Build & Renovate 12

ISSUE TWELVE 2015 $6.95

INCL GST

FINISHING TOUCHES EXTERIOR STATEMENT MAKERS

Outdoor wonders

Creating great outside spaces

IS BIGGER REALLY BETTER? Why size does matter

PRACTICAL PRODUCTS

that add value

Integrating contemporary design into a well mannered villa

If you want advice on how to create that great kitchen, bathroom or laundry in your home – Edward Gibbon are the people to see.

- Plumbline Egg Bath

In today’s home arguably the most used and abused spaces are the kitchens, bathrooms and laundries, as they bear the brunt of the worst punishment modern families can inflict.

But if they are well designed, with good fittings and appliances then what a difference they can make to day-to-day life!

It is here where expert advice can make all the difference and one of the best places to get this very thing is Edward Gibbon Plumbing Plus. If you want advice on how to create that great kitchen, bathroom or laundry in your home – these are the people to see.

Showroom: 293 Cranford St, St Albans, Christchurch | 03 366 7137 75 Kingsley St, Sydenham, Christchurch | 03 366 7199 www.edwardgibbon.co.nz

Cover image provided courtesy of COS Design. www.cosdesign.com.au

ISSUE TWELVE 2015

This issue

8

6 Outdoor wonders Creating great outside spaces

www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz

8 Finishing touches

HEAD OFFICE

Exterior statement makers

2 Ivan Jamieson Place Christchurch Airport Christchurch 8053

12 Flat out Setting the tone for your home’s entire look

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gary Collins

GENERAL MANAGER OF OPERATIONS

16 Direct connections

Kylie Palermo

A Sheppard & Rout wonder oozing space and style

NATIONAL SALES & DEVELOPMENT MANAGER Clive Greenwood

22 The house on the harbour

ADMINISTRATION

Integrating contemporary design into a well mannered villa

Stacey Coy Angela Barltrop Laura McLeod Lyn Wright

25 Safety tips when you go on holiday Quick tips before you walk out the door

Phone: 03 961 5050 Email: admin@academy.net.nz

SALES & ADVERTISING

26 Is bigger really better?

Grant Williams Chris Graves Melissa Sinclair Tina Aiono

Why size does matter

22

NEWSROOM Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Laura Hall JOURNALISTS Terri Cluckie

29 Home solutions Practical products that add value

30 Degrees of sheen All gloss paints aren’t made the same

Phone: 03 961 5098 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

PRODUCTION

32 It’s all in the detail

Jarred Shakespeare ART DIRECTOR Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Betman LEAD DESIGNER Olivia O’Callaghan GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Alyssa Watson

33 Protecting your pool

Phone: Email:

03 961 5077 | 0800 555 097 production@academy.net.nz

6,781 printed copies

ABC circulation as at 30/06/15

Scan the QR code to check us out at www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz

A kitchen bit that adds luxury without compromising functionality

16

Simple steps to de-hassle maintenance

DISCLAIMER: A cancellation fee of 25% may be charged if the booking is cancelled after the sales cut off date. Your Media Consultant will be able to provide that information if you aren’t aware of it.

Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. A-Mark Publishing expressly disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2012 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

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Cover story

OUTDOOR WONDERS

By Laura Baker | Images provided courtesy of COS Design. www.cosdesign.com.au

Entertaining outdoors with family and friends is a hallmark of the great kiwi summer.

But our wants and needs of our outdoor living areas have evolved far past the humble deck.

We are now seeing a trend moving towards multi-purpose outdoor living areas that are not only practical, but also incredibly stylish.

Spring is the best time to elevate your backyard into the ultimate outdoor living area. Whether your dream backyard has an emphasis on entertaining or relaxation now is the time to get stuck into a garden makeover.

Award winning garden and landscape designer, Sandra Batley is the managing director of Flourish Garden Concepts.

She talks with Build & Renovate Today about how to create an outdoor oasis.

What are the essential elements to incorporate into any outdoor living space?

The essentials are practical things like a seating area that is big enough to incorporate an outdoor dining table and a barbeque that people can move around effortlessly.

Shelter from the rain and protection from the sun in the form of an outdoor umbrella, pergola or shade sail.

6 | B&R

Privacy is also very important, especially in high density residential zones. This can be created with careful strategic planting, screens and other hard landscaping features. Important but not essential is outdoor lighting and irrigation.

It is also common to see cost cutting on essential elements such good drainage and ground prep.

Best piece of advice for those embarking on a garden makeover?

Keep the design simple but above all functional; don’t fall for fads or quick fixes.

Get a plan which really excites you and fits your budget. You’re better to choose high-end materials that last the test of time.

Work with a designer to help you get those ideas out of your head and onto paper.

Get a master plan created personally for you, so you can work on it yourself as funds and time become available, or get priced up by a reputable landscape contractor.

Remember the plan is only as good as the execution.

What is the most common mistake people make when renovating their outdoor space?

People under estimate the amount of time, work and money it takes to create a great looking outdoor space. Most people think they can do the work themselves instead of paying for a professional. They tend to make costly mistakes and end up with a really bad result.

What is the key to creating a stylish and functional outdoor living area?

What are some simple steps to enhance a deck from drab to fab?

Simply, clean sand and stain especially if it’s looking worst for wear. A fresh coat of stain can do wonders, but do a test first! Dress up the deck with stylish pots and beautiful plants and outdoor furniture.

What outdoor items are overrated?

