Build & Renovate 14

ISSUE 14 2016 $6.95

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Living kitchens Bringing kitchen designs to life

FIRST STEPS

Getting new builds right the first time

STAYING STYLISH this spring

INSIDE DESIGN

Creating spaces that enhance living

The building blocks of landscape success

STUNNER IN STONE Iconic style and classic materials create a masterpiece

Close to Groynes Park you will find: • Christchurch International Airport (8 minutes’ drive)

Stage 1 Now Tilted.

Sections Selling Fast!

• Northwood Supa Centre (3 minutes) offering: - 2 Supermarkets - Retail outlets including The Warehouse, Homeware and Hardware stores - Cafes & Restaurants - Pro Fitness Gym

Sections

$199,000

from

Home & Land

$549,000

from

• Northlands Mall (10 minutes) Recreational Amenities Including: • Clearwater Golf Club (5 minutes) • Styx Mill Reserve (5 minutes) • The Groynes Recreation Reserve (1 minute)

To find out how you can make Groynes Park your home, phone the Groynes Park Sales Office on (03) 323 9091 or visit www.groynespark.co.nz

If you’ve been waiting for a special place to build your next home, look no further!

north-west part of the city should see positive long term demand.

With people looking for various kinds of property, Groynes Park is looking to offer a range of options to suit all buyers.

Groynes Park offers two kinds of sections. High-Density Lots from $199,000 allow a site coverage of up to 45%. These sections are typically around 300m2.

Medium density sections, from 550 to over 600m2 in area, start from $239,000 with up to 40% site coverage allowed.

For those wanting to build, Groynes Park has sensible covenants and lets you choose your own builder.

For people wanting to speed up the process, Groynes Park will be offering a range of home and land packages and eventually turn-key homes.

Groynes Park is working with its architects to ensure that even the most affordable homes available at Groynes Park will be stylish, efficiently designed and superbly laid out.

Located on Johns Road, Groynes Park will feature approximately 400 Lots and be home for over 1200 residents. Stage 1 is titled and over 70% sold.

Three Bedroom Home and Land Packages, with 2 bathrooms and even a separate laundry, will start from under $550,000.

Already a prime area of Christchurch due to having suffered so little damage in the earthquakes, the north-west has become increasingly sought-after for people wanting to live in a popular and safe part of the city with a large number of amenities.

Other, larger homes, are in the pipeline and Groynes Park’s building partners will also be offering a selection of designs for Groynes Park sections.

With Christchurch Airport and Northlands Mall less than a 10 minute drive, the Northwood Supa Centre only 4 minutes’ drive, plus with the Groynes Reserve, with its nature-walks, picnic areas and dog-park right on its doorstep, Groynes Park is particularly well-situated, and significant growth in the

For more information, phone Groynes Park on (03) 323-9091 or visit the website at www.groynespark.co.nz

Groynes Park will be offering a range of Home and Land Packages with 3 Bedroom Homes starting for under $550,000 (Architects Impression)

www.groynespark.co.nz

This issue ISSUE 14 2016 www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz HEAD OFFICE 2 Ivan Jamieson Place Christchurch Airport Christchurch 8053

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gary Collins

GENERAL MANAGER OF OPERATIONS Kylie Palermo

NATIONAL SALES & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Clive Greenwood

ADMINISTRATION Louise Keates Angela Barltrop Laura McLeod Lyn Wright Jo Pritchard

6 | Inside design

Interior architecture is about creating spaces that enhance living, not limit it

Two architects discuss what it takes to bring the best ideas to life

10 | Style icons

Things that drip kitchen chic

12 | Put some spring in your step Keeping your interior stylish this season

Just what you need to turn your house into a home

15 | Stunner in stone

Iconic design and classic materials create a masterpiece

14

18 | The best seat outside your house Floating away on Cloud 9 giant cushions

Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Laura Baker JOURNALISTS Lydia Truesdale

03 961 5077 | 0800 555 097 production@academy.net.nz

A simple home ventilation solution

The materials you choose determine a landscape’s success

NEWSROOM

Phone: Email:

16 | Cool moves

17 | Material matters

Grant Williams Chris Graves Graham Hewer Monice Kruger

Jarred Shakespeare ART DIRECTOR Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Betman LEAD DESIGNER Olivia O’Callaghan GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Georgia Due

18

14 | Home comforts

SALES & ADVERTISING

PRODUCTION

19

8 | Living kitchens

Phone: 03 961 5050 Email: admin@academy.net.nz

Phone: 03 961 5098 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

Checkout our new website www.buildandrenovate.com

15

19 | Going with the flow

Bathroom ware with functionality and form

20 | First steps

How to ensure your new build is exactly what you wanted

22 | Keeping your place safe

Choosing the right home security system

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Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2012 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

Architecture

Inside design

By Cymon Allfrey

utilised to craft a well orientated, well dressed ‘shell’ of a structure.

