Design For Living 2023

DESIGN & BUILD HOMES

THE ART OF GUITAR DESIGN TIPS FOR KITCHEN RENOVATIONS

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DESIGN FOR LIVING is published by Otago Daily Times, a division of Allied Press Ltd.

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Design: ODT Creative

The cover image of this Design for Living is courtesy of Resene - see details on page 5. (Project by Annick Larkin, art by Hannah Tapner, image by Bryce Carleton)

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The art of ‘Aah’

Accompanied by a relaxing exhale, that’s the blissed-out sound you might feel like making when stepping into a space in which the colours and forms have been configured to convey a tangible air of calm.

The ultimate at-home zen zones also champion the interplay of light and shadow through natural, lamp and candlelight, comfortable furniture on which to unwind, textural furnishings to appeal to your sense of touch, ample storage to eliminate clutter and the sound of only the breeze and birdsong to tune into while you tune out. Make peace at your place with all of the above, plus:

Work with a neutral palette

Resene colour consultant Amy Watkins says, “When creating a zen space, neutral, natural and earth tones come into their own. Colours like peppermint off-white Resene Ottoman, cream-beige Resene Blank Canvas and yellowgreen Resene Zen are light with the same dusty

undertones that create a calm feeling. Paint your trims the same colour as your walls for a minimalist effect or pair these wall colours with a soft, warm off-white, such as Resene Bianca or Resene Rice Cake’’.

The ultimate neutral, white, is known for its ‘Aah’-inducing qualities, and variations of the same shade will stop it seeming cold and clinical while producing a unified result. For example, try combining the different strengths of complex offwhite Resene Merino, which range from Triple and Double to Half and Quarter. Steer towards warm and away from washed out in your zen zone by pairing a neutral wall colour like pale yellow cream Resene Creme De La Creme with a cream-based white such as starchy-white-with-a-touch-of-

yellow Resene Half Rice Cake or almost-white, nearly-cream Resene Quarter Bianca, to maintain depth while preventing your hero hue from looking too strong.

“To help you determine which colours work well together, Resene provides you with a helping hand,” says Amy. “On the back of each Resene colour swatch, there are complementary colour suggestions, giving you a cheat sheet. To understand undertones, I also recommend looking at the colours around it on the colour swatch. Again, this guides you as to what base undertones each of the colours has.”

For the lightest colours, place a piece of white printer paper underneath – this will help you to see the colour’s undertone.

1.

Combine other soothing colours

Earth, fire, water, wood and metal - the five elements of zen collaborate to balance an environment and can be incorporated into your relaxation room. Beyond neutral and earth tones, how about using colour to trigger the blue mind - the semi-meditative mental state the brain falls into when we’re in the presence of water? Described as ‘a walk in water or mist’, Resene Half Escape could be a key contender, as could tidal Resene Retreat or coastal Resene Half Kumutoto.

Green too is ripe for the picking when it comes to keeping the peace. Mirror the plants outside your window with paints reminiscent of native bush, such as mild olive Resene Highball, earthy neutral Resene Gingko and mustard green Resene Iko Iko. Ample indoor greenery will further bring the outside in, as will textiles made from natural materials like cotton, linen, wool, rattan and timber.

“In my own bedroom, I wanted a soft colour to create a zen space,” says Amy. “I achieved this with yellow-based green Resene Elixir on the walls to contrast against the rimu floor and the blush pink linen.” She also suggests introducing a pop of fiery colour for balance.

“Resene Duck Egg Blue, a pale shell blue, and Resene Timeless, a silvery grey-green, are both cooler, muted colours, but pair them with a pop of Resene Tequila Sunrise, a paint colour cocktail of orange and gold, or Resene Wild Thing, a bright yellow gold, and you’ll bring in some warmth and light. I recommend tying in these accent colours with cushions, artworks or rugs’’. Be bold to keep things cosy

Deeper hues can set a cocooning, introspective mood.