It depends on your wants. Some clients spend a lot of money on spas, water features or swimming pools and never using them.

To find out more about Sandra Batley and Flourish Garden Concepts, visit: WWW.FLOURISHGARDENS.CO.NZ

Cover story

Image provided by Apex Landscapes. www.apexlandscapes.com.au

B&R | 7

Cover story

FINISHING TOUCHES Bits and pieces to make any outdoor setting spring to life

LITTLE HIGHLIGHTS

By Terri Cluckie

When renovating your garden, you may opt for potted plants which you can spread around your outdoor area with ease. These hanging planters are made of high-fibre coloured porcelain and are a great way to house your plants in style without using up any floor space. They are available in a range of colours so you can alternate for a mix-match look.

Just hanging This Domo Dedon hanging nest rest might just be what dreams are made of. Create a little nook of heaven in your garden by either hanging it from a tree or sitting it on a base which you can buy from Domo separately. Relaxing in the shade while spring rolls in never looked so good.

www.greenwithenvy.co.nz RRP: $89

www.domo.co.nz RRP: POA

LOUNGING ABOUT This little number is an ideal answer to prayers for the perfect lounger for a newly spruced up garden.

Its neutral tones allow it to blend well into any design you have chosen for your outdoor area, while adding luxury and comfort for chilled out days in the sun. www.domo.co.nz RRP: POA

8 | B&R

Tuning out No outdoor area is complete without some form of entertainment and nothing sets the scene quite like a bit of background music. This Bluetooth speaker is perfect for the outdoors because it wirelessly streams music from any Bluetooth enabled device, meaning you can hook up your music without the clutter or fear of damaging devices while sitting them outside.

It’s made of durable silicon so is sturdy enough for the garden and comes in a range of colours to suit your style. www.greenwithenvy.co.nz RRP: $110

Cover story

LIGHT MY FIRE

Just cooking

ITALIAN DESIGN FOR A KIWI WAY OF LIFE.

Make your outdoor barbeque area even more beautiful, original and practical with the Ronda Outdoor Kitchen components.

The Ronda range guarantees protection against the external elements such as temperature and bacterial agents thanks to the quality of the stainless steel. It is easy to use plus it is dust, insect and waterproof and totally hygienic thanks to its insulating shell. www.trendzoutdoors.co.nz RRP: POA

No outdoor setting would be complete without some form of wood burning feature. Even though it’s spring, we still need a source of heat when enjoying the outdoors and what is better than kicking back and lounging in front of a fire? This fireplace by Buschbeck also doubles up as a pizza oven or BBQ when using the optional accessories, making it the ultimate combination of convenience and luxury. www.buschbeckgrills.com RRP: $2,399

ENLIGHTENING Vintage lighting has made a strong come back in both the house and garden recently. This set from Green With Envy is available in both 10 metres and 20 metres in length and can be hung along a fence, wrapped around trees or even within a marquee or canopy for the perfect party atmosphere. www.greenwithenvy.co.nz RRP: $139 for 10m, $270 for 20m

B&R | 9

Landscaping

Choosing the right landscaper for your place The landscaping industry in New Zealand is unregulated and has probably got more than its fair share of cowboys and girls, so where do you start if you are intending to carry out any landscaping and want the peace of mind that you are engaging a professional?

The Landscape Industries Association of New Zealand, known as Landscaping New Zealand, is an association of landscaping professionals who choose to differentiate themselves from the masses and show their commitment to professional practice. As an accredited member of Landscaping New Zealand, businesses have been put through a rigorous accreditation process to allow them to use the Landscaping New Zealand brand.

The accreditation process not only accesses skill, but also business

practices. These include contracts, insurance and occupational health and safety policies. Credit checks are also carried out.

Once accepted, accredited members are bound by Landscaping New Zealand’s Constitution, Code of Conduct and Environmental Policies.

Landscaping New Zealand also has a complaints and disciplinary procedure that it takes very seriously.

All documents and information about accredited members in your area can be viewed on the

Landscaping New Zealand website, www.lianz.org.nz One of the most important issues is for you, the client, to feel confident and comfortable with the professionals you choose. Many accredited designers work closely with other accredited landscape

construction companies, and vice versa. You will also find companies that provide full design and build services.

Now you are on track with finding the right landscaping professional for your proposed project, but where to next? The more ideas you gather, thought that you put

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Landscaping

into your wish list, what you want your new outdoor space to achieve, and how you want it to function for you, the better.

Don’t get distracted by how this will be achieved - that is the designer’s job. Most designers work with a client brief, so this must be well thought through, and a professional will guide you through this process.

Be prepared to pay for professional advice, design drawings and plans appropriate for your project. Appropriate drawings will allow you to see the potential outcome and allow a contractor to accurately price your project. Also, be prepared to wait for the right professionals.

Your outdoor spaces and garden is an asset that will increase in value just like your home, and will add considerable value to your property if they are well designed, constructed and maintained.

“

Your outdoor spaces and garden is an asset that will increase in value just like your home, and will add considerable value to your property if they are well designed, constructed and maintained.

”

The cost of seeking professional advice and drawings is in most instances only a very small percentage of the overall cost of the project and will save on costly mistakes.

The cost of a consultation with a designer is around the equivalent of one square metre of mistake with paving, and six to eight inappropriate plants from the garden centre.

While you are on our website also look at the products and services available from our primary partner Allied Concrete, industry partner Firth Masonry Products, supporting partners Resene, Prebble Seed, HomePlus and all of our allied members.