And it is often not until you step inside and are able to appreciate the space within, that the true value of an architect is realised.

Why is it important?

Architecture is about creating well crafted, well organised spaces that enhance living, not limit it.

While dressing the space is about aesthetics, the success of your interior comes down to the relationships that exist between these spaces. A concept many will be familiar with in architecture, yet often only considered externally.

the neighboring sites and the local environment. To be deemed a success the exterior must first interact positively with its surrounding space, before it can be dressed. The same applies inside.

The way we clad and position our homes is intrinsically linked to the way it interacts with the site,

For many, architecture is only considered as an external benefit, a tool that has been

As biological beings we essentially all live and function the same way, meaning the basic needs for our homes – bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, living – are the same, but how these spaces interact and connect directly influences how we experience and live in our homes: both positively and negatively.

It doesn’t matter what you do to modernise a poorly designed space, if the interior floor plan hasn’t been resolved successfully then [for example], inserting a new kitchen isn’t going to transform your interior into a well designed, architecturally successful space.

It is simply going to jazz up an interior which will continue to perform below par.

When it comes to interior architecture, what is your role?

Interior architecture allows the provision of a cohesive and coordinated design from the inside out. One cannot exist without the other and the success of your interior is intrinsically linked to the success of your exterior.

The manner in which we envision different activities in our home, and how we want our interior

6 | B&R

environments to perform, is all part of the dream presented at the beginning of the project.

Translating this vision for living is not about ticking the boxes around required spaces, but ensuring your interior has been approached holistically.

At CAARC we believe our ability to offer an end-to-end architectural service allows us to achieve a cohesive and co-ordinated design for our clients, which from the inside-out is centered around creating an environment which fits with the brief.

How does it differ from interior design?

Where interior design provides the finishing touches, interior architecture provides the base on which these touches can be applied. The interface of our spaces is vital to the notion of creating a well crafted interior that will stand the test of time; an interior that allows for installations into the space, such as the kitchen, to be changed and replaced as fashions change.

Existing in a particular part of the house, the kitchen, while decorative in the big picture, needs to be well considered in terms of its positioning and connection to other spaces to ensure it is maximising its function within the home.

VISIT: WWW.CAARC.CO.NZ

If you want advice on how to create that great kitchen, bathroom or laundry in your home – Edward Gibbon are the people to see.

In today’s home arguably the most used and abused spaces are the kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, as they bear the brunt of the worst punishment modern families can inflict.

But if they are well designed, with good fittings and appliances then what a difference they can make to day-to-day life!

It is here where expert advice can make all the difference and one of the best places to get this very thing is Edward Gibbon Plumbing Plus. If you want advice on how to create that great kitchen, bathroom or laundry in your home – these are the people to see.

Showroom: 293 Cranford St, St Albans, Christchurch | 03 366 7137 75 Kingsley St, Sydenham, Christchurch | 03 366 7199 www.edwardgibbon.co.nz

Creating cool kitchens

Living kitchens

By Terri Cluckie

Building and renovating a new kitchen can be tricky, especially if it is a first-time project, so hearing from professionals about how they deal with their own spaces when designing, building and completing a project can be a good place to start.

We speak to two architects about awardwinning kitchens they have worked on and the process they went through.

Cymon Allfrey of Cymon Allfrey Architects Limited Project: Buller, West Coast (Pictured) Winner of the 2011 ADNZ/Resene Architectural Design Awards (Canterbury/ Westland Region, Residential Alterations and Additions category) 1. What did you do with this kitchen?

This particular kitchen (pictured above) was a major renovation to the home. The owners have quite large gatherings so the design allows eight people to function in the kitchen without, hopefully, getting on each 8 | B&R

other’s toes, because it actually functions as two separate spaces.

The area the kitchen occupies used to be a kitchen and a dining space, so it’s quite large, but to be able to accommodate eight people means a large space, double the appliances etc. and from a scale perspective we still wanted to recognise that it was a family home – 90 percent of the time or more it would actually be used by a small group of people. The kitchen is therefore designed in two halves but also in a way that flows.

Hopefully if you want to get up in the morning and have a cup of coffee with your breakfast, you don’t feel like you’re standing in a commercial kitchen, but at the same time, if you’ve got a large group of people using it, it still works.