“Dining rooms and formal living rooms are great spaces in which to go bold,” says Amy. “Resene Dawn Glow, a warm orange with a hint of morning sun, Resene See The Light, a mild mustard gold, Resene Incarnadine, dying embers meet pinot noir, Resene Grape Escape, ashen red violet, Resene Wabi Sabi, a mid-toned green and Resene Forty Six, a warm, shaded green, are all from our latest Resene The

Range fashion colour collection and are great examples of richer tones that can create a restful atmosphere.”

These colours could be used on a single feature wall or all four for an immersive experience.

Bursts of brighter colour against a neutral background can also be atmospheric. Including them in the form of organic shapes is ideal in a zen zone, as the gentle curves feel welcoming while adding interest to an otherwise plain palette.

Consider your finishing touches

The final flourish to amplify the vibe could be adding a relevant design to a feature wall. Look to the Japanese-garden-esque design of Resene Wallpaper Collection 542141, the tranquil roses of Resene Wallpaper Collection 200457, the sun rising over the hills in Resene Wallpaper Collection ONB102726002 or the quiet cloud formations of Resene Wallpaper Collection 296104.

On the remaining walls, note that a less-glossy paint finish is advantageous to reduce the amount of glare that’s reflected. Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen or Resene SpaceCote Flat will let there be the optimal level of light.

Once you’ve picked your finish, take Amy’s expert tip for foolproof DIY painting so the process of creating your zen space is as enjoyable as the result. “Set aside the time you need and make sure you do your preparation, such as masking with tape and laying out a drop sheet to reduce the risk of issues and stress. Put on some music to keep the atmosphere upbeat, and above all, don’t rush!”

Starting slowly and calmly as we mean to continue — we like the sound of that.

For help choosing colours to suit your projects, visit your local Resene ColorShop, ask a Resene Colour Expert online, www.resene.co.nz/colourexpert or book a Resene Colour Consultation, www.resene.co.nz/colourconsult

1. Get creative with calming colours by using them against a neutral backdrop to make shapes that soothe. Our curvaceous forms are reminiscent of a cloud in the sky, the contour of a wave, and a watery puddle that adds visual comfort to a painted floor, doubling as a ‘rug’. Left wall in Resene Oilskin, back wall in Resene Half Athens Grey with shape in Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe, artwork in Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe, Resene Atomic, Resene Oilskin, and Resene Quarter Delta, headboard in Resene Colorwood Riverstone; shelf in Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe; bud vase in Resene Atomic, floor in Resene Quarter Delta with shape in Resene Atomic, stool in Resene Quarter Perfect Taupe and tray in Resene Oilskin. Sofa bed from Nood, Ikea pendant lights and stool from Urban Sales. (Project by Kate Alexander, image by Bryce Carleton)

2. This room’s minimalist backdrop is beautified by a mandala mural — a geometric design that’s a traditional tool for meditation and prayer. Achieve a similar look with wallpaper from Resene’s extensive range, or replicate our paint picks: wall in Resene Wan White, mandala in Resene Thor, floor in Resene Colorwood Greywash and pendant light in Resene Quarter Wan White. (Project by Annick Larkin, art by Hannah Tapner, image by Bryce Carleton)

3. This bedroom takes a tonal approach to getting the blues, teaming several harmonious strengths and shades for a very serene scene. Wall in Resene Breathless (top) and Resene Duck Egg Blue, skirting board in Resene Breathless, floor in Resene Colorwood Breathe Easy, pendant light in Resene Colorwood Whitewash, bedside table in Resene Half Duck Egg Blue, bedside light in Resene Half Villa White, bench seat in Resene Duck Egg Blue, vases, books and other décor items in Resene Duck Egg Blue, Resene Quarter Duck Egg Blue, Resene Half Inside Back, Resene Emerge, Resene Half Emerge, Resene Designer White, and Resene Villa White. (Project by Annick Larkin, image by Bryce Carleton)

4. Neutrals and earth tones combine together in this room with ease to create a grounding space enhanced by organic forms, natural materials and tactile textures. Wall and ledge in Resene Copyrite; floor in Resene Colorwood Natural, vases, bowls and painted books in Resene Sugar Loaf, Resene Alpaca, Resene Half Rickshaw, Resene Castle Rock, Resene Tuscany, Resene Chelsea Gem, and Resene Raptor, pendant light in Resene Umber White and side table in Resene Sugar Loaf. Sofa, table and cushions from Città, rug from Freedom. (Project by Laura Lynn Johnston, image by Bryce Carleton)

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Creating more versatile homes

Active Design Interiors consultant Sue Van Turnhout has returned to Dunedin after 39 years away.

