Signature Style Issue III by Signature Homes

Signature

Style

NZ’s Best Building Guarantees Exclusive to Signature Homes

DESIGN & BUILD A UNIQUE ARCHITECTURAL STATEMENT

ISSUE 3

THE PACIFIC COLLECTION OF HOMES FUNCTIONALITY, SIMPLICITY AND EXCEPTIONAL VALUE FOR MONEY

signature SMART HOMES EVERYTHING YOU NEED AND NOTHING YOU DON’T

"I'd like to personally welcome you to the third issue of the Signature Style Magazine" Gavin Hunt | Owner, Signature Homes Ltd (Franchisor)

If you are one of the many New Zealanders who are thinking of building a new home, the question you probably want to ask is this “Why should I build my home with your company?”. OUR PROMISE Our promise to you is that whether you are looking to build a cost-effective family home, or you are looking to make a unique architectural statement, Signature Homes will provide you with a high quality new home solution, at highly competitive market rates. In addition to this, your investment will be protected by New Zealand’s leading home building guarantee programme. We will also be completely transparent with you about all of the costs involved in the creation of your new home, before you sign a contract with us. OUR REPUTATION Our name has become synonymous with uncompromised design, quality and service, and our entire network is committed to the constant improvement of the services we offer. Originally founded in 1983 under the ownership of Fletcher Challenge, we are one of New Zealand's longest serving home building companies - in fact, my wife Anneta and I were involved with the launch of the Signature Homes brand over 30 years ago. What this means is that when you build with Signature Homes, you can feel assured knowing that you are dealing with reputable, long term industry leaders. OUR TECHNOLOGY In 2005, Signature Homes launched a 'cloud' based business management tool, The Signature Way. The system ties together various aspects of the business, and provides 24/7 access to the entire Signature Homes franchise network. The Signature Way continues to be developed and enhanced today. OUR INDUSTRY-LEADING GUARANTEES Just satisfying our clients isn't enough; our aim is to delight them with every aspect of our service and every detail of their new home. That's not just a vague promise, we back it up with our exclusive independently-bonded guarantees. These include a Fixed Price Guarantee (before any work commences); a No Hidden Extras Guarantee; a Guaranteed Completion Date; 10 Year Structural and 10 Year Weathertightness Guarantees; a 2 Year Maintenance Guarantee which covers any non xstructural defects; a Satisfaction Guarantee and last but not least our unique Home Completion Guarantee, which provides 100% protection on any payments made by our clients during construction of their home. Whether you knock down and rebuild, subdivide, build from scratch or buy one of our complete land and house

packages, we guarantee we will finish your project to the highest industry standards. OUR PRODUCTS & SERVICES At Signature Homes, we are very proud of our ability to service any part of the new home market, whether you are spending $100,000 or $1,000,000. In addition to our Pre-Designed and Design & Build services, we also offer comprehensive Knock Down & Rebuild and Subdividing services, which have both been operating for more than a decade. They are designed to take the stress out of removing an existing home from a site, or dividing a property and building a new home. CONVENIENCE We provide a 'one stop solution' for all your design and construction needs, and we can also assist you in obtaining finance. And if you're too busy to come and see us during working hours, we are more than happy to come and see you after hours. WEâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;RE KIWI OWNED AND OPERATED We are, and always have been, New Zealand owned and operated, and our home collections are created right here in New Zealand to suit our unique environment. OUR MISSION Our mission is not only to create a new home that you and your family will love living in, but to make the whole process of creating it an easy, exciting and thoroughly enjoyable experience, too. It gives the team at Signature Homes great pleasure to be able to provide this magazine to you, which showcases some of our favourite homes. We hope you enjoy reading it, and we hope we can be or service to you one day soon.

CONTENTS

Home Features in this Issue

SOUTHERN COMFORT

SUNCATCHER

The Tafua

The Macauley

CALOUNDRA The Caloundra

SEAVIEW

EARTHY TONES

INNER CITY LIFE

FULL OF SURPRISES

THE RESORT

The Seaview

Design & Build

The Arrowtown

A HOME TO BE PROUD OF Design & Build

The Stanton

The Monterey

INDEX

TANGAROA

HOME BY THE SEA

102

COLONIAL LOOK MODERN DAY BENEFITS

122

A FOREVER HOME

HOME ALONE

152

THE NORTH STAR

The Tangaroa

Design & Build

Signature Style Magazine |

issue iii

Design & Build

VILLA NEO

112

134

VANTAGE POINT

144

160

ON THE VILLAGE GREEN

170

Design & Build

Home on Front Cover:

Art Direction:

Special Thanks:

Publisher:

Design & Build, Northland. Special thanks to owner Linda Nash

Daniela Vega

To all clients with homes featured in this magazine, and all Signature Homes Supply Partners

Signature Homes Ltd PO Box 305393 Triton Plaza Auckland 0757 P: +64 9 415 2468 E: signature@signature.co.nz W: signaturehomes.co.nz

Editor: Juan Hunt

Q&A The Signature Homes Comprehensive Guarantee Programme WITH SIGNATURE HOMES LTD OWNER GAVIN HUNT

» SIGNATURE HOMES: Who is Residential Indemnity Ltd (RIL)? › GH: RIL is a company set up solely for the purposes of settling any possible claims under the key aspects of the guarantee programme offered by Signature Homes. It is important to note that RIL is completely independent financially from the Signature Homes Franchise Builder who will be contracted to build your home. » SH: Who else has used RIL’s Home Completion Guarantee? › GH: Since its release to the market in 2007, many hundreds of Signature Homes clients have been provided with the Home Completion Guarantee. The guarantees are also accepted by the Ministry of Education for the Early Childhood Centres Signature Homes has been contracted to build for them. » SH: If the worst came to the worst, and I had to call upon my Home Completion Guarantee, would I have to pay more than I agreed to under my building agreement? › GH: The Home Completion Guarantee ensures that your home is completed as per your building agreement, with no additional cost.

» SH: Regarding the Home Completion Guarantee, does RIL guarantee payment to all clients? › GH: The guarantee provides a higher level of cover than other building guarantees, as there are no limits set on how much can be claimed for loss of deposit and/or completion of the home. Proportionately, RIL has a larger fund set aside to cover any claims, compared to any other NZ building guarantees we are aware of. » SH: What materials/workmanship does RIL’s Comprehensive Guarantee Programme cover? › GH: The quality of all work and materials provided by the builder are covered, except for materials already covered under manufacturer warranties. See the terms and conditions for details. » SH: What are the main differences between RIL’s Home Completion Guarantee and other ‘completion’ guarantees? › GH: Other building guarantees have set limits in relation to the total amount that can be paid out for loss of deposit and/or noncompletion. This means that the difference in the claim limit set by the guarantee company and the actual costs to complete the home then need to be paid by the client. RIL’s Home Completion Guarantee has no set limits around how much any client can claim. Should there be a problem, RIL guarantees to fully finish the home as per the building agreement (at no extra cost to the client). » SH: The guarantee programme offered by RIL is not as well known as other building guarantees. Do I have any other assurances? › GH: Signature Homes has been operating since 1983 - one of the most experienced and highly regarded residential building companies in New Zealand. Signature Homes has never failed to complete a home, and all homes built by Signature Homes since 2007 have

been covered by the Comprehensive Guarantee Programme. It’s important to note that homes built since that time by our competitors (and covered by other building guarantees) have not always been completed. Also, in the opinion of Signature Homes, other building guarantees on the market do not provide sufficient cover in the case of weathertightness and/or structural defects. » SH: Should a claim need to be made on the Home Completion Guarantee, what is the maximum cover? › GH: The maximum cover available is the cost to complete the home (if any) over and above the remaining progress payments that are yet to be made under the building agreement. The provided cover is based on the home being finished as per the plans and specifications in the original building agreement, provided all of the claims at that time don’t exceed the limit of the performance bond i.e. the client will still get what they are supposed to for the price that they agreed to pay, subject to the amount of the bond. » SH: What is the financial strength backing the Home Completion Guarantee? › GH: RIL has been issued with a performance bond of $1,000,000.00 by its bankers, The ANZ National Bank. The performance bond is payable to RIL on demand, and covers any event of RIL’s choosing in terms of the Home Completion Guarantee. In the event that RIL is required to meet a claim under the Home Completion Guarantee, RIL will make demand on its bankers for payment under the performance bond up to a maximum of $1,000,000.00. The performance bond is issued annually and has been renewed every year since 2007. » SH: Can my solicitor take a closer look at RIL’s Guarantee Programme? › GH: Yes of course, we would encourage this, as your solicitor will be able to confirm that RIL’s Guarantee Programme compares very favourably with the other guarantees on the market. » SH: How does the RIL Structural Guarantee compare? › GH: Other building guarantees will often only provide cover up to a set dollar limit. This means that the difference in the dollar limit and the actual costs to repair the home will then need to be paid by the client. Often, the cover will only apply if a CCC (Code Compliance Certificate) has been issued, whereas RIL does not have a limit, nor is RIL’s Guarantee conditional upon the home having a CCC. » SH: How does RIL’s Weathertightness Guarantee compare? › GH: Other building guarantees will often only provide cover up to a set dollar limit. This means that the difference in the dollar limit and the actual costs to repair the home will then need to be paid by the client. Often the cover will only apply if a CCC (Code Compliance

