Design and Build Waikato 2016

&build

design 2016-2017

WAIKATO

Your building & renovation magazine

Waikato in demand • new subdivisions • regional expansion • expressway update Times House Publishing Ltd

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Welcome

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elcome to Design & Build – Waikato, an annual publication which covers subdivision development, lifestyle opportunities, building expansion, renovations and general growth across the Waikato region.

Designed to give newcomers to the region, and anyone interested in settling within the wider area, a picture of its diversity, Design & Build is an informative and instant guide to the district as it is developing for the future.

For anyone thinking of buying or selling locally, the publication offers a host of opportunities within a range of services. It looks at initiatives such as infrastructure, industry, housing and more as an increasing number of Kiwis turn their eyes to the Waikato for a fresh start in life.

While Hamilton city may be the hub of the region, offering a wide variety of career opportunities, there are many other towns and communities – rural and coastal – that are attracting attention. Importantly, the Waikato offers a combination of housing styles, great retail

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design

build SOUTH EAST

Your building & renovation magazine

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convenience and budget-friendly prices.

New subdivisions to the north, east and west of Hamilton, and fresh developments around Cambridge to the south, are seen as attractive buying being relatively close to Auckland yet handy to major Bay of Plenty centres too.

Furthermore with major improvements being made to State Highway 1, namely the Waikato Expressway project, commuting north and south of Hamilton is becoming a breeze especially when compared with traffic-logged Auckland roads and highways.

Of course, Design & Build covers far more than new housing and infrastructure. There is plenty of information for renovators, and new residents moving into existing homes and some sound advice on how to make the most of modern day living.

While steering readers towards professionals and companies which know and work within the local area, and which have a keen knowledge of local requirements, services, and more, Design & Build – Waikato showcases the exciting future the region can offer residents.

Editor: Helen Perry Art Director: Clare McGillivray Contributing Writer: Angela Kemp Sales Manager: Rachel Watts

Sales: Shelley Taylor Kate Ockelford-Green Rashna Tata Publisher: Brian Neben A publication of Times House Publishing Ltd

DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Design & Build South East do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times House Publishing Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times House Publishing Ltd.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 3

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Should I invest in the Waikato?

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Amy Wilkes from Wealth Works reviews the qualities that could make Hamilton right for investment.

aving seen 27.5% growth in the Waikato over the last year – higher than any other region in New Zealand – a lot of people are asking, “should I invest in the Waikato right now?”

That is a very broad question and a hard one to answer without knowing personal budgets, goals and timeframes. However, there certainly are a few great things going for the Waikato right now.

First and foremost, the expansion of the Waikato Expressway, which is due to be completed in 2019, will close the gap between Auckland and Hamilton allowing an easier commute for individuals.

Businesses have also realised the benefits of setting up shop in Hamilton and are taking advantage of lower costs, while still being within close proximity to Auckland.

Once upon a time, Albany and Orewa were not part of Auckland, and were considered to be farmland up north. When the motorway was extended through to Puhoi, it allowed easier access and we saw new housing, schools, shopping centres, and business parks move to the area.

Those who invested in this region before, or as this growth was happening, will be very happy with

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their investment, I’m sure. Now, the gap between Auckland and Hamilton is closing, and it’s on the cards that we will see new development and infrastructure in the Waikato too.

Auckland has been growing significantly over the past four years, whereas Waikato has seen this growth only over the past year. As the Waikato’s economic cycle tends to run a few years behind Auckland, it’s possible we could see further catch up in the Waikato when Auckland starts to slow.

Another key factor going for the Waikato is the Inland Port to be built in Ruakura. This will be a $3billion dollar project and expected to create 12,000 new jobs over the long term. New

development and infrastructure such as this project will bring new people to the area creating a push on the supply demand curve and inevitably flow on to increasing people’s property values.

Finally, we are seeing a trend of people moving from Auckland to the Waikato to live because it is still so close to Auckland yet housing is more affordable. We had a great example recently when I met a young family who were currently renting in Auckland but had just purchased their first home in Hamilton. He worked at a bank and she was a school teacher.

They were struggling to buy their first home in Auckland due to the average Auckland price nearing $1million so they purchased their first home in Hamilton where it was more affordable.

They will still earn the same income in Hamilton, however, they’ll have less financial commitment, allowing them to spend more time with their young, growing family.

To summarise, investing in the Waikato could certainly be a lucrative option but before you make any investment, you should seek professional advice to ensure that it fits with your long term goals, your budget, your tolerance to risk and your desired lifestyle.

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The mighty Waikato – river, sea and land aplenty

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he Waikato has the widest variety of landscapes on offer in any one region: extensive coastlines, rich agricultural landscapes, forests, gorges, plains, waterways, mountain ranges, deserts and geothermal features.

It covers approximately 2.5 million hectares and has 1200 kilometres of coastline.

At its heart is Hamilton which has the largest proportion of the region’s population, increasing its share from 29 per cent in 1986 to 35.5 per cent in 2013.

Hamilton has also experienced the majority of the region’s population growth over the last few decades and this is projected to continue. The Waikato has approximately 424,000 people (2013) and is projected to have 601,259 people by 2063.

As well as being recognised as an agricultural powerhouse and a key contributor to New Zealand’s dairy industry, the Waikato also has strengths in manufacturing, is supported by strong science and research capabilities and a thriving professional services sector.

The region contributes 8.5 per cent of national GDP, provides 9.1 per cent of national employment and is home to 9.4 per cent of New Zealand’s population.

The Waikato is nationally significant for energy generation and for the range of energy-related resources within it. The region generates up to 50 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity.

It is also an important corridor for many transmission lines and pipes, especially servicing the growing population of Auckland.

Waste is an important area of focus for the Waikato with large waste flow into, and out of the region. Waikato landfills take 36 per cent of the North Island’s waste (28 per cent of the nation’s total waste).

A nationally significant pivot for freight and transport, the Waikato and has good connections to large and growing populations in Auckland and Tauranga.

It has the highest per capita central government capital investment in transport and communications, a good quality road transport

network, two of the busiest rail lines in New Zealand, Hamilton Airport (and many smaller airports in the region) and the fourth largest contracted public transport service in New Zealand.

The district contains a number of regionally and nationally significant mineral resources. Various coalfields collectively contain over 1.5 billion tonnes of coal representing one of the country’s most strategically important energy resources.

The coal resources are also potential reservoirs for much of the country’s coal seam gas resource.

On-shore beach and iron sand deposits along the western coastline contain more than 50 million tonnes of concentrate.

Other resources include limestone, and hard rock aggregate, sand and gravel, which are needed for construction and infrastructure development.

Waikato has the fourth highest average annual income and attracts workers from surrounding areas. It enjoys a higher than national average share of Maori and its population is comparatively youthful.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 5

Secret gem in Waikato’s crown Wherever you may wander, there’s no place like home, and for Jacqui Church that place is a remote seaside community where time is said to have stood still.

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aikato District councillor for Awaroa ki Tuakau ward for the past three years (and waiting on new 2016 local body election results as Design and Build Waikato went to print), Jacqui Church lives in Port Waikato on the tidal mouth of the Waikato River and the Tasman Sea at Maraetai Bay. She describes it as “an ever changing scape that pleases us always and soothes the most weary person.”

Jacqui and her husband Colin initially bought a bach nine years ago before deciding to settle at the Port permanently.

“We found this awesome community of diverse, talented and interesting people with a passion for life and their community,” Jacqui says. “It’s strong sense of tradition and community spirit is part of its magic and a recipe for a fulfilling lifestyle. It’s where to smile or to say hello to a stranger and to welcome new people into a community is more the norm than anywhere else I have travelled, both here and overseas.

“We loved the values so much we decided to move from our Awhitu peninsula home just north of Waiuku in Franklin, an area where we had lived for 10 or more years.

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“As our business is based in Pukekohe, we have found the commute a relaxing unwind from our busy life and definitely a healthy lifestyle choice.

Even from this ‘remote’ spot residents commute to Hamilton and Auckland for work.”

Although statistics put Port Waikato as having some 1000 residents, Jacqui says the figure is nearer to 300 – 400.

“The numbers swell at holiday times to double or triple with bach owners and visitors.”

She says Port Waikato is still very much like seaside villages were 50 or more years ago – “a rare, secret gem in Waikato’s crown!”

Jacqui thinks Port Waikato must have per capita the most participation in community events, clubs and sport in New Zealand. Most residents she knows are members, volunteers or participants in at least three different pursuits – often just for the fun and camaraderie.

The social calendar at the Port includes a gardening club, music in the gardens (garden group and residents and ratepayers), Art & Food Festival twice a year, (art group), supper dances (community hall), Sunset Beach Surf Club (notable surf club), Kids Fishing competition and members fishing like the Kowhai Classic, Family Kite day,

yoga classes, touch rugby, beach care planting and dotterel protection, to name a few!

Since her initial election to council, Jacqui has created the Port Waikato Challenge, an off road dunes, beach and river 8 and 16km walk/run as a fundraiser for the Volunteer Fire Brigade, and the Port Waikato Whitebait Fritter competition.

“There’s so much going on down here I sometimes wonder how we fit in the surfing and swimming, relaxing or even walking the dog.

“Once you drive over our iconic Tuakau bridge and head south-west, visitors and residents alike, relax and look forward to travelling those last few kilometres to their own patch of paradise whether it is Onewhero, Pukekawa or the Port.”

Inland from the Port is another ‘secret gem’ – OSPA, the Onewhero Society of Performing Art. Its little theatre is well used for plays, film fundraisers and music concerts including a recent sell-out performance by Anika Moa. The village also has the thriving Onewhero Rugby Club and Onewhero College.

“It all contributes to our community heart that makes living or just visiting over the bridge a unique experience and an awesome place to live and be part of.”

inning a ‘Finest Person Award’ in 2012 spurred Jacqui Church to ‘put my money where my mouth is’ and enter local politics.

She romped home with the highest number of votes in the Awaroa ki Tuakau ward of Waikato District Council in the 2013 local elections and, true to her word, she became an enthusiastic and effective member. She stood again in 2016 and as Design and Build Waikato went to print was waiting on election results.

During her first term she was made a Justice of the Peace and also received a Pukekohe Lions award in recognition of her outstanding service.

Her love for the north Waikato area covered by her ward is absolute.

“I am inspired by the people and the energy of the communities around me and stepped up for council because I wanted to add value and advocate for the people,”Jacqui says. “I am constantly reminded of what really makes a place like my ward special – it’s the people, the people, the people.

“It is also our natural beauty extending as we do from the Tasman Sea in the west towards the east.

We are dominated by the Waikato River running through our centre which provides not only great whitebait, but many fishing and boating options to enjoy, or to just relax beside.”

Jacqui and her husband Colin live in Port Waikato and she said after nine years they were still ‘newbies’ compared with many of the intergenerational families throughout the district.

“Many people wonder why, as we were city born and bred, we now love living in what some feel is a remote place a long way from a city.

“It’s hard to explain the magic and value of feeling like you are welcomed into a community.

It’s about being able to celebrate being a part of a something greater than yourself or your immediate family that nourishes the soul, your children and our iconic Kiwi cultural lifestyle values.

“We live in a thriving community at Port Waikato where an active or outdoorsy or sporting lifestyle or a lifestyle laden with culture is close by and to be celebrated. You can become as immersed in the many and varied activities, sports, recreational pursuits or community events as you can cram into your busy life. But it’s also somewhere where you can enjoy your own privacy and be respected for this.

“We are so close to both growing Hamilton and thriving Auckland and have the best of both worlds with friendly rural and semi-rural lifestyles abundant.

Jacqui adds that a lot has been said about the Auckland housing market, and now the rising Hamilton market, making it difficult for many

Photo Wayne Martin

An ideal lifestyle W

people to purchase a home.

“Well, I can tell you there are still many places in the Waikato to capture the dream, to own it for yourself, to remain private to your own values and lifestyle choices and to live in a real community.

Hamilton is still affordable and provides plenty of work while there are more outlying districts that offer a touch of rural or semi rural living yet remains within cooee of works places. I invite everyone to come and see for themselves and to add their own special input into our growing and evolving district.”

hether Aucklanders have been looking for greener grass further afield is open to debate. As asking prices in the Super City continued to soar during 2016, some industry experts were not so sure.

Vanessa Taylor from Realestate.co.nz (the official website of the New Zealand real estate industry) believes, although the Waikato (for example) may have also experienced increased demand for housing, the origin of house hunters was more difficult to gauge. “We could be tempted to make an assumption that Aucklanders are looking further south to the Waikato. However data shows us a strong (75.35 percent) increase in users from the Bay of Plenty looking at the region. In saying that, the strongest interest is actually coming from users who already reside within the Waikato region.” she said mid 2016.

Her comments came off the back of a 10.9 percent rise in Auckland asking prices from May 2015 to May 2016. At the time, the average asking price in the Waikato was $467,717 compared to Auckland at $879,730, Ms Taylor confirmed.

However, the average Auckland house price had

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Aucklanders flying south forever?

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“The hot spots in the Waikato region that were most searched mid 2016 were Cambridge, Te Awamutu and Morrinsville. Surprisingly, data suggests that Melville could be an up and comer with a 217.59% per cent increase in online engagement.”

Unfortunately, as supply dropped in major centres including Auckland and Wellington, a drop in listings in the Waikato could spell similar

problems to those experienced in Auckland.

“Waikato also has an interesting profile. Asking prices [in May 2016] were up a healthy 6.1 percent on the previous month [but] new listings remain relatively static in the region,” she said.

“In this environment, if no new listings were to come onto the market nationally and all existing properties sold, theoretically there would be no properties for sale in New Zealand within 12 weeks! It’s a classic supply and demand situation.”

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 7

No sign of halo slipping in Waikato More Aucklanders eye Hamilton property market and job prospects as a way to retain the Kiwi dream of raising a family in their own home.

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amilton’s house prices and those in Waikato, generally, continued to soar throughout 2016 on the back of the so-called halo effect from the Auckland property market.

Stories of people moving south and buying up in Hamilton were backed by statistics which showed in the first three months of 2016, 17 per cent of the city’s houses were bought by Aucklanders.

QV national spokesperson Andrea Rush said many housing markets around the country were being driven by strong investor demand, low interest rates, rapid price growth in the Auckland market and strong net migration.

“In terms of the main centres, the Hamilton market saw the highest growth.”

Signs that the Auckland’s housing market resurgence might be flattening out run throughout REINZ’s May 2016 data. It shows that the SuperCity’s median price dropped by one per cent (or 0.6 per cent once seasonally adjusted) to $805,000 in May, 2016 from $812,000 in April, 2016.

It was regional markets – with Waikato leading the charge – as opposed to Auckland, which drove the national median price up, with five of them

reaching new record highs in median price.

Hamilton’s residential property values are taking their turn in the spotlight as they continue to increase at a particularly strong pace, According to QV’s June 2016 data, Hamilton’s residential property values went up by 29 per cent yearon-year and by 6.9 per cent over the past three months. This left the city’s average value at $492,403 by mid 2016.

Furthermore, it has had a knock on effect in surrounding districts where values are also rising rapidly. Waikato District values were up by 26.4 per cent year-on-year; Hauraki values increased by 18.6 per cent and Waipa District values were up 21.3 per cent.

Record median prices were reached in Waikato/ Bay of Plenty ($419,000), Taranaki ($343,250), Wellington ($465,000), Canterbury/Westland ($435,500) and Central Otago Lakes ($707,250).

Hamilton’s median house price sales rose 7.5 per cent in the month of March 2016 alone.

The Waikato region’s median price was up 20 per cent year-on-year to hit a record median sale price for the fourth consecutive month.

REINZ spokesperson Bryan Thomson said that, as 2016 progressed, regional markets were strengthening in both prices and sales volume,

All roads run to Rototuna – Aucklanders head to Hamilton as house prices rise.

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while the large main centre markets of Auckland and Canterbury were taking a bit of a back seat.

“The confidence led by Auckland is helping to drive demand in regional markets with lower interest rates, easier borrowing conditions outside of Auckland and generally good economic conditions are also contributing.”

Growth in activity across the regions now exceeded the influence of the Auckland market on national statistics, he said.

By June 2016 Waikato/Bay of Plenty had reached the record median sales price of $438,000.

The REINZ noted there was strong growth in regions other than Auckland particularly Waikato/ Bay of Plenty and Northland.

Most of the building in Waikato has been in Hamilton’s north eastern suburbs, particularly Rototuna. But of the 400 land use consents granted since July 2015, nearly half of them were for infill housing in established suburbs such as Hillcrest, Glenview, Melville and Frankton.

Thirty-five per cent of the infill related to duplex units and 30 per cent were for apartments.

QV’s Hamilton valuer Stephen Hare said the market was still seeing strong demand with values being driven up as supply was not able to keep up with demand.

Waikato basks in golden glow

Nearly half of the 400 land use consents granted since July 2015 have been for infill housing in suburbs such as Photo NZWJ Hillcrest.

in Hamilton.”

Mr O’Rourke added that the rise in million dollar sales demonstrated an increasing confidence from buyers in this top bracket to pay more to get what they wanted.

“We are not seeing the same hesitancy we saw a year ago from buyers purchasing homes above the million dollar mark,” he said. “Factors such as low interest rates, higher decile schooling in certain areas, and consistency of neighbourhood are prompting buyers to upgrade their homes in this market. They’re aware if they wait to upgrade, it could cost them more in the long-run.”

Mr O’Rourke said the tightness of listing stock in Hamilton was also contributing to the number of million dollar sales. “While demand for housing continues to remain strong, sales stock is low so choice is limited. This increases competition for available properties – including the million dollar homes.

“People know if they don’t get in today, they’re likely to miss out on the home they want. Many are willing to pay larger sums of money to ensure they get the property that best fits their criteria.”

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High levels of activity and demand at the lower value end of the market ($400,000 to $600,000) from first home buyers and investors, was continuing. But the higher value price bracket ($700,000 to $950,000) was also seeing a surge in demand, he said. “With the recent rapid value rises in the market, we are now seeing more properties selling over the one million dollar mark.”

This was seconded by Lodge Real Estate’s managing director, Jeremy O’Rourke, who said that the number of million dollar residential properties sold in Hamilton had officially hit a record high by mid 2016.

Properties above the million dollar mark had traditionally been sold in the river and lake areas but buyers were now prepared to pay similar prices in the North East of Hamilton.

“Data shows that six Hamilton homes above the million dollar mark were sold in May 2016, compared to three during the previous month and two one year ago (May 2015),” he said.

“Overall, between May 2015 and May 2016 there has been an 89 per cent increase in the number homes above the million dollar mark sold

Waikato district is in the middle of the ‘golden triangle’ between Auckland, Hamilton and Tauranga.

Its location means that the Waikato is benefiting from the current and projected growth of these cities especially with regards to land, transport, access to resources, people, homes and businesses.

The district’s population is expected to double by 2061 with a consequent increase in the demand for land, infrastructure, services and amenities. To manage the changes a Waikato District Growth Strategy has been developed.

Its focus is to direct the majority of growth into settlements, with the expected significant growth of the larger towns and expansion of existing villages that are supported by services and facilities.

Increasing the density of development will ensure that most efficient use is made of infrastructure, services and facilities, will reduce the demand for land, and will reduce the need for travel and the travel distances.

Broadly, these have been identified into four geographical areas: State Highway 1 corridor from Huntly northwards; the Southern State Highway 1 corridor between Huntly and Horotiu; Raglan and the West Coast, and the villages on the periphery of Hamilton.

