When Tauranga-based Brooks Landscapes was asked to create a Japanese-inspired garden for a new home called Utsukushii Uchi, award-winning designer Hamish Brooks rose to the challenge
“ We get requests for a lot of different styles,” says Hamish. “ Whatever the client wants, we’ll make it work for the location and budget as well as the style of home.
“In this case, the client’s brief involved using traditional Japanese materials, practices and features, including sustainably grown Japanese cedar and Yakisugi authentically charred cladding. Our job was to extend this oriental theme to the outdoor areas ”
The Ōmokoroa home was constructed by Design Builders Bay of Plenty “Landscaping is the cherr y on top and in an ideal world ever yone would do it,” says managing director Sam Perrin.
“Hamish has the restraint to give subtle nods to the style we wanted with a bonsai-looking tree and by cleverly mirroring the look of the house with the materials used in the garden. Hamish is also really hands-on. You’ll see him on the wheelbarrow with his team working on his design and I love that ” ‘ Wo w ’ f a c t o r e n t r a n c e
“For me, the entrance we created is really special,” says Hamish. “It’s got that ‘ wow ’ factor that suits this oasis of modern luxur y I designed it with carefully selected plants that we inlaid into the deck, timber steps and concrete for something unique. We also sourced Japanese Maple, Buxus Green Gem, and Pom Pom Totara trees. ”
Designer lighting and bamboo planter boxes with negative detailing that each contain a double white flowering Mount Fuji Cherr y tree complete the look.
“Landscaping is an investment to a property and adds value,” says Hamish. “ We spend a lot of our time outside, so our gardens and outdoor living spaces should flow seamlessly from inside the home to the exterior ”
We a l t h of e x p e r i e n c e
Whether it’s a small or large project, Brooks Landscaping has a wealth of experience in styles ranging from formal gardens, contemporar y designed outdoor areas, small gardens, new homes, decks and fencing, concrete works and so much more.
“ We’re a ‘one-stop-shop’ – from design to implementation,” says Hamish. “Our ser vices include design and plans, construction, hardscaping, and planting We’re honest, affordable and reliable and pride ourselves on working closely with the client and communicating on all levels to ensure we meet the brief ”
O u t d o o r d re a m s
Hamish says this project was something special “And with more than 25 years ’ experience in the industr y we achieved what the client wanted. As a company, we are all about making people’s outdoor dreams come true and we love that ”
The result; a thoughtfully designed property that is aesthetically striking and functionally efficient, both inside and out.
Brooks Landscapes has an exclusive offer for MySpace readers. If you ’ re planning a new build or landscape design project in the Tauranga region (Waihī Beach to Te Puke), simply mention this feature article to have a free on-site landscape consultation with Hamish to discuss design ideas. This is a no-obligation, free offer (terms and conditions apply) Contact Hamish to book: 0272 156 717.
is
of garden awards Hamish and the team is your
outdoor design, build and garden specialists
With over 25 years ’ experience in the agriculture and landscaping industry we really know how to make house and garden dreams come true
Hamish will meet with you on-site and discuss your ideas, requirements and budget and will then interpret this into a landscape reality whilst involving you in the whole process
When you choose Brooks Landscapes be assured, we are passionate about landscaping, and we add value and impact to your property
We are experienced in various garden styles including formal gardens, contemporary
new residential and so much more
It may have taken the best part of four years, but Amy and Jono Sharrock did ever ything right by meticulously planning and designing their dream Mount Maunganui home before signing off on a major renovation by Coast NZ Construction.
“ We worked with Coast NZ at our previous home and were really happy with the workmanship and their management of the project,” says Amy “ When we bought on Valley Rd in November 2020, we thought we just needed to zhuzh it up a little.”
However, with a newborn baby to care for the couple quickly realised the ‘upside down’ floorplan with the living spaces on the first floor and bedrooms downstairs weren
’ t working
“I was always upstairs breastfeeding and our toddler and five-year-old wouldn’t play outside in the garden without me nearby watching them,” says Amy “So we brought in Jimmy Dow from Coast NZ and started working on plans to create better access. ”
After years of bouncing ideas around, Amy and Jono realised a radical renovation was in order
“The longer we lived there, the more we came to see that minor alterations weren ’ t going to fix the
problem. We finally realised we needed to completely flip the house, so Jimmy and Dylan, from Coalesce Architecture, worked with us on a plan that would fit our budget,” says Amy
“ We’re really happy they took the time to get it right,” says Coast NZ Construction director Charlie Dow “It’s always better to figure out potential problems in the design stage. It’s more economical than backtracking during building and it saves time in the long run. ”
Almost three years after the family moved into the house, they shifted into a rental so work could begin in August 2023.