Certificate) has been issued. Also, in some cases the cover provided by other building guarantees does not automatically apply to all homes - it will only apply if the materials used and the design of the home are deemed to be of an acceptable standard by the guarantee provider. RIL’s guarantees do not have a set limit, nor are they conditional upon the home having a CCC. RIL covers all homes built by Signature Homes (once RIL has accepted the guarantee application). » SH: If our Signature Homes Franchise Builder did fail, who would finish our home? › GH: In the unlikely event that this did occur, another Signature Homes Franchise Builder would complete the work (in the first instance), but if this was not possible then a reputable substitute builder would be used. The structural, weathertightness and defect aspects of the Comprehensive Guarantee Programme would still be applicable to homes completed by the substitute builder. » SH: Are the guarantees transferable to the next owner of the home? › GH: Yes they can be transferred any number of times, and there is no cost to do so unlike many other building guarantees. » SH: When do the guarantees start and finish (what is the term of the cover)? › GH: The loss of deposit and completion aspects of the Comprehensive Guarantee Programme come in to effect from the date your application is accepted by RIL (usually within 2 weeks of your building agreement becoming unconditional), and the cover remains in place until the practical completion of your home. The structural, weathertightness and non-structural defects aspects of the Comprehensive Guarantee Programme apply from the practical completion of the home. Non-structural defects are covered for two years and structural and weathertightness defects are both covered for a period of ten years from practical completion. » SH: Is the work on my home insured if I need to make a completion claim? › GH: Yes – RIL ensures that insurance is in place from the time the builder ceases work through to the appointment of a substitute builder and the practical completion of the home, unlike a number of other building guarantees, where the guarantee company is not responsible for keeping the works insured. » SH: Are there any conditions or general exclusions that I need to be aware of? › GH: Yes, there are – such matters such as landscaping, materials supplied or work performed by others, Acts of God, etc. Please see the terms and conditions in the guarantee document for details.

Because each client is unique and requires a home solution that suits their particular requirements, Signature Homes has developed three streamlined service options to help our clients get the most out of their new home journey

OPTION 1 | Pre-Designed Plans: Smart Home Collection

OPTION 2 | Pre-Designed Plans: Pacific Collection

OPTION 3 | Design & Build: Designer Collection

THIS NEW HOME SOLUTION IS IDEAL FOR A CLIENT WHO:

■ Requires a no-fuss, practical and low maintenance new home solution.

■ Requires a relatively straightforward, practical new home solution

■ Is looking for maximum “bang for their buck” in terms of the size of their home

■ Wants to have input into the design in order to personalise the plan, and give it a look that fits with their tastes

■ Has a steep or difficult site, or has a site with access issues, where site engineering and excavation work are required.

■ Is not looking to make extensive changes to the home, although some flexibility is required in terms of claddings, fixtures, colours and fittings ■ Is wanting a very clear idea what the home will cost very early on in the process ■ Does not require extensive involvement in the design process of the home ■ Wants their home to be completed in the shortest possible time ■ Has a relatively flat section

■ May wish to make changes to the floorplan ■ Requires flexibility in terms of cladding, fixtures, colours and fittings ■ Is wanting an accurate idea what the home will cost early on in the process ■ Is not wanting to spend too much time in the design phase of the project ■ Is looking for a solution that will be completed in a short time-frame

■ Wants their home to have a very unique and individual look and/or layout ■ Has a clear idea of the look they want their home to have ■ Wants to have moderate to extensive input into the design of their home, and is happy to spend some time in the design phase if necessary to ensure they get the home they are after ■ Requires total flexibility in terms of claddings, fixtures, colours and fittings ■ Would possibly like flexibility to make changes to the home during the build ■ May be building in a highly desirable location, and is looking to maximise their investment

To find out more about our home collections, visit signaturehomes.co.nz or call 0800 744 628 to make an appointment with one of our New Home Consultants.

■ Understands that a complete and transparent proposal for their new home can only be provided when all of the materials and labour costs for the home are calculated by the builder.

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | NELSON

The 229m2 four bedroom Tafua, from Signature's Pre-Designed Pacific Collection of Homes is attractive, engineered for value, and fits on most narrow urban sites. It's little wonder it has proven to be one of Signature's most popular designs. PHOTOGRAPHER | GRANT STIRLING 10

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This home feature is sponsored by :

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If you like the look of the 229m2 Tafua, but require something smaller, you may be interested in the three bedroom 174m2 Seacrest, or the four bedroom 206m2 Oceania, also available from Signature Homes. The homes all have a similar layout, and the same exterior look can be achieved with all three plans.

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | NELSON

he 229m² Tafua has proven to be one of the most popular plans in Signature's Pacific Collection, and it’s easy to see why, with it’s layout providing fantastic flow, both inside and out. While the narrow profile of the home’s design provides somewhat limited scope for visual expression from the front, the home still manages to achieve a respectable level of street appeal. The Tafua as it appears in the Pacific Collection features extensive family and living areas, four double bedrooms, a private entry and two bathrooms – including an en suite and walk–in wardrobe for the master bedroom. The home in this feature was built in Nelson, with the floorplan amended slightly to include a scullery behind the kitchen, a feature very much back in vogue in New Zealand at the present time. Linea weatherboards have been used on the home's exterior to give it a look that recreates the style of early New Zealand homes.

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living areas, butting up to the wooden floor in the kitchen.

“L

ove the texture” is the often– repeated comment from visitors to this showhome as they take their shoes off and curl their feet into Cavalier Bremworth’s felted chunky ribbed carpet, known by the name of 'Foss'. The second comment invariably is about how soft the carpet feels. Foss (in the colour 'Highcross') features through all the bedrooms in the Mako Street home, right through the main

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The carpet is made from felted wool, supplied exclusively for Cavalier Bremworth from a related Cavalier company, Radford Felted Yarn in Christchurch. Felting is a process that locks wool fibres together, making them stronger and bulkier, creating interesting textures in the finished carpet. The use of New Zealand Lambswool provides added softness and comfort. The result is a hardwearing carpet that will retain its good looks for longer.

Not only is the felted yarn unique to Cavalier Bremworth carpets, the carpet backing is also something that has its own special story. Replacing the traditional and increasingly hard to source Jute backing, is a backing created by Cavalier Bremworth called Flashbac™. Flashbac™ is a world–first – a carpet backing made entirely from recycled wool carpet. Introduced in 2012, the production of the backing has resulted in tonnes of waste carpet being diverted from landfill - a great environmental bonus for buyers.

The production process is top secret (and patented), and the finished Flashbac™ provides some distinct advantages over Jute, being less likely to damage skirtings and walls on installation, and providing additional softness and warmth. Marginally thic ke r th a n J ute, c a r p et w ith Flashbac™ is laid in the same way as traditional Jute-backed carpet. When it comes to colour choices for carpet, neutrals have dominated for some time, being seen as both a safe choice and also a way to tie together

various other textural elements. Taryn Hume from Hubbers Flooring in Richmond says that the colour seen on the floor of this showhome is often the one favoured by buyers when confronted with a choice of colours at the store. “It’s hard to visualise a big area in a particular colour, so visiting a show home gives people the confidence to make a more informed decision. The colour Highcross is a classic ‘warm neutral’ that works with both darker and lighter shades, and is a best–seller for us.”

Having wool on both the top and bottom of the carpet is a great choice for chilly Nelson winters, but often overlooked is the benefit wool has in summer. Wool doesn’t experience the big thermal variations that man-made fibres will, and it actually breathes acting as a natural humidity regulator, helping to keep a room cooler in summer. Cavalier Bremworth is New Zealand's leading manufacturer of wool carpet, and we are very proud to be associated with Signature Homes.