2. Why does it work so well?

To make it work well, because of the scale, we had to consider the location of appliances so that the travel distances are never particularly great, but also so they don’t cross the path of a particular activity.

For example, if somebody is preparing, they can work quite independently from someone who is cooking and they don’t have to walk through the same space.

What works well, I think, is a lot of consideration for functionality. Kitchens can be beautiful, and they should be, particularly in the heart of the house, but people have to work in them in a safe and functional environment. The kitchen probably needs a lot more thought than any other room about how to allow it to functions in a way that accommodates a lot of people.

3. How did you design the kitchen to work within the space?

Put aside the functional side of it, this particular kitchen feeds directly out to a very large dining space, almost a dining hall, so it is quite heavily connected to the social side of the home rather than the domestic side.

There is a sneaky secret door that actually leads you into a kids’ recreational/ study area towards the bedrooms. One of the key things we’ve done is we’ve tried to design it so that you can come and go from the kitchen without necessarily moving through the public spaces by incorporating that secret door.

That is actually one of the key features of the kitchen to make it work; so that the family can use it by coming and going through that door while still keeping it a social space.

Creating cool kitchens

Kitchen renovation DOS AND DON’TS

DO: Your research before meeting with a contractor or architect. What does your dream kitchen look like? What will the space mainly be used for? Is cooking or entertainment the priority?

DON’T: Sacrifice safety for aesthetics.

DO: Spend time listing what works and doesn’t work in your current kitchen.

DON’T: Waste storage space - plan ahead to avoid losing valuable space.

DO: Over-budget. Some people recommend budgeting at least 10 percent more for additional expenses to cover unforeseen costs.

Robert Weir of Weir Architecture Project: Rock Hill, Christchurch (Pictured) Winner of the Master Builders’ House of the Year 2015 Gold Reserve Award and Lifestyle Award 1. What did you do with this kitchen?

With the kitchen being the central focus and main congregation area, the house was designed around it to ensure all other areas would radiate and open out from there.

I selected the material palette, surfaces, textures, hardware and lighting so that they would complement elements used elsewhere in the house.

2. Why does it work so well?

I designed the kitchen to be an integral part of the home. The joinery under the front section of bench was designed to appear as a plinth with the recessed handles running continuously around all four sides. Apart from the oven, all other appliances are concealed from view.

All the living rooms and outdoor areas are connected to the kitchen. An informal dining area has been integrated into the left-hand section of the island bench that provides seating on both sides, which encourages conversation and many a glass of wine.

3. How did you design the kitchen to work within the space?

The house was designed around the kitchen area so all spaces radiate out from it. I have always liked the design of European kitchens with long sleek lines with a well selected but simple material palette.

B&R | 9

Creating cool kitchens

Style icons Cindy-Lee for Lightly ‘Smith Brass Light’ These bespoke brass hanging lights have been developed with essential earth elements in mind by Cindy-Lee for Lightly.

Handcrafted from stone and alloys, the conical shape hangs from the ceiling by a 1.5m black flex, giving you freedom to move underneath while they stylishly hang above you.

RRP: $495 each www.collected.co.nz

SMEG Fridge Freezer When doing up your kitchen, you don’t just need appliances that are practical, you need appliances that look good too. SMEG fridges play into this perfectly with their iconic and retro style. This 328L fridge freezer stands 1926mm high by 600mm wide, features a chrome wine rack and comes in a range of colours.

RRP: $5,499 www.kitchenthings.co.nz

10 | B&R

KITCHENS CAN HAVE SOPHISTICATED DESIGN & A REASONABLE PRICE TAG AFFORDABILITY WITHOUT COMPROMISE

You want a kitchen that will last, one that you love and one that fits your price tag.

Don’t feel like you need to compromise to get what you want. We understand not everyone has the budget for a marble bench top, but our clever designers can suggest alternatives that are so good it is hard to tell the difference.

EXCEPTIONAL DESIGN

The measure of a truly exceptional kitchen design is how much the people using the kitchen love it.

We design kitchens that look fantastic, but more importantly feel fantastic. Draws that slide smoothly and quietly, solid benchtops, custom measured cabinets and everything a kitchen needs for you to fall in love with it.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP IN BRINGING YOUR DREAM KITCHEN TO LIFE BOOK A FREE SITE VISIT OR SHOWROOM CONSULTATION 9 Klondyke Drive, Hornby Christchurch | 0800 466 632 or (03) 982 1700 |

www.moda.co.nz

Interior design

Put some spring in your step

By Ann-Marie Appleton

Ditch the winter fashions, shed the extra layers, open the windows and finally welcome spring and the longer, sunnier days!

