Property Showcase

Clever design and build conquers challenging section

Words: Amy Russ | Richard Briggs

Tucked away on a back section, near the heart of town's CBD lies a home built with an ‘out of the box’ approach. Built by Travis Taylor Builders, owner Denise Dinmore has worked with the team before and says she knew that they would again be able to deliver the perfect home for her needs. “The whole build is quite unique and not your ‘normal’ looking home. We had several issues arise with the tiny section, but Travis and the architect were able to successfully navigate those complications creating a very happy collaboration.” From the building team, and the architectural designer to the landscapers and contractors, everyone worked in unison to create Denise a dream home. “All of the people that worked on site, were all local tradesmen. They did a wonderful job and were without a doubt the nicest people I have ever worked with.”

Constructed of corrugated iron, plaster and cedar, one of the key features of the brief was having high ceilings throughout the home. While the footprint of the building isn’t huge, at 150m2, the house also doesn't feel small with the high ceilings, giving it a real sense of spaciousness. The rustic entry and barn slider doors were a recycled look Denise also used in a previous home, complimenting the exterior, cedar boards adding a natural warmth to the interior. “The Maxwell Rd build presented us with quite a challenging site,” says company owner, Travis Taylor. “It was a very small 510m2 site on a back section, with very little parking or space to store materials. There was a council easement running through the length of the section, care was required to be the correct distances off this and boundaries on all sides.” Denise’s eye for design and years of experience in interior design and colour coordination contributed to a perfect collaboration between client, contractor and architect, he says. “It also helps that she enjoys the whole build process! She is always keen to think outside of the box and do something a little different, which is exactly the approach required for building on this site, whereas most people would have put it in the too hard basket.” That's where Denise and architectural designer, Ben Stace from Design

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Marlborough, were up for the challenge, and were able to design a well-considered layout that not only worked perfectly for the homeowner's requirements, but also to the confinements of the section. “I don't think too many others would have taken on the challenge. That section sat there empty for many years, it's a real credit to Denise,” says Travis. Ben’s company, Design Marlborough Architecture, are experts in creating practical structures and improving lives through good design. He says with Denise’s extensive background in interiors, she was a dream client. “The scope Denise gave me for the build was fantastic. There were multiple constraints to the build with a tight site and half of the section unable to be built upon due to the easement. Everything about the two-bedroom home is absolutely bespoke and the overall configuration has come together really well. The collaboration between everyone involved was great and Travis’s team have completed the job extremely well.” Travis says the biggest challenges of the build was working within the constraints of a small and challenging site, and material shortages and uncertainties following Covid. For him, one of the main highlights of the build was seeing the finished product on such a small site. “Good communication with clients, architects, designers, council and all sub trades throughout the whole process is the key to a successful build. I prefer to work with the same sub trades on all projects, as we have built up a good working relationship over many years, and work in well with each other to provide a great service.” Established in 2002, Travis Taylor Builders provides a complete and comprehensive building service to residential, commercial and industrial clients. They understand the building process can be a stressful one and believe solid communication throughout is key to delivering quality work. They take pride in delivering the best value and service possible. “Having been in the industry for 27 years, I think some of the key aspects are surrounding yourself with the right people, having a good and like-minded team of employees, right through to all the sub trades and merchants. Listening and engaging with the client, understanding their needs and wants, and offering advice and guidance where required.”