When Sue Van Turnhout was visiting St Peters in Italy the tour guide pointed to a large and beautiful tapestry and named its weaver as having the surname Van Turnhout from Belgium.

As it turns out, Sue’s earliest records on the family tree have their links to Belgium.

“It must be in my DNA,” she says. ‘‘I like everything about fabric and woven textiles and creating a beautiful aesthetic using them.’’

Having just started as a consultant at Active Design Interiors in Mornington, Sue is looking forward to working in Dunedin, having returned to the city that she grew up in.

Originally from Waverley, over the last four decades she has been living in Christchurch and Auckland. Having owned a flooring business in Christchurch with her ex-husband, Sue extended her design knowledge and established her own firm, Redx Design.

“I had that for seven years in Christchurch, and then in Auckland where I’ve lived for the past 10 years,” she says. ‘‘In both cities I worked for private home owners and alongside architects on new builds, renovations and commercial projects such as hotels, motels and cafes. I am as comfortable working off the plans as I am on working with existing property. However, I particularly enjoy refurbishment of historic homes where I can use my knowledge to make textile choices and paint schemes which bring the home back to its former glory.

‘‘In addition, over the years I have completed a number of full design schemes

for show homes of building firms from which the builders marketed their product.

‘‘In Auckland I added to the list with larger country homes a lodge and architecturally designed properties on the north shore and in the Eastern suburb of Whitford.’’

Sue’s advice for those contemplating an interiors project is to seek professional advice at an early stage. Having a conversation with a consultant from Active Interiors can help clarify the problem and may reveal a never thought of solution.

Since the pandemic and subsequent financial difficulties, Sue has noticed that the concept of an “open plan living space’ has had to be modified to create more versatile areas within the home.

“These days you will find a broader age group co-habiting within the home space, each with different needs,’’ she says. ‘‘For example – children needing study spaces, grandparents needing a place to retreat to and office spaces for those working from home have become a priority. So we are making our homes more fluid and more versatile to enable these different functions.’’

Ultimately it is creating a finished product that brings the whole space together that Sue loves the most about interior design.

‘‘My intention is to create an aesthetically pleasing environment that fits the function perfectly,’’ she says. ‘‘Nothing exists in a vacuum. It all has to be cohesive.’’

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Many homeowners are adding value to their properties and enhancing the way they live by renovating. Windows and doors are a major focus, as they give an opportunity to create more light, improve views, create seamless indoor/outdoor flow, and through double-glazing, a quieter, warmer home that is heated more economically.

A carefully thought out renovation can

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Rylock Otago operate a supply and install service for replacement windows and doors. There are many options available, all of them incorporating double glazing, from preserving the look of your wooden villa through to modernising the appearance of your sixties brick and roughcast home.

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Changes mean better energy efficiency

Windows are one of the main factors to significantly affect a building’s energy performance.

For both heating and cooling, glazing is fundamental to achieving an effective thermal envelope.

Windows can lose between 35% and 50% of heat, providing a far lower thermal performance than insulated roofs, walls, and floors. The inverse is true in warmer periods of the year when more heat is let into the home.

Recent changes to the New Zealand Building Code directly address this issue, including for windows and doors.

The H1 clause of the Code that regulates the energy efficiency of buildings has had its most substantial changes in over a decade, with the aim of creating warmer, drier, and healthier new buildings.

In turn this will reduce a building’s energy footprint.

The changes affect new buildings, and existing properties undergoing

changes to the external thermal envelope requiring building consent.

As of May this year, in the south the minimum compliance requires thermally broken aluminium, uPVC, or timber framing, with doubleglazed Low E Insulated Glass Units to meet or exceed the standard.

