&build
design 2018-2019
SOUTH EAST
Your building & renovation magazine
Making connections • Home and garden trends • Building innovations • Industry leaders • Expert advice
District Update – what’s on the drawing board for South East Auckland Times House Publishing Ltd
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 1 Cover: Greek Revival Villa by Peter Diprose Architect PDA Architects & Landscape www.diprose.co.nz
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Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 3 KAT5512
Welcome
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elcome to Design & Build South East, an annual publication which covers subdivision development, lifestyle opportunities, building expansion, renovations and general growth throughout southeastern parts of Auckland. Designed to give newcomers to the region, and anyone interested in settling within the wider area, a picture of its varied communities, Design & Build is an informative and instant guide to the district as it is developing for the future. For anyone thinking of buying or selling locally, the publication covers opportunities ranging from urban living to coastal subdivisions and even semirural locations. It looks at housing initiatives in areas as diverse as Maraetai/Beachlands to the east, fast-developing Ormiston and burgeoning growth around Alfriston and Takanini. It also updates readers on new facilities such as shops, schools roads and more.
&
design build SOUTH EAST
Your building & renovation magazine
Infrastructure, industry, housing and various services are covered as more and more people turn their eyes east and south for a fresh start in life. An added attraction for many in these areas is easy access to the motorway where major improvements are well underway and more in the pipeline. Of course, Design & Build covers far more than new housing opportunities. There is plenty of information for renovators, and new residents moving into existing homes. There is a wealth of advice and ideas for indoors and out plus sound material on issues such as home loans, subdividing and legal matters. While steering readers towards professionals and companies which know and work within the local area, and which have a keen knowledge of local requirements, services, and more, Design & Build South East showcases Auckland’s popular south-eastern quarter and the exciting future it can offer residents.
Phone: 09 271 8000 Email: info@times.co.nz Web: yourdesignandbuild.co.nz Editor: Helen Perry Sales: 09 271 8068 Art Director: Clare McGillivray Contributing Writer: Angela Kemp
Photographer: Wayne Martin Publisher: Brian Neben A Times Media publication Level 1, The Lane, Botany Town Centre, Chapel Road, Auckland PO Box 259-243, Botany, Akld 2163
DISCLAIMER: Articles published in Design & Build South East do not necessarily reflect the views of the publishers or editor. All material is provided as a general information service only. Times Media Ltd does not assume or accept any responsibility for, and shall not be liable for, the accuracy or appropriate application of any information in this magazine. All the material in this magazine has the protection of international copyright. All rights reserved. No content may be reproduced without the prior written consent of Times Media Ltd.
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We build homes as unique as you
26 59
Contents 6
9
Star rating for healthy, warm
Events feast homes
14 Thumbs up for fuel tax and
Record transport investment
16 Southern corridor bridges 19 AMETI busway – bring it on 20 Flat Bush within city limits.
Urban living in rural paradise
24 Books 26 Doors open for affordable home ownership
28 Manukau to be thrice as nice 30 No substitute for best practice
34 Advice for first home buyers 39 Match flooring to lifestyle 42 Kitchen trends 43 Small bathrooms big on pizzazz
45 Bedroom makeover 46 Out of Europe 48 Log into tree art
On the Cover: Entrance hall of a Greek Revival villa recently designed by Peter Diprose of PDA Architects and Landscape: Its highly decorative interior recreates the space and style of Palladian villas of the Renaissance. Peter worked tirelessly with tradesmen, artists, interior and lighting designers to realise his vision through to a completely magical outcome.
Signature Homes can help you design and build a home that is perfectly suited to your family and lifestyle. You can bring your own plans to us, or engage our experienced architects and interior designers to take your dream home off the back of an envelope or Pinterest page, and make it a reality. If you are thinking about building, whatever stage you are at in your journey, we can help. Contact us today to find out how we can build your dream home your way. Or visit our new Flat Bush showhome to gather ideas.
FLAT BUSH SHOWHOME: 10 Horsefields Drive, Flat Bush Open Sat - Sun 12-4pm 0800 102 109 | signature.co.nz
JH14123
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 5
Events feast There may be no place like home but unless we’re prepared to head on out into the big wide world, it’s hard to make our homes into places we really do want to be! Thankfully, there are plenty of events on the calendar designed to inspire anyone looking to build, renovate or refurbish, or even turn outdoor spaces into glorious extensions of today’s abodes.