It’s time to spring clean and de-clutter our neglected interior spaces and outdoor living areas.

Embrace the fresh air and get outside - clean and oil the deck, brush off the BBQ, clean the windows inside and out, update the planters and throw down a new fresh, welcoming door mat.

The annual de-cluttering, room by room, creates calm and order and is repeated every year, so it can’t be that bad!

Whilst it’s certainly not necessary to repaint the house every year, it’s nice to change or simply just re-arrange items in the home for a new look.

Tidy away any items that helped you ‘cosy up’ during winter such as rugs, heavy drapes, woollen throws, spice scented candles etc, and replace with a lighter, fresher look such as cottons, linens, sheers, voiles and chintz.

Here are some on trend tips to stay stylish this spring: • Turquoise, violet, coral and bright yellow are all big ‘spring’ colours, whether it be in the form of paint, fabric or accessories.

Non-offensive neutral wallpaper is being challenged by bolder, stronger, more colourful ‘statement’ papers and can really pack a punch in any sized room • Big blooms - florals are also very popular in both curtain and upholstery fabrics, and the scale is much bigger - think large peony and rose heads. Mix with smaller flowers, stripes and dots to add variety. Of course fresh cut flowers in a gorgeous vase never go out of fashion

“

It is more important to select items that you like, or which have a personal significance, rather than conforming to a specific rigid look.

”

• A graphic pattern gives a tired room an instant zing such as cushions or a floor rug

• Add a touch of glamour with warm metallics. Rose gold, copper and brass and their tones are taken through into furniture and accessories, and will add a touch of glamour and opulence. It’s easy to create a feeling of openness with transparent surfaces and mirrors to bounce light around • And I’m loving the vintage glass domes and display cases that showcase new or vintage treasures, such as pheasant feathers, string balls, antique jewelry and taxidermy.

Don’t be alarmed by all the changes that happen each year, there is an interior trend to suit everyone. Harmonious patterns and colours don’t have to match and you don’t have to stick to all of the rules.

It is more important to select items that you like, or which have a personal significance, rather than conforming to a specific rigid look.

FROM RESIDENTIAL TO COMMERCIAL, KITCHENS AND BATHROOMS TO STAIRCASES AND MORE, WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED. WITH SUCH A FULL RANGE OF JOINERY SERVICES AVAILABLE WE ARE VIRTUALLY A ONE-STOP-SHOP WHATEVER YOUR NEEDS.

MURRAY & JULIE HEWITT | 25A Lunns Road, Christchurch P: 03 3430 360 | M: 027 239 2934 | E: info@mhj.co.nz | www.mhj.co.nz 12 | B&R

And it doesn’t require a complete home renovation; sometimes the simplest nod to a trend can make all the difference. We are here to help you, don’t be nervous – it’s exciting!

Ann-Marie Appleton is the director of interior design company Frobisher Interiors. She holds a diploma in interior design and is a member of DINZ. Visit www.frobisher.co.nz

PROVIDING HOMES, BUSINESSES AND SCHOOLS FROM NORTHLAND TO SOUTHLAND WITH THE ULTIMATE IN STRUCTURAL WEATHER PROTECTION: AWNINGS, CANOPIES, OUTDOOR BLINDS Imagine hosting a barbecue or social soiree and not having to hurry inside when the weather turns, or being able to take your work outside despite the weather…

With Archgola New Zealand you can make the most of every day and extend the amount of time lived outdoors, whether you want to transform your back yard into an al fresco oasis, or simply need something more practical like a carport or shelter from the elements.

With its innovative and versatile modular design that allows the option of drop-down side walls, Archgola has become a popular solution for a range of home, business and educational settings and can be customised to suit any client’s specific needs.

OPERATED BY LOCALS, FOR LOCALS Archgola Canterbury has been operating in Canterbury for nearly five years now. As one of six licensees in NZ to have installed their 500th Archgola in the Canterbury area, they are well equipped when it comes to installations specific to Canterbury’s environment.

Local licensee holders Chris & Beve Thorndycroft, based in Templeton, get immense pleasure in solving people’s outdoor living area solutions and what can be achieved by installing an Archgola, with the common response being “it has exceeded our expectations”.

Archgola New Zealand is proud to be the first company in New Zealand to develop shade awnings and canopies strictly for New Zealand conditions, and they believe they’ve set the industry benchmark high.

WEATHER AND SUN-PROOF 99.9% UV resistant , durable and long lasting, and built to withstand New Zealand’s tough climatic conditions.

