35 minute read
Housing ‘gold rush’: a plan to fail?
As Franklin faces further development in future, an Aucklandbased architect has been drawing on the past for solutions.
Haphazard, slapdash, demand-driven town planning has, unfortunately, come to cause many issues worldwide. Conversely, politicians aren’t exactly adroit at rolling up their sleeves and building houses. However, the twain may still meet, Patrick Sloan from Sloan Architects contends.
“There are so many areas ripe for positive change – policy advisory, national design initiatives, deeper engagement on climate change and a wider elevation of design awareness,” he says. “What we need is visionary thinking and design leadership that looks decades into the future – this would come from a government architect.”
It may sound like a novel approach, but Mr Sloan is suggesting a ‘back to the future’ approach; until it was disestablished 20 years ago, New Zealand’s Ministry of Works and Development employed a government architect. This role involved advising government on all aspects of architecture, building and urban planning. The United Kingdom employs a national head of architecture and the majority of Australian states also have government architects on the books.
Over recent years, Auckland has expanded both out and up, with Franklin becoming home to various, large scale subdivisions and, due to changes to housing laws and regulations, more multistorey apartments in its urban areas.
Unless measures (such as the employment of a government architect) are baked into the process, we could see unfettered intensification, Mr Sloan warns. “We will see the start of an urban ‘gold rush’, with property developers able to take advantage of new housing density rules. The ability to intensify vertically in suburban areas could see sites that may have been previously uneconomic to develop become viable to a developer.”
Such fast and furious development could also result in substandard buildings, he adds.
“At the same time, record costs for building materials, and rising interest rates will incentivise developers to build at speed and to maximise profit. The risk is that we will see substandard developments proceed that make little or no contribution to the neighbourhoods and communities that we all live in. Developerdriven work that looks for the fastest way to the finish line and the pursuit of profit [may result in various] design outcomes generated on a spreadsheet as opposed to resulting from a thoughtful and engaged design process.”
During a career of more than 30 years, Mr Sloan (currently based in Mount Eden) has been involved in mixed-use and residential projects from Beijing, Jakarta, Mumbai and Tokyo to Auckland. Lessons from overseas must be employed as Auckland expands, he believes, allowing for a more measured approach less likely to encroach on prime growing land, the loss of heritage buildings and overall quality of life.
“There are some truly innovative ways of developing residential communities that are no longer purely about the realisation of profit – models where people and communities come first. Promoting a kind of fearless disruption of the ‘business as usual’ approach to urban development, alongside a reinvention of the way we grow our cities, could also fall within the remit of the government architect,” Mr Sloan advises.
“It’s all about a more thoughtful and sophisticated design process, more checks and balances for developers and an acknowledgement of the obligations we all have to do things well. The last thing we want in our rush to resolve the housing crisis is to create a legacy of design issues for future generations.”
Todd Property, Okura (top) and a downtown carpark design. Both designs are intended to maximise living space and minimise footprint.
A1 Service
FROM THE GROUND UP
As Auckland grows both out and up, A1 Homes is keeping pace, proving one of the most trusted building companies in the region.
The pandemic has taught us all many things, but one lesson stands out for Wayne and Sharon Snellgrove, owner-operators of A1 Homes South Auckland.
“There’s no place like home!” Wayne laughs. “I think we’ve all realised how vital it is that we love the homes we live in and they’re designed for our lifestyles.”
Covering the southern and eastern Auckland areas, Wayne and team can create everything from suburban homes to townhouses and even splendid abodes on sprawling lifestyle properties.
A1 Homes South Auckland’s showhome (12 Harriet Johnston Drive – a four-bedroom, two-bathroom beauty), provides an ideal example of the workmanship on offer.
Sharon and Wayne Snellgrove
“This home really shines through in the details. From floor to ceiling, it’s intended to help you gain inspiration and assurance of the quality we offer as standard,” says Wayne. “Having said that, we engage top designers and qualified local contractors, so we can design and build any home of any size or shape.”
As a registered Master Builder, A1 Homes South Auckland offers a 10 Year Master Build Guarantee on all projects, and Wayne (personally) draws on more than 20 years’ experience in the construction industry.
