Myspace Waikato - May 2018

WAIKATO ISSUE 1

We’re giving away a Showerdome® worth $299!

Auckland Zoo aviary

Be in

to

Steamed mirrors, condensation on walls and ceilings, slippery floors and mould are year-round annoying home issues caused by shower steam, which can add significant costs to house upkeep.

Not to mention that a dry warm house is also a healthy house, as damp bathrooms are the perfect place for fungus and bacteria to grow, causing serious health problems. Showerdome® solves all these problems, controlling steam, reducing condensation and making the house healthier and warmer.

A Showerdome® shower top consists of a clear acrylic dome that prevents steam from forming when fitted on top of an existing shower box. With no on-going costs it is the most effective investment one can make for a home or rental property. Showerdome® also makes mirror demisters and extractor fans redundant and could save the average household around $250 in energy costs alone.

If you want to build an imposing entranceway, pergola, sturdy deck or walkway, there’s nothing better than Northbeam for real strength and character.

Tailor-made in lengths up to 7.2 metres, these strong SG8-verified beams and posts enhance the elegance and aesthetic charm of buildings in ways that can’t be replicated by steel or other materials.

Northbeam timber beams and posts from Northpine are made from pine grown in Northland because it is stronger, denser and stiffer than pine grown anywhere else in NZ.

If you prefer the strength, warmth and charm of timber, insist on Northbeam. BRANZ Appraised, it’s the natural first choice for specifiers. Talk to your architect, designer or building supply merchant.

A: P: F: E: W:

120 Foundry Road, Silverdale 09 426 4104 09 426 7226 northbeam@northpine.co.nz www.northpine.co.nz

To enter simply email us with ‘SHOWERDOME’ in the subject line to go into the draw to WIN!

win@myspacemagazine.co.nz PLUS If you’d like a FREE one year subscription to MySpace magazine include your name, postal address and a contact phone number. *Entries close 31 July 2018. Winner will be notified by email and prize despatched to their chosen delivery address. We have 1x DIY Showerdome® kit to give away valued at $299 (installation by a trained local Showerdome® installer is available at standard pricing)

A product range of Northpine Ltd

Appraisal No.986 [2017]

www.showerdome.co.nz

Welcome to MySpace Waikato, a free magazine launched to capture, captivate and motivate the energetic and increasingly growing local design, build and renovation market.

When searching for ideas for your dream home or how to improve existing property with the latest styles and trends, look no further than MySpace!

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Enjoying nature’s bounty

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My Favourite Space - Paul Martin

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Wired for sound - and everything else

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Creating space to grow and play

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Ticking all the boxes

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Which white is right?

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The villa on the corner

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My Favourite Space - Camille Guzzwell

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Reno vs Build? - helpful tips

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Professional Services

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For all advertising enquiries contact: Kathy Sellars on 07 928 3053 or 027 211 9193 kathy@sunmedia.co.nz

www.myspacemagazine.co.nz myspacemagazine Editorial: Catherine Fry, Lisa Laity, Maddi Brown Photography: Catherine Fry, supplied Advertising: Leah Rogers, Sharon Eyres, Aimee-Leigh Brunsdon Graphic Design: Kym Johnson, Kathy Sellars

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MySpace is a SunMedia Ltd publication Š All material is copyright and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the publisher.

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Enjoying

nature’s bounty In a world of ever-dwindling resources, there’s nothing quite like tapping into the bounties in your own backyard to build a new home.

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Enjoying nature’s bounty...

The owners of this award-winning Gordonton house decided to build their new home with macrocarpa timber, milled from the family farm.

“The owners wanted it to resemble a farm building, but also wanted to add a modern touch with metal cladding,” says builder Andy Spiers of Aspiers Building Ltd. Vertical macrocarpa panels are prominent both inside and on the outside of the house, as well as on the steps leading to the front entrance.

The passageway walls are lined in macrocarpa and it features prominently in the kitchen, both in the seamless-look cabinetry and the central island bench, which also doubles as a table.

The warm, durable timber is complemented by polished concrete floors and a concrete floor-to-ceiling wall panel in the living room, which provides an attractive surround for the television and gas fireplace.

Heat from the fireplace is ducted throughout the house and the stylish floors also have underfloor heating.

Macrocarpa has been used again in this room to create built-in wall shelving and a cosy window seat which looks out over the rural vista.

Window treatments throughout the home include large floor to ceiling picture windows in the living room to take advantages of the views, sliding windows in 6

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the kitchen and office that match the ranch sliders throughout the house, and louvre windows in the master bedroom to allow good airflow.

LED downlights feature largely throughout the house, with attractive pendant lights in the kitchen, living room and bedrooms.

One of the special additions to the home is a theatre room with a projector that drops down from the ceiling to screen movies on the blank wall. Black-out curtains and in-built wall speakers also ensure the owners enjoy the ultimate in-home cinema experience.

Outdoor entertaining is also a breeze in this home, with a fully-plumbed outdoor kitchen, including a built-in barbecue, in the loggia off the kitchen.

The covered exterior gallery, with a natural ‘crazy pattern’ stone floor, provides shelter from the elements and can be used all-year round.

“It doubles as a second kitchen and is great for catering for a large crowd,” says Andy.

In the master bedroom, the décor turns to cool white, with another stunning rural outlook from the floor-to-ceiling windows.

The vista can also be enjoyed from a designer freestanding tub in the ensuite bathroom, which also features his-and-her basins and a wet-floor shower.

Another two bedrooms, main bathroom and an office make up the rest of the home, with the office offering its work-from-home owner more of the fantastic rural outlook.

The oversized two-car garage with macrocarpa door is detached from the house and reached via a paved, covered walkway.

While stunning in its simplicity, the design of this home was far from straightforward, says Andy.

“There are very few 90-degree walls,” he says. “There are three passageways and none of the walls are parallel with each other, so the set-out was crucial.

“There was also a fair amount of steel work, with steel beams holding up the soffits in the absence of any poles.”

The hidden roof, with its internal gutters and long span, also proved challenging when deciding where to locate the downpipes.

“There were limited areas available because, obviously, you didn’t want them dropping down the middle of a window, so that planning was also crucial,” says Andy.

An absence of architraves, skirtings and scotias support the stripped-back feel of the house, but left no room for less-thanperfect craftsmanship.

“Because there is no skirting, scotia or architraves around the doors, there is nowhere to hide anything – the door jambs go hard against the walls and the plaster board goes hard down on to the concrete floor. There is no beading outside to cover anything.”

“It was a very labour-intensive build, but everything flowed pretty well and the clients made it easy for us.”

The hard work paid off, with the precision craftsmanship of Aspiers Building recognised with a double win in both the Waikato and National Registered Master Builders House of the Year 2017 competition in the New Home $700,000-$1 million category.

www.aspiersbuilding.co.nz

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ststyyllee ffoorr EVERY HOME

EVERY HOME

Hamilton 631 Te Rapa Road Te Rapa (07) 849 9230

Cambridge 91 Victoria Street Cambridge (07) 827 6445

pinterest.com/guthrie_bowron 8 | myspacewaikato Issue 1

Te Awamutu Mega Centre, Shop 8 670 Cambridge Road Te Awamutu (07) 871 8540

Matamata 17 Arawa Street Matamata (07) 888 8119

facebook.com/GuthrieBowron pinterest.com/guthrie_bowron

*Flooring is only currently available at Guthrie Bowron Cambridge and Te Awamutu.

Flooring * Flooring Wallpaper Wallpaper Curtains Curtains Blinds Blinds Paint & Woodcare Paint & Woodcare

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Co

Get creative with

curtains Curtains can create warmth and softness.

They can blend into the dĂŠcor of the room, or make a statement of their own.

Coloured or patterned curtains can add a pop of personality and neutral curtains blend to soften the space. While light, airy window coverings can be romantic or beachy. Heavier, textured curtains give a sense of opulence and luxury. Curtains in a similar tone and texture add depth to a monochromatic look.

Whether you want a classic, modern, minimal, contemporary or opulent look, Guthrie Bowron can talk you through the pleat,heading, and fabric options to achieve your desired outcome.

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Coast Collection by Warwick Fabrics

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New Construction Renovation Specialists Family owned and trusted builders in the Waikato since 1983, providing quality and affordable building services.

We offer complete solutions for all construction needs. From a simple insurance repair job to larger projects like new homes or commercial buildings, we can deliver the service and quality you deserve.

You can choose from a range of plans or we can customise a design to suit you, no problem.

We will take care of everything, from planning to construction. Using high quality materials from trusted manufacturers ensures you receive structural integrity and great design.

We work efficiently and have invested in modern technology to help reduce costs and speed up the process.

Giving you the best value for money and completing your project on time and on budget.

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New Houses & Alterations/Renovations Farm Cottages Transportable Homes Insurance Repair Work Metrapanel Systems/ Housing/Commercial Dairy Sheds (Rotary & Herringbone) Farm Buildings/Feed Pads Silage Bunkers Tilt Panel Buildings & Light Commercial

DAV E NH OEMNES DAV HOME Division of W.D. DAVENPORT & CO LTD

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ph 07 889 7951

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www.davenhomes.co.nz

To transport or not to transport?

Times have moved on since transportable homes were viewed as boring, fibrolite boxes.

Nowadays, companies throughout New Zealand are producing smart, contemporary transportables in eyecatching designs, targeting a wide and varied market. Sandra and Warren Davenport from DavenHomes in Morrinsville, discuss some of the advantages.

The most obvious advantage is the faster turnaround on building time, especially if the home is already built and in a yard.

“If the land is bare, as soon as relevant soil testing, site preparation and council permits are finished, the home can be transported there immediately,” says Sandra.

Even with custom built houses, turnaround times are faster. The building can be started in the yard while the site preparation is happening on the land. Tradies don’t have to travel out to sites, cutting down time, and all work is done in the yard, with some companies having all the required tradies permanently on-site.

“We can adapt plans to suit each individual case,” says Sandra. “A home for a farm will have very different requirements to a coastal bach or townhouse.”

A transportable home usually comes fully kitted-out, built, painted, plumbed and wired, with floor coverings in place and kitchen and bathrooms fitted.