OTHER BENEFITS: Customised to your liking of colour/style/size. Product warranty, 15 months interest-free. Only 30% deposit (T&Cs may apply).

Get a free quote today.

happy with our Archgola! It has “ Really just made our outside patio perfect!And big thanks to the installers who did a fantastic job! I will definitely be recommending your business to everyone i know!

– Chriss D, Rolleston.

”

Contact Chris today to discover a solution that will enhance your lifestyle.

Archgola New Zealand | 26 Bailey Street, Templeton P (03) 349 4429 | M 027 421 1079 | E thorndy@xtra.co.nz www.archgola.co.nz

Interior design

Home

comforts UNDER COVER DUVET Every inch of this mint and grey duvet cover shouts “look at me” all the while compelling you into a warm and cosy bed you would gladly get lost under to avoid the daily grind. The lines and angles are reminiscent of paper folds and the grey piping trim detail completes this enticing slumber accessory.

Kreafunk Agroove speaker This compact wireless speaker is soft on the edges with a smooth personality. Its sleek design compliments any home or office décor and is small enough to be packed away for music anywhere, any time when you’re on the road.

It comes in black, white and dusty pink and has a playback time of up to 24 hours so can last the night and day.

RRP: $159 www.collected.co.nz

Ruggie alarm clock The Ruggie is designed to stop late risers ‘losing to the snooze’. The memory foam rug will sound an alarm of your choice (downloadable from your computer via USB) and won’t turn off until you have stood on it for three seconds. The best part is it won’t sound off again because there is no snooze button! Currently a Kickstarter project, but interest is such they’ll be hitting bedroom floors in no time.

RRP: King $239, Queen $209, King single $189, Single $159 littleeclectic.co.nz

Design Denmark Stingray Chair A signature lounge chair can be a sweet addition to any room. This eye-catching almost futuristic interpretation of the classic rocking chair is by Fredericia at Design Denmark and can be used both inside and out. Built for comfort, it accommodates a variety of sitting positions, perfect for lazing in the garden or in the house.

RRP: Prices start from $4,419 www.designdenmark.co.nz

RRP: US$79 | www.ruggie.com

Duffel Ottoman by Tim Webber Design Much like the classic drawstring duffel bag that it’s inspired by, the Duffel Ottoman’s design features, paired with its wool-felt fabric, create a strong sense of quality and workmanship. The rope handles and leather accents allow for easy movement of the ottoman, making it great for collaborative spaces and open plan environments.

RRP: $1,550 | thecleverdesignstore.com 14 | B&R

Hot homes

STUNNER IN STONE

This striking home in Halswell was the joint winner of the Residential New Home over 300sqm Architectural Design Award at the Canterbury/Westland Regional ADNZ Architectural Design Awards for 2015.

This large family home located at the end of a quiet cul-de-sac on the outskirts of Christchurch features both urban and rural views.

A strong gable form, running away from the street, contains the majority of the home over two levels. Separated from this by a glazed link is another smaller gable form, containing the utility spaces with the second living room tucked discretely above.

The judges felt this home was deserving thanks to its highly polished, well resolved use of simple forms. The architect behind the home is Craig South of Cymon Allfrey Architects Limited.

B&R | 15

Healthy homes

Cool moves

So how does UNOVENT work?

Home ventilation systems typically comprise of an above the ceiling roof cavity and a centrally mounted fan which distributes drier filtered air from the roof cavity into bedrooms and living rooms, via a network of ducting, all installed by a specialist.

Depending on the number of room outlets, ducted systems can cost anywhere from $2,000 to $6,000 installed. But there is a simpler alternative - the Unovent DIY home ventilation moisture reduction system.

The system pulls dry air from the roof cavity which is mixed with the wetter air in the home living spaces, reducing the moisture content by pressurizing each room, causing sufficient air changes to reduce the moisture content.

voltage supply using lightweight cabling from one Unovent unit to the next, and then to the next, and so on.

It also reduces window condensation and the amount of moisture absorbed into wall coverings, drapes and carpets, which can lead to mould and mildew, key triggers for asthma and allergies.

The Unovent DIY home ventilation moisture reduction system comprises a number of individual ductless outlets into the rooms, each with their own fan and washable filter, all connected to a simple low

For more information visit www.unovent.co.nz

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www.4-cornerstone.com 16 | B&R

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Landscaping

Material matters

By Katie Costain and Ben Freeman

The materials used in your garden are crucial to the overall success of your landscape and how it functions as a series of outdoor spaces. Planting is only one part of the garden; the hard materials and surfaces are an integral part of the design.