“I’m a plumber by trade, engineer by qualification, having worked on everything from residential and commercial housing development and structural concreting to civil engineering projects – I’ve even been involved in large scale infrastructure projects, including the recently completed Glenbrook roundabout. Delivering optimum results on time and on budget is vital for multimillion dollar projects but it’s just as important when building a family home.”
No matter the scale or nature of the project, Wayne and team are quick to get down to brass tacks right from the start.
“The first step is, simply, give us a call or come see us – the pandemic has given us a renewed appreciation for personalised human contact! – we’ll start by discussing and understanding your needs. From there, we’ll be with you every step of the way.”
Design: KH 172
4 Brm 2 Bth 2 Gge
Family/Locally Owned – Family/Locally Operated “Making a Real Difference Locally”
Specialising In New Homes: » Full Build Construction (Built on-site) » Kitset – Supply Options (You Build It) » Transportable Homes (Built off-site) Your Plans - Our Plans - You Dream It, We Build It Excellence in: » Design and Construction » Personalised Customer Care
Contact: Showhome: Open:
Wayne Snellgrove: 027 500 2615 12 Harriet Johnston Drive, Tues to Fri 10am – 3pm e: sales.sthakld@a1homes.co.nz Pokeno Saturday By Appointment
www.A1homes.co.nz/south-auckland
DESIGN TO RENOVATE a new vision
Specialising in helping clients understand all aspects of design, layout, ergonomics and more, Design to Renovate provides options suited to residential and commercial properties.
Planning is everything in the construction process for both new homes or renovation projects, Design to Renovate’s owner, Kim Reiche, says.
“From property owners to tradespeople and everyone in between, all parties need to have a common, easy to visualise format so they can fully understand requirements and establish pricing. Our designs assist people in comparing apples with apples as not all quotes and project goals are ever the same.”
Leading multi award-winning design companies and with 20 years’ experience in New Zealand, 30 years internationally, Kim has long been on trend when it comes to design and renovations. However, the times they are a-changing, she confirms.
“We’ve seen an overwhelming need for design in the renovation market for homes, retail and hospitality. Previously, I’ve concentrated on design through to managing builds but there are so many brilliant tradespeople in Franklin that we felt a change of focus was needed,” she says.
“While we are more than happy to help with project management, when required, our main focus is on the design process, dealing with ergonomics, finishes and collating specifications and documentation. This leaves other experts to complete the building work, providing better transparency through the quoting and build process.”
This special focus allows Kim and her team to play to their strengths.
“We are equipped to deal with councils, engineers, surveyors and a raft of tradespeople, while identifying any red flags along the way to creating an achievable vision, finding solutions to any problems and preparing clients with all the tools they will need for a successful build stage,” she says. “We also develop a ‘scope of works and finishes’ schedule to ensure builders understand every detail, reducing room for errors.”
Over the years, Kim and her experienced team have become well accustomed to cutting their cloth to suit while providing solutions for poor designs.
“Because older homes were built without modern insulation and heating, layouts are very different to today’s new builds. These houses tended to have numerous smaller rooms, accessed by long hallways, fewer multi-use spaces, less natural light, and required high traffic areas. The idea was to close off the most well used spaces to heat them more efficiently,” Kim explains. “Permitted by the development of louvres, polycarbonate sheeting, modern heating and other innovations, balancing indoor/outdoor flow has become a major aspect of modern design over the last 15-20 years.”
However, the pandemic ushered in new layout requirements causing designers to take a whole new direction.
“Then there was the (dare I say it?) ‘Covid effect’. Families large and small spent so much time at home which revealed the need for better use of space to suit our movements, both within the home and from the inside to outdoor areas,” Kim adds. “This has increased the importance of consultation with experienced designers who will appreciate clients’ varied needs, their spaces and the construction of their homes – all at the design stage – to ensure design dreams can be delivered.”
To see how Kim and her team can fulfil the potential of any home or commercial premises, visit www.designtorenovate.co.nz.