It is quite literally ready to be lifted up, put on a truck taken to its final resting place, fixed to piles and hooked up to the water, sewerage and electricity. Then it is ready to be occupied.

“The process is actually quite straightforward,” says Warren. “Most houses aren’t built bigger than 20m long and up to 8m wide, as above that, more pilot vehicles are needed during transportation and costs rise.

“The houses are literally jacked up in the yard, the truck reverses under it and it is lowered on,” says Sandra.

“Then at the new site the process occurs in reverse.”

Most moves happen after 10pm and it is quite a sight to behold - a fully built house taking up the road, covered in lights, with a pilot vehicle convoy.

Finishing touches such as decking, footpaths, drives, carports and garages are built on site once the home is permanently in place.

With the current housing crisis and the estimated need for 200,000 new homes now being raised to 500,000 by housing analysts, Warren thinks that transportable homes could be the way to go.

“Think how quickly the areas that need houses desperately, could have them.”

It seems that the transportable home has come a long way from being an option for a bach or farm cottage, and could be a serious contender as affordable housing for future generations of New Zealanders.

Visit www.davenhomes.co.nz for more information.

Warren and Sandra Davenport, with Project Manager, Jason Adams.

Transportable home floor plan.

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Your one stop shop After enjoying long careers in hairdressing and the prison service, Bev Cooper and partner Peter Neustroski were ready for a change.

“I’ve always been interested in home decor and interior design,” explains Bev, “so when the opportunity came up to buy Murray Hunt Furnishers in Otorohanga, it felt right for us.”

The already well-established business has a loyal, local clientele, who are very appreciative of the fact that they don’t have to travel to Hamilton for items such as flooring, custom made curtains and blinds, upholstery and beds.

They also have customers coming from both coasts, south to Taumarunui, and even Auckland on their way through.

“Despite being in a small country town, we have the Flooring Xtra and Beds R Us franchises in store and can compete with city prices,” says Bev. The couple have come to understand that a job could start as a flooring job, but as customers realise what else is on offer at the

store, they order custom curtains or blinds, artwork, home decor items, soft furnishings or have a lounge suite made to order.

The store has a thriving upholstery service, with lounge suites being custom made to order.

Existing pieces of furniture can also be stylishly re-upholstered and given a new lease of life.

“We also have an extensive selection of manchester, ranging from Logan and Mason to French Country and Bianca Lorenne.”

With Bev and her daughter Brodie Hewlett overseeing the main store, Peter runs the flooring side of things, so it is very much a family-run business. Bev takes particular enjoyment from assisting customers with the interior design aspect of the process.

“We are a bit of a one-stop shop, with many people using all of our services for new homes and renovations, and enjoying the convenience of being able to achieve so much from a single store,” says Bev. “We also get requests for home staging, and that’s something we are exploring further.”

The store itself is pretty dangerous, with the inviting selection of artwork, clocks, crockery, gifts and a variety of cool, must-have home

decor items making it very difficult to leave the shop empty-handed!

They welcome you to visit the store or contact them anytime, and follow them on FaceBook, Murray Hunt Furnishers.

The one stop shop to help achieve your dream look 63 Maniapoto St, Otorohanga

phone 07 873 8640

Email: flooringxtra@murrayhuntfurnishers.co.nz or bev@murrayhuntfurnishers.co.nz 12

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Paul Martin Paul Martin, aka the Axeman after the popular New Zealand radio show the Axe Attack, now spends his time split between his hard rock and heavy metal show on iHeartRadio, and his two alternative metal bands Devilskin and World War Four.

Devilskin has amassed quite a following in New Zealand since they formed in 2010, and are now gaining popularity overseas.

Paul’s favourite space is a windowless warehouse of around 375sqm at an undisclosed Waikato location.

“When we first took it over, it was a bleak, concrete cavern full of mould.

Quite hideous,” he recollects.

Now it is carpeted, floors and walls are covered with mismatched remnants for soundproofing, and it provides both bands with a versatile space.

All of the bands’ equipment is stored there between tours, and there’s a lot of it - an awful lot of it. They fill a 28-tonne truck when they tour.

The kit is set up and ready to go at a moment’s notice. And a little

incongruously, parked next to a collection of 23 of bass player Paul’s many guitars, is his beloved 2003 Harley Davidson Hugger.

“I mean, where else could you drive your Harley in through the door, park up next to your amp, plug in and be playing in minutes?” Paul asks with a grin.

Paul reckons he averages around 20 hours a week at the studio. The bands spend time there jamming, perfecting new material and rehearsing.

“You can’t beat having a place where you have all your gear out and feel comfortable and secure, and not be worried that you are annoying people with noise,” says Paul.

As well as the guitars, there’s other band paraphernalia, such as a huge, eye-catching Devilskin back drop, a selection of real and realistically fake axes (after all, he is the Axeman) and some pretty cool mic stands made with wooden shotgun stocks, used by World War Four.

CDs, song sheets, music and mic stands jostle for space with sofas, easy chairs and yards of cable - making for a relaxed environment, where creativity can flourish unchecked. myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Proudly building Kiwi homes for Kiwis for 15 years At A1homes we’re here to make things easy and it couldn’t be easier when using all the good stuff from home.

Changing plans? Easy. Working out costs? Head over to our website, we’ve pretty much done it for you.

Then you can choose to manage the build yourself with an A1 Kit Home, or we’ll make it even easier, and handle it for you.

So whether it’s your first home, second home, or home away from home, call A1homes or visit our website and discover the easiest way to get the home you want.

Showhome: 5353 Norfolk Drive, Cambridge

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Contact: Gary Labao m: 027 559 1821 e: gary.labao@a1homes.co.nz Liz Toanikere m: 027 886 2237 e: liz.jane@a1homes.co.nz

An A1 service from A1homes New Zealand home building company A1homes is celebrating its 15th year of building homes for Kiwis.

Their roots were established in kitset builds when the company was founded in Tauranga. Today, the company has over 16 franchise holders across both the North and South Islands, providing a range of options for its customers including kitset builds, transportable homes, standard plan builds and new design builds.

There are even options to transport a kitset home overseas in a container.

Around 12 years ago, Dan Jensen saw a gap in the home building market in Taranaki and decided to take on the A1homes franchise, based in New Plymouth.

Dan’s straight-up approach to business has built A1homes Taranaki a reputation for being up front and honest to deal with. The Taranaki franchise was going so well that head office suggested Dan branch out to the mighty Waikato region.

The A1homes Waikato franchise has now been operating for nearly five years from their Cambridge Park show home.

A1homes Waikato are now in the process of opening a stunning new show home in the Landon Park subdivision on Norfolk Drive in Cambridge. Dan took the opportunity to showcase their flexibility with a bespoke home which will set a new yardstick for A1homes Waikato, making a bold statement that it is a credible player in the design and build market.

A1homes Waikato’s branch manager, Gary Labao, says the home, which is due for completion in March, is by the far the biggest show home the company has built and showcases some fantastic architectural design features.

“We’re using a Cupolex foundation system made from recyclable plastic domes,” explains Gary. “It’s a fully engineered system that uses a lot less concrete. We’re also using mixed cladding with Cedar and Midland stretched brick.”

The home makes good use of technological advances, including a fully automated heating and cooling ducting system, a gas fire that can be remotely activated by an app on your phone and, of course, the very latest in kitchen appliances and equipment.

“The kitchen itself is outstanding,” says Gary. “I don’t think anyone has a kitchen like it.

“We’re using a lot of natural materials - timber, stainless steel, stone bench tops, custom made splash backs - and we’re including a wet bar too.”

A key point of difference for A1homes Waikato, is their home consultants build a relationship with clients from the moment they walk through the show home door. myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Clients can expect openness, honesty and trust as key foundations. They have an experienced, dedicated and knowledgeable team who consistently strive to create strong relationships with each of their clients.

Their tag line is “we are not building homes - we are building relationships”. They have core values like any business does, but their purpose is to create value for your family and in doing so, create value for all.

Gary says that his experience has shown that, while there is still a demand for kitset homes, most of his customers in the Waikato are now looking for a new ‘design and build’ option. He says that with four teams of core contract builders and subcontractors, A1homes Waikato is set to meet its highest number of builds so far this year.

With a 10-year Master Builders’ guarantee and the proven abilities of local and loyal contractors, they give their clients the A1homes Waikato great service

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guarantee. Underlying the company values, their mission statement is at the forefront of all interaction with clients: “We build enduring relationships based on our ability to listen, build trust and take pride in delivering on client expectations. We achieve this by providing quality homes in the Taranaki and Waikato regions. On time, on budget, as promised!”

The building experience is a transparent one with no unexpected surprises. With A1homes, the price you see, is the price you pay, guaranteed. The A1homes ‘No Surprises Guarantee’ is a water-tight reassurance that once they confirm your house price, there will be no unexpected budget blow out. They work within your budget without compromising the quality of their work.

Their highest accolade is when clients refer them to others. The most repeated feedback from people who build with A1homes is that they are honest, reliable and upfront with pricing.

Clear communication makes the whole experience an exciting, enjoyable process. When asked about A1homes’ Home Consultant, one client said: “Thank you for being awesome through the house building process.

“Choosing you and A1homes was one of our

best decisions. You and your company were a pleasure to deal with and we look forward to working with you guys again sometime soon.”

Going forward, the team at A1homes are committed to ensuring they go the extra mile to make their clients happy and to make the building experience an exciting and simple process.

If you are building your first home, a new home for the family, for the beach, or for the farm workers, they offer simple steps to get you into your new home quickly and easily.

They have plans from 50sq metres to 310 sq metres, as well as new design plans with endless possibilities. A1homes want to help you create your dream home specific to your family’s needs.

Gary Labao 027 559 1821

www.A1homes.co.nz

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N e w Ze a l a n d ’s p r e m i e r H i Fi , Au t o m a t i o n a n d H o m e Th e a t r e s u p p l i e r

1 7 B S o m e r s e t S t re e t , Fr a n k t o n , H a m i l t o n • P h 0 8 0 0 8 0 4 4 3 4 • w w w. l i s t e n i n g. c o. n z 18

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Wired for sound - and everything else The Listening Post in Hamilton was given a very distinct brief for a new 996sqm (yes, you read that right) home on a Waikato lifestyle block.