2018 ■■ Auckland Home Show September 5-9, ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane From plush country mansions to compact apartments in the sky, there is no such thing as the typical Auckland home. However, with a vast number of exhibitors presenting their ideas and wares, this show is sure to have something for any home... or castle. More information at aucklandhomeshow.co.nz. ■■ Waikato Home & Garden Show October 4-7, Claudelands Arena, Brooklyn Road, Hamilton What’s hot in Waikato? Head on down to Hamilton to find out as the ‘city of the future’ showcases how we Kiwis love to live. One of the largest annual home expos, this event is well worth a visit. See waikatohomeshow.co.nz for details.
New Zealand Flower and Garden Show 2017 – Billgoat Landscaping
■■ Auckland Better Home & Living Show
October 26-28, North Shore Events Centre, Silverfield Place, Glenfield Shore-fire design and build solutions are on tap – likely, in some cases, quite literally – when our northern neighbours host The Better Home & Living Show. More details via homeandgardenshow. co.nz. ■■ Franklin Hospice Garden Ramble November 10-11, from Franklin Hospice, 29 Hall Street, Pukekohe On the southern margins of the Super City, even ordinary work-a-day Kiwis can often set aside space to grow glorious gardens. This annual event – which helps support the good work of some great folk at Franklin Hospice – often features a wide range of gardens from urban backyards to sprawling lifestyle blocks. See franklinhospice.org.nz for details. ■■ Waiheke Garden Festival November 10-11, various locations, Waiheke Island For 16 years, people keen to head on safari to Waiheke have found ideas a-plenty just a short skip across the Hauraki Gulf. Sure, there may be great gardens to explore closer to home but who’d pass up the chance to experience an island adventure? Further information is available via waihekegardensafari.co.nz. ■■ NZ Flower & Garden Show
November 28 – December 2, The Trusts Arena, 65-67 Central Park Drive, Henderson You can’t keep a good show down! Last year, Auckland welcomed back an iconic event, albeit 6 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
Waikato Home & Garden Show
under a new name. Rising from the ashes of the Ellerslie International Flower Show, this event proved most popular last year and expects to be even bigger now! More information available at nzflowergardenshow.co.nz.
2019 ■■ Heroic Gardens Festival
February 16-17, locations Auckland wide It’s almost time to meet our heroes as Auckland’s garden gurus share the fruits of their labour and the expertise that ensured their gardens are among the finest in the country. Full details available via heroicgardens.org.nz. ■■ Franklin Home & Lifestyle Expo March 23-24, PIA Events Centre, Pukekohe While the Franklin Home & Lifestyle Expo offers plenty for anyone building or renovating, there’s
Heroic Gardens Festival
plenty more on offer during this annual show. As much a celebration of the Franklin community as a home show, this event is not to be missed. Details via franklinexpo.co.nz. Please note that details of these events were correct (to our knowledge) at the time of publication and may be subject to change. If we’ve missed your annual event this time, please do let us know so it can be included in future editions of Design & Build.
One-stop-shop
for Auckland land development and subdivisions
F
or almost 50 years Fraser Thomas Ltd has been specialising in land development and subdivision design. With a strong team of experts, including chartered engineers and registered professional surveyors, clients really can’t help but be impressed by the company’s land development portfolio. Ranging in size from 2 to 200 lot subdivisions; urban, rural, infill, greenfields, brownfields; whatever type of development project, Fraser Thomas has done it all. Drawing on wide expertise in civil, environmental, structural and geotechnical engineering, resource management, contaminated land, planning and surveying, Fraser Thomas is your land development ‘one-stop-shop’. The team prides itself on staying at the forefront of the latest thinking in residential land development including urban design, working with the landform, low impact stormwater, and decentralised sewerage. Regularly working with external experts in other disciplines, such as urban designers, architects, landscape architects, traffic engineers, arborists and ecologist enables Fraser
Thomas’ experts to put together a team which can provide clients with all services required to complete land development projects. In ever-changing environments, Fraser Thomas has always stayed on top of resource management requirements and latest council developments. In recent years, the Auckland Unitary Plan has opened up development opportunities for many home-owners. The Unitary Plan has simplified the residential
zones throughout Auckland with six zones created to allow for different levels of housing intensity. Depending on which residential zone a property falls within there may be subdivision opportunities. This may be limited to only one additional dwelling depending on the zoning, area of your property, and the ability to service the property. Fraser Thomas is able to complete a desktop assessment of your property to provide you with a summary of any potential opportunities.