PRECISION HOMES Bespoke as standard
Beautiful, bespoke, quality, unique, affordable – all watchwords for Precision Homes when planning or building, the company’s owner, Andrew Butts, confirms. With the help of his team, Andrew has been building award winning, custom homes in the Franklin area for more than 20 years. During this time the team has also built a reputation for quality customer service, working closely with clients to establish and meet their specific requirements. “You spend nearly every day in your home, so you want it to have the right fit for you and your family,” Andrew says. “Each individual and each family will have varied ways in which they live, so we will work with you right from the start to establish your wants and needs and then design a home to suit you and your land, creating a home designed and built just for you.” Striving to make what can be a challenging process fun and as stress free as possible along the way, Precision Homes’ ‘in house’ team works to match Andrew’s drive to produce beautiful, high-quality homes with an exacting attention to detail. Adding to the team, the company draws on the support of expert subcontractors.
“Our network of subcontractors has been handpicked based on their reliability, workmanship and the pride they show in ensuring they are just as determined to deliver first class results at every stage and with every aspect. Their expertise and commitment definitely do add to our ability to build homes of the highest quality.” Numerous gold awards and category wins as well as other honours in the prestigious Master Builders House of the Year Competition, and further accolades, are a testament to these high standards. With builds completed throughout the wider Franklin region and beyond, the scope of Precision Homes’ work is vast and varied. From small urban homes to large sprawling country estates, they cover all bases. Many of the company’s latest developments feature at Paerata Rise.
“We’re proud to have been a Build Partner with Paerata Rise since its opening in 2018. We have already constructed an array of stunning homes throughout the subdivision with many more to come,” Andrew says. “Our showhome, (5 Winstone House Road) is a good example, so if you are considering building a new home, head down for a healthy dose of inspiration and to get a better idea of see what could be possible when building with Precision Homes.”
The company is also set to complete another shining example of their skills on Paerata Rise’s Te Rata Boulevard. However, Precision Homes is not limited to this subdivision with the range and scale of the company’s work on display throughout the Franklin region.
“A little inspiration goes a long way, but it’s important to remember that we do not mass produce houses!” Andrew laughs.
“Instead, Precision Homes are intended to be built to suit our customers’ varying lifestyles and budgets. Expert workmanship is standard, but we take a bespoke approach to every project.”
STROUD HOMES Local team, house proud!
Pride in quality workmanship underpins the philosophy behind many a local home.
“We gain great satisfaction from knowing that every detail, right down to the last nail, meets with our most exacting standards,” Stroud Homes Pokeno, Pukekohe builder, Mike Wilson, says. “And, the appreciation shown by our new homeowners is always extremely rewarding.”
Mike may lead a dedicated team, but he does so from the front. Locally born and raised, he’s followed in his father’s footsteps, working on commercial and residential projects as well as home extensions and renovations.
“I started out on the tools when I was 16,” he confirms. “My dad was absolutely passionate about attention to detail as well as honesty and making sure that every new build was conducted as smoothly as possible. I’ve now been in this industry for many years, but every lesson I’ve learnt along the way can be linked back to these basic principles.”
Today, new builds are Mike’s stock and
Mike Wilson
trade, assisting with everything from bespoke designs to complete home and land packages.
By joining Stroud Homes, Mike says he is still able to offer locally focused, one-to-one service but he now benefits from the backing of a nationwide network.
“While we can build based on a customer’s plans, Stroud Homes has a range of tried and tested, award-winning plans to choose from,” he confirms.
“These are supported by quotes allowing clients to fully understand the cost of building a home right from the start and provide an added degree of certainty that we will complete our work on time and on budget.”
Just one example of Stroud Homes’ workmanship is their new showhome situated at 111 Mclarin Road Glenbrook.
“Based on the highly popular Rimu 204 design, this 3-4 bedroom home features a large kitchen and media room with clever utilisation of space,” Mike adds.
“Of course, we can tailor any design to suit our customers’ requirements.”
Whether designing from scratch or purchasing a home and land package, the first step is to contact Mike and his team.
“We’ll be pleased to discuss your needs and begin working on a plan to bring your dream home to fruition.”
Phone 027 633 4508 www.stroudhomes.co.nz
stroudhomes.co.nz
245 King St, Pukekohe
Franklin 265 Scandi Plan
FIRST impressions
Resene Construction Systems range of plaster facades, and interior finishing systems adds stunning style and durability to new and existing homes.