With far better heat retention, Low E glazing provides far better insulation during winter, reducing the chance of condensation.

Rylock Otago manufactures aluminium joinery from the Altus Window and Door Systems range of cutting edge products.

Strings of life

Although the technology hasn’t changed radically over the decades, guitar design remains a fascinating subject.

English author and musician

Terry Burrows is one of the world’s eminent guitar experts.

Designed by Leo Fender and introduced in 1950, the Fender Telecaster was the first massproduced solid body electric guitar.

And it was a Telecaster that was the first proper guitar that Terry Burrows owned. The English author and musician has since become one of the world’s foremost authorities on guitars, including the history of the instrument, as well as the playing, maintaining, and buying of them.

He’s been involved in a prolific number of titles on the topic, including The Complete Book of the Guitar, 1001 Guitars to Dream of Playing Before You Die, and the just republished Guitar Family Trees.

The latter documents the genealogy of guitar design, acting as a comprehensive guide to brands such as Gibson, Fender, Rickenbacker, and Martin. Over 200 models are featured, with full page photographs and plenty of details.

Having been a classically trained pianist from the age of five, Burrows became eventually enthralled by the guitar in his mid-teens. ‘‘I didn’t really engage with rock/pop music at all until I was about 15, but when I did I went for it big time!’’ he recalls. ‘‘Before I could play the guitar properly, though, I built my own electric guitar - with some help from my dad - even winding my own pickups, so I was always interested both in how they worked as well as how to play them.’’

That interest has extended into the multiple guitar titles Burrows has authored or edited, as well as into his own music creation.

Although solid body electric guitars have evolved in some ways since they first became

commercially available in the 1950s, the concept remains relatively simple.

‘‘Unlike a lot of musical instruments, the electric guitar is a pretty simple piece of technology,’’ Burrows says. ‘‘And yet since the 1950s it’s really dominated most forms of popular music. As punk showed, it’s easy for a beginner to get great, swift results... yet serious players can spend a lifetime trying to master its subtleties.’’

He reflects that the world of guitar design is quite conservative. A large proportion of those being sold today still based on models from the 1950s and 60s, including Fender’s Telecaster and Stratocaster, and Gibson’s Les Paul and SG.

In 2008 Gibson offered a technological leap forward, when the Robot SG became available with electronically controlled tuners to keep

the guitar in tune.

‘‘They seemed, to me, like a miracle watching them in use,’’ Burrows says. ‘‘But they didn’t catch on, and are now a very niche interest.’’

Originally published in 2011, Guitar Family Trees was an attempt to make connections in the genealogy of the instrument that hadn’t previously been traced in detail. The book’s fold-out diagrams make the relationships clear.

While Burrows’ personal collection of around 40 guitars still includes that first Fender Telecaster he bought as a student, it’s another featured in Guitar Family Trees that is his favourite.

‘‘I would regard the Ibanez Jem Blue Flower Pattern featured in the book as the best allround instrument I own,‘‘ he says. ‘‘Much to the horror of some purists I know.’’

Burrows has released music under monikers including Yukio Yung, Tonesucker, with the band The Chrysanthemums, and with his teenage son Louis as Yung Family. He continues to build his own guitars and modular synthesizers depending on the needs of his various projects.

‘‘As wonderful as many of the instruments I own are as objects in their own right - some dating back more than 100 years - for me they remain, at heart, tools for making music,’’ Burrows emphasises.

Guitar Family Trees by Terry Burrows will be available in July from Allen and Unwin New Zealand. His music can be found at: onomaresearch.bandcamp.com

English author and musician Terry Burrows at work. (Photo: Steve Xerri)

The car in the driveway of Steve Barkman’s Macandrew Bay house is a giveaway, with its ‘GTRMKR’ number plate.

Here in a well appointed shed the luthier creates custom guitars for a largely local market. Surrounded by wood and tools, various stringed instruments and books on the topic, he talks about Barkman Guitars.

‘‘Certainly you need good wood working skills,’’ Steve says. ‘‘Determination and discipline are pretty important. You need to be interested and always questioning what you’re doing. And have an engineer’s brain rather than a musician’s brain.’’