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | NELSON

The Tafua can also be constructed with a covered portico extending from the dining area, an essential for those who enjoy hosting family and friends for barbeques during the summer months. Another great aspect of the design is that four rooms in the home have direct access to the garden, and in summer these areas can be opened up almost completely, creating airflow on hot days, and an almost seamless indoor/outdoor flow throughout the entire home. INNOVATIVE, PRACTICAL DESIGN In recent years, the cost of land in many New Zealand areas has risen considerably, and because of this, many of the sections available in new subdivisions have

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s i g n a t ure. c o . n z

The layout simultaneously provides fantastic flow both inside and out, and all-day sun. Many other design features combine to make the home a very attractive proposition at a reasonable price.

become smaller in size to make them more attainable for prospective home builders. As a result, the challenge that many new home buyers now face is that of building an attractive, cost-effective and practical dwelling on a slender piece of land, with the main objective being to maximise the use of all available space, both inside the home and out. The Tafua achieves all of this and more, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s long, slender profile allowing it to sit comfortably on the narrowest of sections. The layout simultaneously provides fantastic flow both inside and out, and all-day sun. Many other design features combine to make the home a very attractive proposition at a reasonable price. The home also features centralised plumbing and straight wall and roof lines, making the home more economical to build, reducing ongoing costs, and helping reduce impact on the environment.

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Signature Homes Present Our New

VALUE

ROOM SIZES

Rooms in the homes of the Smart Home Collection are economically sized ― not too big, and not too small.

SIZE Signature Homes' Smart Homes are compact, pratical and modern homes, which utilise space extremely well - both internally and on the sites they sit on.

Signature Homes' Smart Homes are value-engineered to provide the home owner with maximum "bang for their buck”.

DIMENSIONS In order to reduce waste and cost, the home’s dimensions have been determined where possible by the dimensions of the materials that will be used on the home.

Signature Homes are proud to present our innovative Smart Home Collection. So, what is a Signature Homes Smart Home? In simple terms, a Signature Homes Smart Home has everything you need, and nothing you donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t.

DOORS & WINDOWS Doors and windows are economically sized, and are placed on the home in a position that will reduce the cost of both materials and installation.

ROOF Homes in the Smart Home collection have a 22.5 degree hip roof truss system designed to maximimise cost-effectiveness of the roof structure.

BRICK CLADDING Homes in the Smart Home Collection are specified with a 70mm clay brick veneer. Bricks are a versatile, low maintenance and attractive cladding option. To find out more about our Smart Home Collection, please visit signature.co.nz or call 0800 SIGNATURE (744 628)

DESIGN & BUILD | BAY OF PLENTY

This home feature is sponsored by :

SIGNATURE STYLE

ISSUE III

SIGNATURE STYLE

DESIGN & BUILD | BAY OF PLENTY

Q&A Design & Build BAY OF PLENTY In this interview, the owners of this stylish Signature Home explain how they incorporated interesting features into the design

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» SIGNATURE HOMES: Tell us about the area and community surrounding the home. › OWNER: We live on a semi-rural block in Welcome Bay with gorgeous 180° views over the Kaimai Ranges and Tauranga harbour around to Mt Maunganui. It’s great because it seems you are out in the countryside but yet we are only 15 mins from town. » SH: What aspects of the section and surrounding area did the design of the new home have to take into account? › O: We have a peculiar shaped section, so it required a lot of thought to design all the spaces we wanted and capture the stunning views and sun. » SH: What is the main purpose of the new home? › O: We were living in an older two storey home on the property next door which we had renovated, but it still wasn’t ideal so when the property next door became available, it was the perfect opportunity to design and build a single level home that suited our family and lifestyle. We wanted this to be our forever home. » SH: What was the inspiration behind the design for your new home, and what did you want to achieve with it visually? › O: We wanted a modern family home, with a kids wing and parents wing, and a great entertaining area as the hub. We started with the kids wing because we knew exactly how we wanted this and went from there. ISSUE III

» SH: What wall claddings were used on your home, and why did you choose them? › O: Vertical cedar, Celcrete and a feature rough cast concrete wall at the entrance. We chose vertical cedar because we have always loved that look, however we didn’t want one cladding type over the entire home, so we went with Celcrete as a contrast. We have also used cedar louvres in different areas of the home.

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DESIGN & BUILD | BAY OF PLENTY

» SH: Tell us about any unique or unusual design features of the home. › O: We decided to put a hot water bore down and use this for the underfloor heating in winter, and to fill the spa pool. In summer, it heats our swimming pool, which allows us to swim 8-9 months of the year.

One thing that is a little different, but very simple design–wise, is our gym area. It is at the back of the master bedroom cleverly hidden by a half height wall so that when we are exercising we can still admire the view through the bedroom, or watch the TV.

Our entrance way became a design feature. I loved my fish pond at our previous home and really wanted to bring some fish with me, so incorporating a fish pond was a must, but we weren’t sure where to put it. We ended up putting it in the entrance way with a walkway over it. We also boxed and poured a rough cast concrete wall for the entrance, and then placed a large window opposite the entrance so when you open the front door, you can look right through to the view.

We also went for 3.6m stud in main living area to enable us to put in high level windows to catch the morning sun. ISSUE III

ave you given any thought to how much your garage door affects your lifestyle?

The garage door covers on average 25% of the front of a home, and the wrong choice can adversely affect your home’s street appeal. Reliability and security are also imperative as your garage door will become one of your home’s main access points. With so many decisions it’s easy for the garage door to fall off the radar, but there are a number of aspects that should be considered early to ensure your garage matches your lifestyle. Being the largest moving object in your home, and with such prominence, your choice of garage door is an important one. RELIABILITY - since 1988, Dominator has focused on garage doors as its core business, and with dealers throughout the entire countr y, Dominator provides a local service that can be relied upon. It’s easy to take your garage door and opener for granted, that’s what they’re there for, so an unreliable system can be a huge source of frustration. Dominator products and services are time tested and dependable, so you know driving in and out of your new Signature Home will be worry-free experience. STREET APPEAL - a garage door’s street appeal is essentially made up of three aspects, the profile, colour and quality of the panel formation. It is worth considering all profile and colour options, as your home’s initial design could be conservative in the selection of the garage door. In terms

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of quality, the manufacturer’s attention to accurate panel formation can have a huge impact on the overall look of the door. Most panel styles are rollformed, but if you are after a truly flat modern look, you may prefer to invest in Dominator’s premium range of heavier gauge flat-folded panels. INSULATION - if you are insulating the rest of your garage, then insulating your sectional garage door will be an obvious choice. Not only will an insulated garage door help moderate the temperature inside your garage, it becomes an excellent acoustic barrier to both internal and external noises. You will also notice far less operational noise with an insulated door, especially when teamed with Dominator’s premium belt-drive opener. SECURITY – the security of your home, family and possessions is paramount, and Dominator takes this seriously with the inclusion of TrioCode™128 secure functionality across their range of openers. TrioCode™128 uses the same 128bit security as relied upon by banks to keep personal information safe – a world – first for the garage door industry. You are 8 billion billion times more likely to win First Division in Powerball than pick the correct code combination with TrioCode™128. Dominator knows garage doors and openers inside and out so you don’t have to. They will work with you and your builder/designer to ensure you get a garage door and opener that suits your needs now and into the future, we’re happy to help.

DESIGN & BUILD | BAY OF PLENTY

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DESIGN & BUILD | BAY OF PLENTY

» SH: Now that the home is complete, what are the four aspects of it that you enjoy the most? › O: The four areas I enjoy most are: my kitchen especially the large scullery when entertaining, the outdoor covered area with fireplace can be used all year round, the separate kids wing is perfect - with three children aged 11, 16 and 17, it is great for them to have a large rumpus room which comes off their bedrooms and bathroom, away from Mum and Dad. Likewise I love our little sanctuary down the opposite end of the home which also opens out into the spa pool area and harbour views. » SH: What is your favourite room in the home? › O: Our kitchen area – it really is the heart of the home » SH: What have your friends and family said about the home? › O: Everyone loves it, especially the indoor/outdoor entertaining areas. » SH: Is there anything else you would like to comment on in relation to your new home? › O: Working with your builder and ensuring the design is right for your lifestyle and section is key. We love everything about our home –the design, the quality, the position– so we don’t plan on moving any day soon! S

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Working with your builder and ensuring the design is right for your lifestyle and section is key. We love everything about our home –the design, the quality, the position– so we don’t plan on moving any day soon!

NewBuild Finance Now Available

We were able to build with a low deposit, and we didn't have to make mortgage payments while our home was being built

Due to the success of Signature Homes' exclusive home guarantees, Sovereign Home Loans (part of ASB Bank and the backers of NewBuild Finance) offers Signature Homes clients their specialised home loan services.