This stunning contemporary home is all about minimalism with pretty much everything hidden away in sleek, custom made, built-in cabinetry.

It goes without saying that the lighting, entertainment systems and window dressings needed to blend seamlessly and almost invisibly into the structure of the home.

It also needed to complement the numerous floor-to-ceiling windows and the 2.7m, climbing to 5.5m, high stud, and accentuate the stylish cedar exterior and cherry wood interior walls.

Jake Booth from the Listening Post explains some of the behindthe-scenes technology that went into the automation features of this property.

It is probably best to go back to the beginning. If you are going to hide metres and metres of cables and state of the art audio and video systems, a considerable amount of pre-wiring needs to be done as each stage of the house is built.

The Big Black Box “The brain of the whole system is in the plant room,” explains Jake.

“A massive electrical distribution panel and a seven foot-high server cabinet drive everything, with the cabinet housing the audio and video distribution equipment, the modem/home network equipment and the Sky boxes.”

Everything in the automated system is accessed through an app on the family’s mobile phones, personalised for their house. Using Control4 equipment and technology, one can stand anywhere in the house and control lights, close blinds, operate TVs and the audio system, in any other room, over wi-fi. myspacewaikato Issue 1

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The video system Four large flat screen, smart TVs are positioned throughout the house, with the enormous 75” in the spacious rumpus room - perfect for a movie night with friends.

Watchers can choose channels from two Sky boxes, Blu-rays or DVDs, and smart apps such as Netflix and Lightbox. Netflix and YouTube are built into all the TVs. “None of the sound is from the actual TVs,” says Jake. “All the sound for the video system is from speakers, surround sound or soundbars, giving a much higher quality and better experience.”

The lighting

It also shows what is playing on all the TVs, what lights are on where and what music is playing where. A commercial grade network is installed in the house so that quality internet and wi-fi coverage is available throughout.

There is a touch screen panel on the kitchen wall, and each of the four TV remotes in the house can also control most of the automation so there’s no more scrabbling to find individual remotes.

The audio system This system consists of discreetly, and usually high up, recessed speakers, flush with the walls and covers complementing the colour schemes of the room. They certainly do not catch the eye. There are nine audio zones in the house, offering the ability to play six different streams at the same time in different rooms.

“You can choose from stored music on the hard drive, FM radio, internet radio, Spotify or Airplay,” says Jake. “So there’s something available for everyone.”

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Around three-quarters of the lights in the house are automated and operated from LED illuminated keypads or the smart device app. The lighting has been meticulously thought out to enhance the architectural features of the house and grounds.

“Some of the lighting is automated by sunset and sunrise times, such as the tread lights down the 45-metre hallway,” Jake points out.

“Other lights come on due to sensors, such as the Infra-Red curtain in the ensuite, and laser beams across the drive to light up outside when you get home in the dark.”

There is a complete mixture of lighting including low voltage LEDs, uplights on the exterior cedar panels, downlights on white interior walls, planter lights shining up trees, aesthetic pool lights and high voltage fluoros on the basketball and tennis courts.

One of the most striking lighting effects is the slatted, suspended ceiling in the den. This is illuminated from above with cleverly concealed LED strip lighting, creating an unusual and creative talking point.

The window dressings At first glance there seems to be a total absence of curtains and blinds on the numerous, tall windows and bi-fold doors. The majority of the windows have recessed, automated blinds by Somfy.

There is a choice of lowering a sunscreen blind, or a block out blind, or using both. Some of the rooms have automated curtains.

The heating A large, two-sided gas fireplace has been positioned in the wall between the two living areas. With a glass front on one side, and open on the other. This automated appliance provides a lovely ambience on winter evenings.

The heating for the house is fully automated on a separate app. With four zones and three heatpump units, the only visible evidence of this effective heating and cooling system is a ceiling duct in every room.

The best bit for last Jake’s face lights up as he speaks about the “scenes” options for the system - a feature that is also clearly enjoyed by the home’s owners.

“This is the coolest part,” he smiles. “You can programme various mood scenes for different occasions.”

There’s a good morning scene that turns on the radio and certain lights; an entertaining scene, which plays easy listening music, lowers the blinds and switches on mood lighting; a welcome home scene which puts on all the exterior lights and some of the interior lights, and a new scene soon to be programmed, a lightbulb moment from Mum of the house - a disconnect the internet in all the teenager’s rooms at 10pm scene!

But what if there is a power cut?

A very valid question, and a situation which ironically occurred during the visit! Just like any other home, when the power goes out, most appliances, lights and the motorised blinds will not work, but an UPS with an eight-hour battery life does kick in to maintain power to critical systems, such as the internet, upon which the home phone line depends.

“This means that devices such as tablets, mobile phones and cordless phones can still be used as long as they have charge,” says Jake. “Emergency calls can be made, and contact made with the outside world using internet messaging apps, and social media and websites can be accessed.”

And more technology comes out all the time An excited discussion was going on between Jake and the owners about a new voice-activated system by Amazon called Alexa. Using Alexa-enabled devices, Alexa can be programmed to interact with Control4 to obey voice commands.

Now you can simply come home and say: “Alexa, welcome home”, and all the lights in that scene will go on, or “Alexa, pull back the pool cover”, and the cover will start moving as you prepare for your swim.

For this particular home, the owners are forward-thinking and keen to keep up with technology. They are so pleased with the system at home that Jake and the Listening Post crew have been commissioned to automate the new two-storey beach house that the family is building.

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Step into Simply Divine Bedroom & Bathroom and explore the possibilities that await you Bedroom Furniture | Bathroom Accessories Bed Linen | Wall Art & Mirrors | Gifts & Jewellery Home Staging Services

34 DUKE STREET, CAMBRIDGE PHONE 07 823 4064

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Creating a cosy

bedroom

Incorporate Warm Colours - Warm colour tones make a cosy bedroom in the cold season. Gold blush, and deep red is on trend.

Use Textures/Patterns - Try something like a knit throw, waffle bedcover or quilted blanket which can make your bed more inviting. When using different patterns, try to keep with the same colour scheme to make a cohesive look.

Add Layers - Cold weather calls for multiple layers.

A couple of extra cushions and pillows and a large size comforter will instantly add warmth to the room.

Update Your Furniture - Bedroom furniture provides an important visual impact. A quilted upholstered headboard immediately makes a room feel more intimate. For an extra plush look, choose a velvet headboard, which is both luxurious and comforting.

Simply Divine Bedroom & Bathroom

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Building or renovating?

Do your research If you’re planning to build or renovate there are a lot of things you need to be aware of.

“We know that the rules and regulations can be really daunting for people so the best thing you can do is check with council,” says Waikato District Council building quality manager Merv Balloch.

“Our advice is to do your planning, gather the information, talk to the right people now and it may save time and money in the future.”

Understanding the basics All building work must comply with the Building Act and Building Code.

Some work can be done without a building consent, such as decks less than 1m in height and retaining walls less than 1.5m high that do not support an additional load, but most work involving structural elements will require a building consent. Dwellings, swimming pools, fences, plumbing, drainage and solid fuel heaters also require building consents.

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Once the building work is completed you will need to get a code of compliance certificate. This means a building inspector has determined the work is safe and completed to a compliant standard.

“It’s really important to make sure you have complied. If you’ve carried out building work without getting the consents you need, you are liable for a hefty fine, you may not be insured and you may have trouble selling your property down the track. If property is damaged or destroyed because of a fault occurring in the unauthorised work, an insurance company could legally refuse to pay you.”

Merv says there has been an increase in the number of unauthorised building works in the Waikato district, which is a big concern.

“Council could take enforcement action which could result in fines of up to $20,000 if an owner has undertaken illegal building work.

It’s not about red tape, it’s about making sure your house or other building work and the people that live there are safe.”

Even if you don’t need a building consent, it’s important to be aware that all building work must meet the minimum requirements of the Building Code.

Resource consent Whether or not you need a resource consent will depend on the requirements of the district plan for your town, the zoning of your property, and the size and location of what you want to do.

The purpose of the Resource Management Act is to promote the “sustainable management of natural and physical resources”. Put simply, it is about the effects on neighbours and surrounding areas. A resource consent gives approval for things like the subdivision of land, the taking of water, and the discharge of contaminants in the water, soil or air.

Most district plans will have some restrictions, particularly residentially zoned land, for how high you can build, how close you can build to the road or the boundary of your property and the percentage of your property you can cover with buildings or other structures. These would need a resource consent.

What can be helpful is to consult with your neighbours and get their written approval to what you are proposing to do.

Requirements under district plans can vary.

What’s required in one district may not be required in another district.

Where do I start?

“The main question we get from customers is ‘what do I need a consent for?’

If you’re planning to build or renovate we suggest you start by looking at the Build Waikato website for guidance, however it’s still wise to speak to one of our building inspectors to make sure, as it can be easy for people to misinterpret the information,” says Merv.

For information about building consents, ask to speak to one of the building inspectors. For information about resource consents, duty planners can provide planning information such as zoning, rules relevant to that zone and advice on how to apply for resource consents. Generally there is no cost associated with duty planner enquiries.

However, for more complex or ongoing enquiries there is a charge.

For more information visit: www. waikatodistrict.govt.nz/building and www. waikatodistrict.govt.nz/resourceconsents

Quick checklist: • You must comply with the Resource Management Act 1991, the Building Act 2004 and your town’s District Plan.

• Start by doing your research. A really useful guide can be found on the Ministry for the Environment website: www.mfe.govt.nz • The Build Waikato website also has really useful information: www.buildwaikato. co.nz • Check with your council to see if you need a building consent or resource consent.

• Be aware that your building project may affect services and facilities such as water, wastewater, stormwater and other infrastructure and engineering standards.

Make sure you check.

if it is certified. However it’s important to note that a LIM shows only the information that is known to council. It won’t show unauthorised additions or alterations.

Check council files and have a building inspector check the property prior to purchase.

Swimming pools As a result of recent legislative changes all pools will need to be inspected every three years to ensure they continue to meet the requirements of the Building Act 2004.