He first worked with wood as a child, helping his ‘‘absolute wood nut’’ father with boat building

Mr Guitar

projects. But when he started working in automotive machining and fitting and turning Steve moved away from the material. For as long as he can remember he’s worked on his own instruments, and in the 1970s began repairing them for other people. This gradually led to making his first guitar in 1989, now hanging up in his workshop.

‘‘Coming back to wood was pretty exciting for me,’’ Steve says. ‘‘I still get fired up with chunks of wood. It’s our only renewable resource; it’s wonderful stuff.’’ At first it was a hobby, but he pursued it fulltime when finding another job was difficult after being made redundant in 1998. Since then Steve has made over 200 stringed instruments,

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including guitars, mandolins, and ukuleles. All of them are unique. ‘‘I’ve never made two guitars the same,’’ he says ‘‘And I try not to copy instruments. I try not to build a Gibson or Martin copy, but their designs influence me, because they influence my clientele.’’

For custom orders, the first step is for Steve to sit down with the client. They’ll discuss various aspects, including how the instrument will be used; is it for performing on stage, or perhaps for recording in a home environment?

Among Steve’s current projects is a guitar for an Arrowtown client who he’s known for a long time. ‘‘He wants a guitar that is nice and easy to play and that doesn’t need a huge amount of volume,’’

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he explains. ‘‘I recommended the cedar top to him because it’s really nice at a low volume, and has a lovely tone.’’

The lack of availability of some woods traditionally used by luthiers has made Steve seek out alternatives. Among them are native woods, including kahikatia, Southland beech, puriri from Great Barrier Island, and recycled kauri. ‘‘It’s wonderful, but it’s so hard to get,’’ he says.

As well as the continuing joy of working with wood, it’s the people he creates beautiful instruments for that Steve most appreciates. Especially when he gets to see them performing.

‘‘It’s lovely hearing someone make them really sound great.’’ he says.

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Dunedin luthier Steve Barkman talks about his handcrafted instruments.

1. Plan, plan, plan

With any design project, the planning aspect can’t be emphasised enough. What are you trying to achieve, what are your must-haves, what is your budget, how will you work around a kitchen that’s out of commission for weeks?

There are many things to consider, from where cabinets and appliances will go, to colour schemes, materials, flooring options, and much more. But there are good project planners available online that will help keep you on track

2. Go with the flow

How do you use your kitchen, and how can you maximise the efficiency of the work flow within that space? The classic kitchen triangle rule takes in the sink, oven, and fridge as the three areas that must be connected through some kind of logic. This is something that will need to be considered during the planning phase of your project, because if you get it wrong the end result will be perpetually frustrating.

3. Cabinet fever

Cabinetry will account for one of the bigger costs of the project, so you will want to carefully consider your options. Can the existing cabinets be refreshed and incorporated in some way to save you a little? There are different grades of cabinetry available, and you won’t necessarily need the top end brand name products to get the best result for your needs, so shop around.

4. A place for everything

Of course, when you’re choosing new cabinets you’ll want to make sure that all of your kitchen storage needs are accommodated. You’ll need to consider the items that you need to access every day, and those that you’ll use rarely. Again, have a look at the options as there are plenty of elegant storage solutions on offer, or you can go more rustic with hooks for pots, or magnetic strips to make knives more accessible.

A kitchen renovation is often one of the first projects a home owner will tackle, especially in older houses. Here are some tips on how to get started.

Kitchens of distinction

7. Appliance yourself

Besides the chef, probably the hardest working aspect of the kitchen are the appliances. This is one area where you won’t want to compromise in terms of quality, as the oven/cooktop, fridge, and dishwasher will be in frequent if not constant use. And besides the basics, to make your kitchen as efficient as possible, there are now many smart home options available; a bit of work in the planning stage could revolutionise your life.

8. You have the power

Planning where power outlets need to be is of paramount importance, and not just for the large appliances. You’ll also need to have outlets for items including toasters, coffee machines, and smaller appliances that are only used occasionally - blenders, food processors, bread makers for example. Think about USB sockets too, so you can view online recipes, or watch YouTube while cooking.