21 El Kobar Dr, Highbrook, Auckland Ph 0508 278 7839 Ph 09 278 7078 email admin@ftl.co.nz www.fraserthomas.co.nz Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 7
Palatial homes and landscapes of delight Peter Diprose of PDA Architects and Landscape
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rchitecture and gardens enrich our lives both physically and emotionally. In combination, the house and garden have endured throughout history in many cultures and places from ancient Rome and Moorish Spain to the Provencal village and its exotic gardens and stone architecture. Research visits to Europe to investigate particular gardens and buildings have stimulated our practice’s appreciation for masonry design, classical architecture, and gardens. You have to experience architecture within its context to truly understand it, and to sense its serenity, dynamism, or gauge its integrity as a whole. Over the past decade, I have had the opportunity to design some fabulous homes applying my expertise in traditional masonry and classical design – master planning villas which include pools, pavilions, gardens, stables and studios. Firsthand experience of many of the world’s great classical buildings plus an intimate
French style villa designed by Peter Diprose Architect
understanding of the architecture associated with them is brought to the design situation, adding both depth and detail to projects. One of our recent projects is a Greek revival villa inspired by Jefferson’s Monticello. The exterior is brickwork with white plastered detail and columns. Its highly decorative interior recreates Palladian
villas of the renaissance, mixing Ionic and Corinthian orders based on our readings of Vitruvius (see cover). PDA is committed to a team approach to achieve your dream, and whatever the brief, PDA will seek to create a high quality, beautiful living environment for you and your family.
INTERIOR DESIGN STUDIO BROOKBY
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As well as professional assistance in buying and selling properties, Galbraiths also offer a full range of legal services to clients, including commercial and civil litigation, court work, sale and purchase of businesses, franchising, family and employment law, wills and estate planning and advice regarding setting up and administering of family trusts.
Conveniently located with ample free client parking right outside the door. Units 1-3 Fencible Chambers Cnr Fencible Dr & Moore St, Howick Village Ph Raewyn 021 746 848 | raewyn@emblazon.co.nz
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Phone 535 4190 www.galbraiths.co.nz
StAr rAtinG FOr
healthy, warm homes New homes on sites controlled by Panuku Development Auckland will meet higher standards for health, warmth and energy efficiency thanks to a move by the Council’s urban regeneration agency.
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anuku has set a requirement of at least ‘6 Homestar’ for houses built across its Transform and Unlock locations – key brownfield parts of Auckland earmarked for regeneration which includes Manukau. In the next decade, Panuku expects to deliver an estimated 10,000 homes which will be subject to Homestar – New Zealand’s rating tool for residential sustainability – with above Building Code standards for insulation, ventilation, warmth and efficiency. Owned by the New Zealand Green Building Council (NZGBC), Homestar has been relaunched to make it simpler and faster for large-scale developments to gain ratings.