Do it once, do it right. Choose an accredited Landscaping New Zealand professional for your next project.

Article provided by Lynn Cairney, president of Landscaping New Zealand. www.lianz.org.nz

Designing and creating Award Winning quality & style to Christchurch Gardens since 1987.

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B&R | 11

Interior design

Flat out

By Ann-Marie Appleton

Flooring makes a big impact to our lives and it is such a huge subject to cover, as there is so much to choose from – carpet, tiles and hardwood seem to be the most popular options, but you can have cork, vinyl, laminate, linoleum, bamboo, rubber, glass tiles, and don’t forget the humble rug, which can be the cherry on top of the flooring cake!

Since the floor is usually the largest surface in a home, it lays the foundation for the entire look of the space, in terms of —colour, style, texture, and pattern.

A new floor can be a huge investment, so you will want a surface that will last for years.

Your floor choice is about balancing your needs with your style and your budget.

Take your time and make an effort to find out from the professionals what is available to you now, as it maybe sometime since you last made any flooring decisions or purchases.

We always start the interior design process with the flooring and work our way up when clients are building a new home.

For clients who are replacing flooring, we will need to take into account their current style, furniture and accessories.

Here are some considerations we discuss with our clients to help them make an informed decision:

• Will you be standing in the kitchen for hours cooking and baking?

• Do your young children and all their friends make a huge mess on the floor and you are looking for something that can be cleaned easily?

• Know what you like and what is your lifestyle?

• Do your dogs and cats track muddy paw prints throughout the house?

• Do you like the feel and look of a hard timber floor?

• Think about the acoustics too, as tiles can be very noisy in a busy household.

• Think about what you like and just as importantly, what you dislike in terms of textures

Keep an eye on the budget. Remember that along with the cost of the floor material, you may need to incorporate the cost of underlay, delivery, and installation, as well as removal and disposal of your previous flooring.

• Would you prefer to be ‘ankle deep’ in thick carpet?

• Do you prefer the sleek lines of ceramic or porcelain tiles?

Most people like a combination of two different types of flooring i.e. carpet and tiles for kitchen and wet areas. As a rule, select no more than three different types of flooring – it will look very disjointed if you do, especially in a smaller home.

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You also need to think about how you use the rooms.

Don’t forget to factor in any additional materials such as under-floor heating, timber stains or special finishing treatments.

Ann-Marie Appleton is the director of interior design company Frobisher Interiors. She holds a diploma in interior design and is a member of DINZ. Visit www.frobisher.co.nz

TAKE THAT NEXT STEP & ADVERTISE!

Contact us on: (03) 961 5176 | www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz

The kitchen has traditionally been described as the heart of the home, now the local Christchurch branch of Moda Kitchens is transforming this all-important space into a personalised haven, designed to meet the specific needs of your renovation or new build project.

Then we have our ‘modular’ range, which is a value flat pack option and is great for local builders and building firms.

With a unique offering of three pricing systems, the company can meet your needs, no matter what your budget, manager proprietor Roger Symes says.

“We cover everything from design and manufacture through to installation from the one location – with designers who can consult with the client, a showroom to demonstrate what they’re getting and the manufacturing plant to give them what they want and expect.”

“Our top of the range kitchens are our ‘custom’ range, for discerning clients who really know what they want - this offers a full design consultation process.

That’s followed by the ‘smart’ range, which is still a custom solution but offers a great value solution.

“The kitchen is the busiest part of the home,” Roger says. “But for many people this space simply isn’t performing for them.”

Whether you’re building or renovating, Moda Kitchens has the ability to design your kitchen around your needs.

Highly experienced kitchen design professionals can design your kitchen to meet your lifestyle, rather than fitting your lifestyle into your existing kitchen.

Sophisticated technology offering a seamless process from design to manufacture ensures delivery time is kept to a minimum – generally between three to four weeks from order.

Moda not only provides kitchens, but has the capability to offer laundries, wardrobes and even does some vanities. “As a joinery manufacturer we have the capabilities to produce almost any item,” Roger says.

“We also do renovations and carry out just as many kitchen renovations as we do new builds, with a free client consultation as part of the service.

“People are generally going for a clean, crisp white look, or mixing it up with the combination of white and black.

We’re predominantly seeing the white bench tops against light cabinetry, or dark cabinetry contrasted against the white bench tops,” Roger says.

“Another key trend coming through from Europe is thinner bench tops and people are starting to look for bench tops with a 20-30mm thickness now. They’re looking for the clean minimalistic look with strong continuous lines and that’s also coming through in the popularity of handle-less options in the cabinetry.”

Visit us at the Canterbury Homeshow 16-18 October 9 Klondyke Drive, Hornby Christchurch | 0800 466 632 |

www.moda.co.nz

Building solutions

Insulation alone doesn’t guarantee

a healthy home

By Philip O’Sullivan

Improving insulation in older homes has been a Government priority for some time and more recently a poorly insulated home has been associated with a death of a child.

There are always demands for immediate answers in such situations and top of this list is insulation; as though this alone creates a healthy home.

Recent moves by Government help reinforce this belief: “Housing Minister Nick Smith has announced plans to strengthen residential tenancy laws, including requirements for landlords to provide smoke alarms and insulation, and to declare the standard of insulation on tenancy agreements”.

&

WARM AND DRY Frequently with insulation we hear the term “warm and dry”. Obviously insulation helps to maintain warmth, but does not necessarily mean a dry home.