9. Lighten up

Any space can be transformed through the clever use of lighting, and that’s especially true in the kitchen. Again, in the planning stage think about how the kitchen will be used and format the lighting accordingly. Task lighting is the most important as it’ll make food prep far easier, but also think about ambient lighting for those occasions you don’t want your kitchen to look like an industrial facility.

10. Foot to the floor

5. Island life

A kitchen island can become the hub of the house, a multi-use space around which the family will congregate. From food preparation, home work or home office, a breakfast bar, or just a place to hangout, it will be a much used addition. An island can also provide answers to your storage problems, incorporating shelving and drawers, or perhaps for bottles of wine.

6. Counter offensive

Perhaps one of the hardest elements to get right, but so vital to the end product, is the choice of finish for counter-tops. Besides the aesthetic appeal, they need to be particularly hard-wearing, which is why materials such as granite are largely favoured by the professionals. As ever, shop around, and pay particular attention to the cost of installation.

Like everything else, there are multiple options available when it comes to kitchen flooring. Something hardwearing and easy to clean is ideal. Stone or tile can be great, but are at the more expensive end of the spectrum. Pre-finished wood, or even wood look laminates, will give a sophisticated and durable result. Ultimately it depends on your budget, and what works with your overall design.

Planning ahead

As with all projects, the planning of a new garden is always the best place to start.

It’s no different to building a house, putting a recipe together or even trying to DIY kitchen joinery. It’s important to know where you are going, and to allow for all elements of the design to be worked on, improved and then finalised before the task is even started.

Such a lot of time and money can be wasted on bad advice and unthought out ideas, so think ahead and engage people that can help you to achieve the end result, and in the time frame you are thinking about (it’s always before Christmas).

Landscape design is very much about bringing the client, the site, and the designer together to create a garden that is truly inspirational, functional, and fits its intended use and clients wishes.

This process takes time, and in reality, can even take years to get to the end theme intended.

In today’s environment with many designers and landscape contractors busy, it is important to think ahead in this planning process.

Typically, the process starts with an onsite consultation. There is often an initial cost to meet with the client and to look over the site.

Once the brief is finalised, the landscape architect or designer will put

Roll out the green carpet

The only turf nursery in the region, Readylawn Dunedin has been producing instant turf for almost 30 years.

New homes are being built throughout coastal Otago and Southland (the areas Readylawn Dunedin covers), and landscaping is now seen as a normal part of the build.

‘‘Nothing finishes a house build project off better than a lush green lawn,’’ franchisee Fred Doherty says.

Along with new builds, there are always clients wanting to do work on their existing section, tidying up damage or changing gardens and lawns around.

Turf can be laid at any time of the year, and bare dirt can be turned into green lawn instantly.

Spring is typically busy, and there is also a rush at Christmas to get things looking great for the holidays.

Readylawn Dunedin produces hardwearing, good-looking ryegrass based ‘Sports Turf’ — a proven blend for the southern climate that copes with a bit of backyard wear-and-tear.

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together a rough sketch of the proposed design and materials palette. These are called concept plans and are not detailed specification plans, but rather an overall concept of the proposed garden. Depending on the size of the project and designer used, these plans can cost anywhere upwards of $3000.

Once the garden concept is finalised there may also be more details and added costs in building specification and planting plans; so, as you can see planning is important to ensure the process runs smoothly.

From here it’s a matter of who is carrying out the garden build, so if you have a landscape contractor in mind,

they will need to price out the work and book in the build, which under the current environment could be up to six months ahead.

Depending on the design and the build, these projects can be costly, so having a budget in mind before the project starts is a great point to start in the design process. Think of it this way, it’s no different to adding onto your house, or building a garage, it’s quite an investment, and as such having a realistic budget will allow the project to be carried out with quality materials and with professionals.

(Wayne Butson, Design + Garden Landscapes Ltd)

LATITUDE HOMES

For over 15 years, Latitude Homes have been building quality homes for Kiwis to find comfort in.