Panuku chief executive, Roger MacDonald says while the agency already sets standards on a siteby-site basis, Homestar is a simpler quality gauge that will give clarity and consistency to industry. “As part of our public good focus, the developers we work with build quality homes,” he says. “What Homestar provides is an independent, third-party verification and assurance to homebuyers as well as industry that all homes will be healthy, efficient and able to meet the needs of Aucklanders for generations to come. “There is huge pressure on housing supply in Auckland. It is important that we don’t add time or cost to the process, but that we embed good
practice to ensure some of the legacy issues we have with poor housing in New Zealand are not repeated.” To reach ‘6 Homestar’ all homes must meet minimum standards for insulation, warmth, water efficiency, energy use and ventilation. Credits for other aspects – such as waste, materials and transport - can be selected depending on priorities in different areas. Analysis estimates an average Auckland family living in a ‘6 Homestar’ house, should save around $900 a year in energy and water bills, and reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by 390kg. For more information about Homestar go to www.nzgbc.org.nz/homestar
FrEE ECO ADviCE
hOuSE in A DAy nOt A DrEAm
If you are planning to build or to make home improvements, Auckland Council has a fantastic free Eco Design advice service to inform about choices. During a one-hour consultation Eco Design advisors will offer advice on wide-ranging options to make homes eco-friendly. These include information on building materials, how to warm your home in winter and cool it in summer, improve air quality, improve water and waste management, save on energy and water bills and increase the value of a property. Eco Design advisors can also help with access to specialists, design tools, assessment methods and building material information. To book a free one-hour consultation, phone 0508 326 337, or emaillowcarbonliving@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz
Fletcher Living has built a three-bedroom house in a day and hopes it will inspire others to use new techniques and build faster to meet Auckland’s pressing housing needs. The 170sq m $800,000-plus west Auckland house, was put up between 7.30am and 5pm says Fletcher Residential and Land Development chief executive, Steve Evans. It usually takes six to nine months to build a house in Auckland but Fletcher Living’s panelised components could enable others in the sector to regularly put up a home in a single day, he said. “It’s all about providing the New Zealand dream much quicker,” Evans says of the duplex
on Pheasant Street, Hobsonville Pt. It took Fletcher Living just one-and-a-half days to put up the other side of the duplex. Evans acknowledges weeks of work were behind making the panels for the fast-built homes which were made in a former Laminex factory in Papakura. Fletcher’s build about 1000 houses a year but its new fast-build process was not just for his company. “We’re providing these products for other home builders as well. This is an innovation the entire sector can use,” he explains. “There are no end to the opportunities for panelisation housing.”
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 9
Dreaming of a new home but need a holiday too? Now you can have both! Pay a drafting deposit with Jennian Homes CBD & East before the end of July 2018 and receive a $3000 travel voucher or alternatively your choice of curtains and blinds to the retail value of $3000 from Venluree Auckland* At Jennian Homes CBD & East Auckland we understand that life is all about getting the right balance. We give you direct access to the experts who can help you achieve the right balance between your budget, the site requirements, town planning aspects and of course your dreams. Our designers are waiting to talk to you about your home and offer a free site assessment and consultation to help you maximise potential. Come and see us at our Display Home - 146 Eighth View Avenue, Beachlands, Auckland. Open: Wednesday - Sunday, 10am - 4pm *Terms and Conditions apply.
Thinking of Building? Join us for a New Home Builders’ Information Session Building a new home is an exciting adventure and Jennian Homes has been building the homes New Zealanders want for more than 35 years. Come and learn from the experts about the hidden costs of building and how to avoid surprises by designing a home, customised for you, to work within your true budget. Our regular building information sessions arm you with lots of great information to help you on your journey to building your own home. •
Establishing your construction budget and how to avoid hidden costs.
•
The impact of designing your home in an environmentally friendly way, to save you money.
•
Planning the home you’ve always wanted.
•
Residential construction industry knowledge and advice.
For more information on the New Home Builders’ Information Session visit jennianinfo.com
Jennian Homes CBD & East Auckland 59B Sir William Avenue, East Tamaki P 09 918 9078 E cbd.east@jennian.co.nz jennian.co.nz
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Saving the sandy shore Action is being taken to protect one of the eastern bays most popular beaches.
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esidents are concerned about wave reflection and sand loss at Cockle Bay and now in 2018 Howick Local Board has pledged $250,000 to repair erosion damage. Engineers had recommended extending the seawall but revised the plan after meeting with the local board and residents.
Residents were concerned that extending the vertical sea wall would actually cause more wave reflection and lead to sand loss. The revised plan will involve enhancing the existing wall and retaining the temporary rock structure. Sand from the eastern end of the beach will be transferred to the area to restore public
access and the look of the beach. The local board has long advocated for a regional fund to manage coastal erosion but with no regional funding available, it has agreed to fund this work due to the urgency. Work is also to be carried out at Mellons Bay Beach, funded out of a regional community facilities budget.
hiStOry in thE mAkinG Howick Local Board is bringing the area’s history into the 21st Century with the launch of the Howick’s Heritage mobile app. The interactive walking app allows users to discover the history of Picton Street and explore some of the nearby landmarks through a range of historic images, interactive maps and audio commentary. And, on Stockade Hill, people can take in a digital panorama using augmented reality technology.