Each area includes settlements that have their own distinctive character and have variable capacity for accommodating growth. However, the anticipated level of population growth is unlikely to be achieved without an equivalent increase in employment opportunities.

Many of these will be created through new industrial and service development within the towns and villages, but the economic mainstay of the district is expected to continue to be from productive rural activities such as agriculture, forestry and extraction mineral resources.

One of the key issues for the district is to ensure that population growth and associated built development is managed in a way that “results in efficient and high amenity urban areas and avoids compromising the characteristics of rural areas including the productive capacity of the rural resource”. Read that as keeping greenfields just that.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 9

Urban Homes Making lifestyle dreams come true

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Waikato

management skills and a passion for excellence early in his career as a team leader during the building of the stunning five-star, luxury, Sheraton Bora Bora Nui Resort in Tahiti.

That commitment to bringing only the very best to every project remains the daily aim for every

Builders Ho ter us as

LOCAL CATEGORY WINNER

2016 Waikato

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2016

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GOLD AWARD

Urban Homes project. And as preferred builders for NewBuild residential construction finance, they can even assist with finance.

“We are a strong team of professional builders who are enthusiastic about what we do and we want the end result to delight our customers. We expect to deliver ‘wow’ through quality and to exceed client expectations.”

Urban Homes broad range of building services, include: ■■ Design & Build ■■ New Homes ■■ Residential Investment Properties ■■ Renovations ■■ Assist clients with some innovative finance solutions making the whole project easy and streamlined

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aniel and Bronwyn Klinkenberg, owners of multiple award-winning Urban Homes, NZ Ltd, have a passion for perfection. In fact you could call them ‘the dream makers’.

That’s because they have been building and renovating top quality homes in the Waikato since 2004, fulfilling their clients’ dreams – everything from a classic first house through to unique, contemporary, architecturally-designed homes (and renovations) that exude executive living.

“We employ trade-qualified, licensed builders and all of our contractors have been especially selected to ensure we consistently provide high quality finish and service because – just like you – we demand and expect the best,” says Daniel.

In fact, two years ago Daniel won the Builders Own Home category in the 2014 Master Builders’ National House of the Year Awards wowing the judges with its well thought out plan and the creative use of materials.

Impressed by “the striking finish” they commented that the home had been “very well planned and constructed, and finished with a high degree of quality workmanship.”

“We constantly aim for creativity, quality workmanship and no hidden costs. We work alongside our clients and tailor plans to suit their specific requirements and budget,” says Daniel, who developed a keen eye for detail, strong project

Design Centre/Office, 444 Anglesea Street, Hamilton Phone 07 839 5570, email office@urban.co.nz Open weekdays 8am-5pm Showhome in Cambridge now closed.

AWARD-WINNING FENDALTON SuPERIOR DESIGN Building award-winning homes is nothing new for Urban Homes NZ Ltd. The company is proud to have consistently achieved the ‘outstanding’ gold award and category win in several categories for the past six years.

One of the latest awards was for its Fendalton show home at St Kilda, Cambridge. It won gold and category winner in the GIB Show Home category of the 2016 Registered Master Builders’ House of the Year, in the Waikato region.

It is this kind of recognition that has inspired trust among Urban Homes’ clients. Company directors, Daniel and Bronwyn Klinkenberg agree that there’s nothing quite like the thrill of taking

out an award at this prestigious annual event.

“It makes all the hard work worthwhile and reflects our company’s core values of constructing homes with integrity by employing a reliable, honest and loyal team,” says Daniel.

The Fendalton show home, now closed, is an alluring blend of uniquely New Zealand heritage features, modern European design elements, rustic touches, and energy-saving innovations.

From the recycled Christchurch brick features and floating cedar ceilings, to the Euro-style cladding, barn-style doors and fabulous indoor/ outdoor flow, this light and spacious executive home combines comfortable living with superb

design and function.

“While our job is to build fabulous houses such as this, we also aim to build ongoing strong relationships with our clients, suppliers, sub contractors and staff through open and effective communication and respect,” Daniel says. “I encourage the whole team to treat others how we would want to be treated and believe our character and reputation now speaks for itself.

“Winning this latest accolade inspires us even more to live up to our mission statement – through superior quality, customer service and communication we will treat your project as our very own masterpiece.”

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 11

Ebbett Audi Volkswagen

Hamilton going up in the world Projects in the commercial, industrial and even the educational sectors have taken excellence in construction to new heights in Hamilton.

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reawakening of the city as one of New Zealand’s metropolitan hubs appears to be on the cards following the New Zealand Commercial Project Awards in May 2016.

Of particular note is the Ebbett Audi Volkswagen building, which claimed gold in the Retail category. Developed by Livingstone Building NZ and Chow:Hill Architects, it impressed judges who praised the complexity of design and innovative thinking. The facility was designed to feature showrooms with floor-to-ceiling glazing, workshop spaces, a public cafe, and even recycling of waste oil to provide heating.

Architectural firm, bbc architects, claimed silver in the Commercial & Civic section for purposebuilt youth facility, Zeal Hamilton. The brief was to provide multi-use spaces with music practice, recording and performance areas, a cafe/ gaming space and offices.

Mainfreight Hamilton

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Zeal, Hamilton

Endeavour School

Also claiming silver (Industrial), Dominion Constructors and BSW Architects set a new benchmark in sustainability with their Mainfreight Hamilton project, which, according to judges, has resulted in a superior facility designed to stand the test of time in an unforgiving environment.

And a brighter future for Hamilton is also being ‘Fostered’, in more ways than one, as indicated by

the development of Endeavour School. Judges said the Foster Construction project (which claimed bronze in the Education category) is an important community asset that reflects the new way of primary school learning.

For more information regarding the awards, including a full list of winning projects, see commercialprojectawards.co.nz.

New dwellings on rise in Waikato

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ack of homes may be a problem in Auckland but Waikato district is experiencing massive housing growth with 797 new dwellings consented in the 12 months to July 2016. Selwyn and Queenstown are the only districts with higher consents over the same period.

Tuakau, Pokeno and Te Kauwhata in the North of the district are proving very popular with 800 lots sold in Pokeno’s Village Estate and growing demand for the new 1000 lot Hitchen stage.

Te Kauwhata, which is situated 18 minutes south of Pokeno, is seeing unprecedented residential development with more than 400 lots available or under development. Further south, Huntly, Ngaruawahia and Raglan are also experiencing strong housing demand.

Economic Development Manager, Clive Morgan says the district’s rural towns and villages offer a unique community feel, access to services and growing job opportunities.

“You can still achieve a Kiwi lifestyle at an affordable price here in the Waikato district. The proximity to the major cities means commuters

love it as an easily accessible and affordable place to live, where you are able to switch off from work, enjoy open spaces and spend more quality time with your family.”

Furthermore, the Waikato district is open for business. The recently announced Ports of Auckland Waikato Freight Hub development at Horotiu with direct access to the North Island Main Trunk Line, will open up freight access to Auckland and Tauranga ports.

Due for completion in 2020 the Waikato Expressway, knowledgeable and highly skilled workforce, and ready to go industrial land, are all major factors driving new industry, employment and residential growth.

When you live in the Waikato district, you’ll find world-class surfing, panoramic scenery, outstanding natural attractions and events ranging from sustainable festivals through to motorsport, right on your doorstep.

Getting outside and exploring the natural environment through walking, horse riding or cycling is a favourite pastime of Waikato residents and visitors, and the dizzying heights of the Hakarimata Ranges and Karioi maunga offer undisturbed views as far as the eye can see.

For information on the Waikato district, visit www.openwaikato.co.nz or phone 0800 252 626.

WE’RE OPEN FOR BUSINESS

CALL 0800 252 626 TO REALISE YOUR BUSINESS DREAM IN THE WAIKATO DISTRICT. WELCOME TO THE OPEN FOR BUSINESS DISTRICT

OPENWAIKATO.CO.NZ

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Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 13

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Waipa River, Whatawhata

Zealong Tea

Mt Pirongia

Waikato has a wealth of welcome O

utside the main hubs of Hamilton, Cambridge, Huntly and Ngaruawahia, there are plenty of rural settlements to make your home.

Here’s a small snapshot of some of Waikato’s popular residential areas.

GORDONTON Gordonton is a small rural community situated approximately 16 km to the east of Hamilton. It has a good range of small, locally-owned shops and cafes and a primary school.

The monthly Gordonton Country Market is held on the second Saturday of every month. The

14 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

market sells a wide range of fresh produce and unique arts and crafts.

Gordonton is also home to the Zealong tea plantation. Spread over 40 hectares, the plantation produces more than 100 tonnes of the finest leaves which are processed on site in the company’s state of the art factory.

Enjoy a visit to the visitor centre, pavilion and tea centre to experience the stunning views, beautiful gardens and scrumptious food washed down with some of the delicious tea.

The combination of easy access into Hamilton as well as to Auckland and East Coast beaches while maintaining a real rural feel makes the Gordonton/ Puketaha area a highly desirable lifestyle option.

OHAuPO

Ohaupo is a small community with a population of around 500 people just 15km to the south of Hamilton City.

Its main street boasts a number of boutique stores and cafes. The area is well set up with a convenience store, a garage, butcher, a school and childcare centre. It holds a popular annual community event, the Ohaupo Fireworks Fiesta, around Guy Fawkes at the beginning of November.

A short drive away is Kaipaki which has a primary school and is the home of Vilagrad Winery, a favourite function spot for locals and the charming Olde Creamery Café.

TAMAHERE

NEWSTEAD/EuREKA

Tamahere is a fast-growing, rural lifestyle community south of Hamilton. The community is based largely around the school and community centre.

It is also home to the famous Tamahere Country Market, held once a month, and the Tamahere Tennis Club and the Tamahere Indoor Bowling Club.

Predominately made up of lifestyle blocks, Tamahere is only a short drive from the CBD making it an ideal location for those seeking a balance of town and country.

The Newstead/Eureka area is a farming area only minutes from Hamilton City.

The mixture of lifestyle and rural properties make it popular choice with out-of-towners who enjoy a raft of amenities including a pre-school and the Newstead Veterinary Services. It is also home to the Hamilton Car Club and the Waikato Clay Target Club.

WHATAWHATA Some 12kms to the west of Hamilton, settled on the east bank of the Waipa River, is the small township of Whatawhata.

It has a primary school, a golf club, a service station and the popular Whatawhata Tavern but its main attraction is its easy commute to both Hamilton and popular west coast beach resort, Raglan.

Photo Duncan Galbraith

Raglan

HORSHAM DOWNS Horsham Downs is a fast growing community just to the north of Hamilton.

Its amenities include a primary school, the popular Horsham Downs Golf Club and the Horsham Downs Community Church which runs a Mainly Music programme and The Vicar’s Fix, a weekly cafe during term time.

You can enjoy a coffee and a muffin, pay by donation and know that your money is going to a charity or community organisation.

The expansion of Hamilton to the north has

meant that Horsham Downs is now much closer to city life.

This allows residents to live in a small rural community with the all the conveniences of the city nearby.

NGAHINAPOuRI Located approximately 18km to the south-west of Hamilton lies Ngahinapouri, a small farming community with a population of about 2000.

Ngahinapouri is made up of mostly dairy farms but its fertile soils and flat contour make a range of farming options available.

Most notably the area is home to the Highview Stud, renowned for producing top quality racehorses.

Ngahinapouri is also home to a beautifully manicured 9 hole golf course and is only a 15-minute drive from Mt Pirongia for those keen on bush walks or more serious climbs.

It has a primary school and being on the road to both Hamilton and Te Awamutu, makes for an easy commute to work in either centre.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 15

Photo John

Photo Phillip Capper

Olde Creamery Cafe

Space and quality Kiwi quarter acre dream still a reality at St Kilda

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kyrocketing house prices may be killing the quarter-acre Kiwi dream in some centres.

An increasing population, coupled with a shortage of housing and lack of sections, means more people are turning to affordable, medium-density housing.

But, at the St Kilda subdivision in Cambridge, the Kiwi dream is still within reach. At St Kilda, an average section is 1600 squares metres, which is twice the size of today’s average suburban section for sale in Hamilton and Cambridge.

What’s more, designing and building your own home at St Kilda is more affordable than one might think.

Synergy Designer Homes – a joint venture between LAD Architecture and St Kilda subdivision

16 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

– is behind the exciting new development in the Waikato. Its architecturally designed homes allow for easy and comfortable, modern day living on large sections and at a price that won’t break the bank.

With a starting price of just $270,000, these homes are built using quality materials to deliver value-for-money which is difficult to find elsewhere in New Zealand.

Director of LAD Architecture, Aaron Guerin, encourages prospective homebuyers to visit Synergy’s show home at St Kilda and experience the space and quality first hand.

The high spec, two-storey Wetlands Duplex showhome features James Hardie Linea® Weatherboard and Stria® Cladding on the exterior,

with Secura™ Interior Flooring on the upper floor.

The materials were selected for their superior quality, with the cladding providing an ‘up market and high end’ feel, Mr Guerin says.

“We didn’t want to compromise on the claddings and fixtures,” he explains. “The Linea Weatherboard and Stria Cladding are showcase products and possess unique features that complement the cedar panelling also used on the home’s exterior.”

James Hardie products work well together and with other products to provide maximum design flexibility, as evidenced in this home, which elegantly combines traditional and modern design elements.

Linea Weatherboard was installed on the

exterior of the upper floor and lower floor with Stria Cladding utilised on parts of the exterior walls of the lower floor as a striking feature. The broad, clean lines of Stria create a bold and dynamic finish, making it ideal for this contemporary, character design home. The claddings are painted in a modern dark grey colour scheme.

In contrast, the timber cedar panelling is a rustic feature that evokes the spirit of New Zealand’s pioneering days, creating a richly textured aesthetic.

The multiple cladding choices reflect a popular new trend in residential home design. Together with darker colours they provide additional contrast and create a dramatic effect for enhanced streetscape design, which is central to the St Kilda vision.

St Kilda has committed more than $1 million to developing wetlands and landscaping the public spaces, and 19 hectares will be developed into recreational spaces for the community to enjoy.

The range of house and land packages has been designed to complement this environment.

In addition to design flexibility, James Hardie

claddings provide build benefits. The lightweight cement composite sheets are gun nailable and easy to work with.

“The builders can lift and fix the sheets quickly and easily, providing significant benefits labourwise,” explains Mr Guerin. “These benefits are passed onto the homeowner and are reflected in the affordability of these homes.”

During construction James Hardie reps were on hand to provide support to the build. Reps also provided installation training prior to works commencing, which Mr Guerin says will help ensure the home meets the expectations of customers and Synergy Designer Homes own high standards.

The flooring for the upstairs master bedroom also provided building efficiencies.

Secura Interior Flooring is an all in one product – it can be tiled directly without the need for underlay, saving further time and money on the build. The moisture-resistant sealer on all sides removes the need for full floor waterproofing outside enclosed wet areas and is an easy way to protect against moisture damage to interior floors.

Mr Guerin says, “The waterproofing element

has provided us with security during the build, as the floor is protected against the elements, and provides long-term benefits in terms of its durability.”

Its durable construction gives a squeak-free, solid feel under carpet, tiles or vinyl. The acoustic properties of the flooring, coupled with its stability and rigidity, are ideal for this high spec home.

“We pride ourselves on design, detail, and finish and James Hardie products fit the brief well,” says Mr Guerin.

The products have provided a robust backdrop for homeowners to live the Kiwi dream. Visit the St Kilda showhome and imagine living the dream in this stunning lifestyle village.

Ask James Hardie™, phone 0800 808 868 email info@jameshardie.co.nz www.jameshardie.co.nz Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 17

A road of national significance Construction on the 100km Waikato Expressway is well underway with several sections up and running while work continues on the exacting project.

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he latest stage of the $2.1 billion Waikato Expressway opened at Rangiriri in June, 2016.

As Design & Build went to print just one lane in each direction was open on the new road involving a 4.8km re-alignment of SH1 west of the town and the historic Rangiriri Pa site.

This included the construction of two bridges, one at Te Kauwhata and the other at the Rangiriri interchange. The next phase of the Rangiriri section connecting local roads was due to be implemented in September 2016 with the stage’s completion at the end of that year or early 2017.

The Waikato Expressway is the most expensive and largest road construction project undertaken in New Zealand in the past decade.

The Government recognised its importance

18 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

by making it one of seven ‘Roads of National Significance’ – the highest roading priority for the country The expressway is nationally significant because it provides considerably improved connections for key freight movements between the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland regions as well as being the main national route linking the Auckland and Waikato to the south.

When complete, the expressway will shave around six kilometres off the old SH1 route, replacing it as the key transport corridor for traffic through the Waikato region.

Fuel savings and journey times for motorists and freight companies will be greatly reduced with time savings expected to be in the region of 35 minutes. The new road should also alleviate the

traffic congestion that has been experienced on SH1 at the ‘pinch points’ of Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Hamilton and Cambridge.

Delays and unreliable travel times along this route have affected the economic health of these regions and directly impacted on the New Zealand economy, so the new expressway will be welcome by many.

It runs from the Bombay Hills in the north to just south of Cambridge passing to the east of Hamilton and to the north east of Cambridge.

When its completed in 2020 it will form a 100 km long, continuous four-lane, dual carriageway from the Bombay Hills to beyond the town of Cambridge, 24 kilometres south-east of Hamilton.

The road is being built in seven sections starting from Pokeno in the north heading south

Delivering the Waikato Expressway Pukekohe

2

25

Taukau

POKENO

MERCER

11.6km

2

Starting soon

11.0km

Meremere

All sections under construction 2016

LONGSWAMP 5.9km

Construction 2016-18

27

Te Kauwhata Under construction, main four lanes open 2016 Project complete 2017

RANGIRIRI

Rangiriri

4.8km

Supporting economic growth and development

OHINEWAI 7.0km

HUNTLY

Construction 2015-20

15.2km

Huntly

Taupiri

Starting soon

HAMILTON

Ngaruawahia

NGARUAWAHIA 12.3km

Opened December 2012

Morrinsville

21.8km

Construction 1B 2016-20

Opened December 2013

26

TE RAPA

Improving safety

7.3km

TAMAHERE INTERCHANGE 2.4km

Hamilton

Raglan

Completed sections 23 In progress To start October 2016 Territorial authority boundary Existing state highway Other roads Hamilton urban area

CAMBRIDGE 16km

39

3 Ohaupo

Opened December 2015

Cambridge

1

Reducing travel time and congestion

With a new section of the Waikato Expressway near Rangiriri now in use – and expected to be fully completed by the end of 2017 – State Highway 1 has become more efficient and travel time from the Bombay Hills south of Auckland to Hamilton has been shortened. This will eventually link to the Huntly section, scheduled to begin late 2016 and which will bypass Huntly township to the east.

Photos supplied NZ Transport Agency

through Rangiriri, Huntly, Ngaruawahia, Te Rapa, Hamilton and Cambridge.

The first part of the Waikato Expressway to be completed was the eight kilometre Te Rapa section, known as Mangaharakeke Drive, which opened in December 2012.

It includes six bridges, one of which passes over the main trunk railway line and another which crosses the Waikato River, and connects at Horotiu with the 12.3 kilometre Ngaruawahia section, which was completed in December 2013.

Also up and running is the Pokeno and Mercer sections totalling 22.6km and the 7km Ohinewai section with part of the Rangiriri section now operational.