When selecting landscape materials, consider the view from inside: do you want to soften large areas or differentiate between prominent and secondary paths? Using the same material across multiple spaces creates continuity, whilst a change in material says, “this is a different part of the garden”.

Pebbles and chip: Gravel, stone chip and round pebbles create a natural surface option that is great for garden retreat areas, secondary pathways, around vegetable gardens, changing textures in your design or creating a style with a more natural aesthetic.

Bricks and paving: There are so many different types of bricks, paving, cobbles, setts and flagstones that you are spoiled for choice. Some are designed to carry heavy loads, while others are designed to be easier to lay. All require different laying methods, so be sure to talk to the manufacturer or retailer about which is the best method for your particular project.

TOP CONSIDERATIONS FOR YOUR MATERIAL SELECTION:

If you are planning to design and build your own landscape, here are a few things to remember about the most commonly used materials and how to select the right product for your job.

Your style Material selection needs to reflect the style of your home and garden. It should work with your plant and colour themes, outdoor furniture and garden ambience.

Timber: Wood is a sustainable choice that blends well into its natural surroundings.

Some timbers can be cheap and easy to install, and come in a wide variety of styles.

Using the right timber for the right application will mean your deck, fences, garden beds and other timber structures will look good and remain strong for years to come.

Longevity Base your choice on the durability of the product and how well it will hold up in your landscape.

Concrete: Concrete will stand the test of time and is one of the most versatile construction materials. It can be poured onsite with an array of finishes, from plain/smooth, coloured, exposed aggregate or stamped with decorative cuts and patterns. Poured concrete is a cheap and fast way to create a hard surface in your landscape. As a natural product, concrete will often behave in unpredictable ways. It can cure with mottled or darker areas swirled with lighter parts. If you are after a more uniform finish, consider using asphalt or exposing the aggregate in concrete.

Price We all know you get what you pay for, and landscaping isn’t any different. If it is cheap, then chances are that it won’t last or look good for too long.

Thinking outside the square Be imaginative with materials. As well as the off-the-shelf materials available, there are many more limited only by your imagination.

Old bottles, rope, tires, dinner plate pieces — all can be used to define the spaces in your garden and reflect personal style.

Katie Costain and Ben Freeman are the directors of Billygoat Landscape Architecture (BGLA), based in Canterbury and Wellington.

For more information, visit www.bgla.co.nz B&R | 17

Outdoor living

CLOUD 9 GIANT CUSHIONS I’ll tell you what, it’ll be hard going back to beanbags filled with cheap polystyrene beans once you’ve had a rest on these mammoth indoor-outdoor cushions.

They’re stylish to fit in with your home, portable so you can take them wherever you choose, and filled with ‘spongy’ polyester fibre for ultimate comfort.

RRP: $795 (1.3m x 1.3m) and $895 (1.75m x 1.3m) www.lujo.co.nz

ASK ABOUT THIS MONTHS SPECIALS+

GET THE BEST PRICE ON CARPET AND VINYL At Harrisons Carpet you’ll always get the best advice from your locally owned and operated Harrisons expert, Christina Gardner.

Why Harrisons?

• It’s easy, Christina is mobile, so she’ll come to you • Quick turnaround – from measure to installation • Huge range of the latest carpets and vinyls to suit all decors and budgets • Free designer colour and style advice • Finance options available (Q Card, GEM Visa)

FOR A FREE IN-HOME CONSULTATION

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0800 421 002 chchcentral@hah.co.nz www.harrisonscarpet.co.nz *See website for details. +Conditions apply.

18 | B&R

See you at your place

TM

Bathrooms

Going with Combining a passion for water and sculptural form, Hansgrohe’s bathroom ware is both functional and attractive.

the flow

Axor Massaud washbowl Made using high quality mineral casting, the Axor Massaud counter top washbowl delivers an organic, contoured shape to fit a harmonious and stylish design.

It distinctively provides a natural look with its soft appearance and is available in various sizes.

Axor Starck V The Axor Starck V mixer’s transparent glass body pours water out like a waterfall. It has an easy-click function to remove the glass body from its base, while the safety-stop function means that this can be done without having to turn off the mixer. Available as a single lever basin mixer, a two-hole basin mixer and a single lever mixer version for wash bowls, in chrome and various finishes.

All available from: www.flowimport.co.nz

SHAPING THE FUTURE

The Horizon

European styling, world-class functionality.

Affordable solutions that look great, keep you safe and warm and are environmentally friendly.