My parents were both raised in large families in uninsulated houses of the time – one a bungalow and the other a villa. Today we would class these overcrowded and unhealthy homes, but they managed to thrive despite the state of the housing and being raised during the depression.

So what’s changed? During some of our building surveys utilising internal air testing, we notice an abundance of airborne skin flakes, which generally correlates with poor ventilation.

So, as a local company servicing Cantabrians in the re-build of Christchurch, we are committed to the safety of your staff.

And when you deal with us you’re dealing with the owner, which means you receive a superior and speedy service – every time.

WE ARE DEDICATED TO THE SAFETY OF YOUR STAFF, CONTRACTORS AND THE PUBLIC. With more than 20 years’ experience in the construction sector

we are well aware of the needs of the industry. This means we realise how important the safety of your best asset – your staff – is to you and your company’s future.

Our extensive construction knowledge ensures we understand local compliance issues and we realise how critical your deadlines are and we guarantee to be on time. – check out our Secureguarantee.

Secureguarantee • We guarantee to beat any written quote by 10% • We guarantee to return all quotes within 48 hours otherwise you will receive the first week rental FREE of charge!

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2 Ivan Jamieson Place, Christchurch Airport, Christchurch 8053, NZ

Building solutions We know that modern houses are much more airtight than the draughty old villas and bungalows in which my parents were raised. We also notice in houses and schools a reluctance to open windows, especially during the colder months.

VENTILATION This is not surprising given buildings are now better insulated and heated.

As internal temperatures increase, occupants become reluctant to open windows, letting cold air in and all that lovely warm air out.

There are also security concerns and different social patterns meaning many homes are left locked and unoccupied during the day, while others are occupied for extended periods.

When temperature rises, relative humidity drops, which is desirable, but then more moisture is able to be absorbed

into the air from cooking, showering and drying clothes.

So, without ventilation, when temperatures drop, more severe condensation occurs.

In certain circumstances this can be extreme. An owner of a two storey home in a shady location experienced this. At around 3am she would awake to find her bedding coated in condensation.

The house was well insulated and had an efficient wood-fire.

She dried her clothing on a rack in the lounge in the evening.

Bedrooms were upstairs and were lovely and warm, but as the house cooled down, around 3am the dew point was reached and all surfaces were suddenly coated with water. The simple cure was to install a trickle vent to let the worst of the warm humid air escape before she went to bed.

We are achieving better ventilation with range hoods, clothes-dryers and extract vents,

if they vent to the outside.

However, in older villas and bungalows, garden beds are raised and timber decks often are added. These can block subfloor ventilation and feed damp subdeck air into subfloors.

A damp subfloor means a damp house. Increasing heating, because the house feels cold, can exacerbate the situation as explained above.

OPENING WINDOWS? As our mothers knew, windows were made to be opened! The best time during colder months is the middle of the day, when internal and external temperatures can be at their closest.

I suspect windows are now mainly opened during the summer for cooling and kept firmly shut during winter.

So our requirements for opening windows in housing may well belong to a bygone era, but still suit many.

MECHANICAL VENTILATION Mechanical ventilation may well be the answer, but not all mechanical systems are equal. The best systems include heat exchanges, so extracted warm air warms incoming cooler air, air filtration and positive pressure to minimise infiltration of unfiltered air.

So if this is your preference, look for websites that explain rather than sell, and provide useful information rather, than endless testimonials.

Philip O’Sullivan is the director of Prendos New Zealand Limited and a past-president of NZIBS. Article provided courtesy of Frank Wiemann, member of the executive, New Zealand Institute of Building Surveyors.

For more information visit: www.buildingsurveyors.co.nz or call 0800 11 34 00.

B&R | 15

Hot home

DIRECT CONNECTIONS

By Davina Richards

Separation of space doesn’t necessarily mean a lack of connectivity. This home seeks to maximise flexibility by carefully choosing certain architectural moves which allow the building to almost ‘expand and contract’ in response to a growing family.

Designed by Sheppard & Rout Architects, the architecture is in the statement of space and interior planning with direct connections.

What was the design brief?

The design brief was for an informal family home with flexibility of living spaces to suit a growing family. The three children at time of building were all pre-school age, but a key part of the brief was to allow enough space for the family to grow.

How did you achieve this?

The main living areas while generally open plan, allow for a flexibility of use hinged around the central family kitchen area. The family living area has a direct relationship to the kitchen however changes in ceiling level and volume provide a notional separation.

Large sliding doors separate the formal living room and the media room, which allow for maximum flexibility. Smaller periphery spaces such as window seats and a study recess allow for a slight separation while still connected to family activities. The first floor bedrooms provide a sanctuary, connected by an open stair void / light well in the core of the house.

16 | B&R

Which materials were used?

Does ‘green’ design come into this home?

Materials used include plastered precast concrete, a basalt stone entry wall which continues into the interior of the house, and cedar cladding finished in wood oil. The structure of the house is predominantly commercial in nature, including concrete and steel framed first floor however, the intention was to use quality natural materials in a form which relate to the local context and style of traditional timber framed homes in the area.

While sustainable principles in terms of building materials were not a key driver to the design, effective building orientation allows for solar gain and storage in the concrete elements of the structure.

A geothermal heating system is a key feature, with ground source coils under the tennis court converted to a water heated ground floor slab and radiators to the bedroom level.

How is outdoor entertaining integrated into the design?

A high level of craftsmanship and attention to detail of material junctions, from both a design and construction perspective.

