Build and Renovate Today 3 by Academy Group

WINTER 2013 | ISSUE THREE

Metro retro Bold, lively and psychedelic, retro era pieces can brighten your home, adding that essential dash of distinction

THE YEAR OF THE REBUILD

Roger Sutton outlines the state of play as CERA moves into rebuild mode

Chips off

the old block The Block New Zealand winners Ben and Libby Crawford give up their trade secrets to renovation success

Getting design right

Interior design blunders and how to correct them

Crafty capers Using little odds and ends from around the home to create a look all of your own

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Keeping the chill at bay How to have a warm, cosy home without it costing you the earth

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Andrea Robertson Design Confucius said, “Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Despite the eternal relevance of this sentiment, there are very few in a commercial capacity that have heeded this advice. Andrea Robertson is the exception to this overwhelming rule and the scope, diversity and talent underpinning her work is testament to that fact. Realising a dream Andrea Robertson is a creator of beauty - a maker of interior design magic. She owns and operates a busy business that pays homage to her name – Andrea Robertson Design. Like many, Andrea’s aspiration to own her own business was born in the most ordinary of circumstances. It was her longing to create the extraordinary that gave her business brainchild life. “This professional journey was always my dream - I woke up one morning and decided that I had had enough of my mundane 9-5 job, so made the decision to pursue my passion of interior design.”

It sounds simple, but Andrea is not a woman that does anything by halves, so she built a career for herself from the ground up. Making every step count Andrea Robertson Design is innovative in its approach to customer service. The company was one of the first design companies to offer its clients “Fixed Price” contracts. “Customers want to know what they are getting for their money and how much it will cost - no hidden surprises,” Andrea explains. “It has always been important to us that we make people aware of what we do and what we can offer and the fact that great interior design does not have to be expensive.” For Andrea, the client comes first and there is no second questioning that. “We structure our service specifically around client needs and our mission is to be objective, reliable and honest with them.”

We can assist you with all aspects of your exterior colours and materials

“We would like people to know that we can do anything from a single room paint colour to a complete house interior and exterior.“ “We are also qualified and skilled at choosing flooring and kitchen colours, drape fabrics and soft furnishings and can also assist with furniture placement, wallpaper and lighting.” Andrea adds that she is proud to run a business that is adept at working with clients with unique visions on large and small projects. “We have an experienced administration team who are crucial in getting the information to clients quickly, accurately and on time, and providing checks and balances throughout the whole process.”

In addition to fostering a professional culture that is conducive to successful project delivery, Andrea Robertson Design

If this story is not demonstrative of the passion of this small but mighty business - its accolades certainly are. Andrea Robertson Design was the interior designer for House of the Year Awards winner in 2009, 2010 and 2012.

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T 0800 273 374 E info@andrearobertsonsdesign.co.nz www.andrearobertsondesign.co.nz Like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/andrearobertsondesign

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This issue 8 The year of the rebuild WINTER 2013

Roger Sutton outlines the state of play as CERA moves into rebuild mode

ISSUE THREE 25,000 printed copies plus read online at:

12 Building Canterbury’s new future

www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz

Labour Party leader David Shearer discusses the best way forward now we’re moving from clean-up to build-up

HEAD OFFICE Academy House 47B Birmingham Drive Middleton PO Box 1879 Christchurch

MANAGING DIRECTOR Gary Collins

15 Getting design right Interior designer Ann-Marie Appleton talks about common blunders and how to correct them

OPERATIONS MANAGER Di Barclay

ADMINISTRATION Kylie Moore Kelly Allen Cindy Breward Rhondda Brisbane Jade Haylett

ADMIN MANAGER

Using little odds and ends from around the home to create a look all of your own

20 A grand design

SALES & ADVERTISING Miranda Telfer Melissa Sinclair Kent Caddick Mogens Petersen Verne Williams Clive Greenwood Anthony Patrickson George Ziegler Peter Black Kayte John Sarah Bately

19 Crafty capers

An indisputably stunning property that incorporates modern architecture to deliver quirky character

MEDIA CONSULTANTS

22 Metro retro Bold, lively and psychedelic, retro era pieces can brighten your home, adding that essential dash of design distinction

NEWSROOM Jonathon Taylor EDITOR Melinda Collins JOURNALISTS Davina Richards

Congratulations to last edition’s Giveaway winners:

Phone: 03 961 5050 Fax: 0800 555 054 Email: editor@academy.net.nz

• 43” Samsung Plasma – Susan Welsh (Rangiora)

PRODUCTION

• Mountain Bike – Lucy Chambers (Bryndwr)

Caroline Duke PRODUCTION MANAGER Carolynne Brown PRODUCTION CO-ORDINATOR Sarah Betman LEAD DESIGNER Janelle Pike GRAPHIC DESIGNERS Jarred Shakespeare Jenna Day Ian Knott ONLINE Phone: Fax: Email:

03 961 5077 0800 555 054 production@academy.net.nz

• Golf Clubs – Peter Muir (Phillipstown)

• Outdoor Wood – Allan Thompson (Bishopdale)

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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Editorial

24 Chips off the old block The Block New Zealand winners Ben and Libby Crawford give up their trade secrets to renovation success

Our new normal

27 Lounging around While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, couch quality is much more than skin deep

28 Rug ‘n’ roll The perfect finishing touch - the rug… no home is complete without one – but the trick is picking the one that works

48 Keeping the chill at bay By choosing energy efficient methods, you can have a warm, cosy home without it costing you the earth.

54 Venturing into the unknown A first home buyer’s case study: Anthony and Sarah

56 Shades of grey Gaining consent for your homebuilding project can be daunting and confusing – so here’s how to navigate the grey areas

59 22

It might have been five months or so later than planned and a meagre five from 38 stores were up and running on opening day, but who’s counting; New Regent Street is back.

Anyone looking in might be forgiven for thinking it was much ado about very little, but as any local knows - it wasn’t. New Regent St is one of the city’s crown jewels and its reopening is about much more than five more stores it’s a talisman. A reminder that not all was lost and an indicator that those intangible things that define a place and its people are far from gone. This isn’t to say we’re nearly back to normal as that’s a decade away, but we are finding a new normal. The question remains whether our new normal will hold, or can we, some time down the track, return to patterns of old. Central City Business Association head Paul Londsdale played a central role in getting New Regent St open and was one of the drivers behind the Restart initiative to get the Cashel Street container mall up and running. Leading up to Cashel Street’s opening, Paul said time was of the essence and the need to get the mall open was immediate, because it doesn’t take long for behavioural changes in people to stick.

The bottom line is, if someone changes their behavioural patterns and sticks with them, then after time, they become permanent and are unlikely to reverse. This was prior to October 2011, so you’d imagine the deadline for behavioural entrenchment regarding New Regent St has come and gone. Perhaps these adjusted movement patterns mean our iconic little street will never be quite the same, but I doubt it. As they say in sport, form is temporary and class is permanent, so I’m sure Regent St will reign again as one of our city’s busiest benchmarks. Whether our new normal remains a permanent fixture, or we return to normal by actively seeking out old haunts, is entirely up to us. Speaking of old haunts, in the pages ahead we go a little retro, looking at an era of distinctive design that never fails to brighten any space. Labour Party leader David Shearer discusses the best way forward and Roger Sutton outlines the state of play as CERA moves into rebuild mode. The Block New Zealand winners Ben and Libby Crawford give up their trade secrets to renovation success and interior designer Ann-Marie Appleton talks about common blunders and how to correct them. And with winter well on the way, we look at how to heat a home without it costing you the earth.

Scan the QR code to check us out at www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz B&R | 7

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Column

The year of the rebuild By Roger Sutton

For Canterbury, 2013 is the year of the rebuild.

The Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) aims to build the confidence in the city’s redevelopment across the local, national and international markets. We want people to see tangible progress as the demolition phase comes to an end and the rebuild phase ramps up. To do this we will be working closely with our recovery partners including Ngai Tahu, local government, government departments, non-government organisations and the wider community.

By the end of 2012, all residential property owners had a decision on whether their property was zoned green or red and if they would receive an offer from the government to purchase their house and land. Residential red zones were identified when the land was so badly damaged by the earthquakes it is unlikely it can be rebuilt on for a prolonged period, or affected by cliff collapse or rock roll where they face an immediate or unacceptable risk to life, where other engineering solutions were not practicable. In total, 7,857 properties were deemed red. The majority of flat land property owners had until 31 March to make a decision about whether or not they would accept the offer. In total 6,666 property owners in that group have accepted the offer, with only 124 expiring. With an overall acceptance rate of around 98 percent, the majority of people in the residential red zone have found a way to move on from

the damage these earthquakes have done to their land and homes. Outside the residential red zone, of the approximately 180,000 homes in greater Christchurch, about 28,000 are classed as green technical category 3. Technical categories describe how the land is expected to perform in future earthquakes and also describe the foundation systems most likely to be required for homes in those areas. Of the TC3 group 10,000 are likely to require a rebuild or significant foundation repairs. The residential area however, is just one facet of the Canterbury recovery and goes hand-inhand with the necessity to rebuild a strong, vibrant and economically successful CBD. Immediately following the February 2011 earthquake, the cordon set up around the central business district extended to 92 hectares. Today, this had reduced to just 38 hectares. In July 2012, CERAs Christchurch Central Development Unit (CCDU) launched the Christchurch Central Recovery Plan that outlines a number of anchor projects for the CBD. It takes the very best urban design abilities and uses them to highlight the very best parts of our city’s foundations. This green and open CBD will be a pedestrian friendly city. It will have a keen focus on the Avon River with transport corridors for cyclists and pedestrians to utilise and to link the various sections of the CBD together easily. Its arts, sports and retail facilities will be rebuilt and improved to make the most of the blank canvas the devastation of the earthquakes gave us. This year will see us have all land needed to start work on the Avon River precinct, the bus exchange and the metro sports facility. We are also making excellent progress in securing the land area for the north and east frames.

This is going to be the home for one of the most exciting developments of all – the Amazing Place playground. In addition to progress being made on these key government-led projects, the Canterbury private sector is also bouncing back. In total, the building work underway in Canterbury in September 2012 was worth $603 million, up 46 percent on the value of work underway in September 2010. Over $3.9 billion worth of building consents were issued in Canterbury between September 2010 and December 2012. In the final quarter of 2012, 170,000 cubic metres of ready-mixed concrete was produced in Canterbury, the equivalent of 68 Olympic sized swimming pools, an 82 percent increase on the three months to December 2010. Just focusing on that construction sector we’ve seen a 32 percent increase in the number of employees in Canterbury between February 2010 and February 2012, from 15,520 to 20,420. Of course it’s not just the building sector where people are finding jobs – the most recent Household Labour Force Survey revealed 16,000 new jobs in Christchurch during the past year. Christchurch city is most definitely rising. This is a very exciting time to be involved in the redevelopment and resurgence of this strong and resilient community.