There is a vast array of external facades available in the market place with weatherboard and brick being the most common.
More and more often, when driving around, people are seeing a greater level of external plaster facades which, from our point of view, is fantastic, and equally for the diversity in sub-divisions.
Over the years, development and technology for external facade or cladding systems has changed. This change was driven by issues related across the construction industry including design and architecture, construction practices, product performance, trade co-ordination and workmanship.
For the past 15 plus years external plaster façades/claddings have been required to be installed over a cavity. This is also the case with brick veneer and weatherboard.
The cavity method of construction provides robustness and redundancy should moisture enter through the outside skin of the façade.
Plaster façade systems vary considerably not only in terms of the products used, but also the level of workmanship applied by the tradesperson.
Our façade systems require registered building practitioner installation, in turn we only supply our licensed and registered contractors as the very minimum prerequisite.
This ensures accuracy and responsibility to the contractor who has applied the system.
Alongside this, Resene Construction Systems partners with its contractor network and provides its own documented and
INTEGRA Lightweight Concrete Plaster cladding with Rockcote Classico coloured plaster finish
Rockcote Artisan Interior Plaster
comprehensive Onsite Quality Assurance programme, which is mandatory to each and every project nationally.
Our Onsite Quality Assurance programme was introduced more than 15 years ago to provide surety of system installation. It was, and is, a dynamic and innovative approach for the construction sector.
As with most things we do as a Resene Group business – this programme sets the benchmark for the industry, giving protection to both the reputation of our products and most importantly to our clients’ most important investment – their home.
Selection of your external plaster façade can be challenging. The three premium options in the current market are our INTEGRA aac lightweight concrete, XTHERM Insulated façade, or Plaster over Masonry block or brick.
INTEGRA aac lightweight concrete
façade – AAC (Autoclaved Aerated Concrete) is a lightweight concrete panel fixed over a cavity including our full flashing suite, and a lamina of hand applied coatings that is complete through to the finished Resene colour coats. This system provides impact resistance, acoustic benefits and has a solid feel even though it is fixed over timber framing.
XTHERM Insulated Façade – An external insulation system that provides a complete thermal envelope with our exclusive XTHERM high density insulation panels. Insulating the outside wall face is considered the best location for insulation as there are minimal ‘thermal breaks’ when compared to ’in wall’ insulation. If you are looking for excellent thermal performance to keep you cool in summer and warm in winter then this is the system for you.
XTHERM and INTEGRA plaster facade systems are complete supply and install solutions. Once the framing, building underlay and windows are installed your registered plastering professional undertakes the complete system installation all they way through to the Resene coloured finish coats.
This process saves time and money during the construction process, and provides a full service and support system for the life of the installed system.
At Resene Construction Systems we complement the skill and craft of plastering with our Rockcote Artisan interior finishes, all based on natural materials from Rockcote and coloured in your favorite Resene colours.
Have confidence knowing that the products and systems we supply for your project have been tested, made and supplied in New Zealand by a division of the Resene Group of companies.
Call 0800 50 70 40 to discover what we do and how we can assist you with your next project.
A home to call your nest!
Every homeowner wants to enjoy a feeling of pride and comfort when driving up to their home not just for the first time, but every time. And, that’s exactly what the team at Homes by Nest works hard to create – even the name reflects that sense of warmth and snugness which envelops homeowners when they walk through the front door into their very own living space.
SHOW HOME 77 Harriet Johnston Drive, Pokeno Open 11am – 3pm Thursday – Sunday
Created by Bru and Linda Goldfinch over the past couple of years, Homes By Nest is built on their belief that a team effort of appreciated sub-contractors and suppliers will deliver nothing but top quality, long-lasting family homes with features which continue to please year after year.
“Our end goal is for clients to enjoy their family home as much as we enjoy ours,” Linda says. “We want them to be completely satisfied in their decision to build with Homes By Nest and to be absolutely delighted with the home we give them,”
After spending 12 years as a new home consultant with various building companies throughout Papakura, Franklin and Christchurch, Linda says she and Bru were given the opportunity to purchase a building company franchise in Christchurch.