“It’s an exciting development for us because it brings Howick’s rich history to life, opening it up to a whole new audience of both locals and visitors,” says Howick Local Board member, Adele White. “In a world where people seem to live their lives through their phones or tablets, if we want to keep our heritage alive for future generations we need to move with the times so we hope people embrace it. “Already we’ve included the names of
four soldiers with Howick connections to the war memorial on Stockade Hill and historical images are etched on the glass panels of the new Half Moon Bay ferry pier.” There are also plans to have interpretative signs and plaques installed at several sites. For those wanting more stories about the Howick area, with the app there is a link to download STQRY – another mobile device application that features more detailed history of the area across several topics. Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 11
Build your dream home with Finesse B
uilding a new home is probably one of life’s biggest investments. It can be stressful and confusing especially if you have never designed and built your own home before. Having someone you can trust with your life savings is of utmost importance. Building a dream home or undertaking a large renovation is a major task. The people you deal with will have a huge impact not only on the process but also on the finished product. Kiwi-owned and operated, Finesse Residential has been building top quality new homes in Auckland for over 30 years. The well regarded and well known Registered Master Builders with a versatile and trusted team of builders, designers and suppliers, specialises in major home renovations and quality new home construction. They are known for their old-fashioned values of trust, honesty, reliability and respect which have earned them a solid reputation in Auckland. Interestingly, a chance encounter between Murray Kee (who owned and operated a construction company with his dad George) and Geoff Philson, at the Pakuranga Netball Court where they were both supporting their daughters, led to a new partnership. Geoff was at a stage in life where he was looking for a challenge and after being very impressed with the high quality of work done in his own home by Murray, he knew this was the business he wanted to be a part of. Now it is 11 years since business directors, Murray and Geoff started the award-winning, family-owned business they are so passionate about. It’s the same passion that filters down to
every person working with Finesse Residential. While Murray looks after the design and planning aspect, Geoff an experienced chartered accountant, looks after the finance. Murray and his experienced sales team provide the complete package, from concept design, detailed specification and build budget for both new homes and large renovations. It’s a little wonder that their sterling reputation has led to locals trusting them with custom designing their homes. Finesse Residential offers a range of top quality, architecturally designed house and land packages
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now under construction in Howick and Bucklands Beach. Also, taking advantage of the Unitary Plan there are plenty of locals who like to know more about the option of knocking down their old home, rebuilding and subdividing. Finesse offers the complete package to help with all the legal, technical and logistical processes involved with knockdowns, subdivisions and rebuilds. This team of professionals work with the client every step of the way to help build a new, modern home on an existing site or deliver a marketable subdivision ready to sell. Finesse Residential also caters for first home buyers and investors, building approximately 50 new, affordable homes. These homes are located in Takanini at Addison and McClennan which is a 1500-home, residential development with plans for a town centre and retirement village. At Finesse Residential, they believe that with a little bit of effort and team work the ordinary can become extraordinary. And, it is the extraordinary aspect that sets them apart.
Building Fine Homes For more information about building your own home, or one of our house and land packages in Bucklands Beach, Howick or South Auckland please contact us on 09 534 8129 or visit www.finesseresidential.co.nz.
Finesse Residential @FinesseResidential facebook.com/FinesseResidential CONNECT WITH US At Finesse we build Quality not quantity, so when it comes to building your dream home we can help you realise your vision by delivering a home that perfectly suits your family, your individual style, your budget, and your site requirements. You can bring your own plans to us, or work with our expert team of architects and interior designers to put your dreams into reality
Contact us today on 0800 18 18 11 or Visit our Showhome 44 Capriana Drive, Karaka Harbourside MEMBER
www.FinesseResidential.co.nz
Open Hours - Wednesday – Sunday 12.00pm -4.00pm
Building Fine Homes Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 13 JH14010
uniQuE SOlutiOn tO hOuSinG nEEDS A first of its kind urban regeneration programme is being rolled out across the south east Auckland suburbs of Glen Innes, Panmure and Point England. Approximately 7500 new homes are set to be built over the next 10-15 years by the Tamaki Regeneration Company, a joint venture between the Crown and Auckland Council. Architecturally designed, the new, affordable homes will maximise space with clever design and feature high ceilings and windows to let in light and warmth. A variety of sizes and styles will give the neighbourhood an individual feel to appeal to singles, families, working or retirees. One third of these will be social homes and the rest will be sold to private buyers. It is expected that about 25% of the homes for sale will be affordable homes. The homes will range in size from two to five bedrooms, with standalone houses, duplexes and apartments available. The new development incorporates schools, amenities and playgrounds to create an entirely new community rising from Tamaki’s rich history. It is envisioned that the programme will open doors to homeownership for thousands of young kiwis and create training, employment and business pathways for the community to prosper. This new standard in urban regeneration will create a modern multi-cultural community, surrounded by world-class amenities and easy access to the CBD and Auckland’s beaches, parks and amenities. With efficient transport connections already in place, Tamaki will unlock potential like no other district in the region.