There are two distinct outdoor living areas which have strong connections from the interior. The tennis court to the east of the house is connected via a large tiled morning terrace, while an outdoor living area opens via large sliding doors to the northeast.

The outdoor living courtyard is enclosed by the basalt entry walls with a bbq/fire/ entertaining area with operable louvers in a steel frame above.

What makes this house special?

Contractor: Mark Prosser Builders Kitchen: Ingrid Geldof Design Interior design: Furnish Scene Project manager: Cequent Sheppard & Rout Architects Ltd www.sheprout.com

Healthy homes

Homes designed for

easy breathing

Asthma New Zealand’s Breathe Easy programme recognises products, such as Autex Industries’ GreenStuf insulation, that are beneficial for people with asthma.

All Breathe Easy approved products have been developed by reputable companies who are dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of their customers.

Asthma New Zealand provides free advice, information and products to families affected by asthma. They offer simple, effective strategies to help manage asthma, and work alongside GPs to educate and support local communities towards better health outcomes, helping to prevent long term damage and illnesses like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), which can arise as a result of uncontrolled asthma symptoms.

The Breathe Easy programme allows people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to make informed choices to keep themselves, their families and their homes healthy, while recognising the integrity of trusted New Zealand brands.

Autex Industries is one of the selected suppliers Asthma New Zealand has partnered with to help people with asthma choose products to allow them healthier lifestyles.

Autex Industries’ innovative GreenStuf insulation has been independently assessed

by Asthma New Zealand, and is considered to be safer for Kiwis living with asthma.

Made from 100 percent pure polyester, GreenStuf insulation is the leader in environmentally friendly insulation. It’s made in New Zealand using recycled content and is also recyclable at the end of its life, so it’s great for our environment.

GreenStuf users will experience better indoor air quality, as it doesn’t contain any added chemicals or fibres that can be breathed into the lungs - a must for those with respiratory conditions. It’s also safe to the touch and doesn’t require any protective clothing to handle.

Asthma New Zealand’s Breathe Easy partnership programme allows businesses

“

The Breathe Easy programme allows people with asthma and other respiratory conditions to make informed choices to keep themselves, their families and their homes healthy.

to demonstrate their point of difference, and have their products recognised by those in the health industry.

Breathe Easy partners are given priority when advertising in Asthma New Zealand’s quarterly O2 magazine, which is read by over 6,000 people, including many in education and healthcare. There are a variety of partnership options to suit your businesses needs.

”

If you’re interested in getting involved in the Breathe Easy programme, contact Linda Thompson, chief executive of Asthma New Zealand, at (09) 623 0236, or email LindaT@asthma.org.nz

From residential to commercial, kitchens and bathrooms to staircases and more, we’ve got you covered. With such a full range of joinery services available we are virtually a one-stop-shop whatever your needs.

Our Joinery Services Include: • Solid Timber Joinery • Interior Doors • Wardrobes & Shelving • Kitchens & Laundries

• Entry Doors, Exterior Doors & Windows • Stairs & Hand Rails • Bathroom Vanities • Lounge Entertainment Units

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C: 027 239 2934 W: www.mhj.co.nz

B&R | 21

Design concepts

THE HOUSE

ON THE HARBOUR

European styling, world-class functionality.

The Horizon

Affordable solutions that look great, keep you safe and warm and are environmentally friendly.

The NK Windows System is a high-performance European uPVC windows and door system, out-performing any thermally broken aluminium joinery on the market.

Phone 03 344 3126 22 | B&R

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Design concepts

An empty site on a north facing slope, looking across Herne Bay towards the Waitamata Harbour, presented a rare opportunity for a contemporary reconception of the villa archetype which typifies the surrounds.

‘The house in Herne Bay’ integrates contemporary New Zealand ideals, design and construction, while maintaining much of the language and posture of the well mannered villa.

This contemporary concrete construct is sculpturally formed over three levels: garaging is excavated below; the upper level sits recessively beneath a

hipped roof; the mid-level is boldly expressed by the horizontal composition of weatherboard impressed concrete fins. These fins abstract the traditional street veranda, while aiding control of privacy and light into the spaces within.

Architect: Daniel Marshall Architects, marshall-architect.co.nz Designers: Daniel Marshall, Mike Hartley, Cameron Pollock, David Edwards Location: Herne Bay, Auckland, New Zealand Photographers: Ernie Shackles, Simon Devitt Key materials: Concrete, Zinc, Travertine

Programme is arranged about a central northern positioned exterior core which orientates the house towards the sun, provides outdoor living, a view of the Waitamata beyond and creates a vertical link between all levels of the dwelling.

While the living spaces are open to the exterior core, bespoke cabinetry and fireplaces creates a variety of interior spaces.

Living spaces are both grandeur yet intimate, much like the street facing rooms of the traditional villa.

Online Design & Build Christchurch South

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Home security

SAFETY TIPS WHEN YOU GO ON HOLIDAY

Before you head out the door for that great summer getaway, take a little time to ensure you’ve done what you can to protect your home while you’re away.

Tidy up around the house

Ensure anything that could help thieves break into your house are all safely stored in the garage, such as ladders, axes, hammers and saws.

Lock it up Double check that you’ve locked all doors and windows, set the alarm and haven’t forgotten about the garage.

Turn down the ring tone on your phone Nothing says ‘nobody’s home’ like a long, loud, unanswered phone ringing.

Be careful who you tell Don’t announce your vacation plans on social media sites and don’t advertise your absence on your phone answering machine.