“However, with a change of circumstances, we made the decision to create Homes By Nest within our local stamping ground of Papakura and Franklin.
“Being locals, and having operated in this area for a long time, the decision was easy especially as we had already built up excellent contacts in the construction world, many of whom we consider good friends.” Today Bru and Linda are enthusiastic about the sub-contractors and suppliers who work alongside them.
Their company tagline – Premium Service – Personalised Solutions – Fair Price – reflects their dedication to excellence in every quarter from initial consultation through to planning, construction, price, timeliness and more.
“We carefully consider everyone who is involved in the build project and genuinely believe that happy subbies and suppliers will ensure onsite energy is positively charged. Subsequently, the only possible outcome is the delivery of a ‘happy’, well built, long-lasting family home,” Bru says.
With Bru the first point of call for any query, whether it be meeting for an initial consult, or going through the final home check, all queries are met with complete professionalism and expertise.
“Having Linda on hand to bounce off ideas, clients benefit from a close knit team where communication is key.”
With an eye for décor and accessories, Linda also works alongside Picturebook Interiors for the all important interior design and colour schemes to finish each home with individual and personalised style. “These days new homeowners look for that special ingredient; they don’t want the ‘same old’ anymore,” she says. “Therefore, from the outset, we are intent on helping clients to get their dream home; a home which is set apart from others. We don’t believe their years of hard work should come down to the ordinary.”
Once a build project is entrusted to Homes by Nest, Bru and Linda agree it is always a pleasure to take time to talk through exactly what it is the client wants in a home and why the choice to build from scratch.
“The building of a new home should never be a chore, done properly the process should be great fun and hugely satisfying,” the pair contends. “We will ensure our customers have an enjoyable home build experience by mixing fun and professionalism. We fully engage with them throughout.
“So, if you are seeking a new home and have the time to talk, we have the time to listen. We look forward to hearing your ideas and priorities for a build, and to using our expertise to bring it all together, keeping within budget and ensuring the highest standard of finish.
“We take the responsibility of building every new home very seriously; we promise to relieve clients of stress and ensure they have fun along the way to becoming new homeowners.”
Phone Bru Goldfinch 021 215 8368 Email bru@homesbynest.nz www.homesbynest.nz
Solid style indoors & out
Top quality cladding and roofing ensures our homes can be dressed to impress, as LAURA CLARK from Colorsteel® explains.
Well thought out cladding and roofing choices will set the tone for the design style of any home, capturing our imaginations before we even step inside. A great place to start is at the top with Colorsteel. Protecting the places Kiwis live work and play for more than 40 years, this local brand is manufactured right here in Franklin by New Zealand Steel.
As the saying goes: you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover. But when it comes to the architectural aesthetic of your home, the exterior cladding and roofing are a pretty clear indicator of the design style that lies beyond the front door. When carefully chosen, these materials can provide insight and visual clues about the look and feel of the house in its entirety, as well as ensuring cohesion between the interior and exterior of the home.
A great way to begin with any design project is by collecting ideas on a mood board. Although many of the best ideas have already been hatched, it’s okay to copy them, or they may provide springboards for new ways of thinking. Begin by browsing architecture magazines and home websites, bookmarking and screenshotting images that appeal along the way.
Make the most of supplier samples. When making colour selections, you can’t beat the real thing! That’s why Colorsteel offers free samples delivered direct to the door. Collecting physical examples of materials, can help us gather the colours and textures we love and compare against other elements in the project.
Here are few simple tips to keep in mind when comparing your options: • View samples in natural light. Colours can look very different under artificial lighting so it’s best to take samples outside. Also, view samples at different times of the day to reveal more as to how light levels can alter our perception of colours. • Consider the finish. New Colorsteel Matte uses micro wrinkle technology to diffuse light, creating a unique, lustred surface and a soft textured look. This reveals the true tone and depth of colour not usually seen in other finishes. • Bear in mind that your chosen profile will also impact the overall look, lines and shadowing. For a more thorough understanding of profiles, and how they interact with colours, try the roof visualiser tool at colorsteel.co.nz or speak to your
Colorsteel supplier. In addition, full sized product sheets in a variety of different profiles are on display at Colorsteel’s showrooms at Home Ideas, in Parnell.