THERE ARE TWO MAIN REASONS THAT PEOPLE WHO WOULD LIKE TO BUILD A NEW HOME CHOOSE NOT TO: • Banks usually require a higher deposit to build than to buy an existing home. • Many people can’t afford to pay both rent where they currently live and a loan for a new home while it is being built.

WHAT NEWBUILD OFFERS: NewBuild offers a solution funded by a bank at bank rates, and can fund up to 95% of the finance required to build a new home*. Our client can then settle the loan up front (with their deposit paid on the land). No further repayments need to be made on the loan until the new home is built. Banks often won’t use equity from an existing home to fund a new home loan. This doesn't work for clients who want to keep their current home as an investment, or keep it long enough to avoid needing to move their family twice. NewBuild is able to treat the existing home as a rental, and can fund up to 100% of the land and build using only equity in the existing home. Also, with NewBuild any rental income on the existing home can immediately be used to offset the loan. The NewBuild approach also allows an investment property to be 100% geared for tax purposes. Banks are normally are unable to do this for a new home. Contact Signature Homes on 0800 744 628 for more information about NewBuild Finance.

*Lending Conditions Apply

DESIGN & BUILD | NORTHLAND

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A HOME TO BE

PROUD OF

This beautiful Northland home includes stonework, rustic features and timber that was milled and supplied by the home's owner. PHOTOGRAPHER | DANIEL MCGRATH ISSUE III

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DESIGN & BUILD | NORTHLAND

ignature Homes began working wi t h Gr aeme F inlay s on & Rosemary Halse to design their dream home in mid-2012. By late September of 2012, the design of the new home had been settled upon, and a building agreement was signed between the parties, enabling the project to commence.

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"The home was designed to take in the views the section afforded, along the main waterway from the Marsden Cove Marina out towards the Whangarei Harbour, and beyond that to Mt. Manaia" This new home was to be something that Graeme & Rosemary could both be very proud of. It was designed to take in the views the section afforded, along the main waterway from the Marsden Cove Marina out towards the Whangarei Harbour, and beyond that to Mt. Manaia. The home was to feature timber that Graeme had milled and stored on his

farm in Ruakaka for close to a decade, and to then combine this timber with a modern rustic theme. Aspects of this rustic theme were a Jarrah front door and entry, and an upper deck soffit with stonework to both the entry and upper deck columns. It was important to the couple that any guests they had staying felt the utmost comfort, and as such each guest bedroom has its own ensuite, complete with large level-entry tiled showers and top quality vanities, tapware and toilets. The two guest rooms upstairs open to a lounge, which then opens to a large covered deck taking in the views down the channel and beyond. The deck is a great spot to enjoy refreshments in the afternoon, whilst watching the boats come in with their dayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s catch. ISSUE III

DESIGN & BUILD | NORTHLAND

Midway through construction, tragedy struck with the ownerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sudden passing. This was a very difficult time for all involved, particularly Rosemary who questioned whether she had the stamina to complete the project. Progress on the build came to a halt whilst some legalities were worked 34

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through in regard to transferring authority of the contract solely to Rosemary. Signature Homes along with help of their Supply Partners worked to ensure the project was secure, and that existing quotes for labour and materials would all be honoured

as per the original building contract. With the help of the close-knit local community, and in particular a couple of very close friends, Rosemary became excited about the project again, and strove forward to ensure the dream home she and Graeme had envisioned would be completed. S ISSUE III

Before

Do you like living where you are, but would love a brand new home? Or perhaps you are moving to a new area and want to make a completely fresh start with the property you buy? If so, there are many possible solutions. You could knock down (or remove) the old house and build the new home of your dreams, or build two new homes, rent one and live in the other, or simply sell one or both! The choice is yours. No matter which option you choose, the Signature Homes Knock Down + Rebuild Team can bring your project to life. To find out more about our Knock Down & Rebuild Service, please visit signature.co.nz or call 0800 SIGNATURE (744 628)

Clear the way for your dream home with our

PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | WAIKATO

This home feature is sponsored by :

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | WAIKATO

D 3

If you like the look of the 267m2 Macauley, but you require something smaller, the 221m2 Ilima or the 240m2 Navakoura may be more suitable for you. All three homes are in Signature Homes' Pacific Collection.

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esigned for modern day living on a desirable Waikato lifestyle block, the Boomerang shape of the Macauley floorplan has 'suncatcher' qualities, allowing the sun to warm most of the home throughout the entire day. When positioned to face North, the home's angled layout is particularly effective at trapping the heat of the sun during New Zealand's chillier winter months. In addition to these heat-trapping qualities, a Boomerang-shaped floorplan can often provide more shelter from the wind and rain than a more conventional layout.

The ideas behind the layout of this four bedroom 267mÂ˛ home are modern, as are many of the home's other features. For example, the home has a specially designed 'Media Room', which adjoins the kitchen, living and dining areas. This media room has a number of technology-friendly features which enable the home's occupants to enjoy internet, movies, music and games to their fullest extent. In addition to this, the home has a ducted air conditioning system, triple car garage, LED

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Metalcraft Roofing is New Zealand's largest, most established privatelyâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;owned building product rollformer and installer, with an extensive range of Longrun roofing profiles, lightweight metal tiles, metal fencing and rainwater system solutions.

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We have been operating since the 1950's, and originated in Palmerston North. Expansion of our operations since those days has been significant. We now have 12 branches nationwide and can service enquiries from Cape Reinga to the Bluff. Metalcraft Roofing's nationwide supply and install offer, fully backed by solid material and installation warranties, is unique. When combined with our expertise and experience in both the

manufacture of the materials and installation, you can be sure of a quality finished product that provides you with peace of mind. Our wide selection of roofing and rainwater systems are manufactured from New Zealand Steel Galvsteel, Zincalume, Colorsteel Endura and Colorsteel Maxx, and our selection of metal fencing products are available in Colorsteel Endura.

PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | WAIKATO NEW INNOVATIVE PROFILE -ESPAN® Espan® has been designed for style and performance in mind, and is Metalcraft roofing's new standing seam roof profile. The high ribs create strong defined shadow lines and combined with concealed fixings provide for superior weather performance. High tensile steel G550 from New Zealand Steel is used to give the product extra strength and rigidity.

Espan® is available in two widths; 340mm and 470mm. Different pan options are also available, and you can choose from either a flat pan for a strong sleek look, or you can have two suages in the pan, creating extra shadow lines and providing for extra profile strength. Espan® can be used on roofs to a minimum of 3 degrees, but if you want the strong defined lines of Espan® to be visible, increase your roof pitch or use the panels on the walls.

NEW SOLAR PANEL SOLUTIONS: Metalcraft Roofing is pleased to now be offering a supply and installation service for solar products. This is a natural addition to our comprehensive range of roofing products and related services, enabling us to offer the unique service of installing a roof and a solar package at the same time. We are one of the few companies that can offer a nationwide service.

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | WAIKATO

lighting and a gas fireplace, all of which are additional options that can be be included or excluded depending on the budget and requirements of each particular client. While the home has many modern features, it also has classic Kiwi charm. For example, the home features James Hardie Linea weatherboards, which provide a traditional Kiwi look to the exterior of the home. The home also features double-glazed aluminum joinery, which has a much thinner profile than the wooden window frames of days gone by. To address this, the windows have been 'framed' with wide profile facings, and painted white. This chunkier look gives the home's exterior a more traditional feel, and provides visual contrast. Schist rock features are also used both inside and out, giving the home an ambeince that echoes nature, and a feeling of quality and durability. The home's kitchen also features a scullery, which is an enlarged pantry with

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its own sink and benchtop. The scullery is somewhere food can be prepared out of the view of visitors to the home, an ideal set-up for people who love to entertain. The living areas and lounge of the home are large expanses with a tranquil feel, and the wide profile Quickstep Largo timber flooring provides an immediate impact upon entering this central part of the home. Bi-fold doors in both rooms have large windows that provide a rural and sunny outlook, and open out to a timber deck and portico, which provide ample space for outdoor entertaining all year round. Adding to the feeling of space, this particular version of the Macauley features raking ceilings, which go to the full height of the roof and provide a 'cathedral' effect. In addition to the raked ceilings in the living areas, the home features extra height 2.55m ceilings throughout the rest of the home, making the rooms feel even larger. S

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Inspired by Design From first sketch to reality choose ALTHERM速 Window Systems

ALTHERM速 BACKED BY THE APL速 QUALITY PHILOSOPHY.