“ When we visited each week, the team was always excited to show us what they were working on.
“Communication was fantastic,” says Amy “Renos never run smoothly; there are always surprises and Jimmy really front-footed them. He never shied away from awkward conversations.
“It was a technical reno having to prop up a two-storey house, while installing a new subfloor and framing,” explains Jimmy “It was a great job to be involved in as you are always thinking outside the square. ”
N e w p l a y a re a
Amy and Jono placed the master suite on ground level to allow space for a guest bedroom upstairs with an over-sized landing becoming a play area for the kids
The driveway looking back at house to where the big deck is now
The garage in this photo is the now lounge.
“ We’re super stoked about that decision. It’s come up really nicely,” says Amy
They’re also thrilled with the stained glass from the original front door and recycled Tawa wood floors that they were encouraged to keep “It was Jimmy’s idea to pull them up and re-lay them with a matte-finish varnish which gave us a beautiful beachy look along with the alabaster white that he recommended,” says Amy “Charlie was also a huge help She saw the bathroom mirrors arrive and immediately said: ‘Don’t put those up, they’re far too small. They won ’ t work’,” laughs Amy K i t c h e n h u b
Amy and Jono moved back into their home in May and are enjoying the new lay-out.
“The kitchen is now the hub in the middle of the house,” says Amy “ We adore the beautiful big deck that gets all day sun and is a lovely family space. Working with a team that’s experienced with renovations was key to the success of this project and we couldn’t be happier with the result ” Jimmy describes the feeling of satisfaction when he saw the family arrive at their completed home for the first time.
“On moving in day, we watched the kids come home from school pick-up, they hadn’t been to the house for a few weeks; their screams of excitement and that they were just so stoked is why we do what we do ”
P l a n n e d f o r f u t u re
“ We love seeing how well the house works for their family,” says Charlie. “Their ultimate dream is to one day have a pool and by taking the time to plan the best layout for the way they live, we were able to get it just right – not just for now, but
for the future, too ” “ We happily recommend Jimmy, Charlie and the team to anyone we chat to about home renovations,” says Amy “In fact, they’ve already worked on my aunt ’ s apartment. Coast NZ are professional, reliable and yet down-to-earth and friendly It’s rare to find a crew that ticks all those boxes.”
The original front door was re-finished and kept in the renovated house.
Maximise energy savings with cellular blinds
Cellular blinds are an excellent choice for Kiwi homeowners looking to improve their home’s energy efficiency and save on heating costs.
These unique and innovative blinds feature a honeycomb structure that traps air, creating an insulating layer that helps to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature, says Bay Blinds’ managing director Marc Siljebrandt.
With energy prices rising and potential future supply issues, these blinds offer a practical solution for reducing reliance on heating systems.
are effective in minimising heat loss through windows, which can account for a significant portion of a home’s energy usage.
“The insulation provided by the cellular structure of these blinds helps keep warm air inside during colder months, reducing the need for continuous heating. This can lead to noticeable savings on energy bills, an important consideration during a tough economic climate and increasing energy costs, ” says Marc.
Beyond their functional benefits, Bay Blinds’ cellular blinds are available in a range of sizes and colours, allowing them to seamlessly blend with your interior decor customised to fit ylights, which are
often a source of substantial heat loss due to their design. This customisation ensures each window is adequately insulated, enhancing the overall energy efficiency of the home.”
In a time of fluctuating energy prices, investing in Bay Blinds’ cellular blinds is a smart, for ward-thinking choice. They not only provide cost savings but also contribute to a more sustainable and energy-secure future for New Zealand households.
Find out more about this innovative window treatment and book your free measure and quote.
Contact the team at 0800 229 254, visit: www.bayblinds.co.nz or visit our new showroom at 3 Hynds Rd, Greerton.
Right: A close up view of the Cellular honeycomb structure.
Cellular Blinds are perfect for kitchen windows
Transform your space with the commercial experts
We are committed to being the problem-solvers for all your commercial and residential property needs.
In 2021 a group of friends and maintenance professionals identified an increased demand for specialised property maintenance ser vices in the Bay of Plenty Combining their extensive skillsets, and years of experience, Facilitate Group was formed.