Finally, don’t worry if your mood board seems to have a lot of variety, or if samples come across as a mishmash of styles, because architects and designers can help you to narrow the options down. The important thing is you’ve taken the time to put some thought in before embarking on a rewarding and exciting design journey.
Think luxury homes
BUILT TO LAST
Longevity speaks volumes about Grant Mackay and his business TotalBuild which has specialised in custom-building dream homes around Franklin since 1995.
“We have a team of suppliers and subcontractors who know how to put together a home for clients with impeccable taste and our constant aim is to meet the needs of qualityconscious home buyers who appreciate a high standard of workmanship,” Grant says.
In the current climate of shortages, planning is critical. Advance planning is critical to maintaining project flow.
“For our side and our subcontractors, using management software allows us to plan well.
“For our clients, online access keeps them in touch and well informed during the construction of their home.”
Whether you are at home, at work, on the road, or on holiday, TotalBuild puts information at your fingertips about selections, financial decisions, questions, documents, photos, and more – all this plus the reassurance of a Masterbuild 10-Year Home Guarantee!
Perhaps you have ideas, or some plans ready for your next home. Wherever you are in the process, talk to us about how to bring them to life in a home that’s built to last.
Phone Grant Mackay 0274 780 047 Email grant@totalbuild.co.nz www.totalbuild.co.nz
THINK WATER: NO BRAINER!
It’s becoming a case of feast or famine, floods or droughts and neither is ideal when living on the land. Thankfully, despite the pressures of climate change, Luke Parker’s family has been able to help us adapt, whatever Mother Nature throws at us.
“Since my grandfather established the business, as RF Parker & Sons, more than 50 years ago, we’ve been focused on serving customers in our community with effective water management solutions – that’s just as true today as then,” says Luke. “So, while you can never really depend on the weather, you can depend on us to deliver a wide range of water-related services.”
In wake of joining the expansive Think Water group in 2011 (becoming Think Water Pukekohe), the business has gone from strength to strength. In fact, it’s ‘pumping’, Luke (the team’s operations’ manager) confirms. “As Franklin locals, we definitely understand the needs of customers here in our community. However, we’re also able to pass savings on to them due to our access to a vast network comprising more than 50 independently owned, like-minded companies.”
From swimming and spa pool products to water tanks, pumping, irrigation, water treatment and filtration systems, if water runs through, over or around it, Think Water has it covered. “Water is the lifeblood of farm businesses and they can grind to a halt, resulting in costly downtime, should a single pump fail, for example,” Luke says. “At Think Water Pukekohe, our job is to keep that lifeblood pumping through first class products and expert installation backed by comprehensive servicing.”
The climate may change but the basic fact that water is needed, where it’s needed, yearround hasn’t. In contrast, the technology at Think Water’s disposal has come a long way.
“These days, the products involved are much more sophisticated. Our Grundfos and Davey Pumps are great examples of this; they provide faster, more reliable flow, while minimising energy usage in the process.”
Preventative maintenance is essential in saving time, money and grief with any type of water system, Luke advises.
“Because even the best products can’t last forever, we’ve found that a pint of prevention is worth a gallon of cure. Our engineers can assess any system of any scale and provide all necessary servicing or repairs whenever they’re required.
“This is where we really come into our element; we’re experts on water solutions so our customers don’t have to be!”
Whatever our specific needs, a quick call to the Think Water Pukekohe team is an essential part of ‘going with the flow’.
“All customers need do is give us a call,” Luke adds. “We’ll be happy to discuss their needs, from sales right through to installation and servicing.”
We’ve got you covered
IRRIGATION PUMPING FILTRATION
SYSTEM
DESIGN SUPPLY
INSTALL
Think Water Pukekohe are your local water management experts. From irrigation to rainwater tanks and pool chemicals to pressure cleaners we are your one stop shop.
Spray Irrigation Pumping Systems
Rainwater Storage House Filtration
Pressure Cleaning Pool Chemicals & Equipment Water Features & Ponds Watering Equipment
SERVICE
MAINTAIN
Pop-up Sprinklers
Drip Irrigation
Dealing with winter drainage
Come winter time just about everyone is focused on rain and stormwater, either disposing of it or reducing its impact.