Roger Sutton is the chief executive of the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA).

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Lifestyles

Style statements 1

Stand up

Pli coat stand It may have a preying mantas quality and stick insect appearance with its long and defined oak body, but it’s a contemporary take on a coat stand. So, now we’re coming into autumn, don’t let your pet sleep on the pile of coats left on the floor in the hallway - make a home for them

The very best objects and furniture for your living space By Davina Richards

RRP: $375 Available from: www.backhousenz.com 2

The sensor bundle

WeMo Switch Going out? The WeMo Switch enables you to turn on or off any electrical appliance by detecting motion and can be timed to a schedule so that it turns on or off whenever you require it to. You can even send yourself a text message every time your new little gadget senses movement. RRP: $159.95 Available from: www.belkin.com.au 3

Table creation

Umber side table Made from oak it has three distinctive legs which are a pleasant point of difference to its overall smooth finish. A graceful, practical and simple design, which makes this standard table more than just that. RRP: $1,428 Available from: www.backhousenz.com 4

One more time

Retro table clock What time is it? Time you had one. Now you can stop guessing the time and prop this clock up on your mantle piece or table, so you’ll never be too early or too late again. RRP: $99 Available from: www.vintagelove.co.nz

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Lifestyles

Tipping the scales

Typhoon Novo Retro Scales Have you ever invited friends over and let them taste your batch of freshly made muffins, watch them rub their tummies and nod their heads when you ask if they taste good? Well we all know that’s the universal facial expression meaning ‘this tastes disgusting’. So get it right this time.

RRP: $73.50 Available from: www.tablepride.co.nz 6

Inky indulgence

Caran d’Ache fountain pen

They say a picture’s worth a thousand words, but with this thing every word you write will come at a hefty price. This fountain pen includes gold, is rhodium-coated, silver-plated and has precious stones. At this price, you’d think minuscule diamonds would fall out when the ink flows. RRP: AU$1.2 million Available from: www.carandache.com

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Column

Building Canterbury’s new future By David Shearer

Every six weeks, I hold a town hall meeting in Canterbury.

It’s a chance for me to hear first hand from people how they are getting on, the issues they’re facing and what I can do to give support.

I’m also in close contact with our local MPs: Lianne, Ruth, Clayton, Megan and Rino. Like everyone else here they’ve been touched by the quakes. I feel lucky to have colleagues who are so dedicated to this city. We are really worried about the Government’s top-down approach to the Canterbury recovery. Before politics, I worked for 20 years in disaster recovery for the United Nations, heading relief operations in Sri Lanka, the Balkans and Iraq. I know what global best practice in a disaster zone looks like. It always begins with a top-down command structure when emergency services and relief agencies arrive to help. But during the following weeks and months, there needs to be a fundamental shift - to bottomup leadership. We know Christchurch communities are strong. Just look at what was achieved by Cancern, Wecan, the Farmy Army, the Student Volunteer Army, Gap Filler, Greening the Rubble, Rebuild Christchurch and the many others who shared energy and hope in the early days. The question is how central government engages. At the end of last year we delivered a questionnaire to every household in Christchurch - 130,000 went out - asking you how you thought the recovery was going. Nearly 90 percent of respondents wanted

more consultation from this Government. Your message was clear; you can’t rebuild Canterbury from the top floor of the Beehive.

encouraging innovative and new ideas and products that we can take to the rest of the world.

As Prime Minister I will approach decision making differently. Cantabrians will be front and centre of the process and political parties will need to put their differences aside and collaborate for as long as it takes to revitalise the city - realistically, a generation.

We’ll pay the equivalent of the dole to every tradesperson willing to train a young apprentice. Our young people are central to our plans, and we must make sure they’re all in work, education or training. The New Zealand of the future will require an energetic high-skills workforce.

We will collaborate with the people of Christchurch before we make decisions not after. Through this approach I see the chance not just for a rebuild, but for a revitalised economy. Canterbury can be the model the rest of New Zealand follows; a high value, job rich, diversified economy that builds on the high-tech expertise of Tait, Hamilton Jet and other outstanding local examples. I want to make it easier for businesses to flourish in New Zealand. A procurement policy is a necessity. Kiwi businesses should always be at the front of the queue when the government is considering a big purchase. Taxpayer money should never be spent on overseas products that could be made here by Kiwi businesses for a fair price. Secondly, we need to create a deep pool of investment that businesses can draw on to expand and export to the world, upping our national income. A universal KiwiSaver will provide this. If we implement a capital gains tax, people will be encouraged to invest in productive New Zealand businesses rather than speculating on property (this capital gains tax will of course exclude the family home). We want to give tax breaks to businesses that invest in research and development,

We will also not stand by and let the high dollar strangle our vital export businesses. Instead, we’ll overhaul the Reserve Bank Act to give proper weight to important economic considerations such as jobs and the exchange rate, not solely to inflation. For Canterbury specifically, we’ll make sure decisions are made from the grassroots up, not the beehive down. This means establishing a CERA board so that local, independent and respected voices are heard. We will call fresh elections for ECan in 2015. We’ll establish an independent insurance commissioner for those stuck in battles with their insurance company. We’ll look at ways to rebuild the city while preserving as much of its heritage as possible. Too many Cantabrians have been forced to put their lives on hold while they search for a new home. Our KiwiBuild policy will put 100,000 families into their first home over 10 years. We’re looking into zero energy buildings for Canterbury, efficient public transport, and generous green spaces. The people of Canterbury can lead the way.

David Shearer is the MP for Mt Albert and leader of the Labour Party.

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Lifestyles

A design within reach Kaleido tray An innovative play on geometric shapes, these bold coloured, puzzle-like trays can be a decorative statement, organiser, or used to serve up a coffee or wine. Each tray is available in five different sizes and nine colours. Rearrange, stackâ&#x20AC;Ś have fun you big kid. RRP: from extra small $36, to extra large $175 Available from: www.corporateculture.co.nz

Do you have Temporary Accommodation Costs due to the Earthquakes? Are you a Homeowner? Has your Insurance run out?

3 3

You may be eligible for financial assistance (not income or asset tested)

www.quakeaccommodation.govt.nz 0800 673 227

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Column

Getting design right By Ann-Marie Appleton

During the years I have seen some major and minor interior design mistakes – some can be very costly to correct and others can easily be avoided. So here’s a run down of the common design errors I come across… Common mistakes

• Scale and proportion – make sure you pre-plan. A common mistake is oversized couches squashed into a space, with no room for anything else. Take some time out to measure your key pieces of furniture to ensure you can get it all in • Badly hung art work – either too high or too low. The tendency is to hang too high, try and keep to eye level. Some art work needs space around it, other pieces look better grouped • Mixing too many wood tones use no more than three different stains in a room – that includes flooring, cabinetry, tables furnishings – re-stain if need be • Hanging cheap looking curtains – might be fine for students, but casual window fashions are rarely a suitable investment for an elegant living area. Tailormade custom fit curtains never go out of date. Hang your curtains higher and wider than

the actual window and it will trick the eye into seeing a much larger window • Skimping on lighting – ceiling lights, pendant lights, floor lamps, wall lights, table lamps, even candles – all add interest and layered lighting creates a great ambience and can hide a multitude of sins.

• Choosing trendy colours for custom sofas, chairs, drapes will quickly make pieces feel and look outdated – do it only if you really, really love it

• Don’t be afraid to ask for help – interior designers are approachable and will often take on smaller jobs if they have the time.

• Don’t impulse buy – nothing worse than getting it home and then realising it doesn’t work/ fit/looked great in the shop but hideous in your lounge

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.

General advice • Don’t buy everything from the same place or copy the whole look from a magazine. Be inspired, but add your own personal touches – don’t be too matchy – this leaves the room looking a bit flat, boring and dare I say it, amateur • Try to do some of your own research. The product which you think you should have, or have fallen in love with, may not actually stand up to your expectations. The internet makes this task easier • Clutter makes rooms look smaller and can bring on unnecessary stress – keep the more interesting pieces on show and hide the rest • In themed rooms you need to know when to stop – be subtle and don’t overdo it – break it up with a few neutral pieces • Don’t be tempted second guess the interior designer – we come to your project with an unbiased workable plan – your friends and family don’t

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Lifestyles

Screw stool Vintage screw top stool

Incorporate a touch of rustic décor into your home with this old school screw top stool. Adjust the level of height and perch yourself onto this functional and stylish stool, or get them out when the guest list gets a bit long.

O O O O O O

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Return this readership survey and go in the draw to win a 7 inch Android touch screen tablet.

However we do require your name and contact details in case you are drawn as the winner of the prizes. The entire team at Build & Renovate Today thanks you kindly for your time! www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz Academy Publishing, PO Box 1879, Christchurch Mail Centre, Christchurch 8140.

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DIY

Crafty capers

Party Decorations

Our friends at www.socreativethings.com are out inspiring the world with crafty capers. Using little more than odds and ends from around the home and some basic tools, the team have designed everything from decorative ice cubes, to disco balls made of CDs. Visit www.socreativethings.com or “like” them on Facebook under ‘Creative DIY Projects’.

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Homes

A grand design By Davina Richards

When John and Lynette McFadden realised a previous rental property could make way for a brand new home, they took to the place with a team of skilled builders and designers to deliver a tailormade contemporary house. Transformed from a blank canvas to an indisputably stunning property, this Fendalton home incorporates modern architecture, strong design and quirky character. Built to serve as an easy family home and to entertain guests, the project took 13 months to build and was completed in February 2008. “We were looking for a big contemporary space. The home needed to be liveable, all spaces usable, easy to care for and easy to clean, more like a glamorous lock and leave. We always knock it back with texture and colour,” Lynette says. “It is specifically designed with plenty of wall space to incorporate art and positioned to capture all day sun. It is a large home yet spaces still feel intimate. It is very interactive and there is an ease when entertaining.”