Since then, the company has established an enviable reputation in the industr y for its commitment to quality, punctuality, and exceptional customer ser vice. Their combined backgrounds couldn’t have been better suited for a growing business
The Group’s CEO Estian Du Plooy and his team take pride in offering a turnkey solution that covers all aspects of maintenance, building, renovations, painting, electrical, building washing and landscaping “Our cost-effective and innovative approach ensures all projects and maintenance plans are centralised and streamlined, reducing the exposure to risk for proper ty owners ”
Maintenance to fitouts
Transform your space with Facilitate’s expert renovation ser vices.
From handyman repairs and maintenance to full renovation and fitout work, Hannes and his team will work closely with you to understand your requirements, preferences and budget, always ensuring that the
result exceeds your expectations. “ We also offer professional painting ser vices, from prep to finish, to refresh and revitalise your commercial space or residential home Using high-quality materials and meticulous attention to detail, we’ll transform your space with precision and professionalism ”
Electrical installation
The electrical division is headed by Ian, providing high-quality electrical installation ser vices for both commercial and residential properties. “ Whether you ’ re building new, renovating or upgrading your existing infrastructure our experienced team is here to ensure that your electrical systems are installed safely, efficiently and to the
highest standard possible.”
A key par t to maintaining your assets and keeping to your warranties for exterior claddings, is building washing
A small investment each year can mitigate fur ther problems with your building, but more impor tantly enhance your proper ty ’ s appeal
Cleaning & landscaping
Barr y ’ s group looks after key proper ty managers and investors, both commercial and residential “ We understand the logistics of cleaning your building, with minimal disr uption, a competitive price and an unmatched ser vice Our key ser vices can be compiled into a building package for
each commercial or residential proper ty ensuring assets are managed accordingly ”
Landscaping is a key process to ensure you ’ re maximising your proper ty ’ s benefits to uplift the presence and vibrancy of the commercial or residential proper ty Facilitate Group can offer an onsite consultation to gather your ideas “ We will add our inspiration to bring your vision to life,” says Estian “Paramount to keeping healthy and vibrant gardens is regular maintenance, keeping plants in top health, hedges trimmed, and areas re-mulched when needed “The FG team of expert property techs are ready to tackle any project!”
Providing some of the key finishing touches to new builds and renovation projects across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel, NZ Wardrobes designs and installs high quality and excellent value options for wardrobe and storage solutions to keep homes organised and clutter-free.
NZ Wardrobes is a locally-owned and operated business based in Mount Maunganui It specialises in wardrobe organiser storage systems and shelving solutions for new and existing homes, townhouses, retirement homes, and apartments Offering professional grade ventilated wire shelving systems, and New Zealand-manufactured decorative board which is custom made in their workshop to suit any space, NZ Wardrobes has the team and expertise to help bring dream homes to life.
H i g h q u a l i t y
“At NZ Wardrobes, we love getting creative with space, ” says owner
Norm Rusk. “ We can turn existing wardrobes into organised modern spaces, create bespoke laundr y/ TV/storage spaces in newly built or renovated homes, and design in Cabinet Vision CAD program for our clients to visualise the final product and make adjustments.”
online for the DIYers out there.
With the new NZ Wardrobe website up and running, customers can now purchase both ventilated wire and decorative board wardrobe and storage shelving flatpacks online. “Simply choose your layout option and input your wall-to-wall measurements. We dispatch orders daily all around New Zealand, with handy how-to install videos available on our website ”
C re at i v e d e s i g n s
Norm says NZ Wardrobes and their customers are enjoying getting creative with their designs. “ We offer LED lighting options, coloured or glass sliding doors, a wide array of colour options, and additions
like hidden or glass top jeweller y drawers.
The friendly and professional team at NZ Wardrobes are dedicated to supplying a high-quality range of options for almost any room or storage space in the home to a growing number of builder partners, commercial projects, and private customers
P e r f e c t s t o r a g e s o l u t i o n s
NZ Wardrobes’ range of epoxy coated ventilated wire shelving systems and organisers make the perfect storage solution for the wardrobe, laundr y, or storage space. Ventilated wire kitset shelving systems are available in various sizes and configurations to suit individual requirements, and can also be purchased
“People are evolving with their interior design ideas and going away from the stock standard towards something a bit more special or usable for their needs. The range of available colours is extensive, and the options when designing with us are endless.”
Norm says his team strives to go above and beyond for ever y client, working alongside them to ensure the customer gets what they need, when they need it.
“ We pride ourselves on being a hassle-free, no fuss, well organised company, and we turn up when we are asked to, ” says Norm.