The 16km Tamahere to Cambridge section opened at the end of last year and has eight bridges including a 200 metre-long, 40-metre high viaduct across the Karapiro Gully, just north of the lake. Another bridge has been built to allow horses to safely cross the expressway.

Approximately 15,000 vehicles per day have been using the new road since it opened on December 16, 2015 and according to NZ Transport Agency, people are shaving up to 23 minutes off their daily commute between Cambridge and Hamilton.

Construction by joint-venture partners Fulton Hogan and HEB Construction on the 15.2km, $458 million Huntly section was due to start in September 2016.

Project manager, Tony Dickens says the most challenging aspect of this section will be the rugged

nature of the ground which comprises greywacke, various types of clay, sand, volcanic deposits, peat and old coal mine tailings from the Huntly East mines.

“The expressway skirts Huntly, running to the east of the town and will entail almost four million cubic metres of earthworks and an 80-metre deep cutting through the Taupiri Range,” says Tony. “We will utilise more than a million cubic metres of the cut material as fill elsewhere and we expect it will take three years to complete.”

As this section of the expressway crosses important historical sites (including pre-European, Maori storage pits and remnants of what was a large horticulture area) and significant ecological habitats, NZTA and its design consultants worked closely with local iwi during the planning stages of the project.

This resulted in a cultural mitigation plan being developed and agreed by Waikato Tainui to ensure on going consultation is maintained throughout the construction period.

Huntly will be followed by the 21.8 kilometre Hamilton section which will include 15 bridges across various steep gullies along with large scale earthworks and an interchange at the southern end.

The last section to be constructed will be the 5.9 kilometres at Longswamp linking the Mercer section (just south of the Hampton Downs interchange) to the Rangiriri section to the south.

This project involves the upgrading of 5.9km of SH1 to full expressway standard.

NO ExPRESS PLANS FOR WAIKATO ‘SLOW-WAY’

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n the Waikato district there are 608 kilometres of unsealed roads and because it costs approximately $500,000 to seal just one kilometre of unsealed road, Waikato District Council says it would be unaffordable to seal all the roads in the district.

Instead, council is proposing to ‘traction seal’ areas causing the greatest safety risk to users.

Traction sealing is applied on short stretches of unsealed roads where there are potential safety issues. Areas receiving traction seal typically range from 50-100 metres per area at an estimated cost of $100,000 per 100 metres.

Areas subject to repeated flood scouring, unevenness, the angle of corners or high usage will not be traction sealed.

Because of the high level of expenditure required to carry out the work ($400,000 per year of which $300,000 would come from the general rate), the council wants to hear the views of ratepayers before it goes ahead with the project.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 19

Finding the architect of your dreams T here’s no place like home but making, or rather, building a home can be easier said than done. While most housing companies offer a myriad of well-designed plans from which clients can choose, sometimes the choices are overwhelming.

What’s more, while some people can easily see how a plan will fit their site and what the house will eventually look like, others have difficulty translating measurements into actual room sizes or visualising the end product.

In many cases, depending on budget, the site and personal aspirations, it may pay to employ an architect. But where to begin?

Choosing a suitable architect may require visiting several firms and while personal recommendations should be considered, remember not one architectural shoe fits all.

A registered architect, who is a member of the NZ Institute of Architects, may be a good place to start and the Institute can also advise on members in your area.

Importantly, working with an architect is a collaboration and one you need to be comfortable with from the start.

On that first exploratory visit, chat informally, present questions, ask to see photos of recent work and generally get a feel for the person to whom you are entrusting your dream.

Take a list of questions to the meeting and be sure to understand all charges, fees and processes before making a decision to go ahead.

A good architect listens to the client’s initial ideas and dreams and talks through the basics so there is a clear understanding of what is involved,

20 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

before progressing further.

Naturally, you will be seeking creativity, advice, professional skills and, perhaps, something out of the ordinary, from your chosen architect but before a concept and plans can be drawn up to suit lifestyle, personality, property, budget and family requirements, there will be many elements to discuss.

The outcome will rely on good communication, co-operation, listening, trust and the rapport between client and architect. Once an architect has been chosen the real process will begin.

Many prospective homeowners have strong ideas about a new house but it’s important to be open-minded.

Give your architect the freedom to explore and present new or different ideas – undoubtedly you

will discover options never even considered.

Also, clients are often surprised at how much they prefer the architect’s proposals. Embrace those suggestions that inspire and excite but be firm on areas where you do not wish to compromise.

A good working relationship between client and architect is vital to the success of any building project. Your architect’s design approach and philosophy should fit your requirements. From there the design for your new home will unfold and eventually come to completion under your builder.

Finally, while an experienced, professional builder can be expected to interpret and execute your architect’s plans to a tee, it may pay for them to meet first so everyone is on the same wavelength.

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Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 21

Making an impression Resene Construction Systems range of plaster facades, and interior finishing systems adds stunning style and durability to new and existing homes.

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here is a vast array of external facades available in the market place with weatherboard and brick being the most common.

More and more often, when driving around, people are seeing a greater level of external plaster facades which, from our point of view, is fantastic, and equally for the diversity in subdivisions.

Over the years, development and technology for external facade or cladding systems has changed. This change was driven by issues related across the construction industry including design and architecture, construction practices, product performance, trade co-ordination and workmanship.

For the past 10 plus years external plaster façades/claddings have been required to be installed over a cavity. This is also the case with brick veneer, and weatherboard.

The cavity method of construction provides robustness and redundancy should moisture enter through the outside skin of the façade.

Plaster façade systems vary considerably not only in terms of the products used, but also the level of workmanship applied by the tradesperson.

Our façade systems require registered building

22 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

MILANO Marblestone Fireplace

practitioner installation, in turn we only supply our own licensed and registered contractors as the very minimum prerequisite. This ensures accuracy and responsibility to the contractor who has applied the system.

Alongside this, Resene Construction Systems partners with its contractor network and provides its own documented and comprehensive “On Site Assistance”quality assurance programme, which is mandatory to each and every project nationally.

The OnSite Assistance programme was introduced 10 years ago to provide surety of system installation. It was, and is, a dynamic and innovative approach for the construction sector.

No other business in the plaster façade industry stands beside every installation with dedicated support as we do.

We take the OnSite Assistance programme one step further by undertaking a further complimentary project review two years after our guarantees have been issued. This also gives us the opportunity to discuss the system with our clients and how best to look after it.

This sets the benchmark for the industry, giving protection to both the reputation of our products and most importantly to our clients’ most important investment – their home.

INTEGRA Lightweight Concrete Facade

INTEGRA Lightweight Concrete Facade

INTEGRA Lightweight Concrete Facade

INTEGRA Lightweight Concrete Facade

Marrakesh with Graffiti Tiles

Selection of your external plaster façade can be challenging. The three dominant options in the current market are INTEGRA aac lightweight concrete, Graphex Insulated façade, or Plaster over Masonry block or brick.

INTEGRA aac lightweight concrete façade – AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) is a lightweight concrete panel fixed over a cavity which includes full flashing suite, and a lamina of coatings that is complete through to the finished colour coats.

This system provides impact resistance, acoustic benefits and has a solid feel even though it is fixed over timber framing.

Graphex Insulated Façade – An external insulation system that provides a complete thermal overlay to the structure. This is the best location for insulation as there are minimal ‘thermal breaks’ when compared to ’in wall’ insulation. The perception of insulated facades falls

a long way short of being accurate and is based around misinformation and historical construction practices not applied today.

The installation of the Graphex & INTEGRA aac Systems is complete and undertaken by one supplier, and one contractor. This process saves time and money during the construction process, and provides a full service and support system for the life of the installed system.

A key factor in determining system performance in New Zealand is to ensure that the products and systems comply with the building code.

We have worked alongside BRANZ (Building Research Association of New Zealand) and achieved appraisals for our external façade systems. This includes passing stringent weathertight testing.

At Resene Construction Systems we also have

a premium range of interior finishes, all based on natural materials from Rockcote, available to suit any style or budget.

As a Resene Group company you also have the backing of a privately-owned and operated New Zealand company. Along with this relationship you have the benefit of visiting Resene ColorShop’s for all your colour selections and general coatings advice.

Call Resene Construction’s friendly team on 0800 50 70 40 to discover how they can assist you with your next project. www.reseneconstruction.co.nz Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 23

Public faith rewarded

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Lockwood voted ‘Most Trusted’ for the third time!

nock on wood! Lockwood Homes continues to have the confidence of Kiwis having taken the accolade of Most Trusted Home Building brand for the third time in four years.

Reader’s Digest contracts Catalyst Research to undertake an annual ‘New Zealand’s Most Trusted’ survey, which uncovers the most trustworthy professions, people and brands across various categories.

The Home Building category was introduced in 2013 as a response to the many issues that the construction industry had faced in recent years and to acknowledge the importance of trust when it comes to what is often the single biggest purchasing commitment a person can make.

Lockwood CEO, Joe La Grouw (son of founder, Johannes La Grouw), says the win is a significant one for the company and gives huge pride to the Lockwood team and its network of builders and homeowners nationally.

What is particularly great is that the heart of Lockwood has been in Rotorua since the very beginning, says Joe.

“This award is a fantastic acknowledgement of the values instilled by my father in our iconic Kiwi brand. After six decades of producing naturally solid, secure and well designed houses, so many people live in, or have spent a part of their lives in, a Lockwood home. In particular, there are a great many families in Rotorua who have worked as part of our production teams or in our offices.

“Lockwood is a precision engineered building system that has been proven in all kinds of

situations over 65 years, standing up strong in cyclones, earthquakes and all kinds of extreme environmental challenges. Even in the Christchurch earthquakes, we didn’t lose one of our homes.”

Joe says Lockwood’s commitment to CodeMark, sustainability and now Lifemark Accreditation, is not only recognition of Lockwood’s devotion to excellence, it is a continuing challenge to keep improving systems, design and relationships with eyes firmly focused on the future.

And the company has continued to reflect architectural and modern home building changes that have brought Lockwood to the forefront of contemporary interior design, without losing any of the strength and durability the system is recognised for.

“Many people will remember the original allwood Lockwood interiors, but will be pleasantly surprised to see the lighter, brighter and more colourful designs of today,” Joe says.

“I recommend that anybody looking to build a home should take a look at the options now available from Lockwood.”

Looking for total design and build freedom?

Whether you adapt one of our existing modern plans, or come up with something completely new and unique to you, chances are, if you can dream it, we can build it.

Call in and see our team at our Gullwing Open Home at 599A Marychurch Road, Matangi to start your home building journey today

Proud to be voted NZ’s Most Trusted Home Building Brand 2013, 2014 and again in 2016

24 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

www.lockwood.co.nz | 0508 562 596 13991

Te Kauwhata’s charm a growing drawcard

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ousing affordability in some parts of the country is driving homeowners out of inner city suburbs to other regional centres. The good news is, Generation Homes Waikato has a range of house and land packages to suit your family, budget and lifestyle whether you want to be near Hamilton city or an Aucklander looking for an affordable home in the smaller rural towns of Pokeno or Te Kauwhata just south of the Bombay Hills.

One option for people looking for a dream lifestyle, with an easy commute to Auckland or Hamilton, is to build a new Generation Homes property in Te Kauwhata.

Located in the rolling dairy farmland in the north Waikato, Te Kauwhata offers affordable, luxury living on the edge of Lake Waikere.

Te Kauwhata – nicknamed ‘TK’ – is uniquely positioned midway between Auckland and Hamilton, about an hour in each direction on State Highway 1. The village’s population of around 1400 has access to primary and secondary schooling, childcare centres, a library, supermarket, various sporting and recreational facilities, doctors’ rooms, pharmacy and more.

Generation Homes Waikato director, Alana Savage describes TK as an established village with attractive freehold titles offering the very best in country living. “TK is ideally located from a commuting point of view and many of our customers see real benefit in their children growing up in a well-serviced, rural country town that has great schools, and all the necessary amenities and infrastructure in place,” she says.

“Customers can choose from one of the 80 Generation Homes architectural plans designed for the area and we’ll support them to customise the selected plan so they can put their own personal stamp on the property.”

Jeremy and Karen Biddick

Generation Homes customers and busy parents, Jeremy and Karen Biddick, lived in their own home in Auckland’s West Harbour for 11 years but a desire to give their two young sons an authentic childhood with a strong connection to the land guided their move south.

Settling on a 696 sqm section in TK, the Biddick’s knew they wanted to build a versatile home that would meet the needs of their family now and in the future. The couple quickly settled on the four-bedroom Ashbury, and worked closely with Generation Homes to redesign the plan to their building site and include a range of custom variations.

Some key features included an open plan living area with indoor-outdoor flow, a grand entranceway, large galley kitchen and walk-in pantry, an outdoor entertainment area with arched pergola and barbecue area, plus beautifully

landscaped gardens. The master suite was positioned away from the other bedrooms and central living areas to create a sense of privacy. The garage also doubles as a rumpus room.

“We had a really clear picture of what we wanted and Generation Homes supported us to ensure we achieved everything within our budget,” says Karen.

Generation Homes was founded by Kiwis, Graham Hockly and David Mansel in Tauranga in 1997. The nationwide company has operated in Waikato since 2007, and is present in subdivisions throughout Te Kauwhata, Hamilton, the greater Waikato and Auckland.

If you’re looking to build a new home in Te Kauwhata, visit one of Generation’s show homes to talk to a team member about our affordable house and land packages.

You can also join Generation Homes Waikato’s email database to receive regular updates and professional home building advice by emailing alanas@generation.co.nz.

Visit www.generation.co.nz for some great design and inspirational ideas.

Phone 07 853 3218 or 0508 639 496 Showhomes: 1 Astor Ave, Dinsdale, Hamilton – by appointment 2 Awanui Ave (off Blunt Rd), Te Kauwhata – Open Sat, Sun, Mon, Tues 10am-4pm www.generation.co.nz Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 25

Homes with a view at Lakewood Construction work on Lakewood Cambridge, a mixed-use development overlooking Lake Te Ko Utu, is expected to start late 2016 with completion projected to be a further 12 months down the track.

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pread across three hectares of bare land off Queen Street, the new Lakewood development has been designed to complement Cambridge’s existing character and more effectively connect the ‘hidden’ lake with the town.

The multi-million dollar development is set to be one of the town’s biggest. It promises to offer a special combination of waterfront dining, spacious public areas nestled into the woods, boutique apartment and retail offerings, convenient services and entertainment experiences.

Development and project managers, the Greenstone Group, who are managing the development on behalf of Porter Foster JV Limited have appointed Ignite Architects who have produced a portfolio of sympathetic designs which blend well with the local streetscape.

The centrepiece of the development will be a food and beverage building, The Stables.

This focal point has been designed to dovetail with the character of wider Cambridge and will feature a high vaulted ceiling and open directly onto public seating areas overlooking the lake.

The Barns will provide large format retail and have been designed to be both practical and attractive to encourage retail visitors to spend more time in the all-encompassing shopping environment. It will go a long way to rectifying the 26 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

shortage of retail space in Cambridge.

Heritage-designed blocks will house streetlevel retail, along with a motel and apartments on the upper levels, overlooking the lake.

The Pavilions will provide an attractive mix of spaces dedicated to both business and pleasure.

The development will include premium tenancy options, architecturally designed apartments and 22 spacious lifestyle apartments with large decks overlooking Lake Te Ko Utu. A public boulevard along the northern façade will connect with the lake reserve and public walking tracks.

Each of the buildings will reflect Cambridge’s heritage, with different materials used on each block to reference various parts of the town’s history. Character bricks to mimic the town hall, while wooden barn-style buildings will link to Cambridge’s strong equestrian industry.

A nearby playground area will be developed close to Cambridge’s historic ‘kissing gate’. The small gate is so-called because of the way it just ‘kissed’ the fence as it swung around.

The gates were purchased from NZ Rail in 1981 and donated to the Cambridge Historical Society.

All the residential accommodation will be double-glazed, and ground floor retailers will open onto a spacious public seating areas.

There will also be office space provided, some of it above a proposed after-hours medical centre and pharmacy, with space allocated for childcare, a gymnasium and other medical specialists.

Ben Jones of the Greenstone Group said the site’s strategic and geographical advantages included its proximity to the town centre, State Highway One and the Waikato Expressway.

It also had flat contours, dual entrances and complementary adjacent businesses.

He said the development would make the most of Cambridge’s natural amenities, heritage town appeal, forecast regional growth and supplementary destination attractions, such as the Avantidrome, Lake Karapiro and Hobbiton.

Lakewood has been strategically crafted around research findings by economic demographers Property Economics. Its comprehensive audit of Cambridge’s existing retail and commercial property sector identified significant “shopping leakage”.

It found an average 57 per cent of Cambridge residents’ total shopping spend went outside the town, and Cambridge was short of almost 10,000 square metres of retail space.

“As a mixed-use development, the aim was to align it with what already works well in town, and target retailers who currently don’t have a presence,” Mr Jones said.

Of men who make passes...

F

rom 2017, locals will likely be happy to be drawn down the garden path following the completion of a new Hamilton underpass.

The $1.1 million underpass will run under SH1-Cobham Drive and connect Hamilton Gardens with Hamilton East.

Acting Waikato Highways manager, Niclas Johansson, believes the NZ Transport Agency initiative will improve safety in the area for both pedestrians and cyclists.

“Having a safe pedestrian crossing [in the area] has been raised with the Transport Agency by many stakeholders over many years.

“This well-lit and level underpass will provide a safe and user-friendly option to connect the Gardens and existing paths either side of the state highway.”

Four-lane Cobham Drive (which carries a daily average of 28,000 vehicles and has a posted speed limit of 80km/h) has acted as a barrier to cyclists and pedestrians wishing to access Hamilton Gardens and the city, Mr Johansson confirmed.

“This extra link will allow cyclists and pedestrians to connect to existing paths into the city and new paths along State Highway 3, as well as the Western Rail Trail.”

The Western Rail Trail is designed to connect Hamilton’s south western suburbs with Hamilton Girls’ High School, the Wintec City Campus and city centre.

Hamilton’s cycleways integral part of city interconnection – an artists impression of the new underpass.

Both projects will draw on an estimated $12 million earmarked over the next decade in efforts to connect Hamilton with a series of cycleways.

“Hamilton is a great city for walking and

biking, and we already have 150km of on and off road cycleways. This underpass is another link in connecting our city and we look forward to its opening in 2017.”

Come on over to our exceptional new show home...

Jennian Homes North Waikato’s brand new show home is now open to view.

Located in the highly sort after Meadows sub-division this home is sure to impress. Come on over and see for yourself how great life could be in a Jennian Home.

Show Home Opening Hours: Monday–Friday, 10:00am–4:00pm Saturday–Sunday, 11:00am–3:00pm or by appointment.

Jennian Homes North Waikato 39 Roy Hilton Drive, The Meadows, Hamilton P 07 855 6089 E northwaikato@jennian.co.nz

jennian.co.nz 13902

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 27

28 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 13877

Planning imperative Successful house renovations rely on a number of components ranging from engaging a draughtsman or architect to create the design to a tradesman builder who will deliver the end product. But before starting, the most important element is research and planning.

W

hether an idea or concept is sketched on the back of a paper napkin, or you’ve compiled a scrapbook full of photos and magazine cut outs, planning a renovation needs to start somewhere.

Choosing an architect or draughtsperson to transform your ideas is something that should not be done in haste. A good design will absorb your character and personality.