Architect: McCoy + Heine Architects. Builder: Percival Construction Ltd.

A LTHERM. CO. N Z facebook.com/AlthermWindows

DESIGN & BUILD | NELSON

This home feature is sponsored by :

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DESIGN & BUILD | NELSON

Q&A NELSON Design & Build WITH OWNER MICHELLE BRABYN

In this interview, Michelle Brabyn tells us about her family’s brand new Signature Home, and the practical and aesthetic elements that influenced the design.

» SIGNATURE HOMES: Tell us about the area and community surrounding your new home? › MB: We are very close to the schools here, and yet we are in a beautiful avenue with mature oak trees. It's a really nice size section, a 1200m² section, and it means that we have a whole lot of space outside for children. You come up our street and there are all of these beautiful big trees and a gorgeous outlook. We are just round the corner from where we used to be. We used to come for a walk up here and wish that we could live up here one day, and here we are in this beautiful avenue of oak trees. » SH: What aspects of the section did the design of the new home have to take into account? › MB: We had to take into account the sun, especially with the trees. We placed the house on the section to achieve maximum winter sun. That meant our living areas were designed to capture that, it’s a north facing position, and we get the afternoon sun in our front living areas. It not only captures the sun, but also the best views down the street. The home is over to the right hand side of the section, and everything is facing the North-West, so it means we have a nice big sunny yard. » SH: What is the main purpose of the new home? › MB: It’s a family home, we’ve got 5 daughters aged between 4 and 11 that live at home, so it is always very busy!

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» SH: What was the inspiration behind the design for your new home, and what did you want to achieve with it visually? › MB: I’m part Italian, so I’m naturally drawn to European style, such as high windows, high ceilings and earthy tones. I had looked at a lot of buildings in this style, and when we decided to work with Signature Homes, they looked at my ideas in terms of what I wanted to achieve, and they were fantastic with that. The nice formal lounge with high ceilings, high windows and french doors – that is what I was going for. I really wanted to a modern European/Mediterranean design. » SH: Did the home draw on any of Signature’s existing designs, or was it designed from scratch? › MB: From scratch, but we liked the Signature Homes showhome in Nelson.

» SH: What wall cladding was used on your home and why did you choose it? › MB: We went with Rockcote. We’ve also got Cedar weatherboards at the front of our home and Schist Z Brick pillars, which are at the front with the pergola. We found this bought in a lot of the Mediterranean/European look. We also went for it because of how strong it was, and we just liked the whole solid look of the home. » SH: What did you think of the Signature Homes design service? › MB: The people that we have met through Signature Homes are just so friendly, and they welcome your own ideas. They never pushed anything that they particularly liked, they just brought on board what you liked, and gave back ideas as well – they were fantastic to deal with. ISSUE III

DESIGN & BUILD | NELSON

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etrotile (NZ) Ltd is an innovative manufacturer and supplier of lightweight and high quality metal roofing tiles, and is owned by the Ross family. Metrotile has over 70 years of experience in the roofing industry. Our stone-coated and satin-finish roof systems incorporate cutting-edge Zincalume® protective steel, which gives the tiles a significantly longer service life than typical pre-painted steel roofing. PROUDLY NEW ZEALAND As a local manufacturer, Metrotile partners with Signature Homes, offering their clients 7 tile profiles to choose from, which are suitable for all types of design features in their homes. Metrotile’s superior products are based on the principle of utilising the best raw materials in the manufacture of its lightweight roofing systems. This starts with the base steel and Zincalume coating produced by New Zealand Steel from the purest iron sand. The iron sand comes from rock breakdown on the North Island’s west coast. Natural New Zealand stone granules are the foundation for long term durability and stability, and for colour retention on textured roofs. QUALITY THAT MATTERS Extensive research and development in the design process ensures every Metrotile product is manufactured in New Zealand to the highest quality, with exceptional durability and strength. Metrotile roofs are installed

in over 80 countries, and withstand harsh marine environments and high winds zones. Complete peace of mind for the home owners and industry partners is provided by a comprehensive Metrotile 50-year warranty. The Metrotile Certified Roofer that installs the roof also offers a 5-year installation warranty. The warranties are fully transferable to any new homeowner, and this can assist with the homes resale and improve resale values. Metrotile’s satin finish enjoys added protection thanks to an acrylic topcoat that is three times thicker than colour-coated steel. Stone-coated tiles add even further protection providing an extremely durable UV-resistant coating that enables Metrotile roofing products to withstand the harshest environments around the world.

ONE TEAM, ONE FAMILY As a family owned company, Metrotile is proud to have a great team of passionate people involved in the business. Our operations are carried out on a very personal level, with a strong focus on the team, their health and safety in the work place and strong family ethics is the backbone to our business. Metrotile treats their clients as family members, and we interact with our industry partners with a focus on building strong, long term relationships that are mutually beneficial to both parties.

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DESIGN & BUILD | NELSON

» SH: Tell us about any unique or unusual design features of the home. › MB: We’ve got three living areas in our home to accommodate different aged children. We’ve also got older children, as well as the five girls who live at home, so we had to make sure that we had lots of ‘spaces'. In our front area, we’ve got a formal lounge that has a 2.9m stud, and it has a really nice feature ceiling band that goes right the way around – this was influenced by the classic design of European formal lounges. This feature is also in our entranceway and people love that, they love that height. The other feature of the home is the back, where our children’s area is. They have a little rumpus lounge, and their bedrooms and bathrooms are around that central area. When the older children are there, they can go into the front lounge, which leaves another living area for us, and that’s right in the centre of the home.

» SH: What did you think of the quality of Signature Homes’ workmanship? › MB: When we first looked around at different showhomes that were in the Nelson region, Signature Homes had a superior finish to everybody else. We went into their showhome, and we were impressed by everything do with the design, and also the finishes in their showhome. » SH: What did you think of Signature Homes overall? › MB: I was particularly impressed by their design service. Because I came up with the look of the home myself, whenever I had questions relating to the design, they knew how to solve them for me. Basically, I really enjoyed working with them, and the Project Manager for Signature Homes was fantastic. He was one of those people that came back with the answer, even if he didn’t know it then, he went and found out and got back to you straight away.

"Signature Homes are so friendly and they welcome your own ideas"

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» SH: Now that the home is complete, what aspects of it do you enjoy the most? › MB: One thing we like is we built a fireplace into our living area, which is an old feature, and that really is quite special in there. We’ve also got a huge front entrance door that is the same height as the ceiling, and there is glass above it as well. It looks really nice when you walk up that front path.

» SH: What is your favourite room in the home? › MB: The real heart of the home is the kitchen, it's a beautiful big kitchen and there is a living and dining area off that. The European thing again; lots of French doors so we can open the areas up when we want to, but we can also shut them off and keep things nice and cosy. That was one of the main things I wanted to achieve. » SH: What have your friends and family said about the home? › MB: They love it. We even get people coming up off the road who have driven past and seen our home – they want to ask us questions and take photographs of it. » SH: Do you have any advice to others that are thinking of building? › MB: One thing that I took into account while I was building, and that I think a lot of people get wrong is that they don’t measure out the areas such as the living areas and put their furniture in it to see how it fits. That’s one thing I did and I would advise people to do that, whether they do that in their existing home or elsewhere. I feel that you shouldn’t compromise on space, you can still change some things later on in the build process, but its a lot harder to add space, and so measuring out your space and placing the furniture that you are going to have in there is a really good idea. » SH: Is there anything else you would like to comment on in relation to your new home? › MB: Our new home is really special to us, it has a whole lot of feeling of warmth and family and there are lots of great spaces for people to hang out in, and Signature Homes really helped us with that! S

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FLEXIBLE CONCRETE You can use it just about anywhere. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the beauty of Firthâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s range of masonry and certified concrete. As a creative medium, concrete offers residential and commercial designers the ability to produce buildings and their surrounds with structural integrity, seismic performance and aesthetic beauty.

For more info call 0800 800 576 or visit firth.co.nz

FIRTH ARCHITECTURAL MASONRY You can create magnificent external or internal Architectural Masonry features, colour tones and block faces – your options are virtually endless. Choose from structural and non-structural concrete blocks. Combined with a unique aggregate mix, coloured, honed and sealed they are transformed into a granite-like look.