Also, only post travel pictures when you are back.

Cancel your newspaper Another sign that screams ‘we’re away’ is newspapers piled up on your doorstep or driveway.

Disconnect electronics

Ask a friend or neighbour to help

Unplug TV sets, stereos, computers and other electronics or ensure they are plugged into a surge protector.

Tell a trusted neighbour that you are going away and arrange for them to collect your mail, because an overflowing mailbox says the same thing a collection of newspapers does – ‘we’re not here, so come on in and help yourself’.

Make your home look lived in Remove valuables from clear sight and leave curtains and blinds as they would normally be, because noticeable changes in your home’s typical appearance hint that you are away.

Also consider using light switch timers that turn lights on and off automatically.

If you’re going to be away for an extended period, you may want to ask a friend or neighbour to pop over once a week to check on things. Also make sure that they know how to reach you if something happens.

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Architecture

Is bigger really better?

By Cymon Allfrey and Craig South

When it comes to home building, architects Cymon Allfrey and Craig South offer an insight into why size does matter.

When we talk about size, what does this mean in the home environment?

CA: Size is all about the utilisation of space.

It is believed that we only occupy a small percentage of the space that we build for ourselves. Meaning we are designing and building homes that are often too big, or have been designed without correct consideration of the family needs – resulting in large spaces, or areas of the home being under used, or only relevant to our needs very occasionally.

How does a designer impact space in the home?

CA: Over the last five years there has been a shift towards the value an architect or designer brings to a project and the value of space. More and more homebuilders are beginning to see the importance of quality and space, rather than just size.

CS: An architect or an architectural designer allows your floor plan to be crafted in such a way that it is able to expand and interact with your needs. For example, areas of the house could be able to be separated for particular uses, such as the second formal lounge or media room. Where nine out of 10 times you would require every-day open-plan living quarters, for that one in 10 situation you have a secondary space in which to entertain, chat and watch the rugby. Equally, you want the design of your home to age with your family needs. While it might be a play room now, it could easily be a formal lounge later.

26 | B&R

Can spaces have more than one use?

CS: Absolutely. It is essential when considering multiple uses that the space is orientated correctly within the floor plan – for a second lounge to function effectively it needs to be within close proximity to the rest of the living areas, not at the far end of the hall.

CA: Pay equal importance to the hierarchy of spaces so that the third bedroom can easily be adapted to be used as a study if need be.

Ensuring it has multiple uses and is not simply the third bedroom because it is a dim, dingy area on the south side of the house.

What are the benefits of considering space?

“

When designing your new home your focus needs to be on crafting well considered, well utilised spaces, rather than keeping up with the Joneses.

Design to your requirements.

If it is too big, or too small, your floor plan won’t work for you.

- CRAIG SOUTH

CS: Good design has the foresight to allow for expanse without compromise, as it achieves a resolved space, ticking the boxes for both your short term and long-term needs.

CA: A lot of people come in with a brief for today. How their family lives now, or with reference to occasions - how to deal with guests at Christmas and so forth. There is often a lack of understanding around time and future needs. Life changes, and so when thinking about building you need to ensure you are catering and preparing for the future not just the odd current occasion.

How important is it to design for resale?

CA: When it comes to designing for resale, one thing to consider is that we are all similar in the way that we live; requirements for washing, cleaning and cooking are present in all builds, irrespective of the family unit.

Our basic needs are the same so generally what works for you, will work for others.

”

CS: It is also important to consider how long a fit out of a home lasts, both in terms of functionality and aesthetics. Kitchens and bathrooms will need to undergo a modernisation at some point, so when we talk about resale and future buyers it pays to ask yourself how far away is the future?

So is bigger better?

CS: No, but that is not to say that smaller is better either. When designing your new home your focus needs to be on crafting well considered, well utilised spaces, rather than keeping up with the Joneses. Design to your requirements. If it is too big, or too small, your floor plan won’t work for you.

VISIT: WWW.CAARC.CO.NZ

Asbestos

MANAGING ASBESTOS IN YOUR PROPERTY Asbestos management has become an ongoing problem in New Zealand and without the information and support we can offer, it may become a crisis.

Asbestos Assessors New Zealand (AANZ) was established to aid in the identification of asbestos via assessments and testing. Our detailed reports provide valuable information that can be used to safeguard workers and people in the vicinity of asbestos-containing materials. We are a New Zealandbased company dedicated to keeping you and your family safe.

The term asbestos refers to six naturally occurring fibrous

minerals found in the veins of certain types of rocks.

Though microscopic, the fibres are incredibly durable, fire resistant and immune to most chemical attacks.

Due to these qualities, asbestos has been used in building materials in New Zealand since the early twentieth century such as cement, boarding, soffits, stippled areas, claddings and many other commonly used building products. It is impossible to know whether or not materials contain asbestos without an assessment and subsequent asbestos testing being completed.

However, asbestos is only a hazard when in its raw form or when an asbestos-containing material is damaged.

Once the asbestos fibres become friable, or are released into the air, they are easily inhaled and ingested and can make their way down the windpipe and into different areas of the lungs. The adverse effects of asbestos are linked to the amount of exposure and the length of time the person was exposed.

The issues of asbestos exposure throughout the country have been worrisome due to a lack of knowledge about this hazardous material. We provide information regarding possible locations of asbestos in your home, associated health risks, facts and figures and links to key sources of legal information about asbestos on our website.