Choosing someone local, who knows the area and listens to your vision, is a great start. That person or company needs to know your budget as much as you need to know they can be trusted and that you can put your faith in them to come up with the goods.

Understanding the building process will give a better appreciation of the importance of proper planning. Getting a cost estimate, based on concept plans, will often help you decide if the brief given to the designer will require modifying to bring costs back into line.

The next step is choosing the builder.

Monumental changes to the Building Act over the past few years have seen many of the so-called, ‘cowboy’ builders exiled from the industry.

Make sure your builder is trustworthy, carries good credentials, is a Certified or Master Builder, is licensed and that you have confidence in him.

During the planning stages, and right throughout the build, you will have many decisions to make. This can be exciting and rewarding, but also very stressful. Researching materials is important in assuring you achieve the desired result.

More and more emphasis is being placed on sustainable building practices and creating homes that are efficient to run while being environmentally-friendly.

Whilst concrete is frowned upon because of the emissions during manufacture, it offers a fantastic

form of passive heating due to its ability to retain heat.

Consider other sustainable materials and building techniques such as wide soffits (to keep heat out in summer), efficient lighting, solar heating, building to suit the sun, using recycled materials and choosing good insulation.

These can all play a great part in renovating your home to make it warm and healthy for you and your family.

By doing things properly you will achieve the result you want and avoid unnecessary pitfalls.

When reviewing quotes make sure you understand exactly what is included and excluded.

Compare quotes and ask for clarification if you are not sure. It is against the law to engage in any building work over $20,000 without a proper contract with your builder – a hand-written scribble on the back of a notepad is not acceptable.

A well-presented quote with detail, along with a contract outlining everything from terms of payment to what happens in case of a dispute, is required.

There are many things to consider when renovating, but if you are prepared to do your research and use professionals, you will get the desired results and hopefully have an enjoyable and rewarding experience.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 29

DESIGNED & BUILT FOR WORK & LIFE! DESIGNED & BUILT

DESIGNED & BUILT FOR WORK & LIFE! FOR WORK & LIFE!

style Combo 18m x 7.5m x 3m with 2 Sectional Doors, rtition Walls, Awning & 2 PA Doors

le Combo 18m x 7.5m x 3m with 2 Sectional Doors, ifestyle Combo 18m&x 27.5m x 3m with 2 Sectional Doors, ion Walls, Awning PA Doors Partition Walls, Awning & 2 PA Doors

Shed 21m x 6m x 3.6m with Canopy, PA Door &

Calf Shed Zincalume x (Wooden 3.6m Canopy, PA Door eredDoor, GatesPAnot included) 21m x21m 6mxx6m 3.6m withwith Canopy, Door && Roller Zincalume (Wooden Gates included) Door, Door, Zincalume (Wooden Gates notnot included)

Triple Door Workshop 20m x 12m x 3.6m with Awning, 3 Roller Doors, Ranchslider & PA Door

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Heritage Barn 10.5m x 11m x 3m Combo with 3 Sectional Doors, Lifestyle 18m x 7.5m x 3m with 2 Sectional Doors,

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Heritage 10.5m xx11m with 3 Sectional Doors, PABarn Door, Window &x x3m Awning Lifestyle x 7.5m xAwning 3mx with 2 Sectional Doors,Doors,Triple Door 20m xDoors, 12m x 3.6m with Awning, Heritage 10.5m 11m 3m with 318m Sectional Doors, 2Combo Partition Walls, 2 PA Doors Roller Ranchslider &with PA Door Lifestyle Combo 18m x 7.5m 3m & with 2 Sectional TripleWorkshop Door3Workshop 20m x 12m x 3.6m Awning, PADoor, Door, Window Window &&Awning 22Partition Awning & 2&PA2 Doors 3 Roller3Doors, & PA Door& PA Door PA Awning PartitionWalls, Walls, Awning PA Doors Roller Ranchslider Doors, Ranchslider

DESIGNED & BUILT DESIGNED BUILT DESIGNED &&&BUILT KING COUNTRY 240 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga FOR WORK LIFE! FOR WORK & LIFE! KING COUNTRY 240 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga FOR WORK & LIFE! Ph: (07) 873 6515 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz 08000800 TOTALSPAN TOTALSPAN ) 957 3685 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz Ph: (07) 873 6515 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz

HAMILTON 639 RapaRoad, Road, Te ILTON 639 TeTeRapa TeRapa, Rapa,Hamilton Hamilton TON(07) Te 3685 Rapa-Road, Rapa, Hamilton Ph: Email: Te hamilton@totalspan.co.nz 07) 639 957957 3685 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz

KING COUNTRY 240 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga Ph: (07) 873 6515 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz

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TOTALSPAN.CO.NZ PA Door, Window & Awning Roller Door, ZincalumeTOTALSPAN.CO.NZ (Wooden Gates not included)

Calf Shed 21m x 6m x 3.6m with Canopy, PA Door & Heritage Barn 10.5m x 11m x 3m with 3 Sectional Doors, CalfZincalume Shed 21m x 6mwith x 3.6m Canopy, & Heritage x 11m x 3m with 3 Sectional Doors, PA Door, WindowBarn &Heritage Awning Roller Door, (Wooden Gates notwith included) Calf Shed 21m x 6m x 3.6m Canopy, PA Door &PA Door 10.5m Barn x 11m10.5m x 3m with 3 Sectional Doors,

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Ph: (07) 957 3685 - Email: Ph: (07) 873 6515 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz 639 Te Rapa Road, Tehamilton@totalspan.co.nz Rapa, Hamilton HAMILTON 639 Te Rapa Road, Te Road, Rapa, Hamilton KING COUNTRY 240 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga HAMILTON Te Rapa Te Rapa, Hamilton COROMANDEL KING COUNTRY HAMILTON SHOWROOM HAMILTON SHOWROOM EAST WAIKATO 64 Seddon Street, Waharoa 29 Kopu Road, Thames 240 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga Ph: (07) 957 3685 -639 Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz

Ph:(07) (07) 957 3685 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz 873 6515 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz Ph: (07) 957 3685 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz Ph: (07) 873 6515 - Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz 639 Te888 Rapa Road, Te Rapa, Ph: 9320 -Rapa Email: eastwaikato@totalspan.co.nz 869(07) 0400 - Email: coromandel@totalspan.co.nz 639 Te Road, TeHamilton Rapa, Hamilton Ph: (07)Ph: KING COUNTRY DISPLAY BUILDING EAST(07) WAIKATO 64957 Seddon Waharoa COROMANDEL 29 Kopu Road, Ph: 957 3685 - 3685 Email: EAST WAIKATO 64Street, Seddon Street, Waharoa COROMANDEL 29Thames Kopu Road, Thames Ph: (07) -hamilton@totalspan.co.nz Email: hamilton@totalspan.co.nz TLS1318

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30 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

Northland pine stronger!

Rugby fans will know exactly why All Black legend Colin Meads was nicknamed ‘Pinetree’ – he was tall, strong, tough and had presence! And how appropriate is that?

Radiata pine grown in Northland is scientifically proven to produce the strongest, stiffest and densest pine timber in New Zealand – characteristics being harnessed by award-winning Waipu sawmill, Northpine Ltd.

A

radiata pine growth patterns 540 Auckland & Northland

500 EXTRACTED DENSITY (kg/m³)

study conducted by the Forest Research Institute in 1991 demonstrated, in essence, that the further north in New Zealand the timber comes from, the denser and stronger it is.

(See map and graph.)

A further study by FRI in 1997 then showed conclusively that visual grading (ie using the NZ grading rules No1 Framing), gave different performance characteristics depending on which region the timber came from.

The result showed that out of the six regions tested, only two met the actual requirements that the visual grading was designed to achieve. One of these regions is Northland.

From its distribution yard in Silverdale, Northpine produces its specialist ‘Northbeam’ range of structural beams, posts and joists, including large-dimension beams and long-length and H5 treated timber.

These aesthetically pleasing, high-value products are generally preferred for use in exposed areas where the natural warmth and beauty of solid wood provides visual impact and unique character to a structure.

With Northbeam products, framing can be turned into a truly distinctive feature with exposed timber beams and joists. The range also provides flexibility and the opportunity to create eye-catching designs for outdoor features such as decks, gazebos or pergolas.

Strength is another key characteristic of the Northbeam range, which is processed from kiln-dried timber carefully selected to ensure it is structurally strong and dimensionally stable.

The result is high quality timber with structural performance that is competitive with steel or engineered wood products.

In addition to the large dimension or unusual sized products regularly processed under its Northbeam range, Northpine will also consider making one-off production runs for clients at its Waipu sawmill.

The complete range of standard structural components for house framing is also manufactured at the Waipu sawmill.

These components, all made from Northland pine, provide the basis of what has become a growing, value-added industry.

The quality of all Northpine products is rigorously tested, with structural timber graded in process and samples placed under stress to ensure each batch of timber meets New Zealand Standard requirements.

This testing regime is also independently verified by a third party accreditor – Graderight.

Northpine products are sold throughout

Nelson Rotorua Westland Wellington Canterbury Southland

460 420 380

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340 300

> 475 kg/m³

HIGH MEDIUM > 475 kg/m³ 450-475 kg/m³ MEDIUM

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40 LOW

450-475 kg/m³

LOW

< 450 kg/m³

< 450 kg/m³

Regional and ring density trends (mean density at 1.3m above Regional and ring density trends (mean density at 1.3m above ground). Northland/Auckland wood is significantly higher than Radiata pine density zones. Density is closely related to timber Radiata pine density zones. Density is closely related to timber ground). Northland wood is included in the Auckland area, and is other areas. stiffness and strength. Northland wood is in the highest density zone. stiffness and strength. Northland wood is in the highest density zone. significantly higher than other areas.

Radiata pine densityMcConchie zones. Density closely (1991), related toFRI timber Source: Cowan, McConchie and Young (1991), FRI Bulletin 50.

Source: Cowan, andisYoung Bulletin 50.

Cowan, McConchie Bulletin 50.

Source: Cowan, McConchie and Young (1991), FRI Bulletin 50.stiffness Source: and strength.

Northland wood is and in theYoung highest(1991), densityFRI zone.

Source: Cowan, McConchie and Young (1991), FRI Bulletin 50.

Left, Northpine’s GM Bruce Larsen. Right, a timber beam being stress-tested (‘under load’).

Auckland and Northland via independent building merchants, with a limited product range sold in Australia via wholesalers.

Northpine Ltd takes its environmental responsibilities seriously and works hard to minimise any adverse impact of its operations on the environment.

The firm is constantly looking to identify new products and systems that meet the needs of its customers and provide them with high-value solutions.

With a steady stream of maturing, structurally superior pine logs available in Northland for the

foreseeable future, Northpine’s vision of being a sustainable, specialist sawmill is coming to fruition.

Timber beams, posts and joists

Northpine, 34 Cove Road, Waipu, Northland Ph 09 432 1155 Email: office@northpine.co.nz www.northpine.co.nz Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 31

One stop home shop New build to renovations all under one roof!

Kiwis love DIY and what comes to mind when you think of DIY – Mitre 10 MEGA.

B

uilding and DIY is booming in Hamilton so we’re opening a new store (Ruakura) later this year to keep up with demand.

The aim always is to help you create your dream home.

After a long day, it’s time to relax in your luxurious bathroom. Our bathroom team offers advice and inspiration on new bathrooms and renovations. We also have access to a wide selection of brands and styles to suit personal preferences.

And, of course, a good home needs a good kitchen. Whether you are cooking for one, or an army, functionality is key.

Our new kitchen showrooms inspire kitchen makeover journeys. We provide on site assessments so we can embrace your requirements and make your kitchen come to life.

Kiwis also love spending time outdoors so make your landscaping complement your lifestyle needs.

An outdoor area should be a focal point of your home so before digging up the ground make sure you have an idea of how the finished product should look. Talk to our garden and outdoor furniture teams who will help make your vision a reality.

Bring your home to life with a variety of colours that match your personality. Our exclusive range of

Valspar paints will do the job brilliantly! The paint team will provide the best advice for any painting project, big or small.

Keeping your family warm without compromising style is now easier than ever, too.

Our wide range of heat pumps showcase a variety of designs and are perfect for keeping you warm in winter and cool in summer. Wood fires are another heating option and can show a home’s character and style.

In store we also have products for those finishing touches to make your home feel like home – don’t forget our 15% low price guarantee. Low Prices. No Bull.

NAIL THE WHOLE JOB WITH US From the foundations to the fenceline you can get the whole job done with Mitre 10. We can supply and deliver your complete build, sort out any special orders, and help make the whole job go as smoothly as possible.

mitre10.co.nz/trade 32 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

Hamilton The Base, 1 Maahanga Drive Phone: 07 850 8700 13945

Toolbox essentials for the DIYer

Making new from used U pcycling is a big trend in home decor, and rightly so. Re-purposing old or discarded materials is a great and easy way to create decorative furnishings such as accent tables and make use of items that are no longer suitable for their original purpose.

Here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing.

reproduced furniture: Rustic is very trendy right now, so why not make some rural-inspired accent tables for your home?

Polishing the ends of a decent-sized log or attaching a tray to an old metal milk can could produce fantastic results in very little time. Alternatively, try using an old wooden chair, freshly painted, to support a flower vase or to display various knick-knacks. You could even replicate the timeless charm of a tree swing by hanging a shelf or two with some old rope.

UNTAPPED POTENTIAL: Don’t give or throw away your old books. Instead, try stacking them between two shelves to make a simple bookcase – the perfect place for the books you’re reading now – or you could strap them together to create a novel knife block. And why not convert those old apple crates into stylish accent tables. Simply paint and mount the boxes together to create a vintage accent for modern decor.

a case of difference: Old unused stools are the perfect place to put out some books or magazines. Or, you could try stacking old cement blocks to make a quick and solid table for a lamp. You can even add some tapered table legs to your grandmother’s old luggage to make an inexpensive yet unique piece of furniture. Old suitcases can also be turned into an interesting shelf combination or table to display knick knacks. The possibilities are endless; all you need is a little bit of time and imagination!

LEAF IT TO THE PLANTS: More and more people have taken to incorporating a bit of nature into the decor of their homes, and with good reason. Plants provide a nice touch of colour, create a relaxing atmosphere and help to purify the air in your house. So, by fashionably using plants and flowers as decorative accessories, you’ll breathe new life into your home.

Making the inside of your home come to life couldn’t be easier. Simply arrange a cluster of assorted plants along a stretch of wall — in your living room or bathroom, for example— that has a window. Position a low and sturdy table beneath the window and garnish it with an array of exotic plants varying in size and species. You can also place your flora on nested tables or shelves at different levels to create a stunning visual effect.

Keep in mind that certain plants don’t get along well with others when planning the layout of your indoor garden. Consult your garden centre if unsure about which plants to use.

Not everyone’s a great handyman, but for those who think a wrench means parting from a loved one or a socket is something the eye sits in, take heart – you’re not alone.

However, such babes in the ‘fix-it’ woods can improve their chances of doing a job right first time by investing in a few good quality tools. Then they won’t have to borrow from the neighbour!

For the budding handyperson, this list of toolbox basics is a great starting point: ■■ Hammer (not too heavy nor too light, with a rubber handle) ■■ Retractable tape measure (preferably six-eight metres) ■■ Level (at least 24cm) and a set square ■■ Hand saw and/or circular saw ■■ Miter box (for cutting angles) ■■ Box cutter knife ■■ Set of screwdrivers. Also consider a screwdriver with multiple heads, a power screwdriver and be sure your set includes a Phillips screwdriver.

■■ Long-nose pliers, cutting pliers, clamping pliers and locking pliers ■■ Adjustable wrenches, ratchet and socket set and Allen keys ■■ Sandpaper and sanding block ■■ Safety glasses, gloves and protective mask ■■ Hot glue gun ■■ Work apron or tool belt Some packaged sets of tools will definitely do the job but many DIYers prefer to choose each tool individually according to their needs. Tools should be of good quality, ergonomic and suited to you. Don’t hesitate to ask to try them out in the store.

For bigger, more infrequent jobs, keep in mind that it is possible to rent a wide range of tools such as a bench saw, miter saw, jigsaw, router, biscuit joiner, stapler, sander, compressor, and the like. However, in time, and depending on your enthusiasm for DIY work, you may purchase some of these too.

Toilet humour

Many modern homes are flush with toilets – two at least. In fact, most families cannot imagine a home without a flushing loo but, way back in 1596 when John Harrington invented the first flush toilet, it’s unlikely he ever imagined it would lead to the contemporary, even robotic designs, of today.

While it was Joseph Bramah of Yorkshire, who actually patented the first practical water closet in England in 1778, it was a gentleman, with a rather unfortunate name for our times, who went on to increase the lavatory’s popularity.

Thomas Crapper (baptised 28 September 1836; died 27 January 1910) was a plumber who developed the ballcock as well as other plumbing parts. He was noted for the quality of his products and received several royal warrants.

Over the following decades the toilet underwent many refinements and moved from the outdoors of New Zealand’s colonial homes, to the indoors.

Today, on average, a person uses the toilet seven times a day or about 2500 times a year and Westerners are increasingly familiar with the modern dual-flush, automatic flush or lowflow toilets.

However, for some time, Asian technology has been making this humble natural experience much more sophisticated.

In particular, technological champions, the Japanese are enjoying the flush of success with their robotic toilets.

But being confronted with a futuristic model for the first time can cause confusion for the uninitiated.

Here are just some of the hi-tech improvements which might be encountered: ■■ Body weight detection ■■ Heated seat ■■ Adjustable shower head for cleaning private parts ■■ A variety of pre-recorded sounds to mask bodily noises ■■ Music player ■■ Hot-air dryer ■■ Odour absorber ■■ Perfume diffuser ■■ Automatic raising and lowering of the bowl’s height ■■ Antibacterial seat ■■ Self-cleaning bowl These new age toilets are ideal for limiting the spread of viruses and bacteria as people no longer need to physically to wipe themselves.

The absence of toilet paper could also be considered a worthy environmental feature.

In short, even if they’re still a bit marginal, you can bet that these high-tech toilets may soon seduce the New Zealand market.

34 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

S

Showered with ideas

plish- splash, some Kiwis were taking a bath when they realised how much quicker it was to shower. But in this modern age, the Kiwi family also expects the bathroom to be relaxing, attractive and to feature the latest technology for making hygiene easy.

So it’s not surprising that in their desire to make this intimate and oft-used room beautiful, research shows that New Zealanders renovate their bathrooms, on average, every six years.

Whether planning a major overhaul, or just updating a few fixtures and fittings, choosing a shower is a significant part of the process.

Ideas for shower design: ■■ Most shower handsets have universal fittings so it’s easy to upgrade a shower without spending money on a complete overhaul. Simply unscrew the handset from the fixing and replace with a new one.

■■ Deciding how high a showerhead should be placed can be tricky. Industry experts advise that between 2 and 2.1 metres from the floor is about standard. A showerhead poking above the line of the cubicle can look unbalanced so check those dimensions first. If the tall gene runs in the family, you may want to go higher.

■■ To avoid being drenched with either scalding hot or icy cold water, make sure the shower mixer can be accessed without having to stand under the shower.

■■ If the bathroom is compact, consider a walk-in shower with no door to manoeuvre around.

■■ When choosing taps, fixtures and fittings for the shower, a consistent profile enhances the overall look. If the preference is for a square, flat shape, use it in taps, the heated towel rail, and the toiletroll holder. If a fine, round profile is preferred, keep to that style throughout.