If you own a pool or spa pool, you should receive a letter from council advising you of your responsibilities and when your inspection will be scheduled. To see if your pool fencing is compliant visit the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment website: www.mbie.govt.nz

Interesting stats The Waikato District Council building team receives and issues around 2000 building consents per year, along with consents for a wide range of building-related projects, from wood-burning heaters to multi-storey buildings.

The Waikato District is one of the fastest growing districts in the country.

Buying a property It’s important to do your homework before you buy a property. Get a copy of the Land Information Memorandum report which will provide details about permits and building consents that have been issued and

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Creating space to grow & play The landscape brief for Simon and Stacey Smith’s St Andrews property in Hamilton was simple.

The couple sought functionality while not compromising on style. In Simon’s words, they got just that and much more.

The couple bought the two-storey 1970s home, which sits on an impressive 1170m2 section, four years ago with the intention of renovating the deck, kitchen and lounge.

However, things quickly escalated and in no time they were going “whole hog’, with the finished product being a brand new home.

Every inch of the home and section has been renovated, offering the couple’s three young children a haven in which to play and a stylish backdrop in which to entertain.

Simon and Stacey engaged Richard Boobyer of Landscape Concepts mid-way through the renovation. The focus was to create a seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces.

Richard admits the challenge was tying together the split-level property, but through clever use of materials and functional design they created a space that has seamless flow.

As well as functionality, the couple wanted to create a haven for their children and they achieved every kids’ dream when Simon managed to incorporate his vision to install a 2.5 metre wide stainless steel slide into the landscape design.

This created not only a sense of fun, but another direct link between the split level property.

Quick to point out the couple are not avid gardeners, Simon said the end result had to be largely evergreen and low maintenance.

Richard was able to create a “tropical feel in the Waikato” through a well thought-out planting palette.

Before and during Richard’s transformation of Simon and Stacey’s backyard.

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Large concrete driveway is also perfect for bike riding.

Nikau Palms and Prunus Standards provided the structure while lush underplanting and grasses give that sought-after tropic feel.

The green, black and white pallet ensures a striking canvas both day and night, and the clever use of plants to add texture, layers and height softened the overall look, with splashes of white flowers against black retaining walls and planter boxes adding dramatic contrast in places.

Simon’s skills as an electrician were put to good use and Richard says through clever lighting, the property “glows” in the evenings.

The couple worked their landscaping project into their overall renovation budget and were pleased to have Richard’s estimate come within just a couple of thousand of the finished product.

“A lot of people forget about a landscaping budget,” says Simon.

“Richard told us to allow $100,000 for landscaping including driveways and retaining. He worked with our architect to create something that worked with the renovation.”

Breathing new life into the kidney-shaped swimming pool, the property now boasts lush plantings, split level outdoor living, and all with space for the children’s trampoline, concrete driveway for bike riding and, of course, the enviable stainless steel slide.

“The kids love it and it’s become a bit of a hot spot for the neighbourhood kids,” says Simon fondly.

The project has allowed Simon and Stacy a chance to offer their children the space in which to grow and play without the usual confines of suburban living.

“It’s everything we wanted it to be and much, much more,” says Simon.

Stainless steel slide is every kids’ dream.

Safe space for the kids.

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This Light filled kitchen is the heart of this beautiful home in Templeview.

A well-appointed loft above a triple garage creates a perfect retreat for guests.

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The dark moody colours of this hallway complement the feature chandelier in the main entry of this luxurious home in Tamahere.

t of .

The finishing of this stand alone fireplace ties in well with the raking ceiling in this Te Awamutu build.

Zane Beckett is a man who thinks a year ahead.

While many of us are sinking our teeth into 2018, there’s every chance that Zane is already looking well into next year. He’s undoubtedly motivated and loves what he does and that is what gets him out of bed in the morning, aside from his three young children.

Zane started ZB Homes at the age of 19. At that time he had no intention of becoming a property developer, but fast forward to today and the company now has offices in Te Awamutu and Tauranga, has broadened its scope into home and land packages and investment properties, all while continuing to keep a firm grip on its custom builds and company fundamentals, which includes the importance of remaining flexible.

The ability to move with the client, shifting trends, industry hurdles and market competition means ZB Homes continues to grow, diversify and remain at the top of its game.

“What sets us apart? We are customised, we offer the personal touch,

we’re flexible in all aspects, we like working with people and nothing is a problem,” says Zane.

The company started in the Waikato and quickly identified the need for an additional Bay of Plenty office.

When the scarcity of land became an issue, Zane looked to diversify, this time moving into house and land packages and with that, Chatsfield in Te Awamutu was born, a development offering 42 lots.

With no intention of taking his foot off the pedal, the company is committed to continually improving its processes and customer experiences.

“I’ve never been one to say ‘I want to be this guy in this amount of time’ because I think it limits you, but I am constantly looking at efficiency, not necessarily doing more, but doing what we do better,” says Zane.

ZB Homes general manager Kirsten Chisholm agrees. “We have a great team in the Waikato and it’s functioning well, but with Zane always thinking about what we’ll be doing in a year or two, we need to keep identifying our strengths and weaknesses and grow where needed”.

The ZB Homes process offers a start-to-finish framework. The team works closely with clients, whether they be first home buyers

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The Waikato Design Centre Team (L to R) Angie Ede, Zane Beckett, Kirsten Chisholm and Rochelle Pye.

“Chatsfield” Te Awamutu Showhome featuring black board & batten with Abodo wood cladding - Opening late 2018.

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or someone looking to develop their investment portfolio, while also navigating contractors and sub-contractors to deliver a finished product that ticks all the boxes.

They offer payment options and are also particularly hands-on, helping clients with funding; working closely with banks and mortgage brokers to make the process as seamless as possible.

There is an air of excitement about Chatsfield. Both Zane and Kirsten agree there is no difficulty sticking to budget.

“People want the security of a fixed-price contract that already includes quality fixtures and fittings. That’s what we offer. No scary unwanted extras,” says Kirsten.

“People don’t need big extras, it’s all included, signed, sealed and delivered.”

Zane adds people are excited to build and what Chatsfield offers is a lifestyle more can afford.

“We’ve had people sell in Cambridge for $800,000 and build in Te Awamutu for $500,000. They say to us ‘tell me when it’s finished, we’ll be on a cruise somewhere’. That’s pretty cool.”

Obviously the highlight is handing over they keys to the client upon completion, but it’s the relationships across the board that equally excite Zane. Acknowledging his team, contractors, sub-contractors and clients, he’s able to combine his love of building and networking seamlessly.

“I love meeting people, I love networking and I’ve got a team of

Native timber kitchen, built using client’s own recycled Matai.

people who actually like coming into work in the morning.”

That’s important.”

Among those contractors working with ZB Homes are TA Plumbing, iSparx, Phoenix Civil and NT Joinery, all proudly operating out of Te Awamutu and servicing the greater Waikato.

Simple but effective blend of natural ply, melamine and laminate products give this striking look.

Custom built resin-coated Rimu feature, incorporated into a Laminam block benchtop, gives this modern square kitchen a warmer, softer and natural appearance.

NT Joinery NT Joinery is a family-owned and operated business specialising in custom joinery options and stockists of Altherm aluminium window systems. Altherm is well-known and trusted by New Zealand homeowners, designers and builders, with more than 40 years of local innovation and a manufacturer network stretching from Whangarei to Dunedin.

NT Joinery offers a wide range of Altherm solutions, from entrance doors to windows, sliders, bi-folds and thermally-efficient options; a product to suit every need.

NT Joinery’s strength lies in its ability to provide its clients with everything under one roof. Whether it be aluminium and timber joinery, stairs, kitchens, bathrooms, timber-machining or custommade furniture, NT Joinery is essentially a one-stop-shop making the process a seamless and enjoyable one for clients. The company’s quality products, custom design, specialised team and commitment to ensuring budgets and deadlines are achieved makes them an obvious choice for any project.

Employing 35 people and servicing the greater Waikato,

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This black and white kitchen is a popular colour choice with many ZB Homes clients.

managing director Leroy Ward says his team is passionate about what they do. “Building a new home or renovating should be an exciting time and we also get excited with customers to help them turn their dream into a reality.�

The NT Joinery team are experts in their field and can cater for budgets of all shapes and sizes. Likewise, their full-service operation means they can best advise clients on the right products for any project while sharing years of industry advice and expertise.

Their ability to handle the whole process from start to finish ensures a smooth approach to any project, be it a new build or existing renovation.

Phoenix Civil

This clever kitchen design incorporates a sliding stone benchtop that allows the bench to be used outside when the sliding doors are closed.

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New Zealand owned civil construction company Phoenix Civil is proudly Waikato-based and specialises in multi-disciplinary civil construction works including; subdivision construction, drainage infrastructure, earthworks, landscaping and roading works, retaining wall construction and water and waste water treatment plant construction.

Phoenix Civil has established a reputation as an innovative and effective supplier of high-quality civil engineering products and contracting services delivered on time, on budget and to customer standards. This is based around a proven knowledge of the industry, combined with dedicated staff and strong management team.

Phoenix Civil has a modern and well-maintained fleet which complements its experienced and valued staff. Their proven expertise

A large picture window allows plenty of natural light and all day sun.

and significant experience, along with efficiency and quality for completion of contracts on time makes the company an obvious choice.

Te Awamutu Plumbing and Drainage Ltd Te Awamutu Plumbing and Drainage Ltd covers all aspects of plumbing and drainage work, from leaking taps to new bathroom fit-outs. This company has the manpower for any task, meaning there is no job too big or small. Providing residential, rural and commercial services, Te Awamutu Plumbing and Drainage Ltd serves the Waikato and greater surrounds.

Whether unblocking drains and toilets, working with spouting and guttering, or installing hot water cylinders, you can be assured Te Awamutu Plumbing and Drainage’s work comes with a Master Plumbers Guarantee.

iSparx Electrical An electrical contractor since 2013, iSparx Electrical provides quality, efficient, and reliable electrical services to residential, commercial and industrial customers in the Waikato region, meeting the requirements of the job with honesty and integrity.