“ Together we work to core values which have been chosen by the team: Teamwork, Professional, Reliable, Efficient. We make it happen,” Norm says.
for rental renovations
However this means spoiled-for-choice consumers are demanding higher quality in a competitive rental market, so the key to maximising returns lies in renovations.
Tauranga Property Investors Association whether ping ng are be cent another et the
rental, says Juli Anne.
As for refurbishment, bathrooms and kitchens are the two areas that will generate the best return on investment.
“They normally result in attracting good tenants and increased rents which is better ROI,” says Juli Anne. “Other opportunities to make a property more attractive are a refresh paint both internally and/or externally, new flooring, or adding a deck to extend indoor/outdoor flow ”
Wo r k q u i c k l y
The goal is to get an investment property turned around as quickly as possible, and back on the rental market “So, the planning phase of a renovation should be done efficiently while the property is tenanted, if possible, to keep the impact to cashflow at a minimum.”
The most common mistake Juli Anne has seen in her 30 years as an investor and property manager is over-investing “Inexperienced investors will often spend too much on renovations such as adding specialty lights or high-end hardware. Although these look nice, they’re inefficient ways of spending dollars that could be saved for maintenance or spent on other improvements.”
Te c h n o l o g y u p d at e
Finally, Juli Anne says the key to attracting tenants who will want to settle in long-term is to bring the property up-to-date with technology and to provide those practical storage solutions that are sometimes overlooked
“ With the recent trend of working from home, home offices and pre-installed highspeed fibre are often sought out by renters, ” says Juli Anne.
“Garaging or minimally lockable sheds are important for storing lawn mowers and sports equipment ” By carefully planning your renovations and focusing on smart improvements that enhance both the appeal and functionality of your property, you can significantly boost your investment returns in New Zealand’s growing rental market
When it came to renovating the main bathroom of his own home, Dylan Kumar drew on his 20 years ’ plumbing expertise to decide on the best products, layout and finish.
“The bathroom was old and dated. It didn’t match the rest of the house,” says Dylan.
“It was last modernised about 20 years ago, so it needed a refresh. The old tiles were showing signs of wear and tear, the window in the bathroom was no longer functional, lighting was ver y poor, and the old bath took up too much space and was difficult to clean.”
The plan was to keep the same layout but to modernise and enhance the space and make the shower a walk-in version with no door “ We found a bath that was more economical in space to make way for a larger ‘walk-in’ style shower ”
F l o o r p l a n
Dylan says any bathroom renovation starts with a floor plan, which allows you to choose the right size and type of fixtures for the bathroom. “You could hire a draftsperson or an architect, but most builders and plumbers can help with suggestions.
“A lot of people make the mistake of buying big items before consulting their tradies,” says Dylan. “ We see that a lot and it’s frustrating for ever yone. This can delay your project which the end can cost more.
“They may, for example, have bought a toilet that doesn’t match the existing set up or requires further alterations for it to be functional. This adds to the cost at the end of the day ”
Another common mistake is buying the wrong show mixer for the existing hot wate pressure system. builder or plum can save from this headache if you them in first.
large items into what is often the ‘smallest room in the house’.
“Some of them are ver y heavy,” says Dylan. “Recently, a client had a 240kg packed weight bath delivered to their driveway It took four big guys to lift it into place
“So make sure to account for the extra time and manpower needed. Additional floor strengthening may also be required.”
“I understand homeowners tr proactive, but it economy Ideally to get all your trades to scope out the because they’ll that will allow heads-up of what can and can ’ t be done at an initial consultation which will save time and money in the long run. ”
B e c a re f u l of t re n d s
A current trend is for free-standing baths. Dylan says owners need to factor in the logistics of getting
In his own home, Dylan opted to tile the entire shower and bath area.
“ We matched other bathrooms in the house with the wood-look tiles on the floor and we added emerald green tile as an accent. Leaf textured matt white tiles that are 1.2metr and 30cm wide are used the nib wall to add that ng of subtle luxe. They’re edged in grey to fit in with the gunmetal tap wear ”
B i g g e r t i l e s
Dylan says bigger tiles can make a space look “ White is a clean look that can lighten up k space, but it can look dirty over time if not for ”
Finally, Dylan’s advice is to never buy cheap or second-hand products. “Go for quality and always check the warranty period. Buying budget will come back to bite you pretty quickly “It’s smarter and more cost-effective in the long run to spend money first to get it right for a bathroom you ’ re going to love.”
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