■■ Also, when buying tapware for your shower look for the WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) rating. Under the scheme, the more stars a product has, the more water efficient it will be.

■■ Each style of shower has its advantages. Some people favour the simplicity of a shower rose that emerges directly from the wall. On the other hand,

a rail shower offers flexibility because it allows the shower to be adjusted to any height.

■■ A shower which combines an overhead shower and a rail shower gives the option of an immersive soft experience or a more vigorous bracing shower. What’s more, where the handpiece can be removed from the rail it is most useful when cleaning the shower.

■■ Importantly, talk to someone in the bathroom industry about how different jets and showerheads work. You might think it’s a case of a few holes and the water sprays out but how the jets on a shower head are configured can give very different showering experiences.

■■ When it comes to the actual cubicle, think carefully about what suits your bathroom size, and your personal preferences. Do you prefer an all-acrylic shower cubicle, a fully tiled shower or a combination of tiled walls and an acrylic base?

Perhaps you need to cater for an elderly parent and want a non-slip floor.

■■ Do you want a framed shower, a frameless shower, lots of glass, a curtain or a wet room with no curtain or glass partitions? Today there are Diamond Fusion curved, round and square shower cubicles and they windows, glass b come in a variety of sizes.

asy E lean C lass G Diamond FusionDiamond makesFusion any glass glass, makes better, any glass shower better, shower glass,exterior exterior windows, glass balustrades, shop automotive fronts, and marine. windows, glass balustrades, shop and marine Glassfronts, is a difficult to cleanautomotive surface, we have all been

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there with our impossible to clean shower glass!

Microscopically is very rough, this rough surface that gives the Glass is a difficult to clean surface, weglass have all it’s been there disolved minerals that are carried in water somewhere to hold on to as the water evaporates after your shower. Even if you squeegee your with our impossible to clean shower glass! unprotected shower glass you can’t remove all the water.

Microscopically glass is very rough, it’s this rough surface that gives the disolved minerals that are Most glass protectionsafter eitheryour “fill” the glass and leaveifityou as a smooth carried in water somewhere to hold on to as the water evaporates shower.

Even surface or cover the existing glass surface with a water repellant layer. squeegee your unprotected shower glass you can’t remove all the water.

Diamond Fusion does both with its world

Most glass protections either “fill” the glass and leave it internationally as a smoothpatented surface or cover the existing glass leading, system. surface with a water repellant layer.

No other glass protection comes close in durability and lifespan.

Diamond Fusion does both with its world leading, internationally Diamond easyClean NZ ltd is part patented system. No other glass protection comes closeFusion in durability of the worlds largest surface protection and lifespan. group, so a true global product. Great

Diamond Fusion easyClean NZ Ltd is part of the worlds partners,largest superiorsurface solutions and customer care are what we pride protection group, so a true global product. Great partners, superiorourselves on. solutions and customer care are what we pride ourselves on.

www.diamondfusion.co.nz

www.diamondfusion.co.nz 0800 66 72 78 sales@diamondfusion.co.nz Ph 0800 66 72 78

n makes any glass better, shower glass, exterior balustrades, shop fronts, automotive and marine.

sales@diamondfusion.co.nz

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 35 14113

The difference is clear

D

iamonds may be a girl’s best friend but Diamond Fusion easyClean, offering lifetime glass protection, is surely everyone’s best friend!

With its internationally patented technology that cannot be copied and an outstanding record when it comes to durability and lifespan, you have to be impressed.

The unique, two-layer process creates an almost instant bond with the glass.

The protected surface then becomes highly water and oil repellent and considerably easier to

clean too. It is also extremely impact and scratchresistant.

A leader in glass protection technology, Diamond Fusion has a range of five protection levels, all offering unique benefits.

Providing protection levels to suit individual projects and budgets, all DiamondFusion products can be applied in glass factories, or on site at your home or business, so clients are not restricted to one supplier.

What’s more, the company has a network of trained applicators, distribution agents and

authorised partners across New Zealand and the world.

In fact, Diamond Fusion easyClean NZ Ltd is part of the world’s largest network of surface restoration and protection companies. Great partners, superior solutions and customer care are what the team pride itself on together with its global experience and local service.

Diamond Fusion easyClean NZ Residential – Commercial – Automotive - Marine Phone 0800 66 72 78, sales@diamondfusion.co.nz, www.diamondfusion.co.nz

A touch of glass!

T

imeless materials are part of a beautiful home and glass – used for centuries – is both practical and decorative. What’s more, Graphic Glass is the market leader specialising in glass splashbacks, showers and balustrades.

Our manufacturing systems and facilities are all run in-house which ensures consistency in our finished products as well as shorter lead times.

Glass splashbacks look stunning and can produce that wow factor in an otherwise ordinary kitchen. With the number of options available, such as patterned glass, coloured glass, graphic glass, and textured glass, they can truly become pieces of art in your kitchen.

They have a contemporary look suited to modern homes and can be made to fit the wall perfectly, with minimal gaps not only around cabinetry but also the rangehood.

Glass splashbacks are supremely functional being easy to clean and hygienic. The smooth surface means they can be easily wiped down, unlike tiles which have grouting to care for. A splashback’s shine also means the light is reflected wonderfully to help illuminate a kitchen, especially where there are minimal windows.

As well as having that wow factor in your kitchen, Graphic Glass can also create the wow factor anywhere in your house – and personalise it too!

36 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

In addition, Graphic Glass offers optional GraphicShield protection which has a unique, nonstick technology that converts ordinary glass into a low maintenance glass.

GraphicShield ensures that your glass will stay cleaner for longer, will be easier to clean, looks new and creates a more hygienic environment.

GraphicShield can be applied to new and existing glass, even showers and balustrades.

If you are looking for any ideas contact our team today, visit www.graphicglass.co.nz or call into our showroom if you are in the area at 138D Plunket Avenue, Manukau. Graphic Glass also serves Hamilton, Coromandel and Tauranga.

Unbeatable value

I

t pays to shop around for the best product and price and when it comes to considering kitchens, it certainly pays to talk to Ex-Space Kitchens.

Specialising in flatpack kitchens at wholesale prices, Ex-Space is a favourite destination for property developers and home owners looking for an affordable yet quality solution for their home.

Clients have the option of assembling the kitchen themselves or Ex-Space can arrange a reasonably priced installation contractor to do for you.

Ex-Space has been established for nine years and has a solid reputation for building high quality kitchens that last but don’t cost the earth.

The kitchens incorporate top quality accessories and hinges made by renowned German manufacturer, Hettich, which include a lifetime warranty – a valuable investment for a hardworking space in the home.

There is a five-year warranty on the cabinetry and with proper care, it can last a lifetime too.

Available in every colour under the sun, this comes with a variety of veneers and designs that can be customised.

Ex-Space can add value to your home and a touch of class to your kitchen with a beautiful benchtop in solid granite or engineered stone.

Hard-wearing and hygienic, the solid surface

Visit our showroom today and enjoy the kitchen you truly deserve.

benchtop offers a stunning aesthetic and a unique feel in your kitchen.

You’ll be surprised how affordably Ex-Space can

make this a reality in your home – close to the price of laminate benchtop!

To complete your new kitchen, and for further savings and convenience, Ex-Space has great value kitchen appliance packages from respected kitchenware names such as Smeg, Boss and other reputable brands.

Good news – those who mention this article will receive a FREE single bowl stainless steel sink with every order above $2000 from now until Christmas!

For a stunning kitchen that won’t break your bank, call us today!

Planning to renovate or create a new kitchen?

Look no further!

Huge savings – wholesale prices direct to you • Quality cabinets • German made hinges (lifetime warranty) • Granite benchtops • Best price in the market guaranteed

www.exspace.co.nz

12021

11 Neil Park Dr, East Tamaki. Ph 09 273 7068

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 37

Rock solid creations A stone benchtop is more than just the finishing touch to a new kitchen or bathroom, it’s a statement about who you are and the values you place on

quality.

Pacific Stone has been installing granite, marble, and engineered stone for more than 30 years and with that much experience you can be assured there is little we don’t know.

Our skills and expertise in stone fabrication is understood throughout the industry which is why so many house builders and kitchen companies use us. We cover Coromandel to Gisborne and Raglan to Tauranga, your home in the Waikato or your bach by the beach.

Our state of the art machinery and experienced stone masons ensure that the fit is millimetre perfect and, with the introduction of new precision engineered products such as Dekton, there is no place for a margin of error.

We have access to about 200 stone colours and several finishes spread across our product range.

Our experts can help, advise and source any colour or finish.

Our measuring and installation teams work six days a week and our Tauranga showroom is open from Monday to Friday to view the stone options (including full slabs). However, most kitchen design companies have samples of our

stone available to view.

Most of the fabrication work is completed in our Tauranga factory. Hob cutouts, undermount sink cutout, flutes and polishing, build up and strengthening are all done prior to installation to minimise noise and dust, making our installs quick, clean and efficient.

What’s more, our follow up service is second

to none and our warranties are as solid as our worktops – rock solid. Check out our testimonials at www.pacificstone.co.nz if you need further convincing!

Pacific Stone – Number 1 for quality stone surfaces 51-53 Koromiko Street, Judea, Tauranga Phone 0800 100 078, info@pacificstone.co.nz www.pacificstone.co.nz

The team at Benchscapes have extensive collective experience in fabricating residential and commercial solid surface projects. Based We specialise in custom and bulk in fabrication no job too bigBenchscapes or too small. We haveare excellent East with Auckland, specialists thermoforming capabilities meaning we transcend the boundaries of flat surfaces and can build virtually any shaped surface you can in imagine. the fabrication of acrylic and engineered stone. experts what we acrylics do and look We only work with reputable brands such as We Staron,are Hi Macs, Laminex,at Kalon and Domani and Caesarstone, Silestone, Accura, Uniquartz and Quantum Quartz engineered stones. forward to creating a surface you will be proud Come and talk to the Benchscapesto team at ourteam showroom let us create something special forextensive you.

The Benchscapes have collective experienc show off foratand many years to come.

5 Rylock Place, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010 Phone 576 7241 www.benchscapes.co.nz surface projects.

Based in East Auckland, Benchscapes a Wesolid specialise in custom and bulk fabrication and We are with no engineered job too big orstone. too small.

We experts have at what we do and lo proud to show off forcapabilities many years to come. excellent meaning The team at thermoforming Benchscapes have extensive collective experience in fabricating reside we surface transcend theBased boundaries of flat surfaces solid projects. in East Auckland, Benchscapes are specialists in the fa We in and bulk fabrication notojob to and Wecustom are at what we do and lookwith forward creatin andengineered canspecialise buildstone. virtually anyexperts shaped surface you proud to show off for many years to come. capabilities meaning we transcend the bou canthermoforming imagine.

The team at Benchscapes have extensive collective experience in fabricating residential and commercial virtually shapedbrands surfacesuch youascan imagine. solid surface projects. Based in East Auckland, Benchscapes are specialists in theWe fabrication of any acrylic work with reputable Staron, The team at Benchscapes have extensive collective experience in fabricating residential and commercial solid surface projects. Based in East Auckland, Benchscapes are specialists in the fabrication of acrylic and engineered stone. We are experts at what we do and look forward to creating a surface you will be proud to show off for many years to come.

15608 Benchscapes Home Supplement Ad 270sq.indd 1

17/08/16 7:40 AM

We specialise in custom and bulk fabrication with no job too big or too small. W and engineered stone. We are experts at what we do and look forward to creating a surface you will be meaning we transcend the boundaries of flat surface thermoforming capabilities Hi Macs, Laminex, Kalon and Domani acrylics proud to show off for many years to come.

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and Caesarstone, Silestone, Accura, Uniquartz and Caesarstone, Silestone, Accura, Uniquartz and Quantu

09 235 0252

info@kitchendynamics.co.nz www.kitchendynamics.co.nz 38 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 15608 Benchscapes Home Supplement Ad 270sq.indd 1

5 Rylock Place, Pakuranga, Auckland

Ph 576 special 7241 for www.benchscapes.co.nz Come and talk to the Benchscapes team at our showroom and let us create something you.

5 Rylock Place, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010 Phone 576 7241 www.benchscapes.co.nz

KAT4136

122 Kitchener Road, Waiuku

and Quantum engineered We specialise in custom and bulk fabrication with no job too big or too small.

We have excellent We only work withQuartz reputable brands suchstones. as Staron, Hi Macs, Laminex, Kalon an thermoforming capabilities meaning we transcend the boundaries of flat surfaces and can build and Caesarstone, Accura, Uniquartz Quantum Quartz engineered Come andand talkSilestone, to teamand atteam our at our Come talkthe toBenchscapes the Benchscapes showroom a virtually any shaped surface you can imagine. showroom and let us create something special Come and talk to the Benchscapes team at our showroom and let us create som We only work with reputable brands such as Staron, Hi Macs, Laminex, Kalonfor andyou.

Domani acrylics 5 Rylock Place, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010 Phone and Caesarstone, Silestone, Accura, Uniquartz and Quantum Quartz engineered stones.Place, Pakuranga, Auckland 2010 Phone 576 7241 www.

5 Rylock

12957

15608 Benchscapes Home Supplement Ad 270sq.indd 1

15608 Benchscapes Home Supplement Ad 270sq.indd 1 17/08/16 7:40 AM

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 39 14102

Blum showrooms 621 Rosebank Rd, Avondale, Auckland 27 Dalziel Place, Woolston, Christchurch

Build to last with Blum Quality hardware for every level of project.

Blum manufactures hinges, lifts, drawer systems and drawer organisers for kitchens and custom cabinetry. Ask your cabinet maker or kitchen supplier for TANDEMBOX with ORGA-LINE as pictured or LEGRABOX with AMBIA-LINE accessories.

www.blum.com

40 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 13101

Blum – quality, longevity, cost-effective W hen building, product specification can be both exciting and difficult.

Even the construction industry itself is overwhelmed with the abundance of choice and options.

From insulation to cladding, waterproofing to kitchen hardware, the range of suppliers and products available when building in New Zealand is remarkable. However, this can mean that as consumers, understanding the true cost of quality may only become apparent after the fact.

Avoiding fix-ups, replacements and warranty claims could be as simple as knowing the origin of a product or trusting industry advice on which brands stand behind their products.

Access to global innovations and technology does not need to cost the earth and most companies have multiple ranges to suit every level of project. High volumes of production bring quality products into the same price bracket as others.

Consumers could be sometimes surprised to know with only a marginal price difference, or sometimes no difference at all, they could be getting products with a lifetime warranty – products designed, engineered and tested to far exceed the quality standards set out in the Building Code and Consumer Guarantees Act; products designed, engineered and tested to last the lifetime of the kitchen or furniture.

S

buildings’ footprint and environmental impact.

Accessible affordability is key to a cost-effective yet quality building.

Kitchens in open plan homes are social hubs and high traffic areas for families.

Blum offers a vast range of hardware options to suit every level of project – soft close drawers from entry level right through to high end.

Any client can have Blum hardware in their kitchen, available through their cabinet maker or kitchen manufacturer.

See more at the Blum Hardware Showroom: 621 Rosebank Road, Avondale. www.blum.com

Colour on the boil!

mall appliances in today’s contemporary kitchens are a far cry from yesteryear. It could well be a case of calling the kettle black... or red, or purple, even bronze or

copper!

Modern householders tend to look for the co-ordinated look – kettle, toaster, pepper mills, sandwich press and more, all in the same colour and designed to give kitchen decor that extra splash of dash.

Right on trend this season is the Vintage range of kettles and toasters in Matte Copper, Matte Bronze and Matte Charcoal from Russell Hobbs while the Heritage range of appliances comes in black, royal purple, ruby red and white.

No excuses for sticking to plain old chrome or plastic appliances which may yellow with time.

Product lifespans have been a hot topic in building for decades and will continue to be so as more and more products come on and off the market. Kitchens come with many exciting design and detail decisions; they are the heart of the home and vitally important for resale.

Investigation into which products your cabinet maker plans to use will give you a major return in the longevity of your investment.

Longevity is also important for the eco aspects of building such as reducing waste created by frequent renovation or repairs. Specifying a product which exceeds quality standards will reduce your

Right on trend this season is the Vintage range of kettles and toasters in Matte Copper, Matte Bronze and Matte Charcoal from Russell Hobbs while the Heritage range of appliances comes in black, royal purple, ruby red and white.”

What’s more, new materials make cleaning extra easy.

Additional appliances such as a sandwich press, salt and pepper mills, blender and grill also come in red so, there are several ways to inject bold hues into neutral decor and give kitchens a boost.

However, colour co-ordination is just one component of kitchen styling; the other is functionality. For example toasters have evolved to include two and four slice options with various toasting functions – light to dark, defrost, crumpet capacity and more.

Nobody has to worry about burning out the electric jug either – everything switches off automatically and ease of use has become a priority.

So, when planning your new kitchen, think about the small appliances you may need; what needs to be on display and what can be tucked away in a cupboard or, more conveniently, in an adjoining scullery where they can remain at hand’s touch but out of sight, too.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 41

Turning a house into a Smart Home Keeping up with the Smart Home generation is now easier than ever before

T

here’s no doubt that the hot topics for 2016 are based around home and lifestyle, in particular, issues that embrace using technology to make our homes safer, more comfortable and in step with millennium living.

Homeowners are discussing security, protecting their homes from unwanted intruders, renovation, making homes a safer place for families, saving money and staying connected, not to mention keeping up with technology. So many decisions to make and so many choices.

For most home owners, home automation is something they believe to be out of reach as systems can cost upwards of $10,000 and in most cases can only be introduced at the building stage of a project or having to re-wire most of your house.

Some systems can be rather daunting when you consider the cost and the level of disruption that will occur through invasive wiring, and for those who are renting, it simply is not an option.

That daunting feeling can be eliminated with the Trust Smart Home, Wireless Home Automation System. It’s as easy as 1, 2, 3 (see example below) The ability to manage your home’s lighting, electrical devices, motorised blinds and security from one main control system can make your household run safer, smoother, feel better and save energy. What’s more, there’s no rewiring required.

The Trust Smart Home System is also ideal for people renting as DIY means install and take it with you when you move house. For home owners it means adding value to your home for re-sale and enjoying the comfort day by day.

Trust has been a leading partner for European design and quality home automation and digital 42 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

lifestyle accessories for more than 30 years in Europe. It has been distributed in New Zealand though sole distributor, Eurotec Ltd, based in Penrose, Auckland for more than 12 years.

With the Trust Smart Home system the possibilities for home automation are endless.

Various lighting moods can be set in different rooms or for special occasions.

You can create a variety of scheduled dimmers for lights and devices to turn on/off whether you are home or away (perfect when on holiday); you can even control your home and monitor your Trust Alert security system at anytime from anywhere in the world!

With most of the components being DIY your home automation system can be personalised to suit your requirements and budget. For more technical solutions an electrician is required to interface with your existing electrical wiring, however it is still significantly less expensive than re-wiring your entire home.

transmitters to provide multiple control options including a remote control, wireless wall switch, motion sensor, dusk/dawn sensor, smartphone or tablet.

The receiver is the component which is connected to the light or device you would like to control. A typical DIY receiver would be a plug-in socket, an E27 light fixture or Smart Bulb. There are also various possibilities to install a wired-in receiver including behind a wall socket, behind a wall switch, in the ceiling or in a junction box.