From wiring new homes and re-wiring existing homes, solar systems, heatpumps, communications and data work, general installations and maintenance and commercial and industrial work, the company guarantees to deliver total satisfaction while being committed to the highest standard at affordable prices.

A Laminex product “Clipwall” has been used in the entry of this new Cambridge home to create a concrete wall effect.

With an army of high-quality suppliers to work alongside, the future is bright for ZB Homes. In the wake of being named the winner of the Fastest Growing Services Business for the Central North Island at the Deloittes Fast 50 National Awards last year and named in the National Top 50 Index, a commercial development earmarked for Hamilton Airport, Chatsfield and ongoing custom builds, this company shows no sign of slowing down.

It’s Zane’s practical know-how and ability to move as the market dictates that ensures he stays at the top of his game.

“We learn from any mistakes we make. No one is perfect in this game, but it’s how we respond to things that’s important. It forces us to be the best that we can.”

His appetite for knowledge, setting goals and continued improvements keeps ZB Homes at the forefront.

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Claire Rogers

I have a confession to make.

I am a pyromaniac.

I’m not sure if there are any support groups for my addiction, but in the meantime I continue to scour the country for exciting new ways to feed my need and fire the taste buds of family and friends.

However, my search may be over. I’m now convinced I may have found the ultimate product for efficient and versatile methods of cooking food perfectly. It follows an ancient ceramic style of cooking that began more than 3000 years ago.

We welcomed our new kamado into our home just in time for Christmas. The name kamado is the Japanese word for stove and literally means ‘place for the cauldron’.

The Grandfire Kamado barbecue brings together these age-old cooking techniques and blends them with today’s technology.

The amazing heat retention properties of ceramics enables temperatures from 82-400 degrees Celcius, ideal for cooking meat, smoking fish and even baking. The top and bottom vents allow you to regulate the cooking temperatures easily.

Only having an outdoor kitchen, it was important to me to be able to be able to cook

a wide variety of meals easily. I love the fact that, when large numbers of people arrive unexpectedly, within no time I can have my Kamado fired up and ready to go (around 15 minutes).

The social aspect of the cooking on a kamado is huge as it provides a perfect talking point. Last week I dished up pork ribs and chargrilled vegetables and the look and the comments from guests said it all. “Wow these ribs are better than any restaurant!” On tasting the broccoli, “okay, this is taking broccoli to a whole new level.”

Special thanks here to Whitianga Butcher for the legendary free-range pork ribs!

Unmistakable charcoal taste There’s nothing quite like a good steak infused with the flavour of charcoal. I can see why GrandFire Kamado is fast becoming so popular. The charcoal burns extremely clean and hot for long periods of time.

I try to be super-organised and after my initial meal is done, I like to have a meal ready to go on for the next night that can be left to slow cook. Adding beetroot and sweetcorn to the kamado for the next day has been great, providing a great base for a nice, slightly smoky beetroot and feta salad, and a salsa from the corn.

Food cooks quicker and remains moist;

you do not have to be constantly tending to the charcoal. It is remarkably economical on charcoal consumption.

Authentic wood-fired pizzas are a breeze to create. Pizzas can be baked on the ceramic pizza stone which can also be used to bake fresh bread. Basically, cooking in a kamado is only limited by your imagination.

We chose the option fully integrated with stainless steel cabinet and foldable shelves for plenty of working space and convenience.

The generous storage area is perfect for accessories. The castors make it easily manoeuvrable, allowing you to choose your location based on wind and the type of function you are cooking for. You can also buy a stand- alone unit which sits perfectly on your barbecue table when space is at a premium.

Simple cart The steel cart is simple and elegant.

It has lockable castors with bamboo shelves, providing plenty of working space and can be removed for easy storage.

Hauland Lifesyle is known for its quality of products and excellent customer service with a focus on the highest quality standard of products and stringent quality control measures.I am looking forward to many years of fun cooking in my kamado. myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Smarten up with smaller homes While a ‘small home’ may have previously carried visual connotations of cramped and uninspiring living, international and home-grown design innovation is revolutionising the concept.

Today what constitutes a small home is not about the metrics, it is about the meaning behind its creation. Quite simply, a small home will mean different things to different people and it is the unique needs of the owner that should govern how the concept translates into not only a footprint, but a dwelling that speaks to their wants and needs. Achieving efficiency and sustainability should be right at the heart of this.

Following on from the ‘Small, Resourceful and Smarter Living’ discussion held at the 2017 Architectural Designers New Zealand Conference by Mitchell Coll of Coll Architecture, architect Bob Burnett of Bob Burnett Architecture and Maurice Regeer from MnM Design, we spoke to Bob and Maurice about their experience and the rise in popularity of smaller, smarter and more sustainable homes.

Maurice’s view is that a quantitative definition doesn’t do justice to the idea.

“The definition of a small home varies depending on who you are talking to. If you have four children and two parents sharing a home, then small could mean three or four bedrooms, whereas for others,

Bob Burnetts 10 Star Superhome

a 75 square metre house might represent a small home.

“The fact remains, the New Zealand housing stock isn’t accommodating those getting onto the property ladder or looking to downsize.”

Expansive living areas and a big backyard have long remained synonymous with ‘success’ in the Kiwi mindset; a sentiment that Bob says. “I think we have an obsession with bigger houses in New Zealand. This is a flawed metric as we need to be thinking about how we want to live. Rather than designing it for the next person and what we think they might want, we need to design our homes as a delightful and functional place for us to live today and into the future.”

From Maurice’s perspective, building homes with space superfluous to requirement is not only unsustainable, but also ignores the long-term financial burden. “We need to view the costs of building a house in the way we would look at purchasing a car. When buying a car, we look at the purchase price and the running cost – yet so often no one looks at the cost of running a home or maintenance costs.

“I explain to my clients who want to build homes beyond their needs how much could be saved if they simply downsize to build a house that is more in line with their requirements.”

While evidently still a work in progress, a shift towards medium-density housing is palpable, with small house developments

Bob Burnetts 10 Star Superhome

maturing in close proximity to amenities that suitably replace the ‘big backyard’ assets we have long glorified. These spaces – like beaches, parks and reserves - play to a much more sustainable philosophy.

In addition to reducing our housing footprints, both Bob and Maurice extol the virtues of a house that functions intelligently. “We delivered the first 10 Homestar-rated house a couple of years ago – it was a compact, efficient home and demonstrated what can be done on a small site, in an affordable way, to a high performance level,” Bob says.

“It’s about creating the illusion of space within a smaller footprint – thinking about where there is light, and where your openings are, linkage to the landscaping, and playing with the variations in ceilings etc.”

Maurice adds: “If you put in the right things from the start – fresh air and ventilation systems for example – rather than after the fact, and you really think about how you are using the building, you will have a smarter home and sleep better for it. People often forget and just build the shell. Building a smaller footprint will leave you with more money to get the remaining areas really functional, delightful and livable.”

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Which white is right?

Alabaster, chalk, ivory, cream‌ which is which?

There are so many wonderful whites to use.

Resene Quarter Rice Cake+Half Tapa.

Project by Nobbs Radford Architects.

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Photos: Katherine Lu

Resene Quarter Rice Cake frames grey Resene Armadillo and Resene Tapa.

Project by Nobbs Radford Architects, Photos: Katherine Lu

You would think that all whites were created equal but in the world of paint, that’s just not so.

When you’re decorating, there are myriad whites and off-whites from icy bright white, through to clotted creams and delicate ivories, all with varying touches of yellow, green, brown or grey to turn them into a huge cast of interesting shades.

Our search for just the right white for our homes is what makes the Resene Whites & Neutrals palette so popular, and their popularity is why the Resene top 20 paint colour list is dominated by neutrals each year.

The classics are still going strong. With their yellow base, Resene Spanish White and Resene Pearl Lusta have the ability to lift a room and warm it visually. Try more ‘aged’ versions of these warm whites for a sophisticated look, like Resene Rice Cake, Resene Half Bianca and Resene Quarter Albescent White.

Like a chameleon

colour palette more interesting and to highlight specific areas of the room.

Going grey

One of the big trends in whites in recent years is the emergence of those with more grey in them. In its subtlest form, this type of white has been hugely popular for a while now as Resene Black White and Resene Alabaster, but there’s a move to add even more black to result in a soft palest silvery white.

The other trend is for whites with a touch of green in them, like Resene Thorndon Cream.

An all white colour scheme makes this living area feel larger with Resene Sea Fog walls and a Resene Half Sea Fog ceiling.

Project by Trinity Design. Photo by Mark Heaslip.

Whites and off-whites pick up on other elements in the room.

If you have off-white walls and a lot of green accessories, expect your walls to take on a green look. Use a strong blue rug or furniture, and your walls will pick up on the blues.

Different parts of the room also reflect light differently. An offwhite used under a window will look darker than the same colour used on the opposite wall. An off-white used on the ceiling will look much darker than the same colour on the wall because there is less light reflected. Use a half strength of your wall colour on your ceiling to ensure the two are well balanced.

The paint sheen level can also affect the way the colour looks.

A flat paint will make the colour look muddier and denser, while a gloss finish will make it look cleaner and brighter. You can use this to your advantage by varying the gloss level to make a neutral myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Resene Quarter Sea Fog is a versatile choice for a kitchen that goes well with most other colours.

Project by Trinity Design.

Photo by Mark Heaslip.

Grey whites

The hot – or rather cool – new trend. Some people shy away from pale grey, believing it can be too cold for interiors but with the right warm or bright accessories, it looks sensational and sophisticated. Try it with bronzes and sandy shades.

Green whites

These colours tend to change with the light quality, appearing warm one minute and cool the next. Because green is made up of blue (traditionally a cool colour) and yellow (a warm one), these green-based whites have the ability to morph with the mood of the room. They suit our often garden-based settings or green outlooks too, and our bright light quality.

Deciphering whites

Resene Quarter Cararra warms this dining room.

Project by David Wraight Cottages.

Photo by Juliet Nicholas.

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Whatever type of white you’re after, here’s how to make the best use of the Resene Whites & Neutrals collection by understanding the colour codes. Beneath each paint swatch is not just the name but a code which starts with a letter. That tells you the base colour of the paint. So Y is for yellow, B for brown, G for green and N is for neutral (which means white, black, or grey once you put it with white).