FIRTH DESIGNER MASONRY BRICKS For a more earth-style masonry brick feel, this range combines the timeless durability and striking beauty of natural stone. Use our Masonry Veneers Planner to match bricks to mortar colours, you’ll find it under ‘How to Videos and Design Tools’ at www.firth.co.nz

FIRTH PAVING The Paveware range masterfully captures the elegant appearance of natural stone paving. Whether you are a designer of urban streetscapes or homes you can create a variety of finishes by choosing textures and colours to suit your project. Use our online Paving Calculator for accurate quantities/measuring, you’ll find it under ‘How to Videos and Design Tools’ at www.firth.co.nz

FIRTH RETAINING Choose from our proven range of modular concrete retaining wall solutions available for residential jobs through to highly engineered civil structures. You can create and construct vertical uninterrupted walls easily from standard designs. For technical support contact us at firth.retainingwalls@firth.co.nz

FIRTH RIBRAFT® TC1, TC2, TC3 One of the most popular solutions for residential and light commercial flooring, the innovative method of concrete floor construction sits ‘on the ground not in it’ making it seismically strong. Our TC3 floor system has been designed specifically for Christchurch ground conditions. To see how the unique, RibRaft TC3 floor is constructed visit the ‘RibRaft’ section at www.firth.co.nz

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DESIGN & BUILD | AUCKLAND CITY

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Q&A Design & Build AUCKLAND CITY WITH OWNER EMMA LAING

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2.5

DESIGN & BUILD | AUCKLAND CITY

» SIGNATURE HOMES: Tell us about the area and community surrounding the home. › EL: The home has been built in a well established inner city neighbourhood. We really like this area, and zoning for schools was also an important consideration. » SH: What aspects of the section did the design of the new home have to take into account? › EL: The home was built behind an existing home on a gently sloping site, it was almost flat actually. The site is also quite narrow, and faces directly North, so it was apparent to us early on that a unique design solution was required. » SH: What is the main purpose of the new home? › EL: The main purpose of the home is a family home. We also wanted the home to have areas that could be opened up or closed off from each other if required. » SH: What was the inspiration behind the design for your new home, and what did you want to achieve with it visually? › EL: We wanted the home to be modern, light and open with large windows and doors. It was really important that the design maximised access to outdoor living, and to the section behind the home.

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DESIGN & BUILD | AUCKLAND CITY

» SH: Did the home draw on any of Signature's existing designs, or was it designed from scratch? › EL: The initial concept was actually created by a family member, and the Signature Designers consulted with us to develop those initial concepts into a practical solution.

– we really enjoy this aspect. Also, there are separate lounge and media areas which create somewhere the boys can play computer games and basically do their own thing. Another aspect we enjoy is the outdoor 'nook' that was designed into the floorplan along the side of the home - this provides a sheltered space for dining in summer. We also love the second floor, which is private as it is dedicated solely to the master bedroom, study and ensuite.

The main purpose of the home is a family home. We also wanted the home to have areas that could be opened up or closed off from each other if required.

» SH: What wall cladding was used on your home and why did you choose them? › EL: We chose Linea weatherboards as a result of a recommendation from the Designer. » SH: What did you think of the Signature Homes design service? › EL: We really thought they were outstanding. They were very helpful the whole way through the process, and they also provided high quality Interior Design and Colour Consulting services. I found this really helpful as I has not built before and did not have a lot of practical knowledge in this area. Signature Homes gave us good advice, and they communicated with us well, so we could understand the implications of the choices we made along the way. » SH: Tell us about any unique or unusual design features of the home. › EL: The main thing that stands out is the way the whole North side of the home opens up to the large section behind the home

» SH: What did you think of the quality of Signature Homes' workmanship? › EL: We were really happy with the workmanship, the home was virtually flawless when the keys were handed over to us. The builder we had was great, as was the Project Manager. I can only recall one issue with a plumbing connection not fitted correctly, and that was sorted out very quickly without any hassle whatsoever – apart from that, everything ran to plan. » SH: What have your friends and family said about the home? › EL: They think it's great. We've been here a while now, and one of our boys still talks to this day about how much he enjoys being here. » SH: Do you have any advice to others that are thinking of building? › EL: Build your home with Signature Homes! S

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PROTECT YOUR BATHROOM WITH GIB AQUALINE速 Trusted by builders and installed in more than 500 000 wet area rooms in the last 10 years.

THE BEST INSURANCE When it comes to bathrooms, it’s important to get the basics right from the start. Insist on water resistant GIB Aqualine®, NZ’s most preferred interior lining*, for the walls and ceilings. It helps reduce moisture being absorbed by the lining and from passing through into the underlying framing where it can cause serious damage. The fibreglass in it’s core gives added strength that easily supports the weight of tiles, making it an ideal tiling substrate.

ONLINE RESOURCES The GIB® homeowner website has the information you need to help with your new build or renovation project. •

Our handy checklist includes information on common problems in the bathroom and recommendations for addressing these.

•

Take a look at the water absorption test to see how GIB Aqualine® performs to protect your bathroom.

•

The new build and renovation guides will help you understand the planning process.

•

Watch the video and hear what building professionals have to say.

Visit gib.co.nz/homeowner

* Winstone Wallboards BRANZ Trade Survey, December 2013

PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | NORTHLAND

CALOUNDRA This home, built for Aaron & Kim Hooper in Northland, is based on the 240m² Caloundra, a Pre-Designed plan from Signature’s Pacific Collection of Homes. PHOTOGRAPHER | DANIEL MCGRATH

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This home feature is sponsored by :

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If you like the look of this 240m2 home, but you are looking for something smaller, the 218m2 Marina or 200m2 Bream Bay plans, which are also from Signature's Pacific Collection, may be of interest.

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | NORTHLAND

Q&A Pre–Designed Plan NORTHLAND WITH OWNER KIM HOOPER

2.5

» SIGNATURE HOMES: Tell us about the area and community surrounding the home. › KH: Our new home sits on a 2.5 acre block in a rural setting. It’s a gated subdivision 10 minutes from Whangarei town centre, close to Pompallier Catholic College. Young families and retirees live in the area. » SH: What aspects of the section did the design of the new home have to take into account? › KH: The main thing was probably the gradual slope. The sun and views were important and we also wanted a pool. » SH: What is the main purpose of the new home? › KH: It is a home for the family – for our children. We always wanted to build and this is the first place we’ve owned that really feels like home. » SH: What was the inspiration behind the design for your new home, and what did you want to achieve with it? › KH: We wanted a single level home that would blend in with the landscape, we helped achieve this by using darker colours. We also wanted the bedrooms to be set away from the living area. We wanted to create a courtyard/outdoor area which was sheltered and private. » SH: Did the home draw on any of Signature's existing designs, or was it designed from scratch? › KH: Kim did a hand drawn design to start with, and Signature worked with that by ways of looking at what plans they had in their collections and then modifying the plan to suit. » SH: What wall claddings were used on your home and why did you choose them? › KH: Linea was used as this was Kim's preference. We also felt that low maintenance was important.

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reating the right balance b et ween st unning goo d l o o k s , a n d m e e t i n g th e practical demands of family life, is a challenge for anyone about to set out on the journey to build or redecorate their home.

Val spar h ave more th an 1 ,000 scientists working around the world and an R&D budget exceeding $US120 million. Our focus is to develop and optimise new premium coatings that offer improved product consistency, performance and value.

The finishing touches for this family home in Nor thland combine a beautiful palette of contemporary interior and exterior colours that are enhanced by some of the best technology in the world. Leading global coatings company Valspar is home to Wattyl and Taubmans, leading paint brands that have been protecting the homes of New Zealanders since 1922.

Valspar’s technology edge is seen right here in New Zealand in the company’s locally produced leading paint brands Wattyl, Taubmans and Granosit.

More so now than ever, our commitment to research and the development of high performance coatings brings rewards every day to professional painters and enthusiastic DIY’ers in over 25 countries.

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From the outstanding ex ter ior performance of Wattyl Solagard, which is proudly backed by a 15 year warranty, to the elegant and durable finish of Wattyl Interior Design that is endorsed by both ECNZ and Sensitive Choice®, Valspar premium paint technology enhances and beautifies a range of homes that span the length and breadth of New Zealand.

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» SH: Tell us about any unique or unusual design features of the home. › KH: There is a bulkhead in the lounge, but not in the kitchen due to the lighting we wanted. There is an extra floor–length window in the kitchen which provides extra light. We have an extra roller door in the garage which houses the ride–on mower. We had desks built into the children’s bedrooms, and a full–length desk built into the study. The home also features rustic Jarrah timber floors. The main bathroom vanity has custom–made stainless steel brackets to hold the bench and hand basin. We made a late decision to put a fireplace in, with the chimney outside the original floorplan so that it didn’t encroach on the living space. » SH: What did you think of the quality of Signature Homes' workmanship? › KH: We thought it was very good. We visited the Marsden Cove show home and that was a deciding factor on building with Signature Homes, as the quality was evident. » SH: What did you think of Signature Homes overall? › KH: We would definitely build again with Signature, we loved the process and found them very easy to work with. They were friendly, professional, and were almost like an extended family. Everything went very smoothly, the staff went out of their way to accommodate changes, and we moved into our house well before the guaranteed handover date.