Based in our Mosgiel office and with key personnel stationed in Otago and Southland, my team and I cover the entire Lower South Island from Oamaru to Dunedin, Invercargill, Te Anau and everywhere in between, building homes to love and holiday homes to escape to. Whether its first home builders looking to maximise bang for budget, a rural family homestead to return to at the end of a hectic day, or townhouse investments in metro zones, you can trust that you’ll be handed the keys to a quality-built home that excels in the

My team will be with you for every part of your building project to help make sure everything goes to plan. From your free initial site assessment to design consultations; plan-selection; pricing; managing the consent process; full project management of the entire build; and then post-building maintenance checks, you can be reassured that your project is backed by the Master Builder Guarantee and 10-year Master Builder warrantee. Using established relationships with reliable and reputable suppliers, we have access to

for materials, ensuring we can deliver you a quality home at an affordable price. You can find the perfect look for your new build project by selecting from our wide range of plans at www.latitudehomes.co.nz. All our plans are customisable to suit your needs and lifestyle. A DIYer at heart or someone well-connected with tradespeople? Consider our Kitset service (we supply materials, you manage the build) or our Shell Build service (we build to weathertight stage, you complete the interior) as a way to both manage budget and ensure quality

DESIGN

+ BUILD

It’s important to choose a building company you can trust from day one. The Latitude Homes team are experienced, passionate, enthusiastic, and thorough. Get in touch with Latitude Homes today, where a quick chat is always the best place to start and where no question is a silly question.

(Kurt Laurie, Owner – Latitude Homes Otago/ Southland)

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A Lockwood home is purposefully designed with high performance in mind, engineered to withstand earthquakes and extreme weather events. Using locallygrown timber and manufactured right here in Aotearoa New Zealand, a Lockwood home is also kind on the planet while being equipped to adapt to a changing climate. The Lockwood System combines exceptional craftsmanship and premium materials, resulting in structures that are not only durable but also highperforming. With a harmonious blend of solid timber construction and a diverse

array of designs ranging from timeless classics to contemporary styles, Lockwood has proudly constructed homes and commercial buildings since 1951. These buildings have stood the test of time, enduring the passage of years in various locations, including Otago and the tropical South Pacific. When you entrust Lockwood to design your home, you can rest assured that style will never be compromised. The flexible building system allows for the creation of unique and stunning designs tailored to clients across the country.

Lockwood’s commitment to serving

clients has led to an expanded network of local contractors working hand in hand with customers to design and build with Lockwood. With Lockwood agents in Dunedin, Inland Canterbury, Mackenzie Country, West Coast, and Southland, the South Island network continues to grow. John Stewart, Lockwood South Island Manager of Strategic Growth and Partnerships, expresses his delight, stating, ‘‘We are thrilled with the exceptional calibre of each business in our South Island network, particularly with the addition of highly experienced Lockwood builders.

DESIGN+ BUILD

This enables us to offer customers an extensive range of high-performance housing solutions and modern living experiences’’.

For a home that prioritises sustainability, your family’s well-being, and exceptional design, Lockwood is the supreme choice. Get in touch with your local Lockwood experts, Chris and the team at Lighting Homes, Lockwood Queenstown & Central Otago, or Bill and the team at W. Hamilton Builders, Lockwood Dunedin. Phone (03) 344-0299 or visit lockwood.co.nz

Designed and built in Aotearoa New Zealand for over seventy years, Lockwood homes are expertly crafted using our unique building system. Designed with high performance in mind, engineered to stand strong in earthquakes and cyclones, and using locally-grown timber for sustainable construction, Lockwood homes are easy on the planet and built for a changing climate.

Lockwood homes – Designed for good. Contact

MILESTONE HOMES

DESIGN+ BUILD

Milestone Homes began in 2003 when a group of passionate house builders combined their decades of knowledge and experience to establish a new brand.

They took the Milestone offer to the New Zealand market with a selection of home plans that were carefully designed, costed, and crafted. These proved a popular choice for new home clients and since then hundreds of Milestone Homes have been built all around New Zealand, from the far north to the deep south.