Some paint colours cross from one base to another depending on their strength, for example, Resene Half Pearl Lusta’s code starts with a Y but Resene Quarter Pearl Lusta starts with a G. The science of paint is intriguing.

The red, orange, yellow and brown based whites are good for rooms that need warming up, say on the south side of the house, while those with a touch of grey and some of the greens and blues are good for taking the visual heat out of

Different materials are brought together with Resene Quarter Rice Cake and Resene Tapa.

Project by Nobbs Radford Architects, Photos: Katherine Lu

north-facing rooms.

Resene Black White (grey-based) has been the darling of the minimalist era for its cool architectural quality. Resene Alabaster is a favourite, and as a trim colour goes with just about any other paint colour.

The last three numbers of the colour code tell you where the colour sits on the colour wheel. Imagine red is at 0, then it moves into orange, yellow; green is at 180 then on it goes through blue and purple. So if you have two similar colours and one has 020 on the end and one has 180, this tells you that the 020 one is closer to the red part of the spectrum and the 180 one is closer to the greens. This is important with off-whites, with their subtle undertones.

It’s always best to try out a testpot of your favourite colour or colours. Paint two coats (all of a Resene testpot) on to a piece of cardboard, leaving a border around the edge, and move it around the space to view it at different times of the day and night.

The subtle undertones of off-whites combined with your lighting and furnishings can make the colour seem very different to the colour chip, even though they are the identical colour.

This is because the lighting, the amount of the colour and colour reflections from the furnishings can make your eyes view the colour quite differently.

Happy decorating!

Resene Half Tea and Resene Sea Fog are a soft backdrop for accents in Resene Gum Leaf and Resene Tax Break.

Project by Amber Armitage.

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Waikato’s go-to-builders

p 07 827 3117 e graylingbuilders@xtra.co.nz 42

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m 0274 744 200 www.graylingbuilders.co.nz

The Villa on the Corner

The cute little 1912 villa on a street corner in Cambridge had been owned by Christopher and Janet Gardner since 2007, but had long term tenants until 2013.

The Whitehall sheep farmers were ready to retire and considering options for the villa when they asked local builder Marcus Grayling, of Grayling Builders, to run his eye over the property. They were surprised to learn that the original part was still in great condition, but the rickety 1960s add-on would have to go. Plans for renovations were made.

Christopher and Janet engaged the services of Cambridge architect Aaron Guerin, from LAD. Grayling Builders started work in late 2012 to turn the 177sqm home into a 234sqm home.

“The brief was simple,” says Janet, “to modernise and upgrade the existing older part of the house, and replace the 1960s add-on with a new extension while maintaining the integrity of the original villa.”

Used to working on the farm, Christopher and Janet aren’t afraid to muck in, and rolled up their sleeves and helped with the demolition of the back half of the house. The remains of the villa were jacked up onto a truck that was parked at the back of the 1000sqm section as chimneys were demolished and the site was prepared.

At this point the couple realised how interested the people of Cambridge were in the future of the villa, with many were anxious that a piece of the town’s heritage might be destroyed.

There was quite a following of people keeping an eye on the project! myspacewaikato Issue 1

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They needn’t have worried, as the villa was re-sited two metres nearer to the road at the front of the site and the work began in earnest.

“Everything was done properly and nothing was rushed,” says Janet.

The couple were able to draw upon the considerable experience of Marcus Grayling in villa and character home renovation.

“One of the most challenging aspects of a renovations of this type is to marry the existing building with the new structure,” says Marcus. “This is especially difficult with the roof lines and the exterior walls.”

Every window had to be replaced except for two, with the lead light window in the spare room one of the originals. All of the new windows and French doors are wood and were custom made by Wackrow’s Joinery in Cambridge. The front door is original and Janet got her lifelong wish a shiny black “No. 10 Downing Street” front door.

The 3.3m stud can be found throughout the house, while some ceilings had to be altered as they were different heights. The roof was removed and replaced with new roof lines to accommodate the new extension. The wonky walls and floors of old buildings, that everyone seems to love and embrace, are a nightmare for builders trying to add a new extension.

“The lines of the old structure have to be straight and true so the two structures can be married together seamlessly,” says Marcus.

Committed to keeping the look of the 1912 verandahs, the replacement ones have exactly the same style of fretwork and spindles as the old house.

“We ordered around 600 spindles,” laughs Christopher, “but we had to keep going back for more because we broke some, and it was also hard to calculate quite how many we needed!”

But the pain was worth the gain, as the verandahs and their intricate, beautiful fretwork are one of the major features of the building.

Several subtle changes were made to the plan during the building process which Marcus feels were easily achieved due to the constant communication between client and builder.

Many modern features have been added, such as built-in wardrobes, but old features have been put back, such as the picture rails in all rooms.

Rusting tin ceiling roses have been replaced with patterned plaster ones.

Soft carpets cover the older floors and brand new matai floors from the Pureora Forest in the King Country have been laid through the new wing and down the hallway.

Richly coloured Perisan rugs are placed around the seating areas in the huge open-plan living space. The lighting is both old style and new, with several opulent chandeliers in keeping with the era alongside some modern globes and wall lights. They all have one 44

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thing in common - sparkling, colourless crystals.

But it all works so well, with the couple’s eclectic mix of antique and period style furniture. Everything blends in for an overall, elegant but very liveable look.

The kitchen and bathroom are a surprise. They are minimalistic and modern, but again it just works. The main bathroom throws hints to the original era with its stand-alone bath. The kitchen has sleek, snow white cabinetry and stainless steel appliances – but coupled with the honey coloured matai floor and big, white shuttered windows, it doesn’t look out of place.

The white shutters on most of the windows gives the house a fresh, colonial feel. Over the huge, double bi-fold French doors in the living area, natural hemp/linen mix curtains add a nice softer touch.

One of the most intriguing rooms in the house is the large library room, with floor to ceiling natural wooden shelving, complete with a ladder to reach high up books and built-in his and hers desk areas. With limited natural light, this eye catching room would be an inviting option on a cold, wet winter’s day.

The colour palette for all the paintwork, outside and inside, is Resene Thorndon Cream - in all its many guises. Eighth, half, single, double and even triple strength have been cleverly used to produce an unobtrusive and neutral look.

The timber verandah floors are Resene Shuttle Grey, and the Colorsteel roof is Grey Friars.

This is no chilly, draughty old villa. During the renovations, Grayling Builders put insulation in all the walls and subfloor and insulated the loft. The gas convection heating system has vents in the floors of all the rooms, and an in-built gas fire warms the living area.

The couple’s great eye for design was not limited to inside, and Grayling Builders were once again called in to assist with the gorgeous, high painted fences, and the classic, detailed gates that are a major feature of the property.

Marcus also worked with Christopher and Janet on the terracotta tile and concrete pathways, teaching them a new skill.

The gardens are beautifully landscaped, with buxus hedges and topiary, standard roses, substantial raised veggie and herb gardens and one very noticeable quirk.

“Did you notice all the flowers are white?” Janet grins. “Anything that is planted that flowers has to be white.”

This is a nod to the style at Sissinghurst Gardens in Kent, England, and has been faithfully reproduced in this Kiwi back yard.

The finishing touch to the outside was the detached double garage, totally in keeping with the house, down to its custom-made wooden windows.

Aaron Guerin from LAD was the 2015 ADNZ/Resene Design Awards’ National Winner in the Residential Alterations and Additions category, and the judge’s comments included: “The designer has maintained the integrity and consistency of the existing building to greatly enhance it as a home.”

It would be safe to say that any of the concerned local residents would have had their minds put at rest when they saw the finished project, and Grayling Builders have been part of another quality restoration and preservation of a character home.

As for Christopher and Janet, they have happily retired off the farm, to the home they put so much thought and love into creating. They have nothing but praise for Marcus Grayling and his team - after all, they did spend a whole year working closely together. myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Bedside tables get a stylish upgrade

“The bed side tables I picked up for $12 each at the local refuse recycling shop and used metallic gold and white to give a new look, I’m a bit of a hoarder and these handles from my collection given a coat of white are the perfect match, really happy with the result.”

Samantha De Leon, Ngaruawahia

Now a beautiful blanket box

“I recently renovated a blanket box, purchased from the Hamilton dump store and could see what it would look like under all the damage and paint.

After two full weeks of hard work and discovering it was Rimu it is now fully restored.”

Helen Attwood

Do you have a Trash to Treasure project to share? Email us kathy@sunmedia.co.nz with a brief description of the project and high resolution before and after photos.

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You’ve found a beautiful new table lamp to add to your home but have you really given much thought to the perfect shade?

The right lampshade can make all the difference in transforming your base into something fabulous, whereas an illfitting shade can make a lamp look out of proportion or seem inappropriate for its location.

So how do you choose the perfect lampshade? Rule of thumb, anything goes but be careful of proportion – the diameter of the bottom of the shade should not be greater than the height of the lamp base.

Think about the style of the lamp when selecting a shade… if you have a busy lamp base, generally you would choose a plainer shade and vice versa.

Also consider the texture you’d like for your lampshade. There are such a wide variety of custom options to choose from in any number of fabrics and even wallpapers, enabling you to create something exquisite.

Choose similar colour tones for your base and shade unless you are going for a striking standout piece, in which case, anything goes!

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Order now and save!

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BONUS SPECIAL High quality self clean chlorinators with all salt water pool packages Only $1300 (RRP $1699)

Swimming Pool Heat Pumps Pool Land have been proudly importing and selling Swimming Pool Heat Pumps for the last 10 years.

We are proud to offer the Aqua-inverter HP – the most silent heat pump ever. By adjusting compressor speed hertz by hertz, and fan speed round by round, it matches pool temperature intelligently with continuous & optimal efficiency. Due to the low-speed-running philosophy, it brings you a 10 times quieter swimming experience during more than 95% of the pool season.

Our invertor models come with high COP (coefficient of performance) which simply put means they save you hundreds on power consumption compared to regular pool heat pumps.

Pool Land offer Standard Heatpumps in 9kw and 15kw and inverter models in 13kw, 17kw and 22kw.