hOuSE COnStruCtiOn POWErS AhEAD
The first five months of 2018 saw the highest number of building consents issued for new homes since 1974, according to the Minister of housing and Urban Developments Phil Twyford. He said the strong growth in building consents showed the continued confidence of the construction sector. “The 13,390 new homes consents issued from January to May [2018] are the strongest start to any year since 1974.” Compared to the same point in 2017, new home consents were up 13 per cent nationwide and 36 per cent in Auckland.
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Thumbs up for fuel tax? A ucklanders are now forking out an extra 11.5 cent a litre regional fuel tax to fund transport projects around the city. Mayor Phil Goff said the regional fuel tax (RFT)was a significant way in which the council was able to contribute towards Auckland’s transport needs and a critical part of the programme for the city. “We could do nothing and then we would have gridlock,’ he said. “I don’t think any Government would accept that. We could have put it straight onto rates and that would mean a 13 per cent to 14 per cent rate increase. “Clearly putting the cost on ratepayers, including the elderly, who hardly use our transport system, is not an equitable way of raising the money.” The RFT received majority support from Aucklanders according to a Colmar Brunton poll of just under 4000 people. It showed 52 per cent supported the RFT with 43 per cent opposed and was conducted independently to achieve a representative outcome from a cross-section of Aucklanders. “The poll shows a surprisingly strong level of support for the RFT when polls of this sort normally show opposition to paying more for any service,” said Mr Goff.
“It clearly reflects an understanding by Aucklanders that we need ourselves to invest more in our transport network to deal with a rapidly increasing population and level of traffic on our roads.” With the tax expected to raise about $150 million per year or $1.5 billion over a decade, Mr Goff said this expenditure would enable projects to progress which in turn would attract development contributions with the additional funds raised from Auckland likely to be over $200 million a year. “This in turn attracts, in most instances, a onefor-one subsidy from the National Land Transport Fund which will result in additional infrastructure spending of more than $4 billion over the decade,” he explained. “This is a major sum of money which is critically important to progressing a better transport system for Auckland.” Deputy Mayor and Franklin councillor, Bill Cashmore added that increased investment in our [Auckland’s] transport network was a priority for Auckland. “The RFT represents a more user pays system and is fairer than simply loading the muchneeded investment in our transport system onto rates,” Mr Cashmore said.
Record transport investment
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new 10-year plan for transport which will unlock record investment in the roads, rail and public transport across the country was approved by Cabinet,
mid 2018. Minister of Transport Phil Twyford said the Government Policy Statement 2018 on Land Transport would increase investment from $3.6 billion in 2017/18 to a record $4 billion in 2018/19. This would continue to rise to $4.7 billion a year by 2027/28. Additionally, the Government said it was also investing $1 billion this year [2018] in specific projects, such as the City Rail Link, and councils would invest a further $1 billion a year. “The Government, through the National Land Transport Fund, will invest more than ever in transport, to boost the economies of our cities and our regions, while making travel safer for everyone,” Mr Twyford said. “Auckland alone loses $1.3 billion a year in productivity to congestion. We will tackle
gridlock in Auckland by giving commuters options through major road projects and upgrades such as Mill Road [south Auckland]. “This investment will unleash the potential of our cities. It will complete the expressway projects begun under the previous government and allow for future state highway upgrades, with up to $9.5 billion for state highway improvements.” Mr Twyford said regions were set to gain through investments to help freight flow faster and more efficiently. “Up to $6.2 billion will be available for regional road and local upgrades, along with more funding for rail upgrades and a big boost to maintenance after years of neglect. The majority of regional councils made submissions in support of this plan after suffering funding cuts under the previous government. “The New Zealand Transport Agency will increase their share of costs for certain high and very high priority locally-led projects, meaning