They chose to use a small collection of industry professionals to guide them on the direction of building and design, including Christchurch kitchen and bathroom designer Ingrid Geldof. “Ben McMaster was our landscape designer who gave us a wonderful green pallet. We collaborated with Peter Lloyd, an interior expert and friend. We value and trust his advice but we have had some definite disagreements regarding many of the ideas in the house. “He tries to persuade me to adopt the less is more approach which I struggle with,” Lynette says. “Kerry (Architect Kerry Mason) is incredibly clever with his use of space and light. We have learned you have to trust the architect and they have to listen to you. Some of Kerry’s ideas we questioned at the time however, we trusted his advice and were very pleased that we did. “The house turned out to be better than expected. Visual beauty has always been

important to us regardless of the size of the home, and this is no exception. It is a beautiful home.” The home delivers a strong impression, both cosmetically and structurally, and this is intensified by the attention to detail. An allround professional finish is both significant and enchanting; the perfect home for a couple or family. “Family is immensely important to us. We have a very tight knit family, so there is room incorporated for family and friends. More space just means more room to crowd up.” Five years later, John and Lynette are now ready to move on. With the home having served its purpose it’s time to begin a second building project, their much-loved Fendalton home was sold at auction in March. This architectural beauty is now the perfect foundation for the new owners to build memories of their own. If you’d like to find an inspirational home such as the one featured, property owners can seek advice by visiting: www.harcourts.co.nz

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Homes

Contact Partners Ed Loughnan P. 363 6661 e. ed@hatherlyloughnan.co.nz | Sarah Roberts P. 363 6673 e. sarah@hatherlyloughnan.co.nz 52 Bealey Avenue, PO Box 3073, Christchurch | www.hatherlyloughnan.co.nz

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Lifestyles

Totally cool

Smeg refrigerator If this isn’t the coolest fridge ever, then I don’t know what is. Smeg has stayed on top of the urban retro trend and cloaked today’s technology in an old-style case to help you kit out your kitchen in ultimate style. Make even the unlikeliest kitchen appliance stand out. RRP: $7,599 Available from: www.smeg.co.nz 2

Sit on it

Metro retro

By Davina Richards

Have you ever been looking for that little something special for your home and thought all contemporary design kind of looks the same? Well, we’ve got the answer for you.

Just turn back the clock and go retro. Bold, fun, lively and psychedelic, retro era pieces can brighten your home, adding that essential dash of design distinction.

Nel Lusso chair There’s always going to be that millisecond where you fear you’re going to spill a drop of red wine or pasta sauce on this beautiful chair. Mimicking iconic retro design, the Nel Lusso chair is the epitome of modern retro funk. I can almost hear your sigh of resignation.

RRP: $1,399 Available from: www.alliuminteriors.co.nz 3

Made to measure

Tala retro cook’s measure

Push aside the scales and start a new measurement trend. Blow the dust off from all those old recipes and make something your mother or grandmother would be proud of! RRP: $29 Available from: www.perchhomewares.co.nz 4

Time trip

Vespa headlight alarm clock You’re not going to be on island time forever, so what better way to snap out of your neural pathways and get back to real life than this little time trip styled alarm clock. Taking inspiration from the head lamp used in the iconic Vespa scooter, this thing has all the retro you need for your bedside table… without the hassle of wheels.

RRP: $139 Available from: www.iconic.co.nz

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Lifestyles

5 5

Mix it up

Platinum collection mixer Love baking? This uber-stylish pink mixer stands out a mile on any kitchen worktop. It’s a top of the range retro mixer with a modern flair. Efficient, solid and strong, with an iconic design, you’ll find a new edge to your baking. And you won’t want anybody else touching it. RRP: $1,100 6

Available from: www.thecookshop.co.nz 6

Espresso yourself

Retro espresso tower set in rainbow colours

If you’ve always been on the lookout for the perfect cup and saucer set, we bring you the retro rainbow tower set. Brighter than your average pack of crayons, it looks great in any modern retro themed kitchen. Gather your friends, get the Girl Guide biscuits out and enjoy. RRP: $49.90 Available from: www.funkygifts.co.nz 7

Shake it, move it, make it

Tala 1960s sugar shaker Inspired by the swingin’ 60s, this sugar shaker is a great complement to your retro themed lifestyle. Not only will it add style to your kitchen cupboard or worktop, it is a useful tool when it comes to baking. Wear a retro pinafore and you’ll be the goddess of the kitchen. RRP: $22 Available from: www.perchhomewares.co.nz 8 8

Coasting

Crochet doily coasters (set of 4) Inject more character than a Looney Tune to your coffee table with a bit of retro-wow and nostalgia. Or if you’re feeling creative, why not hang these colourful doily coasters up on a line using pegs to make a decorative banner. Eye-catching, useable and decorative – authenticate your space and rock out the retro! RRP: $15 Available from: www.stitchbirds.felt.co.nz

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Interview

Chips off

the old block By Melinda Collins

Ben and Libby Crawford get recognised all the time; thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s those awkward moments when someone actually thinks they know them, or the times someone says hello and they have just seconds to work out if they actually know them. However, it was the family ties which the pair believes secured them the winning spot on The Block New Zealand.

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Interview “Being brother and sister, we didn’t have to deal with relationship crap,” Ben laughs. “We went into this almost like a business transaction; we went in there with a plan and always looking to the end.”

“

It was this natural mentality to plan ahead which proved a strong factor in the win.

We’re a creative advertising agency and we create and evolve brands to communicate and engage with the customer no matter where that may be

“There wasn’t really time to sit down and literally formulate a plan of every aspect. But we discussed key ideas we wanted to incorporate and looked ahead rather than plan room by room,” Libby says. The pair used Pinterest a lot, putting together a number of boards based on interiors and exteriors. “There’s so much inspiration available, particularly online. You don’t even have to subscribe to a magazine anymore with access to so many blogs to get to hear people’s commentary on ideas and see the latest trends,” Libby says.

- Ben Crawford

”

“It gives you confidence to see things you like and know they have broad appeal.” The forward thinking enabled them to control their budget and be better able to communicate with the various contractors who were involved with the build. “Because we had a clear plan that we could communicate to them, the process was more efficient and it kept costs clear; we could see where to allocate costs from the outset and see where we needed to pull back on them,” Libby says. Renovation success depends on what you are renovating for Ben says. “If you’re selling then you need to think who is going to buy, so you would keep things a little less personal and more neutral than you would if you were going to create your dream home.” The pair agree you need to be able to ask for help. “You want to bluff your way through it; oh yeah I can do that, or do things you can’t actually do,” Ben says. But it saves time, money and a bunch of embarrassment if you just ask for help. Unlike the clash of classic siblings, the pair’s personalities and skills have always melded together in a complementary manner. Ben gained a first class honours degree in marketing at Otago University, before forging a career focused on the strategy, planning and development aspects of advertising. Libby also studied at Otago, completing a double degree in marketing and design, and in turn has focused more on the creative side of the industry, but with a marketing slant. She has worked as a graphic designer within creative agencies for the last eight years, the most recent five as a senior designer in a Christchurch agency. Ben most recently spent

seven years working for Tourism New Zealand in various marketing management roles both in New Zealand and offshore. The Block offered much more than the opportunity to chase their dreams. It allowed them to build their dreams, from the ground up. “We’ve talked about having our own advertising agency for two or three years and sat down a couple of Christmases ago to map out what we wanted to do,” Ben says. “Then The Block came around and we quickly realised there’d be no better opportunity to launch our business. “It’s what we’ve always wanted to do.” Known simply as Libby & Ben, the company is a creative agency that “build brands through bloody good ideas, top-notch creative and clever marketing communications,” according to the website. “We’re a creative advertising agency and we create and evolve brands to communicate and engage with the customer no matter where that may be,” Ben says. This involves everything from strategy development, through to the brand creation and specific campaign development. “We do a lot of digital as part of that,” Ben says. “It’s an area we’re extremely experienced in and passionate about. Our ideas and work involves everything from website design and build through to social integration and mobile initiatives,” he says.

“A lot of businesses know they should be in the digital and social environments, but often don’t really understand it or how to do it in a relevant way,” Libby finishes in a way I suspect is common for the pair who think so succinctly. “It’s funny, a lot of people hear we are in business and think we’re doing up houses,” Libby says. “But it couldn’t be further from the truth!” Born and bred in Southland and boarding in Christchurch for high school, the siblings operate the business from Ben’s Auckland base and Libby’s Cantabrian home, enabling a nationwide presence. It’s a modern way of working, Ben says. “That mobile philosophy carries out through everything we do.” “Because we’re mobile and can work remotely,” Libby says, “the ideas we’re getting to our clients also reflect that as well.” Libby’s Christchurch location also melds with the company’s philosophy. “I’m here to stay and we’re really keen to have that strong footprint here in Christchurch. I think the nature of the business we’re in is around clever and creative ideas, and branding has such a strong synergy with what’s going on here at the moment,” she says. “It’s really exciting to be involved in helping businesses achieve their potential, get back on their feet and create this really vibrant city that Christchurch is going to be.” B&R | 25

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Interview It’s a unique opportunity, Libby adds. “While it’s obviously been a horrible, gruelling couple of years in Canterbury for so many people, the earthquake has opened doors for people to be entrepreneurial and give something new a go. There’s a lot of fresh opportunity and a lot of the ‘this is how it has always been done’ has been removed. “I think that’s bringing a real vibrancy and energy to the city and that’s something we would love to be able to be part of from a creative point of view, so it’s certainly exciting.” The pair have forged strong relationships with clients and groups of people who are involved in the greater movement to foster and support the creative and entrepreneurial community in the region. “We’re definitely keen to stay in those conversations and stay involved where we can,” Libby adds. Maintaining a Christchurch presence has been a conscious decision, she explains. “I’m not here because I have to be, but because I want to be, it’s my home. From a business point of view we’re excited by having the opportunity to be apart of where Christchurch is going.”

