimum code-built home, but this is simply not true.” Research indicates that the initial cost premium for a Zero Energy house is around 7%. This is easily recouped with energy savings over the average 7 to 8 years that Kiwis typically live in a home. Lewis added, “New Zealanders tend to not factor ongoing home operating costs into their house purchase decisions. In the current housing market, they prefer to spend spare funds on visible improvements, such as kitchen renovations, rather than on long term energy-saving investments.”

The Government's climate policies, the Climate Change Commission’s greenhouse gas emission reduction requirements, and MBIE’s proposed building code changes in their 2020 ‘Building for Climate Change’ consultation document, all demand an approach that will make Zero Energy a must.

The key is the combination of solar panels with highly insulating materials in the building envelope, to create a house with a desirable, carbon-friendly footprint and long-term energy savings. It is easy to theorise about achieving this, and at a reasonable price, but Lewis has adopted a practical approach.

FMI is building a Zero Energy test house on site at FMI’s Mt Wellington premises that will act as an educational facility for the trade and will also be open to the public for viewing.

“When the client can see the material in a practical situation, they gain more confidence about using it themselves to achieve that Zero Energy goal.”

FMI Building Innovation Limited www.fmi.co.nz

Zero energy home

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Built by Smith & Sons Franklin

“It had been a grand old place in its day…

We wanted to respect that while having a modern, liveable home.”

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Grand again Otaua | Waikato

If walls could talk, this Waikato wonder would tell quite a tale. The 1934 English cottage was moved from St Heliers to Otaua in the 1990s and saw a series of renovations that left it dark and dated. The homeowner says he needed a builder with an affinity for the home’s origins. “It had been a grand old place in its day. The formal rooms have high ceilings and 1930s features. We wanted to respect that while having a modern, liveable home.”

The homeowners chose Lane van den Brink of Smith & Sons Franklin to bring their vision to life. Lane says the fact he had the renovation skills and staff to tackle the task made him a good fit for the project. “We worked with the interior designer at the same time as the architectural designer. Having all parties involved from day one means fewer headaches during construction.”

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Built by Smith & Sons Franklin

Before the renovation

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Before the renovation

The team left no surface of the 364m² ‘grand dame’ untouched, from the white box-beam ceilings to the polished timber floors. Each room has a different wallpaper, and lighting fixtures align with the cottage’s classic style. Fireplaces in the dining room and lounge were reinstated, having been removed during the 1990s relocation. One large room was split to create a new bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and ensuite. Lane and his crew also added a new laundry and mudroom. Flooring in the kitchen and laundry is herringbone cork tile, with each tile cut individually by the homeowner.

“The project was a combined repair and renovation,” says Lane. “The sheer size of the home made it challenging. It was on three levels, and we remade

every room. Much of what we did was bespoke.” Moving a staircase in an extension over the garage proved to be a mission, but the effort paid off with a wider, more navigable space.

The homeowner says he’s happy the home is functional and beautifully restored to its former glory. “The public rooms, lounge, dining, and front hall were obviously built to impress back then. They definitely do that now, maintaining the home’s architectural features alongside dramatic colours. We are really happy with how it has turned out.”

NZCB Member

⁄ Lane van den Brink

www.smithandsons.co.nz

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Built by T and K Services Limited

State of the art Tauranga | Bay of Plenty

This suave studio in Tauranga marries architectural style with natural finishes.

Planned as a holiday retreat, the 85m² space, designed by architect John Henderson, packs a lot of living into an efficient design.

Builder Truan Pennell got a crash course in concrete construction during the project. “I had no prior experience with tilt panels,” says Truan.

“We had many logistical challenges craning them onto the site, but the overall process delivered a fantastic result.”

The homeowner had previously hired Truan for small renovations and says the builder was the right fit for this job. “The architect and the engineers looked at the foundations and said they had never seen anything so perfect. Everything had to be precisely executed so that when the concrete slabs arrived, they would fit like a glove.”

What was once a bare garden site next to the owner’s property now features a modern, minimalistic studio. The exterior’s concrete walls and aluminium flashing complement extensive metalwork inside, including exposed steel balustrades and decorative copper pipes that hide lightswitch wiring. Floor-to-ceiling windows, and a chandelier by Sarah Backler Ceramics above the faux floating staircase, further enhance the striking indoor space. Beyond the mezzanine bedroom, a false wall conceals a beautifully functional bathroom.

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“Everything had to be precisely executed so that when the concrete slabs arrived, they would fit like a glove.”

The homeowner valued the opportunity to be on site frequently during construction.

“I had never built a home before, so it was fascinating.” He says the finished studio is better than he and his wife envisioned. “We are thrilled with the result.”

NZCB Member www.tksl.co.nz

⁄ Truan Pennell

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Dreaming about building or renovating? Interesting builds, bespoke concepts, unique materials, challenging terrain – our organisation of builders can make it happen. For a one-of-a-kind build to the highest standard, NZCB builders are here to build a special relationship with you. This means they put their heart and soul into your job and offer the finest craftsmanship.

If you want special, you need a specialist.

Find yours at nzcb.nz

New Zealand Certified Builders Association National Support Office, 10 Marsh Street, Tauranga New Zealand

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