Off-grid riverside dream

Tauranga I Bay of Plenty

Crafting a collection of luxury cabins in native bush along the banks of the Omanawa River has become a career highlight for two builder brothers.

R & M Way Builders Limited principals, Mike and Steve Way, project managed the construction in a remote location near Tauranga. “Building off-grid with all modern conveniences, in a challenging location, was a huge learning curve for everyone,” says Mike. “We spent months creating a 2.5 kilometre track over steep terrain to access the site.”

To realise the owner’s dream of a self-sufficient eco retreat with all the comforts of home, the four Japanese cedar clad cabins maximise energy efficiency, yet still feature hot showers, flushable toilets, and underfloor heating. “Wide soffits, thicker walls and insulation, and cork flooring regulate temperatures inside,” says Mike.

Mike and Steve’s detailing skills were needed to line the ceilings and walls with birch ply without using skirtings or architraves, and to build in vanities, shelving, and kitchen cabinetry.

Extensive research and engineering were required to operate exclusively off-grid. “We constructed frames to hold solar panels, and utility sheds to accommodate the generators, inverters, batteries, water pump, and filters,” says Mike. A helicopter airlifted in two 15,000 litre rainwater tanks and a firewater tank double the size.

The owners say Mike and Steve’s problem solving is rare. “They embraced every challenge. Their attention to detail and quality workmanship are unrivalled.”

“Watercliff was a special project for the Way Builders team: an unforgettable experience. We feel very privileged to have been involved,” says Mike.

NZCB Member ⁄ Mike Way

www.waybuilders.co.nz