If you are interested in finding out more about AANZ Canterbury or if you are concerned that you might have asbestos in your home, get in touch today for a special deal on our inspections by mentioning this article. Visit our website, www.asbestosassessors.co.nz, or give us a call on 0800 222 092.

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ASBESTOS AUDITING EXPERTS If you're concerned that a material in your property may contain asbestos and is posing a health risk the best thing to do is arrange for a specialist to identify it.

If you are planning on undertaking refurbishment or demolition work at your property it is important that you know where asbestos in your property may be located.

If you are planning on accepting a cash pay-out for your property be sure to have asbestos testing carried out first so that the insurers can include the cost of asbestos removals in your payment rather than you having to cover the cost.

The inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibres is linked to several life threatening diseases. $225 + GST for an assessment including one sample For more information give us a call on 0800 222 092 or check out our website at www.asbestosassessors.co.nz

B&R | 27

Safety at heights

Where do we park the ambulance?

For some the parking space for the ambulance is at the bottom of the cliff. Well it’s much better to have a fence at the top of the cliff. Ponder that.

In the media recently there has been plenty of noise about the costs associated with preventing falls from height.

There were accusations of these controls costing hundreds of millions of dollars annually and there have been no gains in productivity.

The hundreds of millions of dollars annually is a gross exaggeration. If we average out 20,000 houses annually at $5000 dollars for scaffold/edge protection, my maths suggests a much lower number.

And anyway, in a first world country is there an acceptable attrition rate when people are hurt or killed, when cost is your measure of compliance?

to be a practical response to the falls from height that have been an all too common occurrence in the construction sector until the last couple of years.

BRANZ were commissioned by the Scaffold and Rigging Assn of New Zealand (SARNZ), to do a cost-benefit analysis of scaffolding in the residential sector. The Roofing Assn of NZ (RANZ) also contributed funds to this report.

While having worked for Dimond (a Fletcher’s business) for the last two years, I was fortunate to be exposed to probably one of the highest levels of health and safety compliance in the country.

That the report stated that gains were marginally ahead of costs then the use of scaffolding shows that industry has taken the right approach. This will only improve as innovation and greater acceptance of productivity gains become more apparent.

I personally cannot condone any backing down on what I believe

Prosecution by balance sheet (what your business can pay) does not change behaviour. Having to comply should be the same whatever the size of the business.

If an experienced staff member deliberately overrides a standard operating procedure, then proceeds to injure themselves why is the business at fault?

Our staff are not five year olds - yet businesses are expected to control

their staff like five year olds to prevent accidents.

So the challenge for industry and Worksafe is how we get a larger element of common sense and individual responsibility into what we do. Hopefully the proposed changes to Health and Safety legislation later this year lead us down this path.

Probably the simplest way of considering working at heights would be to consider - would you let your partner or children work at heights without some sort of protection?

Keep it safe and let’s make sure everyone goes home every night.

Article supplied by Graham Moor, president of Roofing Association of New Zealand

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B&R | 29

DIY guide

DEGREES OF SHEEN Gloss paints have a highly reflective smooth surface and are easier to clean than paints with less surface smoothness. They are ideal for areas exposed to heavy traffic or heavy use, especially where fingerprints, grease or grime are common.

What gloss level should I select?

By this definition flat paints are always rougher than glossier paints, even though this roughness is on a very small scale.

Nonetheless this roughness and the way in which it is achieved, affects the cleanability of the surface, the durability of the surface and the mechanical strength of that surface.

Colours tinted into high gloss paints appear cleaner and more intense than colours tinted into flat paints. Due to its highly reflective appearance, gloss paints tend to highlight surface imperfections. If the surface to be painted is marred or irregular it is best to select a paint with less sheen. Gloss greater than 80 percent gloss: Resene Hi-Glo, Resene Enamacryl, Resene Super Gloss.

Durability

Semi-gloss paints have a slightly glossy appearance that is not as highly reflective as that of gloss paints. These types of finishes offer good stain resistance and are easy to clean.

Paints with a semi-gloss appearance are excellent for use on many of the same areas as gloss paints. They are ideal for walls and woodwork that is subject to wear and on weatherboards and exterior cementitious surfaces.

Semi-gloss 30-45 percent: Resene Sonyx 101, Resene Lustacryl, Resene Lusta-Glo. Satin paints tend to impart more warmth and depth to surfaces than flat paints. They are more stain resistant than flat paints, but less stain resistant than semigloss and gloss paints. Satin is also becoming a popular option for roofing. 20-30 percent gloss: Resene Summit Roof.

Low sheen paints are the most popular finish for interior broadwall areas and an ideal choice where some sheen is desired and good cleaning properties are necessary, such as in living areas, hallways, bedrooms and playrooms. Occasionally, these types of paints are used for ceilings however, their slight 30 | B&R

The vast majority of paint binders are inherently somewhat glossy and uniform reduction of gloss requires the precise disturbance of the surface of the film, so as to diffuse the incident light on it.

Image courtesy from Resene

sheen will tend to highlight surface imperfections.

Outside low sheen finishes are most commonly used over timber, concrete and plaster finishes.

Low sheen 3-19 percent gloss: Resene SpaceCote Low Sheen, Resene Zylone Sheen, Resene Lumbersider, Resene X-200.

Flat paints diffuse light, so they tend to conceal surface imperfections better than paints with higher sheen levels, making them a good choice for general use on walls and ceilings, especially those that are dented or rough.