Storm water flows are unregulated so knowing how much or how little you will get is virtually impossible. Large rain events challenge designers’ calculations and result in flow constraints as water under the pressure of gravity, heads to low lying areas.
Property owners expect their drainage systems to work perfectly. They want reliability and safe well-constructed systems by which all water is carried away without a hitch. This is where good design from stormwater engineers comes into play.
Implementing these designs is the job of drainage professionals such as Drains.co Ltd.
The company has successfully operated its headquarters (office, workshop, storage facilities and transport fleet) in South Auckland for more than 25 years, providing residential drainage services to clients throughout the greater Auckland region, Franklin, northern Waikato and the Hauraki Plains.
Director, Graeme Garchow believes getting sound advice and design work early on is bound to prevent problems down the track.
“It really is best to ensure installation of anything, from water tanks to storm water or sanitary wastewater systems, is done properly at the outset,” he says. “The last thing anyone wants is a new home spoiled – or soiled – when such systems back up and let you down.”
Experts in providing new drainage in urban and rural districts, Drains.co is focused on ensuring property owners know and understand the best options available to them so they can make informed decisions as to what is needed to best meet their lifestyle and property needs.
Furthermore, as one of New Zealand’s most established residential drainage companies, it successfully completes waste water and storm water requirements for more than 600 houses every year using the latest technology, equipment and systems.
But who among laymen know what to look for in a drainage system? Not a lot of people, so here is some advice from the Drains.co team:
LIFESTYLE:
In towns and urban areas there is more focus on rain water harvesting for non-potable uses such as watering the garden or washing the car.
Almost all new designs in the Auckland region are coming out with water tanks for retention (reuse), and detention to reduce peak stormwater flows into waterways.
Current council practice may require greater use of soak pits and recharge pits for replenishing ground water resources.
In rural situations, water tank overflows are required and some sort of storm water detention.
These flows are directed to soakage trenches or outfall structures to prevent scouring and to reduce peak flows which lead to floods after heavy rain events.
COUNCIL COMPLIANCE:
With water quality taking more importance nationally, silt control is of primary concern. Councils today are focusing on more silt trapping devices to keep waterways clean and to control pollution in waterways from the likes of plastic waste.
Of course, all drainage devices require care or they cease to work so home owners need to undertake maintenance on a regular basis.
Remember: Gutters need regular cleaning. Water tanks should be pumped out and cleaned every few years; silt traps, soak pits, and detention tanks need cleaning too. Ignore them at your peril and discover the adverse effects when the first big storms of winter arrive.
All this adds cost to the initial purchase and annual maintenance bill so be aware when investigating what services are available. “It really is best to ensure installation of anything, from water tanks to storm water or sanitary wastewater systems, is done properly at the outset.”
WASTEWATER:
More homes are facing decentralised waste water in new subdivisions and will require either waste water treatment systems or pressure sewer pump stations.
These items, when cared for and functioning well, add value to the home enabling a healthy, safe environment for families to live in and enjoy their desired lifestyle.
When ignored, they become an unsanitary risk to families and the environment, so keep on top of things by scheduling regular maintenance checks.
Drains.co cnr Quarry & Great South Rds, Drury Phone 09 294 8109 Email: info@drains.co.nz or visit www.drains.co.nz
Re-inventing the way people access water outdoors
The Aquor House Hydrant is the ultimate,
‘ no compromise ’ hose tap; easy to use, durable, eco-friendly, and better looking than anything on the market. The Aquor New Zealand hose tap range incorporates the best of form meets function.