The pair admit that they were at a major advantage when they decided to take the plunge and set out on their own, given the significant prize money they won and the national recognition that came with it. “We had a massive advantage in the fact that we were on nationwide television and everybody now knows what we do, which blew through so many barriers people have around creating awareness of their new business,” Ben says. “Plus we won a good chunk of money that we’ve put into starting the business, and basically treated as our first year and a bit of fall-back salary. It gave us 12 months at least to give it a crack and the confidence to commit fully to the business.” But they are confident they would have realised their dreams regardless. “I always say give it a crack, you never know unless you try and I’ve got a very strong belief in that,” Ben says. “Obviously you shouldn’t be reckless and need to be sure what you’re planning on doing is based on a sound rationale or proposition, but provided it stacks up, go out and give it a go. It’s going to be scary as hell.” “Seek sound advice as well,” Libby adds, ever the pragmatist. “Get sound advice from people within the relevant industries,

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business mentors or people whose jobs are to go over ideas. “There’s the balancing point between Ben and I; he’s all like ‘let’s do it’ and I’m all ‘hang on, let’s think about this’,” Libby laughs. “Give it a shot, go for it, do it!” Ben states. “Provided it’s a strong idea,” Libby finishes. Don’t ever be afraid to say yes, Ben says. “Imagine if we hadn’t said yes to this? It’s allowed us to do so many things we’ve always wanted to do.” “Put yourself out there,” Libby says. “We pushed ourselves to the absolute breaking point of physical and mental ability and we kind of thrived under the pressure of it all. “Now when I’m finding something tough in my every day world, I stop myself and think ‘hang on this is nothing compared to how far I managed to push myself on The Block’. It’s a new point of reference for me. You realise how much you can actually achieve in a short amount of time and how hard you can push yourself.” “If people said yes more often the world would be a better place.” Ben adds. “Oh, look out!” Libby laughs. “I’m so inspired by you today!”

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Interior

Lounging x around x By Melinda Collins

Whether you want to call it a sofa, settee, divan, couch or davenport, what is non-negotiable is the importance of finding a good one. While beauty is in the eye of the beholder, couch quality is much more than skin deep. The frame, joinery, springs and fillings also play a big role in how long the couch will last and how much enjoyment you will get from it in that time. Here are some tips to find a couch that is cool, comfortable and classy.

Textiles If your couch is a high traffic area, it requires durable fabric. Synthetic micro-fibre is the winner in terms of durability. It can mimic most fabrics and is stain resistant. Linen and cotton come in a close second - while they can be treated for stain resistance, they are still not as durable or washable as synthetics. Wools and leathers are aesthetically pleasing and strong, but expensive. Blends of natural and synthetic and natural fibres tend to pill within a year. Silk is sleek but fragile and best only used in low traffic situations. Tip: Fabrics with patterns woven in generally wear better than those with patterns printed on. Look out for loose weaves in cotton and linen as these can snag. Many stores offer fabric swatches. Try these where the sofa will go, in both natural and artificial light and wait a few days before making a decision.

High-resilient (HR) foam is slightly more costly, but more comfortable and long lasting. Polyester fibre is also cheaper, but it flattens quickly. A mix of goose and duck feather as a filling is comfortable, but they can clump. A high end option of goose down (the bird’s soft undercoat) mixed with feathers is deliciously plump, but expensive and high maintenance, with cushions that need regular fluffing. A cheaper option is a down-polyfiber blend, but again this flattens quickly. Tip: The most promising two options for comfort and a reasonable price are HR foam in a layer of down or conventional foam wrapped in a polyester batting. Jump online and check out reviews before purchasing.

Eastwood: RRP $7,000 See www.montreux.co.nz for stockists comfortable, but costly. Couches with just webbing or mesh instead of springs tend to be uncomfortable and flimsy. Tip: Feel the springs through the upholstery. They should be firm and close together. Sit down firmly on the outside edge of a couch. If it creaks or groans, the springs are likely incorrectly placed or hitting the frame.

When a frame is connected with wooden dowels (pegs), double wooden dowels, wooden corner blocks, metal screws or brackets, you can safely assume it is solidly constructed. Tip: Don’t go near sofas which are held together by staples, nails or glue alone, but these products are OK as extra reinforcement.

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Frame When it comes to sofas, a sturdy frame means long lasting. When looking at timber framed sofas, soft timbers such as pine, tend to be lower in price however, they are more inclined to warp or lose structural stability after five years. Hardwoods, such as oak or beech, are much more durable.

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Tip: Particleboard, plastic or metal frames should be avoided as they tend to warp or crack. Sofa legs should be well attached to the framing using screws or dowels, but never with glue alone.

Fillings

Springs

Fillings can make or break a couch. Polyurethane foam cushion filling is a low cost and easy-care cushion filling. When you get into the more durable, high density fillings, they can be hard and uncomfortable. However, softer, low-density foam deteriorates faster with regular use.

Couches are predominantly held together using serpentine springs, which are wires twisted together for strong support. While they certainly provide this support, if the metal isn’t heavy, they can sag over time. Expensive sofas are often built using eight-way hand tied springs which are

CONTACT OFFICE 09 6223800 BRIGID 021 855 516 GAVIN 021 649 186 B&R | 27

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Interior

Rug ‘n’ roll The perfect finishing touch - the rug… no home is complete without one.

living room or foyer. You’ll be surprised how easily a room can be transformed.

You won’t struggle to find a rug which adds a touch of flavour to your design, as the right rug can draw attention to the most bland of rooms or corners and create warmth in cold spaces.

For every floor type there is a perfect rug to match your scheme and define your floor space in the simplest of ways.

Rich, bold or subtle, no matter what your personality, you have the freedom to reflect your unique style in your choice of colour, patterns, prints, materials and textures. Place them in your hallway, bedroom, dining area,

Kick off your shoes and sink your toes in to real natural wool, or enjoy the textual contrast of a colourful shaggy rug against hard wooden floors.

Aparima from www.cronz.co.nz

If you think your design scheme is missing something, make a statement by adding a simple rug or runner.

Doily rug from stitchbirds.felt.co.nz

Willowbank from www.cronz.co.nz

www.harbourviewcleaning.co.nz

Once again busy cleaning homes and businesses across the whole of Canterbury wherever they are needed. We provide FREE QUOTES so CONTACT US today. Main phone: 03 343 4549 email: info@harbourviewcleaning.co.nz Karen’s Mobile: 021 636 845 - phone Karen for any enquiries or to book an ENJO Consultancy session. Colin’s Mobile: 021 636 103 - phone Colin for any cleaning enquiries.

Square rug from www.cronz.co.nz

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Interiors Rugs below from www.ascend-rugs.com

Frize Shag

Three Rings

Mohair Champagne

Asteroid Natural

Galaxy Custom

Meteor Custom

Galaxy Custom

Three Rings Clove-Sunset

Three Rings Horizon-Old Gold

Felix

Sand from www.nickradfordrugs.com

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Homes

In character This house on Lundie Street, Dunedin has more character than an Austin Powers theme party. The 1910 two storey villa was renovated with a modern eye, yet stays true to its characteristics to maintain its charm. While many of its original lattice features, the four pot chimney,

By Davina Richards

fireplaces and stain glass windows remain prominent features, attention has been spent on the extension of living space.

magnolia and paved bricked tiles pave the way to open up the outdoor space and create more room to entertain.

Interior walls have been moved to cater for the new conservatory which leads out to the back garden, creating a smooth flow from interior to exterior.

The marriage of food and drink is united with a new functional oak and stainless steel kitchen, with lots of cupboards and bench space, and other modern conveniences to utilise.

As you step out of the new conservatory thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not one spot of grass that exists. Instead, new decking surrounds an original

On the second level, the area has been completely redecorated with paint, paper and drapes, including

a new updated bathroom. Extra space has also made room for an additional downstairs bathroom which completes this newly renovated, lowmaintenance, beautiful home. If you would like more information on homes in Canterbury or in New Zealand, drop into your local Harcourts or visit the website at www.harcourts.co.nz

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Sustainability

Quake resilient and environmentally sound eco-homes By Bob Burnett

Bob Burnett, of Bob Burnett Architecture and Eversun Homes, has a longstanding passion for eco-friendly design and has recently created and overseen the completion of two innovative and affordable eco-homes that are also quake resilient.

They far exceed code requirements and have been designed to achieve Homestar 8 star ratings, making them among the most energy efficient and environmentally sound homes in the country. Burnett previously designed New Zealand’s first 7 star Homestar rated house in 2011. The two homes are very different construction types. One is a modest sized timber frame home of only 113 square metres, which has a “spatially aware and efficient layout”. With four bedrooms and two bathrooms, variations in ceiling heights provide a perception of space that feels much greater than you would assume given the size of the footprint. The homes also have a very small ecological footprint. Bob says they are targeting zero energy use through excellent thermal design and the use of PV solar panels to provide more than enough power.

“The timber homes that we’re designing have thicker walls as standard. These are multipurpose – they are better for getting more insulation into the walls, so better thermally and they also make for a stronger house in an earthquake. “We’re wrapping the house with ecoply barrier so that it’s really well braced, targeting about 200 percent of code. It’s solid and unlikely to be damaged and gives you a warmer more airtight house too. “The idea behind Eversun Homes is to draw on some of the innovations I’ve developed in my architectural practice over the last 12 years and filter them into a range of not-so-big homes that are affordable and accessible to more people,” he says. “People are starting to realise they can get something much better

“

There is a fine line between getting energy efficient designs right – and not. All our homes are homestar rated, not just the best selected projects. It is about walking the walk and not just talking the talk. - Bob Burnett

than the standard Kiwi home, that has poor performance, without it costing a lot more. The obvious compelling benefits of a sunny, warm, dry, more healthy and comfortable energy efficient home are now being seen as essential and more attainable; particularly when ongoing cost savings that can help pay off the mortgage faster are considered; it makes complete sense.”

”

However, Burnett warns homeowners still need to be aware of pitfalls when going down the energy efficiency route. “There is a lot of ‘greenwash’ out there and the right advice is critical. “There is a fine line between getting energy efficient designs right – and not. All our homes are homestar rated, not just the best selected projects. It is about walking the walk and not just talking the talk.”