For the best advice regarding which heat pump would be best for you, give Pool Land a call to discuss your swimming pool set up.

Waikato readers special offers: 9kw Pool Heat Pump $2,495 (normally $2,995) 15kw Pool Heat Pump $4,495 (normally $4,995) 13kw Invertor Pool Heat Pump $5,495 (normally $5,995) 17kw Invertor Pool Heat Pump $6,495 (normally $6,995) 21kw Invertor Pool Heat Pump $7,495 (normally $7,995)

www.poolland.co.nz Phone 03 365 6414 • Email pool-land@xtra.co.nz

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Take the plunge

With more than 23 years experience in the supply, installation, maintenance and repair of swimming pools and Spa Pools, Pool Land is a one-stop s hop and service provider for all spa and pool needs.

They sell quality Sterns Pools from Australia. Sterns Pools has been manufacturing and supplying high-quality modular pools to Australian and New Zealand homes for more than four decades.

Proudly Australian made and owned, Stern’s Pools’ products are manufactured locally using Australian steel.

Engineered for maximum strength, Stern’s Pools’ products are streamlined and designed to fit with in-ground, above- ground and semi-in-ground installations. The popular braceless pools are sleek and, when installed in-ground, achieve the same appearance as a concrete pool. Additionally, for those with a difficult site, pools by Stern’s Pools are ideal for steep blocks and have previously been installed on challenging properties.

Modular pools, or above ground pools, have come a long way in recent decades. Advances in design, components and construction have created exciting new looks and styles along with flexible options for pool owners.

Stern’s Pools are at the forefront of these breakthroughs. Our pools can give you the

look of the most sophisticated pool without the high-end price tag.

With the benefit of easy installation, a pool from Stern’s Pools can be set up quickly and easily by a professional installer. This simple process removes a lot of the expense and construction time associated with concrete pools or the logistical challenges of a fibreglass shell, so you can begin enjoying your pool straight away.

Compared with the expense and lengthy construction associated with a concrete pool or the logistical challenges of a fibreglass pool, a Stern’s Pool is a dream to install. Stern’s Pools’ can be installed by a professional installer in as little as a day or with our easy to follow instruction manual or instructional video, you can even install it yourself.

Our popular braceless pools are sleek and streamlined, making them an ideal inground pool. When installed, you can achieve the same look as a concrete or fibreglass pool at a fraction of the cost.

The range of pools include salt options for people wanting to run their pools on a more automated system using a salt water chlorinator.

Pool Land supplies our Sterns pool all around New Zealand, and many of our customers around the country find that they can successfully install their pools themselves, and of course Pool Land are only a phone call or email away for installation advice.

Pool Land also carry a vast range of pool and spa supplies, such as pool covers,

pool cover rollers, salt water chlorinators, swimming pool ladders, steps, replacement sand filters and pool pumps, and a great selection of pool accessories like vacuum heads, leaf scoops and telescopic poles.

Are you spending too much time looking after your pool and not enough time splashing around in it? Pool Land offer a full range of robotic pool cleaners that can automatically clean the floor and some models will climb the walls of your pool doing the cleaning for you so you can spend more time enjoying your pool. These robotic cleaners can be shipped directly to you.

Would you like to extend your swimming season? Pool Land import a range of swimming pool heat pumps designed for the small to medium to extra large swimming pool. If your pool is installed indoors, adding a heat pump to your pool can give you a year round swimming season. Heat pumps are a very efficient and economical way to heat your pool, and can be installed by a handy DIY person, needing only an electrician for the electrical connection.

Do you need a new filter for your spa pool?

Pool Land carry a full range of filters for most of the spa models on the market today, and are happy to freight them to you.

Simply put, for all your Pool and Spa needs, contact Pool Land, they are happy to help with your enquiries.

Visit their extensive webstore for all your pool and spa needs. www. www.poolland.co.nz myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Northbeam’s key account manager Lee Thompson, right, and Katikati ITM’s general manager Charlie Roche.

Earthquake damage in Christchurch and Kaikoura

Beam ‘under load’.

is a sobering reminder that when we build, we need to remember that homes and structures are sometimes tested beyond their limit.

Northpine – manufacturers of Northbeam timber beams and posts – understands that timber strength or stiffness cannot be determined just by looking at it. That’s why we have a rigorous machine stresstesting regime that is independently verified and BRANZ-Appraised.

We also know that structurally tested, verified timber products are superior to the more traditional No.1 Framing, yet we still receive requests for No.1 Framing timber.

When this visual grading process has been shown to be unreliable, the question has to be why?

Fit for purpose Structural timber grades that need to be confirmed for stiffness and strength were introduced in late 2004 because of concerns over the performance of the younger crop pine trees being harvested.

Radiata pine from different regions and of different ages has various strength and stiffness characteristics, yet many people – including some in the timber industry – don’t understand that modern technology allows us to test each structural member and ensure it is fit for purpose.

A 1997 study conducted by the Forest Research Institute showed conclusively that visual grading gave different performance characteristics depending on which region the timber came from.

The result showed that out of the six regions tested at that time, only two met the actual requirements that visual grading was designed to achieve.

For more on the science, go to: www.northpine.co.nz/northbeam

The results are further audited by an independent third party.

Grade Verified timber brand signifies that the product is licensed

by Grade Right (NZ) Ltd - a company with proven performance of third party monitoring and auditing of wood quality.

So why wouldn’t you use verified products and ensure you have additional protection?

As part of builders’ ongoing training for LBP requirements, Northpine undertakes ‘The Strong Stuff Challenge’. We ask participants to estimate the force in kilograms required to break a piece of 90x45 (4x2) in a test machine.

To make it more interesting, we often bore a few large holes in the piece to simulate large knots. We don’t really know what is going to happen – as you can only break the board once – but it is interesting to note the surprised looks when some of these take around two tonnes of pressure to break!

This just goes to show that without testing and verifying the timber, it is very difficult to tell what sort of structural performance you will achieve.

Choose verified timber that you know is stronger, denser and stiffer for better performance and peace of mind.

Audited results Nowadays, each timber manufacturing company creates its own grade rules allowing them to generate products that meet or exceed the criteria specified in the NZ Standards. These products are then tested to ensure they are ‘fit for purpose’.

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A product range of Northpine Lt d

www.northpine.co.nz/northbeam

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Camille Guzzwell Camille Guzzwell is best known around the Waikato for her voice as the chirpy, bubbly female announcer on the Breeze Waikato 99.4FM breakfast show, Stu and Camille.

Others will know her in person from her promo work, where this human dynamo with her megawatt smile attends openings and events throughout the region.

With 4.30am starts every weekday, Camille is on air from 5.30am to 10am, then she’s a mum and a wife in the afternoons and early evenings. Even the most energetic person has to have some down time to recharge the batteries!

Her favourite space at her Waikato home is the much planned and thought out pergola area in her garden.

“When we bought our house it was still quite new,” says Camille, “with no garden to speak of except grass and two concrete patios.”

Camille and her husband Chris put into action their vision of an outdoor room to escape from their two lovely children.

The 20sqm covered pergola was the end result, offering somewhere dry to sit in all weathers.

The structure extends from the house,

with natural wood uprights, beams and rafters, and a Clearlite roof with UV protection.

At the rear there is a custom built macrocarpa “outdoor kitchen cabinet” with an inbuilt Masport gas hooded barbecue, counter space and shelving and cupboards underneath.

“We love our outdoor kitchen and use it often in the summer months,” says Camille.

The recent addition of the stylish wooden, outdoor corner sofa has opened up more options. Milo, the Golden Retriever loves nothing more than a bit of lazy time out by his mistress’s feet. He is banned from the sofa!

“I try to have some down time in the early afternoon,” explains Camille, “so I sit outside and read, listen to music or have a power nap!”

Strings of vintage lights add another dimension to the setting at night, providing a great area for entertaining and alfresco dining.

“We’ve also added planting all around the fences to soften them, and put in raised beds for herbs and veggies.”

This addition to the house has brought much pleasure to the whole Guzzwell family and provides a year-round living space. myspacewaikato Issue 1

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support@activetestingsolutions.co.nz

New Home Builds Home Improvements Eco Homes Excelsior build homes that reflect your individuality and are leaders in sustainable builds.

When building your new home, our team culture of ‘building with integrity’ and ‘with a good attitude’ impacts positively on everything we do on your building site. We expect all our team members to achieve the highest level of workmanship on every project. This ensures we deliver high standards and a great finish to your home, right down to the very last nail.

Working with you we offer full design and build from start to finish.

Bring in the plans of your dream home, choose from our range of certified plans or modify one of our plans to meet your personal needs, we are happy to quote and build.

We have a team of highly skilled tradesman with 106 years of building experience between us.

Call Peter today to discuss your new build or renovation dream.

Mobile: 021 276 9688 A/H: 07 855 7264

www.excelsiorresidential.co.nz myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Hunting retro Retro is one of the new moderns, but it won’t always be. The key to embracing any given trend, without it resulting in headaches when trends change, is to concentrate on the accessories.

If the current retro-trend is the 1960s, don’t go covering the lounge in paisley wallpaper with a matching bright orange and yellow floral carpet. Stick with a standard or neutral pattern, and add a lava lamp and a psychedelic painting or two. Instead of retro carpet, opt for a timeless one, and add a retro rug.

If you like to change your look every few years, but need to consider your budget, look for furniture, such as chairs and sofas, that are easy to DIY recover.

TradeMe is a great source for affordable on-line retro items, and your local neighbourhood is an excellent hunting ground. Hit the regular weekend markets, keep an eye out for occasional markets, check out Christmas fetes at local schools, and visit the garage sales for great retro items, often at ridiculously low prices.

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RE DY Exposed

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RE DY Colour

Consider your lifestyle Both renovating and a new build can have ups and downs and can often take longer than expected.

With a ‘turn-key’ project, all aspects of the build are taken care of, which can be beneficial if you are a busy person who doesn’t want to get their hands dirty.

Renovating is a lot of work and can be difficult to see through to the end. This hurdle can be overcome if you bring on a designer and tradespeople to manage the project for you.