FIRST HOMES / LIFESTYLE HOMES / HOLIDAY HOMES / INVESTMENT HOUSING / RURAL HOMES For more information on how we can build your dream call us today.

With over 78 years experience you can trust us to deliver!

0800 KEITH HAY

The NK Windows System is a high-performance European uPVC windows and door system, out-performing any thermally broken aluminium joinery on the market.

Phone 03 344 3126

www.nkwindows.co.nz B&R | 19

Professional procedures for new home building

First steps

‘wish list’ will save you time and money in the long run.

It is important that for such an important investment, possibly the largest of your life, you have the financial and legal security provided by doing things absolutely correctly.

At this stage look to engage an architect/designer to create conceptual drawings. This will ensure you maximise the size and shape of the land.

Your new home is “the expression and vision of you”.

Before you start there will be personal decisions, agreements and disagreements, but keep it an adventure for the family; one that will ultimately give you enormous self-satisfaction and a sense of achievement and happiness that comes from building your new home.

sections and ideas to build your new home?

How many weekends have we all spent driving around looking for

Therefore having clarity about what you want and a definitive

Time spent researching, planning, looking at materials, ideas and designs will save you time and money in the long term. It is better to take longer here so you build it right, rather than rush and regret.

Remember that land cost is based per square metre, so there is no point buying more than you need, or buying a site that doesn’t match your lifestyle wants and needs.

While the option is available to purchase land without a real estate agent, it is very important to be aware that in not doing so, you may not get all the information required.

Your agent will advise you on the importance of obtaining LIM reports, geotechnical

reports, market analysis, the area’s advantages and, yes, disadvantages.

Most importantly, they are your connection between you and the vendor – your agent is your negotiator and it is worth noting that this is not at your cost, but the vendor’s.

In your sale and purchase contract include a due diligence clause for a time-frame you consider appropriate; your lawyer can further advise you on this matter.

The reason for this is you do not want to enter into provisional costs for professional services, only to find the section has been sold.

The real estate agent has a legal obligation to be fully transparent with you, stipulated by the Real Estate Act. Discuss with a planning consultant to ensure there are no hidden issues that may arise, or have arisen, from the earthquakes on your LIM report.

Brian Langley Licensee Salesperson

M 027 276 5995 T 03 666 0112 F 03 323 4351 E brian.langley@raywhite.com Northwood Supa Centa, PO Box 76062, Northwood, Christchurch 8548, New Zealand Full Circle Real Estate Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008) rwfullcircle.co.nz

Fax: (03) 977 7714 Mobile: 021 363 497 Email: office@rgmc.co.nz PO Box 2551 Christchurch 20 | B&R

Ph: 021 376 784 | Email: office@frostbuilders.co.nz

www.frostbuilders.co.nz

Professional procedures for new home building Your architect/designer is someone you have to enjoy working with, someone who has great lateral design thought, and an excellent portfolio of designs that appeal to you.

Your relationship with them is vital in order for them to truly understand your wish list and create a home you envisage. They will draw up the concept plan in a more formal presentation and work with you towards final acceptance of a floor plan, interior fit out, exterior cladding and overall aesthetics.

Then they’ll complete all the working drawings, engaging the respective professionals required to lodge these plans with the local council for building consent.

As part of this process they will eng age a structural engineer who will ensure the floor design, building strength, wind zoning detail and bracing all comply with the building code.

A geotechnical report will be required as part of this if it hasn’t been provided by the vendor. This report establishes the underground land condition enabling the most suitable and cost-effective floor design.

Discussion with a surveyor is strongly advised to ensure the correct boundary peg locations

still apply, as in some cases, changes due tothe region’s earthquakes have occurred. They will also peg the correct location of your home for the builder to commence construction.

The Architectural Design Professionals

Your choice of builder is vital. View their portfolio of completed homes and workmanship.

Ask home owners how they found the builder’s professionalism and if on construction sites, ask the labourers questions: don’t be shy – it will build confidence in you that you’ve got the right people for the job.

They must be member of the Registered Master Builders or New Zealand Certified Builders Association, as this ensures legal security for you.

It is the builder that you will spend the most time with therefore you must feel compatible with them; disharmony is the l ast thing you need.

During construction time engage a landscape company to put the final touches on the visual beauty and external liveability of your property.

The end result of all this is you will have “allowed your imagination to create your own legacy”.