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | NORTHLAND

"We would definitely build again with Signature. They were friendly, professional, and were almost like an extended family" » SH: Now that the home is complete, what are the aspects of it that you enjoy the most? › KH: The family environment that has been created. The positioning of the home on the site. The visual aspect. » › » ›

SH: What is your favourite room in the home? KH: The kitchen, dining and family area – its light, bright and warm. SH: What have your friends and family said about the home? KH: They love it!

» SH: Do you have any advice to others that are thinking of building? › KH: Have a good plan in mind for what you want to achieve. Maintain good communication with the building company. Don’t stress out during the building process, just enjoy it and enjoy the end result. » SH: Is there anything else you would like to comment on in relation to your new home? › KH: We're really happy with everything about the home. We just love it. S

s i g n a tur e. c o . n z

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Your home is But what is it when it’s not framed properly?

It’s what’s on the inside that counts, and that’s especially true when it comes to your home. That’s why we use our expertise to design and manufacture the best timber frames and trusses in New Zealand. Because if you get the frames and trusses right, you have the skeleton of your home right and that gives you a solid foundation to build on for the future. We work with Signature Homes to provide your house with the best frames and trusses which provides you with solid foundations on which to build. If you would like to know more about the importance of your frame and trusses, we’d love to help, talk to your local Carters or Signature Homes representative. We are here to help.

Call 0800 CARTERS or visit carters.co.nz today

your castle...

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DESIGN & BUILD | CANTERBURY

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Consistent use of eye catching colours and ceramics give the home a sense of fun and tie the different rooms of the home together visually

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DESIGN & BUILD | CANTERBURY

Q&A Design & Build CANTERBURY WITH OWNER DEBBIE PETTIGREW

2.5

» SIGNATURE HOMES: Tell us about the area and community surrounding the home. › DP: We are on a lifestyle block fifteen minutes from the city centre. We are only five minutes away from supermarkets, and we have easy access to the southern motorway for fast access across the city. » SH: What aspects of the section did the design of the new home have to take into account? › DP: Because it is rural in outlook we designed the home to have a 'country feel', rather than an urban design. » SH: What is the main purpose of the new home? › DP: Essentially it was just for our own home. » SH: What was the inspiration behind the design for your new home, and what did you want to achieve with it visually? › DP: We saw the Arrowtown in the Signature's Designer Collection, and we thought it would be a comfortable home for us. We wanted the home to look well established, and for it not to look too new on the land. ISSUE III

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DESIGN & BUILD | CANTERBURY

» SH: What wall cladding was used on your home and why did you choose it? › DP: Celcrete because it was lightweight and permanent material. » SH: Tell us about any unique or unusual design features of the home. › DP: We used an underfloor heating system which uses water heated by a heat pump. » SH: What did you think of the quality of Signature Homes? › DP: Signature's design service and workmanship were very good. » SH: Now that the home is complete, what are the four aspects of it that you enjoy the most? › DP: Warmth, timber floors, Smartwood joinery, and location.

» SH: What is your favourite room in the home? › DP: The master bedroom. » SH: What have your friends and family said about the home? › DP: We've had very positive comments. » SH: Do you have any advice to others that are thinking of building? › DP: If you want something that is not part of the builder's existing collections, then you need to allow more build time and you also need to allow more budget compared to a plan of the same size that has already been designed. Read the specifications and plans carefully so you know what is included and what isn't. » SH: Is there anything else you would like to comment on in relation to your new home? › DP: We are very happy with our new home. S

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Secura Interior Flooring is a robust structural floor for your home. Its durable construction gives you a squeak-free, solid feel under carpet, tiles or vinyl and it can be tiled directly without the need for underlay. Secura’s revolutionary formulation makes it dimensionally stable, so it won’t expand or contract and crack your tiles like wood can. It also comes sealed on all sides, so your floor won’t be damaged by the elements during the build, or by moisture in wet areas once construction has finished. If you have an eye on the future, don’t settle for anything less than Secura Interior flooring.

Secura Exterior Flooring is the ideal substrate for tile ﬁnishes over timber and steel joists, giving you peace of mind against moisture damage for your balcony or deck. Secura’s revolutionary formulation makes it dimensionally stable and it can be tiled directly without the need for underlay. Better still, it won’t expand or contract in changing conditions like wood can, so your tiles won’t lift and crack over time. So, if you’re after quality assurance years after the ﬂoor’s been laid, make sure your substrate is Secura.

DESIGN & BUILD | RODNEY

This home feature is sponsored by :

SIGNATURE STYLE

the resort The friends and family of Dave & Becky Meredith have affectionately dubbed their Signature Home "The Resort". PHOTOGRAPHER | DANIEL MCGRATH

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SIGNATURE STYLE

DESIGN & BUILD | RODNEY

Q&A Design & Build RODNEY WITH OWNERS DAVE & BECKY MEREDITH

Dave & Becky Meredith, the owners of this fabulous 245 m² Rodney home, had built with Signature Homes before, and had faith that the company could deliver a quality result. In this interview, owner Dave Meredith tells us about the design journey that influenced the final look of the home.

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» SIGNATURE HOMES: Tell us about the area and community surrounding the home. › DM: We're in a rural area, with a lot of lifestyle blocks and olive groves, as well as sheep and cattle farms. People also commute into the city from here. We're near Sullivan's Bay, which provides access to yachting, boating and fishing on the Mahurangi Harbour. » SH: What aspects of the section did the design of the new home have to take into account? › DM: The section is a long and somewhat narrow North-South site, with views to the East. Initially the home was going to have a curved layout, but we 'straightened it out' so it would fit entirely onto the flat part of our site without any problem. » SH: What is the main purpose of the new home? › DM: I would say that our new home is an investment in the first instance. We wanted the new home to allow us to fully take in the surrounding areas, providing us with views of the Mahurangi Harbour, to Kawau Island and beyond. ISSUE III

There are a number of factors to consider when choosing your interior linings, and not all building companies will allow you to select these options:

uilding your dream home is an exciting part of anyone's life, but it can also cause some stress. So, it’s comforting to know GIB® plasterboard has been providing interior lining solutions for Kiwi homes for over 85 years, and has been a proud supplier of Signature Homes for more than 30 years.

SIGNATURE STYLE

IN ORDER TO REDUCE NOISE FOR PEACE AND PRIVACY: Consider incorporating noise control solutions in areas where noise transfer between rooms is a concern such as bedrooms, lounges, laundries and dining rooms. Effective noise control can not only improve the liveability of a home, it can potentially have a positive effect on the resale value of the home.

GIB® Noise Control Systems incorporate a combination of products and building practices that work together to effectively reduce noise. For instance, a double layer of GIB Noiseline® (in conjunction with other measures) can reduce noise transmission between rooms and between floors in two storey homes by around 50%¹. PROTECT YOUR BATHROOM FROM STEAM AND MOISTURE DAMAGE: It's critical in wet areas such as bathrooms, kitchens and laundries to get the basics right from the start. Insist on GIB Aqualine® for the wall and ceiling lining in wet area rooms.

DESIGN & BUILD | RODNEY Proven in over 500,000 wet areas in the last 10 years²,GIB Aqualine ® provides extra protection from steam and moisture being absorbed through to the framing, where it can cause real damage. GIB Aqualine® features a water resistant core with fibreglass included for added strength, to easily support the weight of tiles³. ACHIEVE A SMOOTHER FINISH: The main living areas of a home such as the lounge, dining and entrance areas are often the most viewed areas of any home. Consider GIB Ultraline® with its

special Pearlcoat–coated white surface paper for these areas to help achieve a finer, smoother finish. GIB Ultraline ® is available in 10mm thickness which is stronger and more rigid than GIB® Standard plasterboard and delivers a smoother finish. 13mm GIB® Ultraline® delivers not just a high quality interior finish but features extra performance benefits such as noise control, bracing and even fire rated protection for a home.

