Residential - ATM Builders / Riverstone Castle
Small team takes on unique castle challenge • from page 10 Other features of the exterior include a drawbridge, turrets, and enormous ramparted terraces leading from the upstairs bedrooms and guest facilities. The “dungeon” or basement area of the castle features around 40 square metres of secret tunnels. On the ground floor there is a grand hall, formal and family living rooms, dining room, conservatory opening into an enclosed outdoor dining area, a billiard room, entertainment room, kitchen, scullery and private quarters. Spiers and his apprentice are currently working on the interior linings and finishings, most of which should be completed by the end of the year. “The interior is quite detailed as well, with every room different. Some of the ceilings will be finished in decorative plaster and others will have cathedral-like timber. “There is even one with cherubs. Some of plastered walls will be covered in stone or wood panelling with lots of other details too.”
Spiers expects to remain on site into next year completing final works, including the drawbridge and towers, and external courtyards. “Not surprisingly it will be the first drawbridge I’ve built. “I’m looking forward to the challenge.” He says the project has also provided good opportunities for local tradespeople who have been engaged as subcontractors. “They’ve all taken a lot of pride in their work and the project. “It’s been great working with a bunch of guys like that.” Mike Spiers was originally from the top of the North Island. He moved south around 10 years ago, bought some land in Oamaru and started developing his own subdivision. Eight of the 10 houses on the subdivision were finished when he got the call up to build the castle. “Dot and Neil are fantastic people to work for and it’s been a real privilege to be involved with them in this unique, and once-in-a-lifetime project.”
Mike Spiers and apprentice Jason Anderson, above, have completed the majority of the construction work on their own.
We are proud to be entrusted with the Ornate Fibrous Plaster ceilings and some of the exterior GRC details for Riverstone Castle. Phone 03 489 4688, Fax 03 489 3126, Email info@seddons.co.nz, www.seddons.co.nz
MANUFACTURERS OF AGGREGATE, SANDS AND PIT RUN MATERIAL
OAMARU REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE STRUCTURAL, MECHANICAL & GENERAL ENGINEERING
Landscaping & Horticulture • Roading & Infrastructure • Rural Phone. 03 431 3893 • Email. malcolm.vince@oamarushingle.co.nz • www.oamarushingle.co.nz
12 Building Innovations NZ
3 Orwell Street Phone: (03) 434 2269 Mobile: 021 213 7152 Email: orm.richard@xtra.co.nz