DOING THE HARD WORK FOR YOU / Civil, Structural and Geotechnical Engineering / Environmental Science and Site Contamination / Surveying / Planning

Taking projects through the design and build process, including interiors and landscape design

11 Deans Ave, Christchurch 8011 PO Box 589, Christchurch 8140 0800 999 333 03 366 1653 hello@do.co.nz www.do.co.nz

Visit our website to see more of our work www.archimetrix.co.nz T: 03 366 0664 Like us on Facebook B&R | 21

Home security

Keeping your place safe Choosing the right home security system There are plenty of different styles and brands of home security systems available in New Zealand from which you can choose - but how do you know which one is the right one?

But the truth is that an alarm is the best defence of all. It deters thieves in the first place and lets you know when someone has breached a door or a window in your home.

Learning just a bit about the options that are available can help you determine which system you need to ensure that your home is secure 24 hours a day.

Less than 10 minutes is often all it takes for a burglar to get his or her hands on your belongings and out the door.

You can choose to have it monitored or unmonitored, wired or wireless, and you can even decide whether you want to install it yourself or have it professionally installed.

Is a home alarm system right for me?

The first thing you should consider is whether a home security system is right for you in the first place. Some people truly believe that they don’t need to worry about security since they live in a peaceful rural area or a good suburb. The truth is, though, that a robbery can happen to virtually anyone at any time.

There are some things you can do aside from purchasing an alarm system such as making sure that you remove any opportunities to break in.

Should the alarm be monitored?

While it may be enough to simply install the system with an alarm that sounds to alert you if you are home or to send you a text notification if you are not, you’ll still have to get that message and contact the authorities on your own.

The good news is that monitoring services are often quite affordable and they’ll contact the authorities for you as soon as an intrusion is picked up. However, you’ll want to make sure that the system you get is “future-proof” in regard to communication; remember that some of these will only work over a copper phone line and are not capable of operating via a broadband connection.

Which brand makes the best alarm systems?

Consider which brand of alarm system will offer the best performance and value.

The Lock & Safe Specialists UPGRADE YOUR SECURITY

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ACCESS

Lock Specialists Ltd 22 | B&R

Large range of safes Wireless alarms Smoke detectors Garage & car remotes Restricted master key systems Standalone access control Full Locksmith Service 170 Waterloo Rd, Hornby Ph: 344 5959 Fax: 344 5969 Email: sales@accesslocks.co.nz www.accesslocks.co.nz

Some are certainly more popular than others and include brands like the ones listed below.

Bosch Bosch offers up plenty of systems that are perfect for use in homes of any size. Their Classic Line series includes wireless options and some that have two separate motion sensors built-in to avoid false alarms.

Paradox Paradox has been specialising in home security systems for the New Zealand market for quite some time now and offers up everything you could ever need for your home and this is true whether you need indoor monitoring, outdoor monitoring, or perhaps even both.

DSC DSC’s Bravo line is geared toward homeowners and these systems use things like infrared and microwaves to produce systems that are incredibly sensitive. They also provide outdoor sensors that are perfect for residential use and their own Acuity Glass Break Detectors that will provide an instant alarm in the event that storefront or window glass is broken.

Elite Elite offers a full range of accessories that you can tie into one of their main panels to protect your home. They offer key rings for arming or disarming the system, wireless motion detectors, smoke and heat alarms, and even glass break sensors that will immediately notify you if something should happen.

Information provided courtesy of Security Search, New Zealand’s premier online resource for home and commercial security information. www.securitysearch.co.nz

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR STAFF, CONTRACTORS AND THE PUBLIC.

So, as a local company servicing Cantabrians in the re-build of Christchurch, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

Our extensive construction knowledge ensures we understand local compliance issues and we realise how critical your deadlines are and we guarantee to be on time – check out our Secureguarantee.

Secureguarantee • We guarantee to beat any written quote by 10% • We guarantee to return all quotes within 48 hours otherwise you will receive the first week rental FREE of charge! * Terms and conditions apply to the Secureguarantee

By using Securefence and Securescaffold you can rest assured that your objectives of safety, cost and meeting deadlines are of paramount importance.

All our equipment is rigorously tested to the highest of standards.

Securescaffold covers all NEW Worksafe working height requirements providing fall protection for builders, painters, home handyman and roofers on new and existing home constructions.

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Ask your builder if he’s using Securefence and scaffold – it will save you money.

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With more than 50 years’ experience in the construction sector we are well aware of the needs of the industry. This means we realise how important the safety of your best asset – your staff – is to you and your company’s future.

0800 66 00 22 Part of the

www.securefence.co.nz | www.securescaffold.co.nz Level 6, 10 Scotia Place, Auckland, 1010 2 Ivan Jamieson Place, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, NZ