The second, two storey home, measures just in excess of 152 square metres. Insulated precast concrete panel thermomass construction has been carefully detailed to eliminate thermal leakage. It, too, features PV solar and high performance glazing and has a solar wall collector to pre-warm fresh air, which is then fed into an energy recovery ventilation system (ERV). 34 | B&R

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Sustainability

He says the whole house should be considered as a system, because its not about just adding energy efficient features to any house design, as ideas need to be incorporated correctly and be complementary or they simply won’t work. “The key is to take an integrated design approach from the earliest conceptual stage when around 90 percent of the important decisions need to be made. People are often surprised that careful design, as opposed to incorporating a whole lot of expensive technology, is the most essential element of an energy efficient home.” Bob Burnett Architecture uses 3D computer thermal modelling to analyse the home’s solar gain and heat losses for different months of the year. This process provides credence to designs and the solid data allows the new home’s future power bill to be assessed at design stage. Previously, designs were created just through experience of what works in practice. “Once built, the real proof of a home’s energy efficiency is the power bill. That’s why people should always think about their new homes as having two prices – the price to build it and the annual running costs. A lot of money can be spent on big houses that don’t necessarily perform well. “As a certified Homestar practitioner and assessor myself, I’m particularly enthusiastic that Homestar becomes recognised in New Zealand, leading to not only better buildings, but also futureproofed homes with high ratings which will have increased value. It’s not only about high performance specifications and rating, the homes must be

appealing designs which are ‘chic’ and eye-catching and appeal to New Zealanders.” Bob says most New Zealand houses are built to only three to four stars and don’t use modern earthquake resilient design principles. “Generally Kiwi homes have been viewed by people from overseas with dismay and are seen as notoriously poor performers, often cold, damp and even unhealthy. Better knowledge and higher building standards mean immigrants from Europe, the United States and Japan recognise and seek better homes that are better than a standard New Zealand house.” “Highly rated Homestar homes will be construction milestones as well as being of great public interest; particularly if they are affordable and designed to be quake-resilient. We know from research and work in Japan that we can design and construct buildings that will withstand impacts much better than our current earthquake prone buildings.” Bob Burnett and co-founder Don Holden had the idea for Quakestar. An easily understandable five star rating, for a buildings earthquake performance. The system has widespread support from public, industry and local and national authorities and will rate not only safety but also damage and cost and time to recover. More information: Bob Burnett Architecture, (03) 33 88 303, Eversun Homes 0800 002 674 www.bbarc.com, www.eversun.co.nz, www.quakestar.org.nz, www.homestar.org.nz B&R | 35

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Sustainability

Wall insulation key to warmer healthier homes We all know about the benefits of insulation, especially at this time of year when winter’s bite is starting to sink in. And one of the best places to keep the cold at bay is in, of course, your walls. Beacon Pathway chief executive Nick Collins says including wall insulation in repairs to earthquake damaged Canterbury homes will have a huge impact on keeping homes warmer and healthier. Beacon has already successfully trialled the advantages of wall insulation, along with other upgrades, through its Build Back Smarter project and it has been a huge success.

“The extensive repair and rebuilding required in Christchurch presents an opportunity to include upgrades which will improve a home’s performance - we call this building back smarter,” Nick says. The Earthquake Commission recently announced it would be giving homeowners the opportunity to install insulation in areas exposed during earthquake repairs. “We congratulate EQC on their decision to allow wall insulation to be installed during repairs as home owners will see the benefits immediately, particularly as the weather gets colder,” he says. The first of 10 earthquake damaged Christchurch homes have been upgraded through

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Wall insulation was installed by Community Energy Action into the Huntsbury home as part of Beacon’s Build Back Smarter programme.

the Build Back Smarter project including wall, ceiling and floor insulation, a heat transfer system and double glazing. This has resulted in a much warmer home for a Huntsbury couple. “Through Build Back Smarter, Helen and David Wells have noticed how much easier it is to heat their home and the impact this has had on their lifestyle. Previously the couple would heat their dining room/main living area with a woodburner and spend as much time as possible in this area. The rest of the house would remain cold,” Nick says. “Helen used to put on a down jacket to go into the lounge to play her piano. Following the upgrades, David and Helen have noticed warm, even temperatures throughout the house and even some health improvements, particularly in sinus trouble.” The inclusion of wall insulation to the home added no extra time to the completion deadline and was easier than expected. “The extent of the damage and the desire by builders to undertake work quickly and efficiently means that wall linings are often removed rather than repaired, creating significant additional opportunity for installing wall insulation.” More than 60 percent of Canterbury’s homes were built

David and Helen Wells are pleased their repaired home included wall insulation. They are pictured with Beacon project manager Bill King (left) outside their Huntsbury home.

before insulation was mandatory and most of these will have no wall insulation whatsoever, he says. “The greatest opportunity lies in installing wall insulation because it will make the biggest improvement to how the home performs and is usually both inconvenient and expensive to install. For these reasons, wall insulation is often only undertaken during major renovations - a once in 30 year event.” Christchurch’s Build Back Smarter project is a collaborative effort supported by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, the Christchurch City Council, Fletcher Building, the Ministry of Science and Innovation and the Christchurch Agency for Energy. Community Energy Action is assessing the homes and undertaking insulation and heating retrofits. To find out more about Beacon’s Build Back Smarter programme visit www.beaconpathway.co.nz

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Healthy Homes

Clearing the air The Sensitive Choice® programme is designed with the purpose of educating New Zealanders about managing asthma. But it goes further than just the individual – it encourages manufacturers and suppliers to produce products and services that may benefit those with asthma and/or allergies, as well as a way for consumers to identify such products and services.

The programme is designed to generate long term sustainable funds to enable the Asthma Foundation of New Zealand to continue its work in improving asthma care and research and providing, among other things, information and various training courses for nurses and community health workers.

It originated in Australia in 2007 and was designed and developed by the National Asthma Council Australia to help people with asthma and allergies make better purchasing decisions for their health’s sake. And to encourage companies to be asthma aware and to develop products that will be better choices.

The Sensitive Choice®

Later in the same year (2007) the Sensitive Choice® programme was adopted by the Asthma Foundation of New Zealand and is a sustainable source of income for the foundation, allowing the notfor-profit organisation to continue to provide its services.

The blue butterfly and what it symbolises The butterfly was chosen as a symbol because butterflies flourish in and are a sign of a healthy environment. When you see a butterfly it’s a good sign of a happy, clean ecology. The butterfly’s wings are symbolic of the lungs. The butterfly is a gentle and sensitive creature.

Becoming a partner Becoming a partner isn’t easy. The application process can take anywhere from two months to more than a year. Not all applications pass the Products Advisory Panel’s scrutiny. Each application is discussed with rigor and only when the Product Advisory Panel is satisfied, then will the product be approved for use of the logo. The independent and voluntary panel is based throughout Australia and New Zealand and meets quarterly to discuss applications. The voluntary and independent panel includes: • A respiratory physician • An allergist • A general practitioner • A pharmacist • An industrial chemist • A person with asthma.

The Sensitive Choice® Programme has some 200 products and services that carry the blue butterfly. The blue butterfly logo is a signal to the consumer that the product or service may be better for them if they have asthma or allergies; the logo signals a more user friendly product. Asthma Foundation of New Zealand business development co-ordinator, Jennifer Day says “The Programme provides its partners with an opening to the 800,000 Kiwis who are living with a respiratory condition and the 500,000 Kiwis with allergies”. The programme provides third party recognition from a well trusted non-government organisation (NGO) while giving credence to asthma and allergy friendly product and service statements. And the number of products approved to use the blue butterfly is growing fast. The ranges span from natural skincare, insulation, vacuums, commercial cleaning services, bedding, paint, heating, framing and trusses, MDF and even a construction company. There are 31 partners throughout New Zealand and Australia. The future of Sensitive Choice New Zealand is big and bold. The dream is to have a long term impact on New Zealand homes and people’s health, positively impacting the way we live, shop and look after ourselves. But what Sensitive Choice is all about is education. Education is the key as self-management of the condition is central to a better quality of life along with correct use of medication, exercise and a healthy diet. Being healthy isn’t solely based on just taking your medication regularly; Kiwis know this and are hungry for knowledge.

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Healthy Homes

Some tips for a health home and a healthy you… • Know your triggers and avoid your triggers. This means you could get out of vacuuming or dusting! • Air your home out on a fine day. Get a draft going through your home as regularly as possible. This helps prevent moisture building up in the home • Vacuum regularly using a vacuum with a Hepa filter. Hepa filters are used in hospitals, medical facilities, automobiles, aircraft and in homes. Hepa filters trap and remove 99.97 percent of all particles greater than 0.3 micro-metre from the air that passes through them • Damp dust as regularly as possible, this will stop the buildup of dust mites and their poo. It’s the poo you’re allergic to, not the pesky critters themselves

• Bed linen, duvet inners and pillows made from 100 percent cotton, with a thread count above 300, is most suitable for people with asthma and allergies. The reason a higher thread count is better is simple - it stops the dust from coming through the mattress • Wash bedding once a week in hot water (60 degrees C and over) for 90 minutes to successfully kill all dust mites and their eggs. Ensure that bedding is dried thoroughly so not to encourage the growth of mould • Use anti mould paints to prohibit the growth of mould in places like the kitchen and bathroom • Consider using low VOC (Volatile Organic Compounds) when building or renovating.

For more tips or information on Sensitive Choice please visit: www.sensitivechoice.com.au/living-with-asthma-allergy

FOR PEOPLE WITH ASTHMA AND ALLERGIES Brease carpet is a breath of fresh air. Recognised by The Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand sensitive choice program, this premium carpet has been specially developed for asthma and allergy sufferers.

For more information and to view these ranges please visit the following stores: Floorpride: 58 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch Next Dore: 102 Montreal Street, Sydenham, Christchurch Smith city Northwood: Cnr of Main North Rd & Radcliffe St, Belfast, Christchurch

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3/05/13 3:24 PM

Healthy Homes

Silt removal the simple way As a result of the Canterbury earthquakes, many buildings throughout Christchurch have experienced major problems with liquefaction silt build up. Silt retains moisture and if not effectively removed can cause a number of issues for those living or working in the building.

The constant dampness of the environment under a building that has been affected by liquefaction silt can lead to structural integrity issues for the foundations and piles. The cost to repair or replace damaged foundations and piles can be very high, and the likelihood of damage occurring will only increase the longer the silt is left. Transpacific is a leader in liquefaction silt removal solutions, with an unparalleled history of success to date. The company has developed new technology designed specifically for the removal of liquefaction from under structures.

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Joinery/Kitchens

Cool stools By Davina Richards

Although stools are just one product among a kitchen’s cosmetics, they’re so much more than that. They are a fantastic seating solution and pieces of design in themselves.

to give your ordinary space a heightened sense of interest and depth.

Unlike chairs, they are light enough to move around, don’t take up too much space, are smaller and un-obtrusive.

From backless, swivel, to screw top seats – it’s just a matter of finding whatever appeals to your imagination and suits your home.

They serve as accent pieces of furniture to give interest to your home, as well as being practical, decorative and reducing visual clutter. You can’t go wrong with whatever design you opt for

Whether you’re looking to splash out on a sophisticated and unique design or create a big and bold impact which doesn’t break the bank, there’s a cool stool out there for you.