Timelines can be hard to predict. If you are not making drastic changes in your renovation you may still be able to occupy the house while renovating.

Be prepared for unforeseen circumstances that might extend the project. With a new build, you need to have accommodation while also funding the project, which can be a logistical challenge.

Weigh up costs As a general guide, a single-storey new build 160sqm home costs around $320,000, a two-storey 200sqm design is around $400,000.

Ensure you have a fixed-price contract from the building company so that you are not sprung with any hidden costs in your final payment.

There can be a huge variety of unknown costs with renovating, especially structurally. Getting a fixed price from a builder offers more certainty. For a DIY job, you will need to get advice from a licensed building professional for any structural changes.

Council, electric and sewerage costs must all be taken into account.

Often council requirements for a home renovation are less stringent than that of a new build, e.g. double glazed windows might not be required. However, it is important to consider any additional council fees such as change of use, e.g. a building being converted from commercial to residential use.

Will renovating add value? Ensure you’re not overcapitalising on your investment. Sympathetic design is important, so it may be worth considering hiring a designer to maximise your home.

Consider the home’s age Renovating allows you to maintain your home’s character. However, sourcing original materials to match existing may be difficult. When renovating you can tastefully combine old with new, updating joinery or bathroom fittings, also retro-fitting insulation and adding new technologies such as underfloor heating.

It’s important to consider the physical factors of the house. Are any materials beginning to rot and become unsafe? Asbestos was used in some houses built from 1940-1990 so it may be worth getting a professional opinion on the safety of ‘doing it yourself’.

With a new build, you may sacrifice some character, but all fittings

will be new and you begin with a blank canvas to which you can add your personal style.

A new home allows you to create your own history, but it is easy to overlook the quality of fittings for a cheaper price point. Old homes have stood the test of time and have their own story to tell. A new home is exactly what you design it to be – it simply depends on the desired aesthetic.

Location Demolishing and rebuilding is more popular in locations where vacant land is scarce, and also in sought-after areas where there is little risk of over-capitalising. If you’re unsure whether it’s a good idea for your suburb, get some advice from a local real estate agent.

It’s also essential to find out from your local council what you can and can’t do under local planning laws. With a new build, you may be looking at land covenant with certain building requirements. If you renovate, the home is already there and yours to do with what you please.

Relocating may mean that you have an improved lifestyle. New suburbs often have a lot to offer, with new schools, shopping centres and a great demographic. On the other hand, the investment in your existing house might have more long-term value than a new build if you already reside in a desirable area.

Longevity It is worth considering how long you are planning on being in the home for. New homes come with a warranty on the construction and adhere to strict council regulations.

Renovating can be a great way to freshen a house that you have emotional attachment to, especially if it is your long-term family home.

The average person lives in a home for five years. It is worth considering what direction your life is going to take and whether you are investing in a house to re-sell or to have as your own. A wellpresented renovation can be very appealing to many buyers, however most people can’t look past a brand-new home.

Personal circumstances If you work full-time or are raising a family, you need to ask yourself whether you really want to spend every weekend working on the house. Renovating takes a lot of physical labour. If you intend to do it yourself, consider how much spare time you have and whether you are physically up for the challenge.

New homes can be built to ‘turn-key’ stage with little required from the buyer. You gain huge efficiencies in scheduling because everything can be planned out in advance.

Deciding on whether to renovate or rebuild is a big decision and an expensive one. Whichever way you go, it’s vital to do your homework first. myspacewaikato Issue 1

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Working from home Many of today’s jobs can be done from home.

The top design tip for a home office is usually to keep your work and personal spaces separate.

But what if you don’t have a spare room for an office?

Other spaces can be utilised – a cupboard, a corridor or hallway, a corner of the lounge or dining room, the attic, basement, or garage.

A traditional office desk won’t make you any more productive, so consider double-dipping if necessary. Many successful businesses started life on the dining table. Consider a standing desk that can easily be achieved with two beer crates and an old door.

If none of these spaces are available, then set an office up in your bedroom and separate it from the rest of the room with a wardrobe, bookshelves, a curtain or a screen.

To make the best use of space, build up rather than out. Narrow bookshelves extending from floor to ceiling take up less room, and offer more storage space, than chunky chests of drawers.

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Reflections of India The name Paisley House gives a hint of the exotic delights that await you behind the doors of this furniture and home interior store on the main drag through Tirau, in South Waikato.

The nod to the timeless Asian textile pattern of paisley was inspired by many trips to India by owners Linda and Andrew Murphy.

The ex- farmers and owners of Y-Not’s Furniture and Gifts in Canterbury, sold up and moved to South Waikato in 2017 to pursue other business ventures.

“We soon fell in love with the beautiful little town of Tirau,” says Linda. “At the time there was a premises up for sale on the main road that was perfect for re-establishing our furniture and home decor business and also had room to expand.”

Linda and Andrew travel to India around three times a year to hand pick and source stock from trade fairs, furniture manufacturers and their own contacts made over the years.

Most pieces are unique, with many being high

quality, original vintage pieces that have been lovingly restored. Others are reproductions made from recycled materials or wood from sustainable forests and government-controlled fair trade.

“We also source items personally for clients who are after something specific,” says Linda. “If we find something, we send a photograph to the client for approval.”

Every time a container arrives from the East, the store is filled with more beautiful items with their aged patina, bringing the muted but rich hues of India direct to New Zealand homes.

There could be anything from chests to old gates and sideboards to old doors - the range changes throughout the year. Linda remains mindful of current trends and colours in New Zealand.

“We mix in some contemporary art and home decor items from New Zealand. This means there is a very eclectic selection available for people to mix old and new with pleasing results.”

Tirau is quite the destination town, with its collection of great cafes and boutique shops attracting visitors from all over the country and providing people passing through with an interesting stopover. Paisley House certainly adds an exciting new dimension to the Tirau experience. Visit: www.paisleyhouse.co.nz

Direct importers of quality handcrafted furniture & unique home decor

furniture & home interiors

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A shade solution

for all

When it comes to outdoor shade solutions, it’s definitely not a case of one size fits all.

Bruce Edwards Upholstery offers expect advice on the best outdoor shade solution for your place, as well as a large selection of shade solutions to choose from.

“I will visit your property and offer advice on the best solutions, whether that be my products or something that will work in tandem with my products,” says owner Bruce Edwards.

One of the company’s biggest sellers is Ziptrak blinds which keep outdoor areas cool in summer and warm in winter, allowing you to enjoy your outdoor lifestyle no matter what the season.

The blinds come in a variety of hightech quality fabrics, mesh or clear PVC with specially designed tracks on both sides of the blind to glide smoothly and easily, stopping anywhere you want.

They can be manual or motorised and feature removable posts, a reveal or face fix, reverse handle and a pull stick for hard-toreach blinds.

Umbrellas Retractable Sails Shade Sails

Shade sails are also a popular outdoor shade solution, including retractable wave shades that are ideal for people with Clearlite or open frame pergolas.

“By adding a wave shade you can cut down the heat in these pergolas by about 15 per cent,” says Bruce. “And in winter you can simply unclip them and put them away.’

The company offers a wide range of shade sails, including custom-made and readymade for those who prefer a DIY option.

Awnings are another speciality of Bruce Edwards Upholstery, providing weatherproof protection for both residential and commercial patios, entrance ways and exposed areas.

Options include fixed frame and folding arm awnings which can either be operated by a gearbox with a handle, or automated with the press of a button.

The company also offers a wide range of Shade 7 umbrellas, including cantilever, market and commercial umbrellas.

“The Riviera cantilever is our most popular umbrella,” says Bruce. “Because there is no centre post you can direct the shade wherever you want it without the post getting in the way. It’s also strong and sturdy and can handle winds of up to 60kph.”

Outdoor Blinds Awnings Customised Covers

FREE NO OBLIGATION CONSULTATION 62

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07 872 8007 027 206 6366 sales@brucesupholstery.co.nz

www.brucesupholstery.co.nz

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES

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xterior wash JanJan McGowan McGowan

Jan McGowan Garden Design Garden Design

Garden Design

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myspacewaikato Issue 1

We’re giving away a Showerdome® worth $299!

Auckland Zoo aviary

Be in

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Steamed mirrors, condensation on walls and ceilings, slippery floors and mould are year-round annoying home issues caused by shower steam, which can add significant costs to house upkeep.

Not to mention that a dry warm house is also a healthy house, as damp bathrooms are the perfect place for fungus and bacteria to grow, causing serious health problems. Showerdome® solves all these problems, controlling steam, reducing condensation and making the house healthier and warmer.

A Showerdome® shower top consists of a clear acrylic dome that prevents steam from forming when fitted on top of an existing shower box. With no on-going costs it is the most effective investment one can make for a home or rental property. Showerdome® also makes mirror demisters and extractor fans redundant and could save the average household around $250 in energy costs alone.

If you want to build an imposing entranceway, pergola, sturdy deck or walkway, there’s nothing better than Northbeam for real strength and character.

Tailor-made in lengths up to 7.2 metres, these strong SG8-verified beams and posts enhance the elegance and aesthetic charm of buildings in ways that can’t be replicated by steel or other materials.

Northbeam timber beams and posts from Northpine are made from pine grown in Northland because it is stronger, denser and stiffer than pine grown anywhere else in NZ.

If you prefer the strength, warmth and charm of timber, insist on Northbeam. BRANZ Appraised, it’s the natural first choice for specifiers. Talk to your architect, designer or building supply merchant.

A: P: F: E: W:

120 Foundry Road, Silverdale 09 426 4104 09 426 7226 northbeam@northpine.co.nz www.northpine.co.nz

To enter simply email us with ‘SHOWERDOME’ in the subject line to go into the draw to WIN!

win@myspacemagazine.co.nz PLUS If you’d like a FREE one year subscription to MySpace magazine include your name, postal address and a contact phone number. *Entries close 31 July 2018. Winner will be notified by email and prize despatched to their chosen delivery address. We have 1x DIY Showerdome® kit to give away valued at $299 (installation by a trained local Showerdome® installer is available at standard pricing)

A product range of Northpine Ltd

Appraisal No.986 [2017]

www.showerdome.co.nz

WAIKATO ISSUE 1