Colours appear muddied and darker in a flat finish than in a glossier finish. ‘Flat’ finishes have a micro rough texture that may trap dirt and make cleaning more difficult than higher sheen

paints. It is wise to use flat paints only in areas that do not tend to get soiled. Flat/matt less than 2 percent: Resene SpaceCote Flat, Resene Ceiling Paint.

Inside and out The current trend in finishes sees semi-gloss and low sheen finishes replacing higher gloss finishes on exterior weatherboard, stucco and other uneven surfaces.

On the interior, low sheen finishes are extending from broadwall living areas into well ventilated bathrooms and kitchens. A mix of gloss levels within one area is becoming a popular way to create a subtle visual effect or highlight feature areas.

Aesthetic The gloss of a paint is essentially an aesthetic attribute, but with secondary technical implications.

As a rule of thumb, within the same generic type of paint, glossier products will have more durability than their flatter counterparts. The rate of drop off in the durability of exterior waterborne paints with decreasing gloss is much less than that of solvent borne paints, and while very useful lives may be achieved with low gloss and flat waterborne paints outside, solvent borne paints of the same degree of gloss would erode very rapidly.

Gloss uniformity Gloss is not uniform over the range of viewing angles.

Sheen paints may appear to be quite flat when viewed directly on (that is at 90Ăť to the surface), but may have quite a high lustre when viewed along the surface.

This may be quite significant when painting long rooms or corridors, particularly those which have a light source at one end.

The Resene product range and Resene Total Colour System provides a huge variety of colours available in different gloss levels to suit all applications. See the Resene Recommended Paint Systems for the right paint system for your project.

All information sourced from WWW.RESENE.CO.NZ

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It’s all in the

detail

Soft close drawer mechanisms are one of those little details which can’t be seen but can be felt in the quality and standard of the design.

reaches the last portion of closure, then the soft close mechanism kicks in. The drawer will slow immediately and then close gradually and silently.

They can be found in most highend kitchens today and now many homeowners are beginning to retrofit soft close hinges into kitchens which are still in great shape, but have worn hinges.

The advantage of this feature ensures that drawers shut smoothly and quietly preventing the drawer from being slammed loudly against hinges and fixtures.

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There is a range of soft close drawer mechanisms available today at kitchen and hardware stores. They normally include a hinge, hinge cover or buffer, which slows the close of the drawer.

A typical soft close drawer can be pushed back normally until it

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The soft close feature will also go a long way to maintain the standard of cupboards and the longevity of the kitchen, because it will help prevent stress on the on the hinges and the hinge plates, extending the life of the kitchen.

Swimming pools

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Keeping your pool sparkling clean doesn’t have to be as time consuming and troublesome as you might think.

A pool should be vacuumed every week to keep water clear and reduce the amount of chemicals you need to add to it. Check the filter each time you vacuum, and clean it if necessary.

All pools are different and so are their maintenance needs. But they do all share one common trait - the secret to pristine pool health is regular, routine care.

Even if you use a service company to take care of your pool, you still need to do a few things on your own to ensure your pool stays in good condition for years.

Skimming the pool’s surface by hand every few days is one of the fastest and easiest ways to keep your pool clean.

Floating debris will eventually sink, becoming harder to remove.

Skimming significantly increases the efficiency of the pool’s circulation system and lowers the amount of chlorine you’ll need to add to your pool.

Cleaning out strainer baskets at least once a week also helps circulation and lowers chlorine demands.

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However, vacuuming isn’t the only maintenance that should be done once a week.

Brushing the walls and tile helps minimise algae build-up and calcium deposits so they don’t fester and become larger problems.

The material your pool walls are made of dictates what kind of cleaning tools you should use. Select a stiff brush for plaster-lined concrete pools and a softer brush for vinyl or fiberglass walls. For tiles, use a soft brush to prevent scratching.

How often you clean the filter depends on the type of filter your pool has, and how often you use the pool. Cleaning the filter more often than recommended can actually make it less efficient, because a small amount of dirt in it helps trap other particles, which removes debris from the water.

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Swimming pools

Playing it safe Is the latch on the gate to your swimming pool working properly? Are there any parts of the fence small children might crawl under?

“

Local councils can offer guidance on ensuring your pool meets all the safety regulations.

Checking these and other aspects of a pool is one of the things New Zealanders can do to help children stay safe around pools.

”

Dr Felicity Dumble, chair of the Health Quality and Safety Commission’s Child and Youth

Checks and other advice include: • Ensure the gate latch clicks shut automatically. Over time the spring can become less effective. Hold the gate open at varying distances from the lock and check it springs shut and fully latches • Ensure there are no gaps under the gate when it is closed and there is no part of the fence small children could crawl under (maximum permissible gap between ground and fence/gate is 100mm) • Never prop the gate open • Check the condition of a metal fence. The joints can become weak due to rust and have been known to come apart with a firm tug

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Mortality Review Committee says pool drownings are highly preventable. “We encourage everyone to follow some routine fence checks and make sure anything that could allow inadvertent access is repaired.”

• Check the condition of a timber fence. As the structure ages, the screws and nails can loosen and allow the slats to be removed. Similarly, the wood can age and weaken, so any rotting sections should be replaced

• Always keep moveable objects (such as plastic chairs, bricks or pot plants) well away from the pool area. A child can drag them and then use them to climb over the fence • Remove any tree branches that could allow a child to gain access to the pool area • Local councils can offer guidance on ensuring your pool meets all the safety regulations.

Further information is available at Water Safety New Zealand: www.watersafety.org.nz