Stools have been designed so they can easily slide under kitchen benches and islands.

Elle stool $199 Available from www.cintesi.co.nz

You can find them in all sorts of fabrics and materials in a range of different shapes, sizes, styles and prices.

Sofia barstool $459 Available from www.nood.co.nz

Nouveau barstool $34.99 Available from www.briscoes.co.nz

From a complete new kitchen installation to a simple door swap, Dream Doors have the kitchen solution for you. Scroll through the website to discover the vast range of doors, bench tops, kitchens and design ideas Dream Doors have to offer. Dream Doors can supply innovative kitchen storage solutions, top-brand appliances, quality sinks and designer bench tops.

Cube stool $199 Available from www.cintesi.co.nz

Wiggle stool by Vitra $644 Available from www.matisse.co.nz

Red stool $69 (available in black, silver, pink, red, white) Available from www.briscoes.co.nz

Diablito red stool $226 Available from www.cintesi.co.nz

Dream Doors are there to help you turn your tired old kitchen into a fantastic new kitchen. Dream Doors (Christchurch) Adrian and Tammy Kay Phone: 03 338 1081 Mobile: 027 338 1081 Email: adrian@dreamdoors.co.nz Email: tammy@dreamdoors.co.nz

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Flooring

Finding the right tile Choosing the right flooring or wall tiles for your home can be a confusing exercise for the uninitiated. What tile goes in what room? What are the best tiles for outdoors? There are a myriad of options out there.

Tiles are perfect for creating innovative and inspired bathrooms, kitchens and both indoor and outdoor living areas for residential and commercial projects. Here are some of the options for you to consider.

Ceramic tiles

Porcelain tiles

Handcrafted glass mosaic tiles are real head turners with an evocative and startling range of colours, shapes, sizes and finishes. They can deliver style and individuality to your home, creating unique and exiting personal (and commercial) living spaces.

Porcelain tiles are strong and durable and come in an extensive range of colours, sizes and styles. They are Ideal for the kitchen, indoor and outdoor flooring and high traffic areas.

Ceramic tiles are ideal for walls and slightly lower traffic areas, making them ideal in bathrooms and kitchen splash-backs.

Glass mosaic tiles

And they are easily complemented by a range of sophisticated and dynamic wall paper designs, all executed in glass and are ideal for residential and commercial environments, including bathrooms, kitchens, bars, restaurants, swimming pools.

Natural stone When it comes to choosing tiles and claddings, it’s hard to match the beauty and timelessness of natural stone. There is nothing man-made about real stone - the colour, the highlights, the grain and the variations have all been crafted by nature during millions of years.

Natural stone tiles and cladding comes in a variety of colours, sizes and finishes including filled or unfilled, honed, flamed, polished and natural split finishes. The most popular types of natural stone are: • Basalt - a volcanic stone featuring exceptional hardness and durability • Granite - the hardest common building stone making it exceptionally durable, colourfast and stain and scratch resistant • Limestone - a sedimentary rock composed mainly of calcite’s (shells of marine animals, some up to 140 million years old from the Jurassic period) • Marble - a rock formed from limestone featuring stunning veins • Sandstone - a sedimentary rock formed as the result of water, ice and wind patterns, composed of compacted sand with minerals determining its colour • Travertine - a form of limestone deposit precipitated from spring water or hot springs featuring a distinctive grained effect and Swiss cheese surface unless filled.

www.designastyle.co.nz

Specialising in the tile industry, Designastyle offer a full range of services for residential, retail, wholesale, commercial and installation. We are very passionate about what we do and our clients take assurance in our professional service. Our aim is to create a beautiful tiled environment which is unique and personalised. Sustained longevity and success in the tile industry in Christchurch. Come and visit us at 35 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurch or phone us on 03 348 1099

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Lighting

Illuminating the situation When considering lighting for your bathroom there are several important factors to consider.

The first is the need for whatever fitting you choose to suit a damp or wet area. The second is the need for different types of lighting in a bathroom, even though it is a small area. And the third is the creation of an enjoyable space where some family members may spend a large amount of time and where all family members spend some time. In bathrooms, for the purposes of the building regulations, each area has a “zone” designated to it. This zoning stipulates what kind of fitting can be installed. Some fittings need to have an IP rating; that’s an Ingress Protection Rating or International Protection Rating. Fittings without an IP rating can be used in a bathroom and a good lighting designer or your electrician can advise you on where these can be installed. Anyone with teenage daughters knows that the mirror is the most important part of the bathroom. It is important lighting adequately illuminates the face when looking into a mirror. Mounting lighting around a mirror so it shines on the face is the most desirable option.

To achieve this there are many different light sources. Placing a light fitting behind the head so a shadow is cast on the mirror is very undesirable and should be avoided. It is possible to use a ceiling mounted fitting which tilts the light onto the mirror to provide reflected light back onto the face, but this is not a particularly effective solution either. The worst option for a bathroom lighting installation is a heat light and fan unit; it is best to install separates for these functions. The general lighting in the bathroom should be bright and of good quality and surface mounted or recessed fittings are preferable to suspended fittings to give a good spread of light over all surfaces. The colour of your surfaces in the bathroom will dramatically affect the amount of lighting you need. Dark surfaces are well known for not reflecting light however, putty colours and other popular bathroom colours, like blue and green, are also not particularly reflective and the lighting levels in the bathroom should be increased. Using a recessed down-light above the shower provides good lighting for that area, as task lighting, when shaving legs etc.

LED lighting can be used very effectively in bathrooms. Running LED strip lighting under the bath or vanity gives a very good effect. Large double showers with LED strip lighting mounted in extrusions, running from floor to ceiling in the corners, is a way of adding some wow factor to the bathroom. A handy lighting tip is to mount a small step light recessed into the

wall at low level by the toilet to act as a night light for any nocturnal visits to the water closet. These are especially good in ensuites so the main light is not needed and in toilets used by the junior members of the house. As with all lighting, consulting a good lighting designer is the best option to optimise your bathroom lighting.

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Winter Heating

Keeping the chill at bay

As winter sets in and the mercury drops we spend more of our evenings warding off the cold at home. By choosing energy efficient methods of heating your house, you can have a warm, cosy home without it costing you the earth.

Once your home is at its heatholding best, start thinking about which energy efficient heat source you want. Large living spaces can be kept warm with heat pumps, flued gas fireplaces, wood pellet burners and log burners.Â Smaller spaces and areas of the house only used occasionally benefit from portable electric heaters.

All heat is expensive if it just goes straight through the roof, so insulating is the first step to make sure your house will hold the heat.Â Next, make sure that cracks and gaps are sealed up to prevent draughts and hang heavy, thermal lined curtains over windows. And get onto any moisture problems; fix under floor dampness and leaks, install external venting in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries and air the house regularly to help prevent mould problems.

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Winter Heating

Heat pumps

Log burners

Heat pumps provide fast, convenient and easily controlled heat. Energy Star rated models typically give three or more times the heat value of every dollar you spend on electricity compared to electric resistive heaters, so they’re energy efficient and provide lower heating costs.

Log burners are a great and economical option, especially if you’ve got access to free or cheap firewood, and modern burners can burn very cleanly provided the wood is dry. Burning dry wood in a clean burning wood burner is also carbon neutral. Electric heating

Gas heating

Portable electric heaters are good for heating small, specific spaces like bedrooms and studies. All electric heaters, whether radiant, fan, or convection, are equally efficient – that is, they convert all the electricity they consume into heat.

Gas heating offers instant heat that’s easy to control. Energy Star rated flued gas heaters are the most efficient and won’t release harmful gases and moisture into your home. Avoid portable gas heaters, as these are the most expensive heat source. They also release moisture and noxious gasses into your home.

Convection heaters (like oil column heaters) heat rooms quickly and provide good background warmth. Fan heaters blast out warm air and move it around to evenly heat a room and the glowing, directional heat from radiant heaters warms up whatever is in front of it almost instantly.

Wood pellet burners Wood pellet burners look similar to conventional wood burners, but they offer a lot more convenience and control over how much heat is produced and when. The density and moisture level of wood pellets means more consistent burning and lower emissions than logs.

EECA Energywise has lots more helpful advice for keeping warm this winter on its website: www.energywise.govt.nz

Look for electric heater models with thermostats and timers to help you control how much heat you use.

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Winter Heating

Hot heating options By Davina Richards

Fireplaces remain an important household feature and are available in a range of strong designs, so you can be creative with your project whatever your lifestyle or environment. Electric, gas or wood, there’s nothing quite like the warmth, glow, crackles and smells of a fireplace you can cosy up to in winter. They are the ideal focal point of a room where you can gather friends and family to savour a meal, a drink and engage in conversation in a relaxing atmosphere, no matter what the day or night compels.

In almost every new home design there is always time spent on placement of a new fireplace and they don’t have to be placed in a particular room. Commonly, they are used in a living room, but you can also expect to find them in dining rooms, master suites, foyers, outdoor areas and even kitchens.

Consider the main purpose of your chosen fireplace and decide on where to place it in your home. The overall cost of a fireplace depends on your choice of variable features. There is a large spectrum of materials, designs and heating options which will inevitably cause a rise and fall in your budget. Work out exactly what you want to determine where you can save money and achieve the desired look. Vintage charm, rustic elegance, English country, mid-century modern, retro, are among the many attractive styles and designs out there.

have a wood burning fireplace, it’s a good idea to have a spot to store logs or fireplace tools. Freestanding fireplaces stand out as a piece of art as well as functioning as a primary source of heat. They suit any home as they can be placed anywhere in a room to provide light and warmth wherever you wish. Wall-mounted fireplaces are a new age design which don’t need a chimney. A stunning choice in many new homes, they are practical, do not obstruct your space and are not a hassle to clean up.

Depending on how you want to utilise your space, there are three placement options: inbuilt, wall-mounted and freestanding.

Before you seal the deal meditate on whether your chosen fireplace will be enough to heat the size of your room. Consider the size and power of your fireplace to guarantee heat stretches to all four corners of a room.

Inbuilt fireplaces offer that streamlined integrated appearance and come in all different sizes, shapes, heights and widths. You can play around with ideas for the surround so you can incorporate storage or add shelving to display items. If you decide to

For comfort and necessity in a home, incorporate a beautiful fireplace into your home. There’s nothing nicer than to shake off your winter boots and enter a warm environment with a soothing ambience flowing through a home.