councils can get more transport investment without asking more of ratepayers. “There is a new emphasis on safety, with a doubling of investment in road safety promotion and a 14 per cent increase in road policing to help reduce the number of deaths on our roads.” To fund the infrastructure Mr Twyford said there would need to be increases in excises and charges which would include three increases in Petrol Excise Duty of 3.5 cents a litre from September 30, 2018 and equivalent increases in Road User Charges from October 1 the same year plus further 3.5 cent increases in 2019 and 2020. The increased excise was expected to fund $5 billion of investment in roads, public transport projects and safety improvements over the next decade. GPS 2018 can be found here: www.transport.govt.nz/multimodal/keystrategiesandplans/ gpsonlandtransportfunding/
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 15
Southern corridor bridges BRIDGES OF THE SOUTHERN CORRIDOR The 9km between Manukau and Papakura might seem like
Improvements on the Southern Motorway continue to motor along with 26 bridges being constructed in simple length motorway. However, that short distance, the nineakilometres betweenofManukau and Papakura. Thisin diagram from the NZ Transport Agency outlines the project will be constructing 26 bridges, each with theirRdown work in progress. With the likes of the Takanini south-bound off ramp and Orams bridge upgrade are complex set of requirements. already completed, it is expected that all works on the stretch shown will be finished by the end of 2019.
Constructed in 1962, the old Takanini off-ramp over Spartan Road was demolished over the recent Queens Birthday weekend. The old off-ramp has been replaced by a new bridge which you'll know as the newer Takanini southbound off-ramp, opened to traffic in April 2017.
ORAMS ROAD HILL ROAD ALFRISTON ROAD
PUHINUI STREAM BRIDGE / UNDERPASS
SPARTAN ROAD OLD AND NEW
RAIL LINE
SPARTAN ROAD
GREAT SOUTH ROAD
TA K A N I N I INTERCHANGE
PUHINUI STREAM BRIDGE / UNDERPASS Spanning the Puhinui Stream, this bridge is unique in that it will be widened on both sides of the motorway. The walkway/cycleway at stream level is part of the Te Araroa Walkway (a route which spans the length of New Zealand). Work on the bridge began in October 2017 after works on the Orams Road overbridge were completed.
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TAKANINI INTERCHANGE In the time it takes to drive through the Takanini Interchange you will have travelled over or past 11 bridges. These will be constructed, widened or replaced as part of the project. Great South Road itself will also be widened through the interchange. As part of the widening works a number of major service relocations have been made. Takanini Interchange – northbound Construction of the six northbound bridges is now underway. These include the new northbound on-ramp and widened motorway lanes over Great South Road, the rail line and Papakura Stream. When complete, the new on-ramp will have a longer merge lane onto the motorway. Northbound layout changes Lane layout changes are now in place through the interchange. This has created work space for the project team to construct the new northbound on-ramp merge lane. Motorists travelling northbound are currently using the space where the southbound lanes normally go. This road layout will be in place until early 2019. Takanini Interchange – southbound The four southbound bridges are now largely completed. These include bridges over Papakura Stream, the rail line, Great South Road and the new Takanini off-ramp. The extra lane southbound through the interchange will open once the medium barriers have been updated in late 2019.
16 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
(N MA OR N TH U BO KA UN U D)
PAHUREHURE BRIDGE DEMOLITION Demolition of the bridge over Pahurehure Inlet has commenced, starting with the northbound side. The old bridge, constructed in 1964, needed to be replaced as it would not support the widening of the motorway. The new northbound bridge is expected to be in operation at the end of this year, when it will be used to carry both north and southbound traffic while the old southbound bridge is demolished and replaced.
P
(SOAPA UT KU HBO R UN A > D)
WALTER STREVENS DRIVE
SHARED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE BRIDGE The new pedestrian and cycle bridge will span the motorway between Pescara Point and Rushgreen Reserve. The bridge is currently being constructed in Napier. Made of four steel sections, they will be lifted into place in early 2019.
SHARED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLED PATH
PAHUREHURE INLET
SHARED PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLE PATH The new shared path will provide a walking and cycling connection between Conifer Grove and Karaka. There are two bridges currently under construction which will span the Pahurehure Inlet. One of these two bridges, the northernmost bridge, is 1km long. These bridges will be completed later this year.