FINISHING TOUCHES: Define your own style with GIB® features and details. GIB-Cove® can be used at the ceiling to wall junction to provide an attractive curved or stepped look. Increasing the ceiling height from the standard 2.4m to 2.7m will create a sense of space and may add value to the resale price of your home. 1. GIB Noise Control® Systems must be installed in accordance with current GIB technical literature® 2. Winstone Wallboards BRANZ Trade Survey, June 2014 3. GIB Aqualine®: 10mm holds up to 20kg/m2, 13mm holds up to 32kg/m2

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The Signature Designer came up with the idea of straightening out the layout and creating the Alfresco area - he did a great job of converting the initial design we had into a practical 'real world' solution.

» SH: What was the inspiration behind the design for your new home, and what did you want to achieve with it visually? › DM: We wanted it to be a neutral colour to fit in with the environment, but ultimately the home was designed to encapsulate the view. Our son Andrew is a Draughtsperson, and he created the initial concept. The Signature Designer came up with the idea of straightening out the layout and creating the Alfresco area - he did a great job of converting the initial design we had into a practical 'real world' solution. » SH: Had you built with Signature Homes before? › DM: Yes, we built our previous home with Signature Homes in Albany approximately six years ago. » SH: Did the home draw on any of Signature's existing designs, or was it designed from scratch? › DM: It was designed essentially from scratch, with the input initially from our son Andrew, and later from Signature's design team.

SIGNATURE STYLE

DESIGN & BUILD | RODNEY

» SH: Tell us about any unique or unusual The trades people who space is something we really enjoy. It's great for constructed the design features of the home. barbecues and it's very user-friendly. The home has home were excellent › DM: It has the ability to be 'opened up' separate wings, which are basically self-contained, from a number of angles, depending on so when we have guests here, we have the ability the weather conditions at the time. We particularly appreciate to provide them with privacy. There is nothing we would change this aspect of the home. about the home, we are very happy with it. » SH: What did you think of the quality of Signature Homes' workmanship? › DM: We think the tradespeople who constructed the home were excellent. When we moved in, there were a few issues we wanted tidied up, and these were dealt with to our satisfaction.

» SH: What have your friends and family said about the home? › DM: Our friends and family actually call the home "The Resort". Our son and his wife stayed here for 18 months at one stage with their new baby. We also had our other son stay for six weeks and there was plenty of room for everyone - they all melded in really well.

» SH: Are you happy with your new home? › DM: When we saw the recent photographs that were taken of the home we were blown away. Real Estate agents have indicated that it would be appealing to an international audience. The home has come up really well, and yes we are happy with it.

» SH: Do you have any advice to others that are thinking of building? › DM: If your home is exposed to high winds like ours is, we think it is worth considering the addition of steel to the frame of the home. This will provide extra bracing against strong winds, particularly with the unpredictable weather New Zealand has been experiencing of late. When we asked other home builders if they would do this, they were not able to, so this was definitely a plus for Signature Homes. S

» SH: Now that the home is complete, what aspects of it do you enjoy the most? › DM: We've had up to 40 people at our home on social occasions, and there is so much space that it doesn't feel crowded, so the

signature.co.nz

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Premium construction materials for all your building projects Rockcote & PSL brand Construction Systems have been providing advanced construction systems specifically designed for the New Zealand environment for over 25 years. Our BRANZ weathertight tested Faรงade Systems are some of the most efficient and complete barrier faรงades available. Combine these with registered LBP installation and our technical OnSite Assistance programme with the latest Rockcote Resene coatings and colour technology and you have a complete solution for your building project. Our range of Faรงade, Flooring, Fencing, & Interior systems are designed to be durable construction systems you can trust.

www.reseneconstruction.co.nz 0800 50 70 40

NEW! Now available in White.

WAIPORI Powered by SATINJET Technology Some of the things you love the most in your life are good because they just fit with you. A great shower is like that too. Methven makes shower types for people types. Like Waipori, a perfectly balanced revitalising spray designed for those who want something pampering, yet practical enough to be used by the whole family.

Wide Spray Superior Body Coverage 20 Year Warranty Suitable for All Pressures Available in grey and white Matching tapware using - INSYNC™ Design

Matching showers and tapware with your bathroom theme has now been made easy with INSYNC™ Design.

WAIPORI Collection

Available at plumbing and building merchants nationwide.

methven.com

TANGAROA

The 229m² Tangaroa from Signature’s Pacific Collection of Homes in many ways is the perfect solution for new home buyers who are looking for maximum "bang for their buck" and an attractive, practical and modern medium–sized family home. PHOTOGRAPHER | AMANDA AITKEN

SIGNATURE STYLE

PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | BAY OF PLENTY

This home feature is sponsored by :

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PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | BAY OF PLENTY

One of Signature's most popular designs

he four bedroom Tangaroa from Signature’s Pacific Collection of Homes is one of the company’s most popular designs. It is easy to see why as it sits at a size of 229m², which is very much ‘in the middle’ in terms of the size of New Zealand homes, and because of this, the home is a good fit for a high number of urban sections. In addition to this, due to its clever floorplan design, it will often fully utilise these urban sections, meaning that the home buyer is also making maximum use of all of the land purchased. This is highly desirable due to the escalating price of land, and an important consideration for all home buyers in this market.

SIGNATURE STYLE

The unique characteristic of the home when you look at it’s floorplan is the “U” shape that ties together all of the home’s living areas. This essentially gives the home two ‘wings’ - one wing for the living areas, and one wing where the bedrooms and bathrooms are located. The Tangaroa also has a layout which provides excellent sunlight and warmth, and at the same features a sheltered outdoor area which provides protection from wind and rain. The living areas towards the back of the home are also very private, which is another bonus provided by the layout.

The Tangaroa has a layout which provides excellent sunlight and warmth, and it features a sheltered outdoor area which provides protection from wind and rain. One of the feature living areas of the home is the media room, which can also be transformed into a study, or both a study and a media room. This room can be closed off to the rest of the home if children are playing games or watching TV, but it is also close enough to the central living areas that Mum and Dad

can keep and eye on things if they want to. The rest of the living areas are connected to each other, however the changing directions within the layout and the ample floorspace in each area provide the home’s occupants with plenty of room. The home also has all of the features of a modern home, such as an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe in the master bedroom, separate shower and bath in the main bathroom, separate WC, and a double garage with internal access. One of the nice features for the owners of the home is direct access to the home’s section from the master bedroom. The kitchen is very much the heart of this home, and can also be built with a walk-in pantry if desired, as shown in the home is this feature. S

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NO ORDINARY KITCHEN. A Mastercraft Kitchen is no ordinary kitchen. Thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s why Signature Homes specify Mastercraft Kitchens across all their homes throughout New Zealand. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s also why Mastercraft clients rave about their kitchens, and enjoy the peace-of-mind that the Ten-Tear Transferrable Mastercraft Kitchen Guarantee offers. THE MASTERCRAFT WAY. The team at Mastercraft Kitchens take kitchen design seriously,

SIGNATURE STYLE

and each Mastercraft location designs and manufactures its bespoke kitchens locally. When a client has specific requirements, the design team at Mastercraft will listen to their needs, provide samples, options and advice, and design a fantastic kitchen solution specifically for that home. Only the very best raw materials and supplies are specified. Once the design is approved by the client, the kitchen cabinetry is cut and prepared on the very latest computerised manufacturing machinery, to ensure the highest level of workmanship. When ready, each one-off kitchen is carefully installed by skilled Mastercraft artisans. The fact that Mastercraft manufacture their

PRE-DESIGNED PLAN | BAY OF PLENTY

client's kitchens locally means that should there be any re-cutting required during installation, we can carry this work out quickly and efficiently, with no negative impact on building timelines. We’re so confident in our workmanship, that we offer an industry leading Ten-Year Transferable Guarantee with our kitchens – giving you peace of mind, and adding value for prospective purchasers should you wish to sell your home. THE TANGAROA KITCHEN. The beautiful Mastercraft kitchen in this feature was installed into the Signature Homes show home at The Lakes subdivision in Tauranga. The kitchen is a key feature of the home, and boasts a fully-featured scullery and an eye-catching feature island bench.

The centre island is finished in 30mm absolute black granite, and the working bench-tops are finished in stainless steel. To compliment the strong black panels and benchtop, the kitchen shelves and island cabinetry are finished in a beautiful white-washed American Oak. The key to this kitchen is the picture frame theme on the black rear wall, and the soft look of the washed timber. The scullery cabinetry is Laminex Seasoned Oak, with a black top. MASTERCRAFT AND SIGNATURE –THE PERFECT PARTNERSHIP. You don’t have to buy a Signature Home to enjoy a Mastercraft kitchen, but if you do, you can rest easy in the knowledge that your kitchen will perfectly compliment your beautiful new Signature Home.

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