Milestone Homes prides themselves on building functional, attractive and desirable homes delivered on time and on budget, while providing an exceptional building experience for their clients.

In the words of Franchisor, Nigel Smith, “We are so privileged to have been trusted to share

these important Milestone moments with our customers. Not only do we build homes but we build lasting relationships”.

Plans and specifications are regularly reviewed by the team to make sure these are up to date with trends and materials, and offer very good value for money. All the products that go into their new homes are carefully selected from trusted brands and the team has a strong focus on using New Zealand manufacturers and suppliers.

Milestone Homes Otago are excited to present their brand new showhome now open seven days at 6 Silverdale Place Mosgiel. The floor

Magnolia Lane, 219 Gladstone Road North, Mosgiel

• 8 quality Milestone Homes House and Land packages

• Priced from $870,000

• Choose your section

• Choose your plan

• Fully serviced sites

Conveniently located just off Wingatui Road in Mosgiel, Magnolia Lane is perfectly situated for peaceful views of surrounding hills, yet it is only a few minutes drive to the bustling Mosgiel town centre. Sunny, sheltered and with level sites –Magnolia Lane is the perfect lifestyle choice for your new easy care home.

Date.

plan is from the standard plan range and is an inspiring home that ticks a lot of boxes. You will love the open plan living, indoor/outoor flow, spacious three bedrooms, stylish bathroom and ensuite, and the generous double garage with appealing walk-thru laundry. Located in prestigious Highland Park subdivision amongst other quality homes, a visit to 6 Silverdale Place is a must for anyone thinking of building.

New Home Consultant Christian Lambert is proud to be part of the ongoing success story of Milestone Homes Otago. Having developed a real passion for new homes over many years, and picking up several real estate awards along the

way, Christian is well placed to give you sound advice.

He will listen carefully to fully understand your needs, explore options with you, and tailor the perfect solution for you and your family. His friendly, assured manner will put you at ease, and combined with his knowledge and expertise you will know that you and your home plans are in good hands.

Christian’s passion, excellent communication and attention to detail are what you deserve. He looks forward to meeting you soon.

If you’re considering building now or in the future, get in touch with Milestone Homes Otago

Mopanui

DESIGN+

MOPANUI STUDIOS

Mopanui Studios was established in 2014. Our emphasis has always been on smaller quality housing, and still is.

We have evolved into a place where people can come with an idea and we can very quickly have them looking at a 3D model of their concept. Or they can choose from our range of ready to go plans.

Our houses are all designed and engineered here in Dunedin, and then manufactured in Europe to our specifications. They are solid timber houses using sustainable harvested Scandinavian Spruce, and fitted out with high quality German Rehau uPVC windows and doors. We are now offering triple glazed windows and doors as standard on all our houses.

We have a fast turn around, and our pricing on all house kits is fixed on order, so there are no surprises for clients on materials. All our kitchens and bathroom fixtures and fittings are sourced from local suppliers to individual requirements.

Specialising in two bedroom houses around 60m2, we can also offer larger housing, including multi-level buildings. We are able to produce multiple numbers of buildings at one time, given the state of the art manufacturing technology used in production we are well placed in providing solutions to those that have a need for multiple units.

Using natural materials has always been something we have liked to work with, and with solid timber homes, we have a product that is not only warm and comfortable, but natural and chemical free.

As a true kitset, clients have a number of options. They can choose their own builder, or use someone we can recommend. We are also finding more clients doing self builds with technical support from Mopanui. Time on the work site is drastically reduced, with our 60m2 units often having walls up, windows and doors in, roof on, within a couple of weeks!

We take care of all the drafting and design,

Nature’s Creation, Designed for Living

engineering, and obtaining consent. We can project manage the whole job, or do it yourself. We pride ourselves in being solution based, with our clients needs at the forefront of the decision making process.

One of our most popular solutions is as a second house for a family flat. This adds equity to the property, provides quality housing for the more mature members of the family, and usually means less debt, and more options later on.

Overall, you can’t beat natural timber, quality German joinery, fixed price solutions, fast build times, engineered products, and can do attitudes.

(Daniel Monckton, Mopanui Studios)