Now, it’s time to get creative! Create and expand your system with as many transmitters and receivers as desired to create the perfect home environment.

EASY AS 1, 2, 3 – AFFORDABLE FOR EVERY BUDGET AND SITUATION

Smart homes simply make life easier and Smart Home Technology can improve safety, security, convenience, comfort and add value, not to mention peace of mind.

Imagine using your smart phone to see who is at the front door via the IP Camera or receive a notification on your phone that an intruder has opened the back window. You can have your lights turn off with a push of a button when you leave or turn them on before you come home in the dark.

Connecting your home to the Trust Smart Home system via a HUB & Apps will become a way of life for the whole family to enjoy.

The Trust Smart Home system is divided into three simple steps. First choose a transmitter, secondly choose a receiver then create your own wireless system. To achieve wireless control at least one transmitter and one receiver will always be needed.

So what are these transmitters and receivers?

The transmitter is what dictates how you would like to control your lights or devices. There are various

YOUR PHONE IS SMART. YOUR KIDS ARE SMART. NOW YOU CAN ADD YOUR HOME TO THE LIST!

HOW TO START AND THE ADVANTAGES

YOuR FIRST LINE OF DEFENCE

An easy way to start is with the DIY Starter packs – Plug and Play wall socket switches and remotes are a great way to control your floor lamps and bed side lamps, electric blankets, heaters etc.

Once installed, all of the above can be connected to the Internet Control Station ICS-2000 (HUB) which allows remote access via an App on your Smart phone or Tablet (Android and Apple IOS). With the Internet Control Station as your HUB up to 256 Lights, Devices and your Alert security system can be controlled from anywhere in the world.

Features also include: ■■■ ■Programmable timers for devices and scenes (Including sunrise/sunset recognition) ■■■ F■ ree app available for iPad, iPhone/Android tablet and smartphone ■■■ M ■ ulti-platform: Future proof design by supporting multiple technologies: Smart Home 433/868 MHz radio frequency & ZigBee HA/LL, works through doors, walls & windows.

■■■ M ■ onitor your home with alert sensors and receive push alert notifications on your smart phone or tablet if an intruder enters.

You can also create a variety of scenarios for your home with just a few simple products. For example: ■■■ M ■ ovie night – Dim lights to any level you desire to get that perfect mood for a night in ■■■ C ■ oming home – Turn the lights on remotely at any time so you aren’t coming home in the dark ■■■ D ■ usk to dawn sensors – Never be left in the dark in winter ■■■ A ■ way from home – Programme lights to turn on and off so it appears someone is home ■■■ T ■ rust key fobs are great – Pair to inside/outside lights, the key fob doubles up as a key chain or store in your car’s glove box compartment ■■■ S■ afety – Set the lights to turn on down that dark pathway with wireless outdoor motion sensors ■■■ G ■ ood night – With one tap all household lights and devices are turned off ■■■ I■n the garden – Lights turn on to light up the BBQ area and set the mood around the pool

Home security is becoming an important consideration within our current environment.

Being able to choose where, when, and how you secure your home, makes life less stressful. The process needs to be easy for the whole family to manage, whether at home or away.

With the Trust Smart Home Alert system, along with the Trust Internet Control Station ICS-2000 (HUB), homes can be secured from unwanted intruders and lights and devices can be automated remotely, which is a huge bonus and added protection – and the system is totally DIY. The Alert security system is advanced and simple to use. It can be used independently or in combination with the HUB via your smart phone/ tablet. This offers advanced functionality such as push notifications, remote arm/disarm, alarm status and more.

Importantly, the system also sends alert notifications. When a wireless door sensor or window sensor is triggered as a result of being opened by an intruder, this will activate the Alert Siren and you will receive notifications with use of the HUB. The Trust Smart Home Alert System also provides peace of mind when caring for a loved one living on their own.

■■■ M ■ otorised blinds and gates – can be controlled

remotely

RENOVATING, BuILDING OR RENTING?

The Trust Smart Home wireless system is the perfect home automation solution. Low cost retro-fit products can be added into any home from historic villas to new homes with no re-wiring required. Simply add the Trust Smart Home wireless components to existing lights and devices.

Imagine what you can save on your total renovation compared to re-wiring a whole house.

Interested in home automation but you’re renting? Not a problem. The great thing about the Trust Smart Home wireless system is that is totally non-invasive. This makes the range perfect for rental properties.

Those wanting to add some lighting automation, security or even just a doorbell, can!

The Trust Smart Home products won’t do any damage as motions sensors can just stick onto the wall, fitting switches screw into your light fitting and build-in products fit behind an existing light or light switch. The best part is you can take it all with you when you move.

For more information visit our website www.trustsmarthome.com, on-line store www.smarthomenz.nz or phone us at Eurotec 09 579 1990.

We would be happy to discuss your requirements.

You can also find us on Facebook! /smarthomenz

NOW AVAILABLE FROM

www.bunnings.co.nz Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 43

LED lights on trend Décor and technology an illuminating combination at LightingPlus

H

omeowners across the land are seeing the light when it comes to LED technology which has brought about a revolution in lighting up buildings of all

description.

To this end, 100 percent Kiwi-owned lighting specialist, LightingPlus has introduced to the New Zealand market a huge range of stylish, energysaving LED products which have won favour with homeowners renovating or building new.

The company experts know lighting is an exciting and important part of any new home build, renovation or décor scheme and, that proper use and positioning will bring warmth to a room, highlight interesting features or provide the right light to achieve important tasks.

And if LED lights offer high performance and low energy consumption, they also come in decorative, traditional or modern styles. What’s more, LightingPlus has LED solutions to suit most budgets and lighting needs.

Whether looking for something functional or keen to make a decor statement, LED lighting stretches across many tasteful designs including pendants. New LED pendants are not constrained by the need to consider how and where traditional incandescent light bulbs need to be placed. As such, the shapes and styles that are becoming available are some of the most stunning and creative seen to date.

And, thanks to extremely long life of the light source, they can be confidently hung in hard to reach places – no hauling out the ladder three months later to replace a blown bulb.

Of course, with any new technology it pays to consider possible drawbacks and weigh these up against advantages. The great thing about LED lighting is that there are no significant drawbacks.

What’s more, the potentially higher cost of purchase is quickly offset by the energy savings.

A great way to add a personal touch to any space, consider various pendant options. The soft light provided by a fabric shade pendant will help bring a warm atmosphere to the table – perfect for

44 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

dining, relaxing and entertaining.

An adjustable suspension will give flexibility to bring light to the right height above a table and also means a pendant can be created that is suitable for all ceiling heights.

LED versatility is one of the reasons it has become so popular, with new LED light bulbs (or lamp) technology also capable of turning a conventional fixture into an energy-efficient one.

Lasting much longer than traditional light bulbs and, at a fraction of the cost to run, there is an LED replacement lamp available for almost any domestic application.

Furthermore, with more than 23 years industry experience, LightingPlus is committed to providing customers with quality, value and fashion. Giving customers honest advice and sharing knowledge is a key part of the company’s philosophy to help them find the right lighting solution.

But, with a multitude of lighting options available, the LightingPlus team knows making choices can be confusing so matching customer needs with that huge range of styles and price points is what it does perfectly. This makes the process a pleasurable, no pressure experience.

And do check out exciting exterior products from SG Lighting, Norway, which offer a quality, long-lasting finish. In many cases the patented coating has a 20-year guarantee. Stylish and functional they can provide security or reveal stunning features and materials.

Remember, the outside of your home is often an overlooked area but it deserves to be seen. And it’s important to provide enough light so family and friends can sit, relax and entertain around the barbecue.

LightingPlus has worked with the trade and homebuilders consistently over more than two decades, offering the right product and the right advice for the job at hand.

Trained consultants can provide designs and draw up lighting plans, working with clients to provide more than just great prices.

LightingPlus welcomes trade accounts and has a special discount offer for home building. Whether you are a contractor or a homeowner we can light up your life!

Lighting Plus Hamilton, Cnr of Tristram & Clarence St. Phone: 07 834 0920. Trading hours: Mon-Fri 8.30am-5pm, Sat 9.30am-4.30pm, Sun 10am-4pm.

Email: hamilton@lightingplus.co.nz Lighting Plus Te Rapa, The Base, Te Rapa Shopping Centre. Phone: 07 850 6402. Trading hours: Mon-Fri 9am-6pm, Sat-Sun 9am-5pm Email: terapa@lightingplus.co.nz

Behind grand designs Home may be where the heart is, but as fans of stunning architecture will attest, it’s often also where the art is too. From beautiful (and often stunning) public buildings to houses on many scales, architecture shapes (and is shaped by) the way we live. The result is showpieces of function and form which stand as testaments to the nature our civilisation, as these books reveal.

150 Best Tiny Home Ideas by Manel Gutierrez Couto Big things really can come in the smallest of boxes, as this inspiring hardback book reveals.

A compendium featuring 500-800 square feet abodes, 150 Best Tiny Home Ideas proves lack of space is no barrier when turning petite places into titans of design.

What’s more, Manel Gutierrez Couto showcases homes from around the world which have been created using site-sensitive designs, with low environmental impact and reflecting the natural beauty of their surroundings.

Loaded with detailed colour photographs and comprehensive layout illustrations, this book is an invaluable source of ideas for designers, architects, and homeowners alike.

■■ Manel Gutierrez Couto: 150 Best Tiny Home Ideas | RRP $54.99 | HarperCollins US

100 Contemporary Houses by Philip Jodidio 150 Best of the Best Loft Ideas Moving up in the world takes on a whole new meaning in this resourceful book where the loftiest of ambitions are realised.

Since leaping to prominence in 1950s and ‘60s, New York loft living has become synonymous with an avant-garde lifestyle.

However, once limited to upper levels of converted, industrial buildings, today’s lofts are being designed with an airy, open approach.

150 Best of the Best Loft Ideas brings together some of the finest examples of loft design, bursting with a vast array of ideas for developing and decorating such spaces.

Ideal for homeowners as well as architects and interior designers, this book highlights the diversity of current trends to help readers build from their inspiration.

■■ David E. Carter (Loft Publications): 150 Best Of The Best Loft Ideas | RRP $54.99 | HarperCollins US

Modernism Rediscovered by Julius Shulmam A must-have for keen students, or simply admirers, of magnificent architecture, this three volume work, Modernism Rediscovered, features a cultural cache of more than 400 architectural treasures.

During an impressive career, Julius Shulman (1910–2009) exported a West Coast dream of American architecture through his photographs of mid-century, Southern Californian buildings.

With a focused, educated eye for structural, functional, and design elements, Julius embarked on a career which would see him capture not just buildings, but their context and inhabitants as well, as he travelled the world.

The result is a masterwork chronicling modern architecture in all its glory, with detailed introductions, captions describing decorative elements, biographies of key architects, and even personal reflections by Shulman himself.

If your coffee table can’t accommodate these books, maybe it’s time to get a better coffee table!

■■ Julius Shulmam: Modernism Rediscovered | RRP $299.99 | published by TASCHEN | distributed in New Zealand by New Holland

Featuring 100 of the world’s most interesting and pioneering homes designed in the past two decades, this book takes a look beneath the veneer of architecture to prove that the beauty of delightfully designed and constructed homes is much more than skin deep.

Internationally renowned architectural writer, Philip Jodidio, shows although the scale of modern, private residences may be smaller than public projects, they present unique challenges.

Designing abodes to accommodate daily routines is as much to do with understanding individuals and their relationships as it is about understanding architectural principles, as is illustrated between these pages.

■■ Philip Jodidio: 100 Contemporary Houses | RRP $50 | published by TASCHEN | distributed in New Zealand by New Holland

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 45

46 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 12888

Pyroclassic Fires

O

The clean, efficient and colourful way to heat your home!

ne Hawke’s Bay based company is heating up the fire industry with their locally made wood fire.

Pyroclassic Fires has been providing market leading heating solutions to the region, country and Australia for more than 30 years.

Now, in 2016, the company continues to provide an elite and ultra modern product that is in keeping with all of the requirements of today’s homes both in terms of clean-burning and efficient heat production, and also contemporary design and comprehensive colour range.

What makes a Pyroclassic fire unique is its cylindrical ceramic fire chamber, which at 35mm thick, retains heat like a kiln. This was, and still is, a game-changer from the industry standard fire brick construction, which is incapable of storing this level of excess heat, making it almost impossible to achieve an overnight burn.

Managing director of Pyroclassic Fires, Ric Chalmers says it is refreshing to see more and more consumers choosing to buy local over cheaper and often poorly made Chinese alternatives.

“Every fire is made completely by hand, in Hawke’s Bay, and takes more than a day of manpower from start to finish.”

The Pyroclassic IV can be fitted with a high output 3.7kW wetback, a cheap and sustainable long term solution for water heating.

Plus, with a 10mm thick steel top plate, you can simmer, boil and fry effortlessly.

With a 0.3g/kg emission rate, the Pyroclassic IV falls well within the requirements to be considered

a low emissions burner. This coupled with a max efficiency rate of 83.3% and a low 1.1kg fuel consumption per hour, a Pyroclassic fire is the smart choice for the environment and your wallet.

For more information on the unique features of a Pyroclassic IV and to find your local retailer, visit www.pyroclassic.co.nz.

Living and working the good life

T

he home of an architect always has a lot of expectations to live up to. When the architect’s home doubles as his office, the bar is raised even further. Such is the case for the Waikato home of architect Jamie Merriman.

Jamie and his wife built the 315sqm home (situated on a small lifestyle block) from Jamie’s own plans. The brief was simple; the home needed to be situated to make the most of the light and sunshine and it had to work for both living and working.

The home’s layout was a key part of this, with the office located down the hall from the living area. “It purposefully feels disjointed from the main part of the house so that I can psychologically divide work and home life,” explains Jamie.

A clean, white palette gives the home a sense of spaciousness, amplified even further in the dining area with its high-stud ceiling featuring tongue and groove detailing.

The living area is divided by an Escea DX1000, a double sided gas fire with see-through feature for both sides of the space.

This separation of spaces has the benefit of open-plan flow while giving a sense of cosiness and division of space.

As well as the sleek design, Jamie chose Escea for the efficiency and heat output that made it powerful enough to heat the large 60sqm room.

“The ducting technology was a selling point as

it meant we could also heat the family room,” says Jamie.

Creating an energy-efficient home was a top priority for Jamie, who also included photovoltaic panels to generate power. The 4 kW grid-tied system returns excess power into the power grid.

“Working from home I make sure I use as

much ‘free power’ as possible during the day,” Jamie says, adding, “it certainly helps with the power bill.”

The system was a considerable investment; one that Jamie says will take about 8-10 years to pay itself back. But when you’re living the good life in the country, time is most definitely on your side.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 47

www.escea.com 48 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 13001

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Created for connoisseurs!

ustom-making, design versatility and fabric flair are hallmarks of Hamilton furniture gem, Sofa Creations, a company which knows all about laid-back comfort exuding contemporary sophistication.

Specialising in made-to-measure fabric lounge suites and sofa beds to suit every type of household, Sofa Creations is on trend when it comes to style.

Whether customers are looking for edgy, modern pieces or a sense of traditional elegance, they are sure to find it at this customer-friendly store which caters for taste diversity.

A family-owned business with its own manufacturing plant, Sofa Creations has been trading for more than 15 years, it’s aim to consistently provide top quality, New Zealand-made products at extremely competitive prices. Owners, Prince and Puneeta Chadha, say they are committed to supporting New Zealand brands – “Keeping it Kiwi, is very much our motto,” they agree.

Offering individual attention and helpful service, they have made comfort and good looks a priority and subsequently meet the needs of customers all over the country – deliveries can be arranged locally and nationally.

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FACTORY DIRECT LOUNGE SUITES BY “SOFA CREATIONS” TERMS AND CONDITIONS: *Terms & Conditions apply: 12 months no payments and no interest (“Payment Holiday”) is available on Flexi Payment Plans for in-store purchases only. Offer excludes other discount/promotional offers and online purchases. Minimum purchase of $500 is required. Annual Account Fee of $50 applies. New Cardholder fees - $55 Establishment fee ($3 PPSR – Q Card only). Existing Cardholder fee - $35 Advance. Standard Interest Rate, currently 25.25% pa, applies to any outstanding balance at end of Payment Holiday. Offer valid until further notice. Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply. Rate and fees correct as at date of publication, subject to change.

2 Norton Rd, Hamilton Ph: 07 847 8471

Don’t Comprimise – “Customise” www.sofacreations.co.nz

Open 7 Days – 10am-5pm

Factory/Showroom: 3 Burrett Ave (off Walls Rd), Penrose, Auckland Ph: 09 634 6341 13208

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 49

How did you sleep last night?

Bedpost Te Rapa has the answers...

A

STORE NAME Full address and store 9 Maui Street, Te Rapa.

Ph: 07 8505272. Email: bedposthamilton@clear.net.nz OPEN 7 DAYS: Monday-Friday 9am-5.30pm, contact/opening hours Sunday 10am-5pm Saturday 9am-5pm,

good night’s sleep does more for most people than a tropical holiday but an exasperating night spent tossing and turning in an uncomfortable bed is exhausting.

Therefore, being blissfully snuggled up in a comfy, supportive bed should not be a luxury, rather a necessity for a healthy body and mind!

Yet, for some folk just the thought of buying a bed makes them feel tired – so many choices!

That’s why it’s so important to get it right. And that’s where Bedpost Te Rapa can help.

“We have all sizes – single through to California king – and different compositions and brands to suit the individual,” says Fiona Thornton, co owner of Bedpost Re Rapa.

“First and foremost, buy quality wherever possible – a lot of time is spent in bed and good support is essential to maintain correct posture and to avoid aching backs. While top of the line may be unaffordable right now, that doesn’t mean buying at the bottom end either.”

Fiona says first consideration is frequently soft, medium or hard then slat bed or innersprung.

Customers also start thinking about the likes of coil or pocket springs, latex or memory foam plus all the in betweens – plush, super plush or ultra plush, dual comfort, Sensorzone, posturepedic and many more.

“That’s why it’s important to talk to someone who really knows bed basics and that’s the Bedpost team here in Te Rapa. For example, we know pocket springs will help prevent partner disturbance while latex allows for very little movement in the bed.

“Then there’s memory foam which offers good support and enables natural movement during sleep. It also helps to maintain correct posture and align the spine horizontally when lying on one’s side. It is good for no partner disturbance, no rolltogether and for relieving pressure points.”

If partners are of vastly different size and weight, Fiona says there are beds that adjust to accommodate those differences while another solution is to have two mattresses and bases joined with zips. “The beds can be made with different degrees of firmness but dressed as one bed.”

Fiona recommends changing beds every 8-10 years and invites customers to ask her team about the differences and benefits of the various bed types. “Springs in a bed do wear out. Poorly sprung, sagging in the middle beds can result in sore backs, posture problems and roll together.

Similarly, a ridge in the middle of the bed will have bed mates rolling apart!”

Bedpost Te Rapa stocks top brands – Sealy, Tempur, Beautyrest, Sleepmaker and Design Mobel Beds as well as NZ-made East West and Turnwood bedroom furniture from one cabinet to full suites, plus a wide range of sheets, duvet inners, duvet cover, pillows and mattress protectors.

“We also stock pillows, from basic microfill to latex and memory foam,” Fiona says. “Remember, pillows are just as important as the bed.”

BEDPOST TE RAPA

WE ACCEPT Q CARD 12 Months Interest Free Available† On in-store purchases $200 and over. Lending criteria, fees, terms and conditions apply.