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Solar Energy

To determine how many solar panels you will need, consider the following: • How much space you have on your roof

Solar energy considerations

• How much electricity your home consumes in a year • How much energy you would like to reduce in your home • Your budget. Consider roof conditions: • Does it get sun exposure? • What material is it made of? • Does it get shade? • What condition is it in? You can expect solar systems to last for 20 years or more, so if you decide to install solar panels, it’s best your roof be 15 years old or less. If your roof needs to be repaired or replaced, it would be

What’s environmentally friendly, efficient, produces no emissions or noise and is low maintenance?

In recent years solar energy options are becoming prominent in homes as they become more affordable. Photovoltaics (PV) - the cells which convert sunlight into usable household power-means you can take control over your electricity costs. Suitable for most homes, solar panels can be placed on roofs, garages, facades, conservatory roofs, sun shades or specially-built stands on the ground. If you own your home, have high electricity bills and have a roof which receives plenty of sunlight, then solar may be the right option for you. But are they right for your home? It’s important solar panels receive good levels of direct sunlight in a north-facing location with year-round sun, but they are still effective on cloudy days.

wise to attend to those problems before you install solar panels to avoid the time and cost it would take to remove and re-install the panels in the future. Typically a home tends to use more electricity at night during a working week, but this is when your solar system won’t produce any solar energy. So it may be a good idea to combine your source of energy by using both solar energy and the utility company, to make up for when there is no sunlight and no energy when it is needed. If you’re considering installing solar panels in your home and need more information, seek advice from a solar installation professional. For more information about energy efficient options, visit the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority (EECA) at: www.eeca.govt.nz

“

Suitable for most homes, solar panels can be placed on roofs, garages, facades, conservatory roofs, sun shades or specially-built stands on the ground.

”

Consider the environment such as neighbouring buildings, or trees which can block out sunlight, before you invest in solar energy. A suitable roof should be made of composite, should not be too steep and have plenty of space to install solar panels; a typical 1kW unit needs an area of about eight square metres. Flat roofs, concrete tiles, wood shake roofs are more difficult to install on.

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Landscaping

Get glowing Make your home stand out in style with Allied Concrete’s Ready Glow range of decorative surfaces. Simple but stunning, Ready Glow consists of glow stones which absorb natural light during the day and glows for hours when the sun goes down. Functional and durable, they can be applied using any concrete or epoxy. You’ll be amazed at how just a little glow impacts your interior space or exterior landscape. As

little as 15 minutes of exposure to natural light allows for more than 12 hours of glow time. Create shapes or logos to add a personal touch and watch your design come to light. For more information and other Ready Glow options visit: www.alliedconcrete.co.nz/ solutions/decorative/readyglow

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First Home Buyers

Venturing into the unknown A first home buyer’s case study: Anthony and Sarah The Christchurch property market is globally unique, intriguing and for many first home buyers, confusing. My girlfriend and I recently took the first step onto the ladder they call ‘property’ and it opened a whole new world of complexities, some of which are reserved solely for the residents of our fair city.

Introducing your hosts

Firstly, allow me to introduce myself; Anthony Patrickson, media consultant and journalist for Academy Publishing, 26 years old from the Newcastle, England. I’ve spent a whirlwind year in Christchurch that has endeared me to this remarkable city and its residents. See, I’ve travelled extensively, worked some interesting jobs in obscure places (including shark fisherman in the Indian Ocean) and I’ve always lived by the motto that ‘people make places’. Christchurch is a fine example of that.

Delivering you a competitive edge. If you need specialist advice about property, phone me now on 03 963 1466 without further obligation.

Please accept my point of view as not just an outsider looking in, but now as a bricks and mortar resident of the city myself (although the house is actually wooden).

Toby Giles, Partner toby.giles@saunders.co.nz | 131 Victoria St, Christchurch www.saunders.co.nz

My girlfriend and I met through a friend of a friend scenario and we were both flatting in opposite ends of the city. Sarah Eatwell, legal executive at Saunders and Co, 24 years old from Hokitika and now Christchurch. Sarah was living in her mother’s house in Brighton before the earthquakes, but her

house was red zoned, she was forced to move out and began the interesting procedure of flatting. After almost a year of being together we decided to pool our resources, end the respective flatting scenarios and take the plunge into the housing market. And at this point I have to say that I was lucky to have Sarah guiding me through the process – being a non-resident of Christchurch there were certain words that were thrown my direction that I, an English Literature graduate, had never before heard of. Scope of works, liquefaction, EQC, TC1, TC2, TC3 and of course the daddy of them all ‘munted’ – this regional dialect was starting to become a language barrier for me - and I’m usually the one who is hard to understand.

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First Home Buyers

towards Franz Joseph, another bridge en-route fell down too!

The underlying point here is that Christchurch is unique thanks to events foregone, but it also presents itself as an unmistakable opportunity for any prospective first home buyers who are ready to roll up their sleeves and climb up that property ladder.

The purchase Fate has a funny way of presenting itself. Before our Christmas vacation we became regular faces at open homes around the city. Often we would be ushered through a property as 20 other buyers/investors and families would be crammed into the bedrooms scanning for cracks, calculating rental possibilities or evaluating whether they could squeeze another bedroom out of the study. Sarah and I enjoyed a much needed break during Christmas in the North Island and decided to attempt a road trip around the South Island early in the New Year. For some reason Mother Nature didn’t agree with our planned route – as we passed over a bridge in Murchison it collapsed three hours later due to torrential rain and as we continued South

We spent a few days semistranded in Hokitika with Sarah’s family and then decided to head back to Christchurch a lot earlier than planned. On our first day back we unexcitedly resumed the open-home frequenting. The first on our list of homes to view on the 5th of January was a two bedroom property in Dallington. From the description on TradeMe it didn’t exactly get our wheels spinning but when we viewed it, it was exactly what we were looking for… potential. It was a blank canvas; affordable, two good sized bedrooms, a double garage and more than 680sqm of land to go with it. Originating from urban England, 680sqm of land basically qualifies you as a farmer and a double garage is the perfect man-cave; we wanted it and we had to act fast.

Luckily we had some sound advice from a few friends and the dedicated help of Michelle Winter at Tony Mounce Mortgages to guide us through the borrowing process, eventually accepting a very generous offer from ASB. We tread the insurance tightrope assisted and eventually rescued by AMI, while the legalities were sorted by Sarah’s very professional employers Saunders and Co. We signed on the dotted line in late January and Sarah and I now own a house; not something I had personally planned when arriving 12 months ago on a working holiday visa, but when an opportunity as good as this presents itself – we simply had to think and act fast.

to renovate our ex-state house, add value and continue up this property ladder as Christchurch renovates itself simultaneously. Our goal is simple; to add as much equity to the house through renovations to then use it as leverage to secure our first rental property – the emphasis being on ‘first’! Watch this space as we start our journey into the relatively unknown. Now, where did I leave my paint brush…

It’s the tip of the iceberg as far as our plans go – inspired by friends’ success stories and by watching too many episodes of The Block we are on a self-assigned mission

It was the first open home of the year for the agent we dealt with and Sarah and I, along with a couple of property investors, were the only attendees (due to many people still being on vacation). The property investors made an offer and we made an offer that afternoon – we had to counter their offer but we eventually pipped them at the post.

The tip of a rather large iceberg The celebrations were put on ice as we started a procedure that many first home buyers commit to without having a true grasp of housing markets; property jargon and legislative land mines.

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Column

Shades of grey By Cymon Allfrey

Gaining consent for your homebuilding project can be a daunting and confusing process and ‘grey’ areas often emerge during this process.

In any home building or construction project there are a number of obligations that fall to the various parties involved. As a homeowner, one of most critical obligations you have is to apply for a building consent where one is required. With the Building Act 2004 and the New Zealand Building Code forming the basis of this discussion, it is important you are aware and comfortable with the role of each. The Building Act 2004 is the legislation around building work, outlining the regulations that must be met, in order for a building project to lawfully comply. While the Building Code is the performance criteria and acceptable solutions to these regulations, that must be met in order for the building to be constructed in a manner that deems it compliant. Among more than 400 sections and schedules, section 14B of the Building Act 2004 states that it is the homeowner’s responsibility to determine whether the building work to be carried out requires a building consent, or not. And in the event of requiring one, obtain the necessary consent, approval and certificates. It goes on to further state that the homeowner responsibilities include ensuring the building work carried out complies with the building consent, or if there is no building consent, with the building code. Contention and shades of grey emerge when work is being undertaken to an existing home – be it a renovation or a repair. Section 17 of the Building Act comments that all work must comply with the building code, whether a building consent is required or not, while

Section 112 comments that no alterations can be made to existing buildings without a consent. This causes tension to rise around what is defined as repair and home maintenance and what is an alteration. Where for example, is a crack in a lining a cosmetic repair (possibly exempt) and where is it repair to the primary structure (possibly consent required). In our repairs to quake damaged homes this grey area is emerging more and more. Under the notion of home maintenance, a window may be removed for the cladding to be repaired. However, in many instances, this causes the window cavity to alter slightly to conform to the replacement or repair of the cladding. So as a consequence the window cannot be put back in a compliant manner and potentially falling outside of Section 17 and the scope of maintenance. For the average homeowner this is a daunting notion to get your head around, so in the first instance it is important to ask yourself whether you feel suitably qualified to make the call whether the work being undertaken will require a consent or not. To assist you in this is Schedule 1 of the Building Act 2004, which determines the parameters of work exempt from building consent. While this is an extensive list, it is often subject to change and can include work not outlined in the schedule, but exempt by order in council. The Building Act outlines the role of the designer as being responsible for ensuring the plans and specifications are sufficient to result in the building work complying with the building code – if the building work was properly completed in accordance with those plans and specifications. So while your designer may be experienced in designing homes to meet the building code and able to advise you on consent, it

“

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is imperative you are comfortable with their advice, as the obligation to determine if their work requires consent falls to you alone. Where in doubt, the local council can issue an exemption certificate. This process sees you submit an outline of your project to the council for advice on consent – they will either issue you with an exemption certificate or guide you down the next part of the process. For less than $500 this leaves you with the peace of mind that your project is covered with the right consents and certificates. It is critical to remember that irrespective of whether the work you are undertaking requires consent or not, it MUST comply with the Building Code. You can download the Building Act from www.legislation.govt.nz or more for information on the Building Code visit www.dbh.govt.nz With more than 20 years industry experience, Cymon Allfrey holds the Chair of the ADNZ National Board and has won the ADNZ National Supreme Award three times in the past five years.