It's time for an upgrade It's time for an upgrade
hen we picture our dream home, the thought of where to put ugly brass hose taps can feel more like a nightmare. With the Aquor House Hydrant night sweats are a thing of the past! With sleek simplicity and innovative design features the Aquor range makes accessing your outdoor water hassle-free and easy on the eyes. No more fumbling with a hard-to-turn-on tap. No more wrestling with an impossible-to-turn-off brass eye-sore. The Aquor House Hydrant boasts a simple push-and-twist connection, making it a breeze to use for all ages. The Aquor design philosophy of creating products that are easy to use and built to last means the House Hydrant has only one moving part, a single stainless steel operating rod, this simplicity carries on with the innovative design using water pressure to close drip tight, working with nature for a maintenance free experience.
when we picture our dream home, the thought of where to put With its roots deep in the marine industry, creating the patented marine ugly brass hose taps can feel more like a nightmare. With the Aquor deckwash outlet in 1999, Aquor’s focus on superior engineering and House Hydrant night sweats are a thing of the past! high-quality materials has flowed through to their House Hydrant range, With sleek simplicity and innovative design features the Aquor range launched in 2014. The hydrant body is made from lead-free marine makes accessing your outdoor water hassle-free and easy on the eyes. grade 316L stainless steel giving it durability to stand the test of time and ensuring the hydrant is safe for drinking water. The internal seals No more fumbling with a hard-to-turn-on tap. No more wrestling with are Viton o-rings commonly used in aerospace and automotive an impossible-to-turn-off brass eye-sore. The Aquor House Hydrant applications, renowned for their long lifetimes and resistance to wear. boasts a simple push-and-twist connection, making it a breeze to use for all ages. With Aquor’s attention to detail they didn’t stop at a near indestructible hydrant, the Aquor hose connectors are molded from Delrin Acetal The Aquor design philosophy of creating products that are easy to use Resin, a heavy duty, engineering grade plastic, UV protected and strong and built to last means the House Hydrant has only one moving part, a enough to be driven over by a car and keep working! single stainless steel operating rod, this simplicity carries on with the innovative design using water pressure to close drip tight, working The Aquor House Hydrant is the ultimate “no compromise” hose tap, with nature for a maintenance free experience. easy to use, durable, eco-friendly and better looking than anything on the market.
wWith its roots deep in the marine industry, creating the patented marine deckwash outlet in 1999, Aquor’s focus on superior engineering and high-quality materials has flowed through to their House Hydrant range, launched in 2014. The hydrant body is made from lead-free marine grade 316L stainless steel giving it durability to stand the test of time and ensuring the hydrant is safe for drinking water. The internal seals are Viton o-rings commonly used in aerospace and automotive applications, renowned for their long lifetimes and resistance to wear. With Aquor’s attention to detail they didn’t stop at a near indestructible hydrant, the Aquor hose connectors are molded from Delrin Acetal Resin, a heavy duty, engineering grade plastic, UV protected and strong enough to be driven over by a car and keep working! The Aquor House Hydrant is the ultimate “no compromise” hose tap, easy to use, durable, eco-friendly and better looking than anything on the market.
U N I Q U E V A L V E D E S I G N U N I Q U E V A L V E D E S I G N M A R I N E G R A D EM A R I 3 N 1 6 LE G R A D E 3 1 6 L S T A I N L E S SSSTT E EA I N L L E S S S T E E L
SAVING OUR MOST PRECIOUS RESOURCE
DECLINING RESOURCES
Water is the earths most precious resource and it is estimated by 2025, two-thirds of the world’s population may face water shortages.
AGRICULTURE
ONLY 3% OF THE WORLDS WATER IS DRINKABLE
Agriculture irrigation accounts for 70% of water use worldwide. Unfortunately due to inefficiencies in the current irrigation systems a large percentage of water is wasted.
WATER RECYCLING
Approximately 160 litres of water per person, per day could be recycled in New Zealand. This water could be used for other purposes such as irrigation.
PLANT SELECTION
Selecting low-water-use grasses and native plants combined with a well designed irrigation system can save as much as 60% of your current outdoor water use.
97% 2% 1%
OF EARTHS WATER IS SALT WATER
OF EARTHS FRESH WATER IS IN ICEBERGS
OF EARTHS WATER IS FRESH WATER
RAIN BIRD INTELLIGENT IRRIGATION
Rain Bird is the world’s largest manufacturer of irrigation technology, leading the industry with innovative systems designed to conserve water and maximize efficiency.
One outdated sprinkler system can waste millions of litres yearly. Through the use of intelligent irrigation you can save 1000s of litres per year saving both water and money.
A rain sensor communicates with your controller about rainfall levels. If enough rain has fallen, then the sensor will tell the timer to skip the next watering cycle.