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50 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

Making bedrooms a retreat

K

itchens may be the hub of the home but bedrooms offer that personal space where we can escape our busy lives and indulge our desire to relax, read, listen to music or shut out the world and retreat into sleep.

With more and more homes focused on open plan living, the bedroom is the one place others seldom intrude, especially when the door is shut.

And, of course, it can be furnished in any way one likes – luxurious with plush carpet, soft, flowing drapes, and an excessively comfortable bed; practical with desk, leather occasional chair and adjustable bed; a period boudoir with Queen Anne furniture or minimalistic with all storage tucked away in a dressing room or walk-in wardrobe.

Yes, there are many ways to give a bedroom its own personality starting with that essential piece of furniture, the bed. Beds are now more elaborate in their construction with revolutionary multi-layers of comforting fibres and excellent spring systems. By furnishing with a look you love, your bedroom will exude individual style.

For example, opt for a beautiful, sculptural bed head and mattress surround, upholstered in a fabric that echoes a decor theme. A beautiful bed surround is something that can add substance as well as a foundation to add other furniture and accessories.

If choosing an upholstered look there is an array of gorgeous fabrics from plush velvets to linen-like textural weaves from which to choose.

Next, opt for quality bed linen, soft pillows and decorative cushions. Add a feather duvet and perhaps a lavish throw for that special finishing touch.

If your floor is timber include a couple of thick-piled rugs for warmth and style then add an armchair to complete the comfort picture.

While it’s all very well to inject beauty into a bedroom, it will also need to be functional – a tall boy or dresser for storage and looks. And few

out of europe

bedrooms can do without bedside tables for all those little essentials including a lamp.

Finally, don’t neglect the walls. Whether you have plumped for a paint finish or wallpaper, add a compilation of family photographs, a stunning print and perhaps a beautifully framed mirror too.

Whether opting for block colours, a cavalcade of florals, gilt opulence, natural timbers, a touch of leather, modern or traditional, take care to make your bedroom more than just a place to lay your head at night.

Create the ultimate retreat to suit your needs and taste.

CUSTOM WARDROBES + SLIDING DOORS

WARDROBES +

REACH IN FREESTANDING WALK IN

Look who’s pillow talking!

What better way to dream a little dream than heading to Bedfordshire in our own Bun Van? While dreams may be free, it takes the inspired minds of imaginative individuals (such as the ingenious big kids at Circu) to make them happen.

These Portuguese designers have been busy of late, driven to create a range of children’s beds which seem to leave conventional (and boring!) design firmly in the rear-view mirror.

The result is a range which

fuels the imagination and is certain to instigate many an enchanted evening.

Featuring Little Mermaid and Fantasy Air Balloon designs (as well as the Bun Van – pictured), Circu’s Magical Furniture products prove the sky’s the limit when it comes to breaking the mould.

Unfortunately, these beds are not yet available here. However, they can be shipped to New Zealand by arrangement. For more information or to place an order, visit circu.net.

STORAGE SOLUTIONS + OFFICE LINEN GARAGE

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designed+ produced

VISIT OUR DISPLAY IN-STORE AT

Guthrie Bowron, 631 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton (stand is un-manned)

Phone your Waikato sales consultant for an appointment

P 021 606 229

www.innovativeinteriors.co.nz 14120

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 51

What’s hot at home Every home exudes individual style but here are some furnishing ideas for creating your own personal look.

STYLE AND COMFORT

Introducing Sadie Great furniture design is when form and function are in perfect harmony. When one dominates, the other is compromised, resulting in a less than satisfactory piece of furniture.

The New Zealand-made, Sadie lounge suite, new by Danske Mobler, will impress in both respects. Its unfussy lines are modern and the comfort level is superb. Customise in your choice of fabric. Featured with Cross occasional pieces. www.danskemobler.nz

Waikato nights can be pretty cold for much of the year but, when temperatures drop, the answer to snuggle down comfort is in the touch of a button. The definitive gift of both care and indulgence, the luxurious Sunbeam Feel Perfect Heated Throw features a dense faux fur top with micro fleece reverse side to complement any lounge or bedroom, adding style and warmth to a couch or bed. Incorporating nine levels of safety protection and temperature sensing technology plus nine heat settings, 10-minute fast heat up and a three-year replacement guarantee, this gorgeous heated throw (RRP $299) is available from appliance stores, including Farmers, JB HiFi, Smiths City, Heathcotes, 100% Your Electric Store, and Briscoes.

BUNKING DOWN If there’s one thing sure to keep the smallest people of the house very happy it’s a bedroom furnished just for them. What’s more, if furniture combines function with good looks and a novel design, then it’s bound to be a winner. And what youngster doesn’t love bunks? Shoppers at Windmill Kids will find an array of smart new bunk bed combinations which also incorporate practical elements such as desks and drawers. New oak-look finishes are all the trend with double/single bed combos perfect when space is limited or bedrooms need to occupy more than one child. www.windmillkidsfurniture.co.nz

Extended Dining

The Stockholm extension dining table and Emilia carver chairs from Danske Mobler are a fabulous combination of modern style. A clear lacquer finish on the oak timber is harmoniously offset by the horizontal black lacquered steel bar running under the table top. A-line legs add a unique touch. Emilia chairs are perfect multi taskers as they can be used as occasional chairs when the table is not extended. The Stockholm sideboard completes the scene. www.danskemobler.nz

52 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

Scene setting outdoor style starts with Danske Møbler Fashion the perfect outdoor scene this summer with quality furniture from New Zealand’s finest collection. Stunning new season designs and styles now in-store. Oudoor dining and relaxation has never looked so good.

SHOWROOMS: AUCKLAND 983 Mt Eden Rd, Three Kings. Ph 09 625 3900 • 13a Link Dve, Wairau Park. Ph 09 443 3045 501 Ti Rakau Dve, Botany Town Centre. Ph 09 274 1998 • HAMILTON 15 Maui St, Te Rapa. Ph 07 847 0398 TAURANGA 683 Cameron Rd. Ph 07 281 1426 • TAUPO 29 Totara St, Totara Point. Ph 07 378 3156 HASTINGS 810 Heretaunga St West. Ph 06 876 1010 • PALMERSTON NORTH 699 Main St. Ph 06 358 6800 LOWER HUTT Harvey Norman Centre, 28 Rutherford St. Ph 04 568 5001

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 53 12880

NATIONWIDE STOCKISTS: www.danskemobler.nz

Out of Europe From Russia with love and a touch of Greece and Portugal too

Pixelate this!

All awash SPLASH OF LuxuRY: Archimedes may have screwed up prior to his eureka moment (said to have occurred in a bathtub), but what Isaac Newton’s discoveries have to do with tubs we’re not so sure.

What is certain, however, is that Joaquim Paulo from Portugal’s Maison Valentina has drawn on some amazing inspirations of his own when designing the Newton bath (and sink) in particular.

Constructed from black and gold lacquer brass spheres, this futuristic tub gives new meaning to the term ‘bubble bath.’

But the Newton is just one design in a wider range, as these photos show, which

also includes: Symphony, Lapiaz, Diamond, Koi and crochet baths and washbasins.

For more information about this range (or to place an order and arrange shipping) see maisonvalentina.net.

Cleopatra 54 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

CONSuLTING THE MANuEL: ‘Board’ of the usual when it comes to furniture? If so, Portuguese company Nomadous is on your side!

Inspired by Calçada Portuguesa – a style of paving dating back to the 1500s, during the reign of King Manuel – this mosaic sideboard is handcrafted in sycamore and wenge wood then finished with high gloss varnish.

Complete with a gilded silver leaf interior, this elegant piece features four shelves and one drawer; what more could a king desire?

A most unusual item, the Manuel sideboard appears to be bringing brica-brac back, albeit complete with top drawer, designer flair.

For more information, or to arrange for a little piece of royal comfort to be shipped to New Zealand, see nomadous.com.

Passion Chair

All Greek for me!

Round Bedroom

VALENTINE’S RECLINING: While Epixilon’s range inspires a love of design, it also evokes passions by name alone.

Carrying the monikers of such infamous romantics as Rudolph Valentino, Cleopatra, Aphrodite (spelt Afrodite) and Narcissus (Narcissos), these chairs, sofas and chaise lounges provide one’s posterior with that loving touch.

From a queen with an ‘asp’ that didn’t quit, and a lusty goddess (We think they mean Aphrodite, not Afro-dite... a 70s’ ‘blackspoitation’ film star, maybe?), to an often nudie Rudi, and a man who fell in love with himself, this Greek company sure has drawn on some interesting sources of inspiration! Products can be ordered direct from Epixilon (epixilon.gr).

The Stooth is out there!

RuSSIAN ON:

Wha(t) the heck is Tembolat Gugkaev, thinking as he conjures up intriguing designer furniture? Proving Stooth is indeed stranger than fiction, this Russian creative has provided an ideal chair for the ‘bone’ idol, or extremely well-funded dentists’ offices for that matter. However, it’s his Wha Cabinets, Tectonic bookcases and Tatik chair and shelving units that really show how ‘twisted’ Tembolat’s vision really is. Designed to combine function with fascinating form, these items (and more) show Russia has a lot more to offer than just a man who’s mad, Vlad and dangerous to know. www.tembolat.com/gallery.

Tectonic

Stooth Chair

Wha Cabinet Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 55

Making an entrance T he front entrance is usually the first thing visitors see when entering your home so it’s important that it looks welcoming and reflects the mood and style of the overall

decor.

Lighting, furniture and accessories are critical.

For example, a lovely mirror will draw admiring looks so, is this something that will fit your space?

Today there are mirrors of many shapes, sizes and frames to suit different tastes but if you cannot find a framed mirror you like, why not create your own decorative moulding for the frame?

On the other hand, also consider a painting, wall art, a group of photographs or a textile hanging to dress the walls.

Just take note of the background – painted and plain may work well whereas wallpapered and patterned might be a more difficult match.

However, an eye-catching wallpaper or just one feature wall – bold block colours or innovative pattern – could be a work of art in itself!

A colourful floor rug can add character to the floor but pay attention to what’s underneath.

W

Whether choosing tiles, timber flooring or carpet, think about cleaning, non-slip qualities and the overall look you wish to achieve.

If your entranceway is spacious there may be room for a sofa table adorned with vase of flowers or, perhaps, an occasional chair where visitors can sit and remove shoes.

A hat stand – with hats too – or a shoe rack can be both practical and decorative but take care not to overcrowd what may be a small area.

Because a foyer should be functional consider a beautiful set of key hooks, an umbrella stand or a tray/basket for mail – all are practical yet attractive.

And, do pay attention to good lighting and perhaps a blind or semi-sheer curtain at either side of door if glass panels allow people to peer in.

If your foyer is wide enough, opt for double opening doors – so practical when moving furniture in and out.

There can be a lot to think about so take time to choose carefully and talk to an interior designer, furniture specialist or another advice service if you need trend ideas.

Treat windows well

here once a window was, well, a square window, there’s no guarantee today as to what shape or size a window will be. It could be round, curved at the top, wall to ceiling, wall to wall, small, big, and it could open in a variety of ways.

What’s more, there are many exciting window treatments to suit all those different window requirements.

With blinds, shutters, and drapes, used separately or combined, protection from the sun, reflection, heat, nosy neighbours and unwanted daylight are all possible.

Many years ago, venetian blinds proved a successful design for limiting light and ensuring privacy. Today, blinds still offer those same essential characteristics, however styles have improved and materials are far superior. With sun, light and privacy protection features, looks range from the contemporary to traditional.

Today’s blinds also offer insulation and heat reflective qualities, which can make for reduced heating and cooling bills.

Of course, window treatments can make a decor statement or blend in with the surroundings with curtain fabrics available in a huge range of patterns and textures from filters and sheers through to gorgeous linens, cottons, easy polyesters, patterns and plains, jacquards, opulent velvets and more.

And, there’s something about drapes that add a sense of luxury and interest. They can make a statement in themselves with colour, detail and various heading treatments, or they can act as a luxurious background to the rest of the room.

56 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

Remember, light or pastel colours can make a small room look larger; they create a subtle ambience and are easy on the eyes. Try to avoid dark colours in small rooms as they will close it down.

On the other hand if the room is large and a bit impersonal, darker colours will gather in the room, creating a rich, formal ambience. Quality linings will help filter sun, insulate and offer a longer life for drapes.

Finally, it’s all about location. Although window placement can’t always be changed, proper positioning of window treatments can make a difference to over-all effect.

For example, in a room with a low ceiling, create an illusion of height by installing curtain track near the ceiling and allowing drapes to fall from full height.

Where windows are narrow, extend curtain tracks beyond both sides of the frame so curtains stack off the window. This will maximise light and make the most of views.

For those who want light and privacy, then a filter-style curtain with a retractable lining may achieve the desired effect and, for those whose property provides all the privacy needed, it may be possible to do away with curtains altogether. Roller blinds or shutters may be all that is required.

Enter the stylish world of Ignisterra

I

n the world of building and home renovations, many trends have come and gone. In recent times, there has been a ‘boom’ in the number of home restorations happening across the country, inspiration and ideas coming from far and wide.

One thing that has never changed is the importance of first impressions. For many, the entrance door to the home is exactly that, so having a good one is an important decision worth spending time on.

What is there to consider when choosing the entrance to your home? Design and materials are as important as each other, reflecting the home owner’s lifestyle.

Timber is the most natural choice, bringing warmth and elegance to any home. However, choosing the best quality is key, as it is a changeable element.

Ignisterra offers a unique product. Each door is solid, designed and engineered to provide a strong, weather-resistant and beautiful door and to make a great first impression.

FSC-certified and built to last, doors from Ignisterra are sure make an impact.

TIMBER DOORS IN MODERN ARCHITECTuRE

Ignisterra doors have always delivered greatness to homes as well as warmth, elegance and a natural look, all recognisable attributes.

However it can’t be ignored that timber doors also deliver other hidden attributes such as great insulation (keeps noise and smells at bay), security, durability – timber is naturally highly resistant to weather (it can resist very high/low temperatures without losing shape) – and variety.

All of our doors are made with 100% Solid Lenga (Nothofagus Pumillio) Hardwood which has been carefully selected and artificially kiln-dried to 8% (+/-2%). All the elements of outer doors are

laminated ensuring strength and also excellent timber usage.

Ignisterra is highly committed to a sustainable environment, and is fastidious when it comes to forestry management and mill operations.

Therefore, final products are FSC-Certified, a certification the company believes is the correct way to work towards a healthier and more environmentally-concerned industry.

(Wellington) and Riccarton (Christchurch). All are all fully operational.

In addition, Ignisterra has started a new alliance with Placemakers, New Zealand. Starting from August, its door range will be available at many major Placemakers stores in New Zealand.

Choose the right Ignisterra door for you, and get ready to enjoy each time you hear a ‘Wow’ from your friends when they enter your home.

IGNISTERRA COMES TO AuCKLAND

Ignisterra began operating throughout New Zealand from Taupo in 2013 but great reception of its products locally and out of town, has seen the company recently relocate to a new and beautiful showroom in Albany, Auckland.

This big move works hand in hand with Ignisterra’s national expansion which consists of the opening of three eye-catching stands at the Home Ideas Centre, in Parnell, (Auckland), Petone

See us at the Home Ideas Centre, 165 The Strand Parnell or unit 2, 10 Canaveral Drive, Albany Phone 09 478 3244, email contact@ignisterra.com www.ignisterra.com Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 57

Timeless timber “To dwellers in a wood, almost every species of tree has its voice as well as its feature.” – Thomas Hardy, Under the Greenwood Tree

T

he warmth of wood has long made it a flooring favourite but perhaps more so than ever, New Zealand homes are featuring timber underfoot.

In renovating older homes, many owners are stripping away carpets to reveal beautiful rimu or kauri floorboards and are opting to restore these for a new polished effect. By adding a rug or two the look is complete.

Equally, those building new are examining various timber-look options and are keen to explore the possibilities for texture, colour and detail without sacrificing durability, style, quality and ease of care.

However, there are a multitude of choices so, do your homework. Firstly, consider whether you want all wood, engineered timber or a laminate; then consider ceramic tiles, slate, or natural stone, sheet vinyl, vinyl or acrylic planking, carpet, rugs, cork, parquet, bamboo….rule out what least appeals.

Also, remember that choosing your flooring materials doesn’t have to be a chore; the whole exercise can be an exciting adventure.

If at the end of the day it’s the richness of wood you really want think in terms of solid timber, engineered timber (real wood veneer over a sustainable backing and locking system), bamboo and laminates.

New technology means both solid and engineered timbers have become easier and less time-consuming to lay with many options pre-finished. Inter-locking plank systems are another advantage across the range of timbers and laminates.

Some timber-look options are particularly family-friendly being impact-absorbing and warm with resistance to scratching and fading – great when the floor has to contend with children and pets.

Whether re-polishing existing floorboards or installing a new floor be sure to speak to the experts first.

Contact a company that deals in your preferred option.

Ask about suitability for different rooms of the house (wet areas in particular; remember wood and water don’t mix)) and seek advice regarding on-going care and cleaning.

Think about colour – there are so many choices – and consider the width of planks. New, wider planks are extremely popular at present.

Importantly, think about your lifestyle and the local climate too.

Once you have all the facts and all the options in front of you, then choosing your timber or woodlook floor will be easy.

58 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

Tile talk Whether building or renovating, today’s extensive range of tiles provides almost endless ideas for wet areas such as laundries, kitchens and bathrooms and will also enhance foyers, and family rooms or add that finishing touch to the patio.

Decorative tiles have been used to adorn floors and walls for centuries. Today ceramic and porcelain tiles from Italy, Spain, Portugal, India, South America and many other places are exported all over the world and used not only for practical purposes but for their beauty too.

Attractive, durable and easy to maintain, tiles are suitable for interior and exterior surfaces, floors and walls and with today’s variety of non-slip finishes, they can even be used around swimming pools.

Available in masses of colours, sizes and finishes to create everything from rustic ambience or Tuscan charm to modern simplicity or sophisticated, contemporary style, today’s tiles are a surety when decor impact is required.

Of course, successful décor often relies on an element of timelessness, which tiles certainly provide – they have been around for eons but thankfully, modern technology also means ceramic tiles can now be printed with a variety of finishes so they look like marble, or stone.

Shape, colour and designs continue to move with the times. Today’s bathrooms, for example, are more likely to feature large tiles on both the floors and walls with horizontal listellos and bright colours being largely superseded by vertical or strip insets to add contrast and texture.

Neutral, earthy colourways are more in vogue than highly coloured mosaic patterns although these still have a place where one is seeking a stand out feature.

Whether one wants square tiles, or rectangular tiles, big or small, there is something for all tastes and many purposes but remember not all tiles are suitable for all uses.

Exterior tiles with their gritty, non-slip surface and frost-proof body to withstand temperature extremes, have come into their own for patios, terraces and courtyards. But they shouldn’t be mistaken for flagstone or pavers – exterior tiles need to be glued to a flat, stable surface.

The benefits of using tiles are their strength, durability and non-fade, mark-resistant qualities – you won’t see a stiletto heel indentation on a tile! They are easily cleaned and if cracked, one or more tiles can usually be replaced.

The trick is to buy a few extra tiles at the time of purchase.

Feature walls are a great way to give any room added drama, but what about going a step further and adding a colour blocked, freehand masterpiece like this? It’s not as tricky as it looks, and because it’s freehand, if you make a bit of a mistake with your hill profiles, who would know?