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WORLD-LEADING KIWI FOUNDATION SYSTEM GIVES CHRISTCHURCH HOME OWNERS PEACE OF MIND A revolutionary new foundation system created in New Zealand by Firth, which will help protect Christchurch home owners from earthquake liquefaction, has now been launched in Christchurch.

www.firth.co.nz

Andrew Moss General Manager, Jon Hambling, National Technical Manager Recently, Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee launched Firth’s latest RibRaft® technology which allows floor construction to sit ON the ground, not IN it; developed to provide solutions for residential housing and light commercial buildings in post-earthquake Canterbury. Previously the product has been available for use on land labelled Technical Category 1 (TC1 - meaning unlikely future land damage from liquefaction) and TC2 (minor to moderate land damage from liquefaction possible in earthquakes).

Now, Firth has created a TC3 RibRaft® solution which can be used widely in TC3 areas. There are around 28,000 properties in TC3 areas. Around 12,500 of these homes have major foundation and pile damage that will require

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more investigation of the ground around them. This means engineers need to look at TC3 land more closely and decide what foundations are needed so the property will perform well and be safe in future earthquakes. “On TC3 land, moderate to significant damage from liquefaction is possible in future significant earthquakes,” says Andrew Moss, General Manager of Firth. “After eight months in development, we have now created a viable, cost effective TC3 foundation option which will help give home owners and builders more peace of mind.”

Mr Moss says the Christchurch City Council has just approved the first set of plans using RibRaft® TC3 – for a new home in Hoon Hay. Firth’s RibRaft® is seismically strong, energy efficient and cost effective due to reduced

time and labour required. It is also less disruptive on the land as it lessens excavation.

The newly-patented TC3 system comprises of upper and lower slabs that can be jacked apart following an earthquake that causes settlement, allowing the house to be re-levelled quickly and easily with reoccupation inside four weeks. In the event of another earthquake, the foundation can be re-levelled by a builder rather than requiring specialist personnel.

Firth South Island Regional Office Cnr Sawyers Arms & Broughs Rd Harewood, Christchurch 0800 FIX TC3 (0800 349 823) Ph: 03 359 4160 Fax: 03 359 6516 Email: RibRaftTC3@firth.co.nz

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Buck Architects + Associates

Sustainably inspired designs During the years Buck Architects + Associates has accumulated a portfolio of homes designed to be self-sustaining in their ability to maintain comfortable and healthy internal climates. Teear House

Founder Roger Buck feels that designing and constructing buildings today has become far more complex than it was only a decade or two ago. Buck Architects + Associates specialises in areas related to energy efficiency. So it is critically important for Roger Buck and his team that not only do their buildings perform as intended in all the usual ways, but they are constructed to very high standards in terms of the ways in which they collect, conserve and use energy. “This means, in terms of energy for example, avoiding heat loss through uncontrolled air leakage and thermal bridging, which can result from the use of substandard products and poor construction practices. It follows that high performance buildings must include high performance window systems,” Roger says. He says that in order to cope with this we are dependent upon good advice and support from manufacturers, suppliers, installers and a range of technical specialists working within, but also outside, the industry. “If the finished result is to meet expectations then product dependability and workmanship go hand in hand,” he explains. “A part of this stems from a need to satisfy the regulatory part of the process, but a larger part in my view comes from the fact that simple, basic, cottage building has had its day and we should now look at buildings as being potentially resource-hungry objects which can have significant economic and environmental impacts. “Looked at like this, it will be clear that the industry should be working hard to minimise these impacts. We are also very conscious of taking durability seriously by designing for long lives coupled with very low ongoing maintenance.” Roger feels that in terms of weather resistance this is of the

utmost importance for durability and health, and for walls we may use several levels together, depending on the type of underlying structure. These could take the form of an external water resistant finish such as plaster, a cavity for drainage and behind this an underlying waterproof layer. “For roofs and the associated flashings we commonly use Butynol, often with a standing seam appearance if the roof is visible.” With all of these critical factors in mind it is vitally important that we have available to us contractors, subcontractors and suppliers who consistently perform well, he says, and who can be relied upon to go beyond the strict limits of any contractual relationships, should issues arise, whether these are at the design stage, while construction is underway, or subsequently. “Our aim as designers is to achieve the best possible outcomes for our clients and it follows that the quality of the workmanship and the products used on any project is critical to its success. “In our experience the following companies associated with the featured houses have performed exceptionally well in all regards. NK Windows have been involved with us seemingly forever as both suppliers and installers. “Ardex are well established and widely respected within the industry; they provide tried and tested products in which we have confidence and the installers they use have performed well for us. And Sto Plaster Systems are relatively recent arrivals, but are now regularly specified by us for both interior and exterior plaster finishes; the feedback we get from clients amply justifies their selection.” Roger Buck explains how the following houses all adhere to energy efficient design. They are all constructed to a very high standard in terms of the ways in which they collect, conserve and use energy.

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Buck Architects + Associates

TEEAR HOUSE The Teear house in Clifton is north facing, has suburb views and is the latest addition to a community development. “It has extremely high levels of thermal mass and insulation. The result is that in the two winters since its completion each has only required a total of fourteen hours of space heating,” Roger says. “The internal planning is intended to provide all necessary accommodation on one level for the owners, including car access, with space for kids and visitors, along with an office and games area downstairs. “The glazed atrium, which forms part of the entrance, will in time be filled with exotic planting rising through both levels – an amazing sight especially for first time visitors.”

WHITTY HOUSE The Whitty house is on an elevated site in Halswell. It has beautiful views across a small lake and a distinctly rural feel to it while being surprisingly close to the city. “These views of course took priority when designing the house, with the understanding that solar gain would be to some extent compromised as a result.

and is also one where extended families can live together comfortably.

“All the main functional amenities, including vehicle access, are available to the owners on one level. This means that it is a place where an entire lifetime can be enjoyed without compromise

“As with the Teear house it includes all of the design characteristics in terms thermal mass and insulation and therefore has similar levels of thermal stability, quietness and comfort.” B&R | 59

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Buck Architects + Associates

TAYLOR HOUSE The Taylor house situated in Geraldine is in a totally rural location with the owners strongly drawn to sustainable living. It is currently a minimal first stage of what is expected to become, in time, a larger development. The views are roughly north east to south west over an undulating landscape, with a backdrop of mountains. “This first stage is not ideally orientated and to deal with this a transpired solar collector

has been installed on the north wall. The air heated by this device is circulated within the building by a solar electric (PV) driven fan, with ducting distributing it to the parts of the house which receive the least solar gain. “A further uncommon feature is the use of a ‘green roof’. This blends the house into the landscape and minimises its visual impact. The wastewater system is biologically purified and the result is used for irrigation.”

NK Windows Ltd

Taylor house in Geraldine

JACKSON HOUSE The northerly orientation of this house in Wanaka coincides with the stunning mountain views. It was designed to reflect its rural context by using timber and local stone cladding and to give every room views and sunshine. A garage at the rear of the main house has a small self contained apartment for visitors built above it.

Other supplementary space heating comes from a solid fuel space heater and some areas of electric under-tile resistance heating.

“The main house has two bedroom areas separated by the living spaces, with the latter having a small conservatory to give a sunny sitting area, especially on clear, but cool winter days and also to help heat the house.

“To reflect the rugged alpine location a mix of timber and local stone cladding has been used as external wall cladding, along with a dark grey, nonreflective membrane roof covering. The internal walls are plastered block work.”

Roger Buck

T (03) 3666 888 E info@buckarchitects.co.nz www.buckarchitects.co.nz

“This house differs from the other houses by having a timber roof instead of concrete, so there is a less thermal mass and it uses locally made double glazed timber window frames instead of PVC,” Roger says.

PVCu Windows & Doors

- European Tilt & Turn Systems - PVCu White, Ivory or in PVCu Woodgrain Golden Oak or Colour - Seawater & UV Resistant - High Security Locking

Ph 03 344 3126

8 Anchorage Rd, Hornby, Christchurch • info@nkwindows.co.nz PO Box 28155 • Est. 2000

www.nkwindows.co.nz

Registered Architect Buck Architects + Associates

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Koia Architects

How smart is your house? Many Christchurch residents looking to purchase their new home are being assailed with a variety of ‘smart homes’ on offer in the market place. Obviously the marketing slogan fits well with smart phones and smart cars, but is it just a slogan, or is there something more to this smart house concept?

energy efficiency and has done so with a double membrane wrap (inside and outside) and using a cost effective heat recovery and reticulation system.

On investigation it appears, when it comes to a smart house, it refers to a design which has captured the latest in energy efficiency technology at an affordable price.

“Most low cost homes offer the minimum insulation and construction solutions and therefore have the highest running costs.

One architect who has been recognised for his smart home development is Tony Koia, who heads Koia Architects, with offices in Queenstown in Auckland.

“We wanted to position the Smarthouse so it would be affordable to first home buyers, retirees and people on lower or fixed incomes, as these groups often struggle with the spiraling cost of electricity.

Koia Architects’ Smarthouse is a series of compact, energy efficient, smart, architectural homes aimed to provide maximum value for medium cost. The concept for the Smarthouse evolved from the award winning starter Home Koia Architects designed for the Department of Building and Housing in 2009. Tony says these homes were aimed at first home buyers at an affordable price point. This was for a 120sqm home, with two to three bedrooms, which could be added to as needs expanded, with a high energy efficiency and could be built for around $1,400 a square metre. “The Smarthouse is the evolution of this, providing homes that have increased thermal efficiency, smart heat recovery and ventilation systems, which result in lower running costs,” Tony says. “They are architecturally designed and aim to have a style that is not offered by group housing solutions.” One of the issues Tony wanted to address with the Smarthouse was

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The Smarthouse is the evolution of this, providing homes that have increased thermal efficiency, smart heat recovery and ventilation systems, which result in lower running costs

”

“The Smarthouse will also appeal to anyone who wishes to have an architectural home without the usual one off costs. Affordable, compact and efficient does not have to be ugly.” “We have developed a whole range of Smarthouses from a small 60sqm one bedroomed compact house to 240sqm three to four bedroomed family homes.” Tony says the Smarthouse offers advantages for less stable land which standard timber framed homes would struggle with and has been designed with extreme climates like Queenstown in mind. He is currently working on a design to suit the Christchurch landscape, taking into account its seismic instability and is collaborating with a Christchurch based home builder to get the design to the marketplace later this year. For more information visit: www.koia.co.nz B&R | 61

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