Wall from top: Resene Spindle (sky), Resene Mischka (left hill), Resene Freestyling (right), Resene Santas Grey (right), Resene Mamba (right), Resene Hammerhead (left, behind sofa), Resene Casper (sea). The floor is in Resene Ivanhoe.

With a bit of Mexican sizzle and a dash of California cool, this courtyard is the place to be on lazy summer days. Black is a go-to colour for garden fences, often as a shadowy backdrop to perimeter planting. In this case, it’s up front and on show in Resene CoolColour All Black – the ultimate colour partner for sizzling turquoise blues and clean greens such as Resene Dauntless for the upcycled pallet table, and Resene Zigguwrat, Resene Java and Resene Dali for the pots. Throw in some mustard yellow accents in the low Resene Chenin pot and cushions for pops of citrusy warmth. The house wall on the right is Resene Double Truffle, and the concrete pavers have been stained in Resene Bleached Grey from the Resene Concrete Stain range.

Long range colour forecast excites

W

hat will the most fashionable homes be sporting in the next couple of seasons? Think shimmer and glitz, white with black accents, unexpected colour combinations and iridescent as well as toned-down hues. Luxe metallic finishes, whites with charcoals and earthy greys, dusky tones, as well as exuberant pops of bright colour are all on trend for the coming months.

While it may seem only yesterday we were celebrating the New Year, colour forecasters are already predicting our palettes for 2017 and 2018.

Dress your walls with earthy hues or dusky tones and you’ll be right on trend. Dusky pinks are here now (think Resene Ebb), but we’ll also see a rise in popularity of dusky blues and greens such as Resene Duck Egg Blue.

Colours such as Resene Secrets are bang on with the trend towards cool Nordic landscapes, where icy colours come to the fore. And the Scandinavian look is here to stay with a continuing move towards whites and off-whites, with earthy tones.

Darker stains are giving way to more natural, lighter stains, such as Resene Woodsman Natural, and lighter rimu colours.

Wallpapers are becoming more adventurous, providing a lush, stylish backdrop along with a playful ambience. Glamorous, shiny wallpapers are also on trend, with metallic finishes and a hint of shimmer.

Want more intensity? Pops of colour remain strong, including vibrant jewel tones – teal blue is just one.

We’re also seeing an increase in colour blocking, a design technique that uses blocks of colour together, either in similar shades or opposites.

“It’s a great way to introduce colour especially if you have a square room,” says Resene colour consultant Deanna Hills.

“You might colour block half a wall, and it could look like a headboard. Or you could colour block random areas and nooks, or start from the ceiling and work diagonally to the floor.”

Stairwells are often colour blocked, with the bottom half painted charcoal, for example, and the top half painted white. “Colour blocking is really fun.

It makes something of a space.”

Another continuing trend is brightly coloured front doors. “People are really opening up to having a bit more personality,” Deanna says. “For example, coloured front doors are a big trend. I’ve done a couple of reds, using Resene Red Berry, as well as Resene Wild Thing, which is yellow – a charcoal house with a yellow front door, fabulous!”

Whether you prefer an achromatic colour scheme or one with a host of vibrant hues, the coming season’s colours has something to suit all tastes from wake-up shades of teal and red to cool icy blues and dusky pinks plus smatterings of black and white.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 59 13965

Dress up your walls Wallpaper is back – stylish, decorative and textured wallcoverings have become the latest design trend, making their way into contemporary and traditional homes as part of interior design’s new decorative styling.

A

s people tire of flat, hard minimalism in their homes, there is a return to texture, pattern and personalisation, says Piers Braddock, sales and marketing manager with Aspiring Walls.

We are entering an era of stronger colour and detailed design; giving a more comfortable and lived-in feel to our homes,” he says. “Wallpaper can be used as a background to enhance a space rather than take it over. Single-colour or tone-ontone textured wallpapers play a supporting role as a neutral backdrop, complementing furniture and furnishings, and adding textural interest.”

Piers says a classic pattern, such as stripes, brings symmetry and balance to a space. In more simple, boxy rooms, such as an apartment or open plan living room, wallpaper works to “create” architecture.

“Use wallpaper to define or visually define an area, such as an entrance, dining or sleeping zone.

As well as making a feature or statement wall, wallpaper can effectively highlight architectural features such as an alcove or panel.”

For those keen to totally transform a room, patterned or plain wallpaper is a versatile decorating tool that will quickly add personality and interest.

Piers adds, “now that it’s modern and stylish, wallpaper provides a ‘feel good’ factor and a sense of extra ‘finish’ to any interior”.

He suggests textured wallpaper can bring a real ‘touch appeal’ to walls ranging from the natural look of linen and basket-weave to suede or even leather effects. And where there are rough patches or imperfections, a textured paper can hide a multitude of sins, rather like a blemish concealer in a make-up kit.

Most of today’s wallcoverings are easy-care; many are washable so that marks are quite easy to remove. For high-traffic areas in the home, a heavier weight, textured, solid vinyl paper is hardwearing and virtually maintenance-free.

In addition to the massive change in character in terms of both colour and design, wallpaper has also undergone changes in application.

New technology allows most wallpapers to be completely strippable, making them easier to install and remove. “You can wallpaper your home yourself – it is now much easier, with the new ready-pasted and paste-the-wall papers,” Piers says.

“Investing the time to hang wallpaper yourself can be worthwhile. The mystery to paperhanging, if there is one, is patience. Alternatively, a professional installer will do it for you. Either way you will admire the finished result.”

Whether choosing a plain textured paper in a white, neutral or vibrant colour; a subtle or bold

pattern; or a variety of designs for different rooms, wallpaper will add interest and style to a home’s interior. “Browse through the latest collections of wallcoverings at your nearest décor store, or talk with your interior designer,” Piers suggests. “You will be positively surprised and impressed by what is on offer.”

TRY THESE FINISHES: n Mixtures of flat and pearly or metallic-finishes

and sheen

n Pleated and quilted effects for surface interest n Textures, subtle abstracts n Linen or grass-papers for the Asian or Zen look n Botanical prints re-worked in larger scales and

softer colours.

THE ENTRY OF THE HOUSE Even if you have an open plan space immediately around the front door, the entry sets the welcoming mood for you and your guests.

Because it is generally small, make this one of the first spaces you tackle. It’s a smallish bite out of a decorating budget, but gives a high impact result.

ADD ‘ARCHITECTURE’ Create detail with a textured or metallic paper.

Don’t be afraid to use a dark, dramatic colour.

Look for amazing dark pewter, charcoal or

chocolate papers from Aspiring Walls’ many ranges.

Repeat the dramatic colour on your front door, add a spectacular light, a simple table and your entrance will pop.

OLD AND NEW Bridge the gap between old and new with “transitional” wallpapers which play with old fashioned themes in a modern way such as anaglyptas, designed to cover a multitude of sins and to create instant architecture.

A reworked floral in a fashion colour pulls together a chopped-up hallway. Crisp stripes in favourite neutrals or sharp, modern colours offer an exciting alternative to an all-beige scheme: you’ll find a scale from pin-stripes to over-size to suit your space.

SOPHISTICATED NEUTRALS Tone-on-tone interiors remain in vogue. Subtle textured or patterned wallpapers provide a backdrop for furniture, furnishings and artwork. But don’t translate neutral to mean bland and boring.

Contemporary, neutral wallcoverings often consist of complex colourings, with layers of colour or twotone effects to create a tranquil, relaxing setting.

BIG IS BETTER Go outrageous with a big-scaled print; forget safe,

anaglypta • as creation • ashley • beeline • bn international • brewster • design id • eijffinger • grandeco • house of york • komar 60 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

FREQuENTLY ASKED QuESTIONS How do I decide whether to have wallpaper or paint?

You don’t have to choose one or the other, they work well together. Some rooms in your home can be painted, others can be wallpapered – it’s up to you.

Designers happily use wallpaper and paint on different walls of the same room.

Most paint retailers also sell wallpaper, and usually have wallcoverings that match most paint colours on the market, so you can easily co-ordinate the two finishes.

Wallpaper offers a great choice of patterns and textures; and it is a ‘one-coat process’ – when you have wallpapered, that’s it, there’s no need for a second or third ‘coat’ to get the colour right.

And, now, there are papers that can be easily stripped and replaced. If you make sure the walls are properly prepared with a sealer then sized before you put up wallpaper, it makes re-decorating much easier next time.

“Whatever you have in your rooms, think first of the walls, for they are that which makes your house and home and if you do not make some sacrifices in their favour you will find your chambers have a kind of makeshift, lodging house look about them, however rich and handsome your movables may be.” – William Morris

make a statement as people step into your house.

Think florid pictorials, over-scaled checks or stripes, or shimmery op-art mixtures.

Don’t be afraid to mix a couple of patterns – say a small-scaled square with a single dram wall in a larger scale. Aspiring Walls books have made it riskfree by showing you mix-it-up options.

ROCOCO THEATRICALS The trend to patterned, printed and embroidered fabrics has prompted an equal shift to dramatic, “look at me” wallpapers.

The modern way to create a focal point wall is with a stand-out wallpaper: directional looks are rich and rococo-inspired patterns, slightly overscale with a play of metallic shimmer against a matt background (and, yes, flocking is on its way back).

Play with dark, rich colours, over-the-top pattern, teamed with shimmery fabrics, fanciful light fittings (feel-good light, not operating-theatre illumination) and the look of old Europe.

With a subtle, light-reflecting texture, these mega-scaled blocks visually open a space. Don’t play it safe with furniture; add a classic 1960’s icon chair, throw out the hall table in favour of a psychedelic mushroom. Your keys will never have a more fun place to live.

POP ART MODERN Yes, this is wallpaper, but not as your nana used it. This mosaic-look paper, in a range of scales, mixes flat and metallic surfaces for a shimmering impact in an entry hall. The metal foils reflect light, expanding a tiny space or one without much natural daylight, and it’s great for a townhouse or apartment without a defined hallway.

For more space-expanding effects, bring in barely-there accessories – a chair or hall table in perspex (look for newer, smokier shades for the 1970’s look) or frosted glass; add milky glass lamp shades and shiny silver accents.

What are the advantages of wallcoverings?

Wallpaper is definitely back on the design agenda, getting attention for new textures, modern colours and designs, and its rediscovered practicality: much like a cosmetic concealer, textured wallcoverings can hide less than perfect walls. And it can save time.

It is often quicker than painting – especially as one ‘coat’ of wallpaper is all you need to cover the wall for instant colour.

Wallpaper is easy-care too. Most modern papers are washable, durable and wear well.

Wallcoverings also have great ‘touch appeal’ adding a tactile dimension to your room.

Can I wallpaper a room myself or is it too difficult for a ‘beginner’?

Yes, you can and, no, it isn’t. It’s much easier now, with pre-pasted papers and new technologies such as paste-the-wall.

A good place to start is by visiting www. aspringwalls.co.nz and the DIY section. Or you can book a professional installer to do it for you. Talk with your local wallpaper specialists who will point you in the right direction.

BuRST OF BRIGHTS A zap of colour in your entry whets your visitors” appetite for more excitement through the house.

With a “just passing through” circulation space, you can afford to take risks – amp up the scale of pattern, wind up the colour voltage and leave the safe neutrals for rooms where you spend more time.

Aspiring Walls are proud to offer an unrivalled collection of designer wallpapers for your home or commercial space. Phone on 0800 808 474 or visit www.aspiringwalls.co.nz for the nearest outlet

• limonta • mako • metylan • norwall • p+s international • rasch • shurstik • sirpi • surtech • ugepa • Vision • york • Zambaiti parati Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 61

Living the good life outdoors Kiwis love to entertain outdoors, so much so, that with every passing year, decks, patios, balconies, rooftops, and courtyards are becoming truly stylish outdoor living rooms. But, when starting with a blank canvas, there is much to consider.

T

oday’s home entertainers now look beyond a charcoal barbecue and few simple deck chairs on the back porch when friends come around to socialise.

Instead they are developing beautiful alfresco lounges which may be formal, informal, lavish, simple, rustic or a tropical paradise.

Comfort, shelter, outlook, privacy, ambience should all be considered; peruse design ideas before choosing a style to reflect personal ideas for relaxation.

When developing such an area, take into account prevailing winds, sun, shade, views, available space and access. Also decide on underfoot materials – timber, large pavers, brick or cobbles, a combination of grass and poured concrete. If outdoor space is on a balcony or rooftop, that may have already been decided.

Think about the type of furniture you prefer.

Man-made rattans and wickers suites teamed with fade and weather-resistant soft cushioning are popular and can be formal or fun-loving. But if space is confined, choose carefully as some of these pieces are quite large.

Quality timber units made from hardwoods

such as kwila make the cut too or opt for the ease of aluminium-framed glass or mosaic tables and chairs with weather-resistant topper pads.

Remember to think about shade – awnings, sails, umbrellas can all do the job and now there are new retractable louvred roofs or fixed awnings that offer more comprehensive weather protection.

Accessories may include weather-proof rugs, colourful outdoor lights and free-standing heaters although these days permanent pizza ovens and outdoors fireplaces are both practical and aesthetically attractive.

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When it comes to privacy (and sometimes warmth) think about screens, partial fences, large sculptures, potted trees and dropside curtains, but be careful to retain sun and outlook.

Once decided on a plan in which the furnishings and colours are satisfying then ensure landscaping enhances the mood – choose plants wisely but be sure upkeep is manageable.

Importantly, when catering for family and friends, be sure this new outdoor room is a place where there’s no need for fuss – you too deserve to enjoy the environment you have created.

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Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 63

Checking out lie of the land Modern Kiwi lifestyles rely as much on outdoor space as they do indoor retreats.

Subsequently successful landscaping is key to enjoying an al fresco way of life.

M

ary’s garden may have looked a treat with silver bells and cockle shells – or maybe not – but when it comes to landscaping, gradient, soil, section shape and size plus aspect as well as personal preference and individual creativity will all influence the outcome.

New builds will usually require the surrounding section to be totally beautified while existing homes may need only minimal changes although some gardeners may want to start over.

Before doing anything, homeowners need to do their research. Fortunately, free advice can be gleaned from many quarters such as garden centres, libraries, green-fingered neighbours, gardening clubs, books, magazines, and, of course, a multitude of websites.

While most advice will be sound, it often pays to talk to the professionals in order to avoid a garden mish-mash. If possible set aside a budget for landscaping so that a pleasing result is achieved.

Garden centres and nurseries will generally provide most of what is needed to furnish a garden but don’t be tempted into buying too much or too many plant varieties.

64 — Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017

When it comes to trees think about their ultimate size and root structure and whether you require them for privacy, filtered light or fruit for the pantry.

Impulse buying can lead to gardening disasters.

For example, some plants may not suit the soil or the location. Keep section size and plant size in mind; it is easy to overcrowd a garden when plants are young and haven’t reached full size. And it’s easy to be tempted by every flower and tree you have ever loved thus ending up with no particular style at all.

Most importantly, before you start buying or planting have a plan. Some gardeners are clever enough to formulate their own garden design but in many cases it is easier to consult a gardening professional or landscape designer.

Most can deliver as little or as much as the customer wants – plan only, do some of the work, do all of the work, do the work in stages, do it all at once... there are many options.

Such experts will listen to your ideas and also suggest ways to make the most of your section.

Their eyes often see what yours don’t.

And if you have spotted a garden or two that

take your fancy, be bold, knock on the door and ask the homeowners to share their tips and advice.

If you are confident enough to tackle your own landscape design other issues will need consideration such as soil type, sun and shade, whether retaining or added drainage is needed, desired lawn type, paving, hedging, decks, pergolas, shelter, fencing, art works, pots and more.

Once you have prepared a plan, buy prudently, check out garden centre deals and, ensure plants are compatible to the location and with each other.

Think about grouping plants and the work needed to maintain the style you want. Plan for seasonal planting such as establishing a veggie patch or additional flower beds in the future.

Consider the order of jobs to be done – hard landscaping, pathways, garden formation, edgings, lawns and more. Buy in bulk where you can – stones, bark, mulch, compost, paving and slabs.

Of course, you can ask for help from friends – have a paving party or a tree-planting day with a barbecue and drinks at the end. But, if the idea of achieving your dream garden is daunting, consult the experts – in no time at all you could be relaxing in your own Garden of Eden.

Flare blazes trail in outdoor spaces

I

f you really can stand the heat, get out of the kitchen! That’s the contention of Flare Outdoor Fireplaces’ owner, Torrey Hilton.

“Argentinean, Italian, and South African cultures have long embraced outdoor cooking and dining al fresco, which are becoming increasing popular here too. Kiwis are experiencing new worlds of flavour, thanks to wood-fired barbecues and fireplaces. It’s reaching new heights of sophistication, almost becoming an art form or new genre of gastronomy; outdoor cooking is no longer about grilling a burger patty until it’s cremated!” he says.

“And there’s nothing like a fire to set the ambiance. The environment feels warm; everybody glowing with the flickering flame. A fire is like live entertainment; it’s so relaxing to sit, listen and watch.”

Providing a range of outdoor fireplaces, designed for multifunctions – cook a pizza, bake, grill, smoke or rotisserie – Torrey and team are focused on transforming backyards into modern, outdoor living spaces.

“Outdoor fireplaces of various types are valuable additions year-round. When the sun goes down – even on a starry summer’s evening – the temperature can drop away, but there’s no need to retreat indoors anymore!”

Flare fireplaces are available in two major ranges: Boston – featuring clean, straight, modern lines – and Tuscany – fireplaces with gentle curves providing warm, relaxing style. Wood-fired, BBQ cooking.

“Unlike poor workmen, good cooks have every right to blame their tools if they’re not up to scratch,” Torrey advises.

“That’s why – for cooking or simply warmth – our fireplaces are designed and manufactured to the highest of standards.”

al fresco Fashion Flare Once upon a time, a fireplace was just a fireplace. Today, however, as they take on a much wider role in our lifestyles, Flare has prepared these handy tips: ■■ Function and form: while the prime directive of a pizza oven (for example) should be to produce delizioso pizza pies, be sure they’re not eyesores! As Flare’s fireplaces take centre stage, even the most hardworking outdoor oven can look magnifico too.

■■ Consult the style file: One size never fits all when it comes to style. While all Flare fireplaces are modular in format – permitting design flexibility – models are available in a range of textures and surface treatments, resulting in multiple configurations from which to choose, so no two fireplaces need be the same.

■■ Comply when you buy: Councils don’t cut corners; ensure fireplaces are compliant. All of

Flare’s standard ranges carry a PS1 Engineers Certificate and plans for submission to councils where required.

■■ All right with height: There’s no point having a beautiful focal point which no one can see to appreciate, so ensure they’re installed at an optimum height. However, be wary of smoke trails; unlike the Platters, most people don’t like it when smoke gets in their eyes!

■■ No shortcuts to safety: children can be captivated by fire, so carefully consider safety features. Flare fireplaces have fireboxes at a safe height for children, and their fronts feature stainless steel shields to stop logs from rolling out. These are also double folded to reduce the risk of burns.

■■ Size matters: Large, stylish fireplace should be feature points; essentially pieces of backyard art. So be sure their curves and lines complement existing design schemes.

For more tips and advice, consult the experts by calling Flare on 07 573 3994, email office@flarefires.co.nz, or to simply view their extensive range, see www.outdoorfire.co.nz.

Design and Build Waikato — 2016-2017 — 65

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