PA PA K U R A INTERCHANGE Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 17
Creating their own Landmarks! L
iveability is all important when it comes to choosing your family home and with two amazing new showhomes, Landmark Counties & East Auckland offer just that. Our Spinnaker Bay design located in Beachlands is all about great living. With real street appeal the impressive, classic-styled Spinnaker Bay design is a substantial family home well suited to city sites with a relatively small footprint. Cleverly designed to capture the sun, this design will fit many compact sites. Downstairs, open plan living is complemented by a generous study, whilst the kitchen is well catered for including a scullery. Four spacious bedrooms upstairs create a ‘rest zone’, quietly away from living areas. A home which encourages everyday family living is our Wakefield Design in Karaka. With weatherboard and cedar shiplap exterior and solid timber floors, this is an elegant, contemporary home featuring natural products and fabrics. Downstairs has an open plan kitchen/ dining with an engineered stone benchtop and high end appliances, while the scullery holds a second oven, dishwasher and more storage. A family/living with a separate formal lounge
has sliding doors that flow effortlessly to the exterior. A study and private guest bedroom with ensuite are nicely separated from the living areas. Upstairs has a spacious, quiet mezzanine with seating for reading or relaxing, the master bedroom with walk-in wardrobe and luxury ensuite, two additional bedrooms and a large, well appointed family bathroom. Landmark Homes Counties and East Auckland strive to deliver homes which have style, are built to exacting standards, offer customised options, value and are the ‘home’ clients want for themselves and their families. Almost all Landmark Homes are designed and
built for a specific site and client. If clients choose a ready to build plan it is customised to maximise sun and views and, more importantly, to include the clients wishes whilst respecting their budget. Landmark Homes offers help from within its team throughout the build process from site visits to council advice and guidance, design options, building standards and techniques, exterior and interior product choices and everything else in between. None of this is possible without our clients and our exceptionally skilled and dedicated staff. To start building your dream home call us on 0800 82 84 53 or visit landmarkhomes.co.nz.
Let us make your dreams become a reality! We have fabulous plans, flexible options and creative solutions that will make your next home a true LANDMARK! Visit one of our Showhomes 7 Atalanta Way, Beachlands. OPEN Thu-Sun 12-4pm 73 Milano Boulevard, Karaka Harbourside. OPEN Wed-Sun 12-4pm Don’t build a house, build a Landmark. 18 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
Counties / East Auckland
0800 82 84 53
landmarkhomes.co.nz KAT6095
Artist impressions of the new busway along Ti Rakau Drive. Left, revised lane formation crossing Pakuranga Creek. Right, busway near Z Station on Ti Rakau Drive close to Trugood Drive.
AMETI Busway – bring it on! AMETI Eastern Busway is a high priority, essential project in south-east Auckland and once operational it is expected that commuters will be able to travel by bus and train between Botany and Britomart in less than 40 minutes.
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he new Eastern Busway will be supported by three new stations at Panmure, Pakuranga, and Botany, new cycling and walking connections, urban design enhancements, and improvements for general traffic such as advanced signalling at important intersections. A new flyover connecting Pakuranga Road with Pakuranga Highway is also planned to provide better travel options and reduce congestion for general traffic. Major transport improvements have already been made with the opening of the new Panmure Station (now the fifth busiest station in Auckland) and the development of Te Horeta Road. The next stage will be construction of a busway with buses travelling on their own congestion-free lanes between Panmure and the Pakuranga Plaza. The final stage between Pakuranga and Botany is due for completion in 2026. The project has come a step closer with the start of pre-construction work on the Panmure to Pakuranga stage. The work involves the demolition
of 14 Auckland Council-owned properties to enable archaeological investigations to be carried out in advance of construction of the busway. The archaeological work is particularly important due to the unique history and culturally significant nature of the area, including the site of the historic Mokoia Pa. This site is located near the eastern end of Lagoon Drive and is of major significance to Mana Whenua being the site of the Ngati Paoa pa settlement throughout the 18th century and an important area of trade and commerce. Auckland Mayor, Phil Goff has said AMETI will deliver a modern day public transport network to the east of Auckland. “New dedicated busways and cycleways will vastly improve travel times in the area, unlocking housing development opportunities in Panmure and beyond, and giving the local economy a serious boost. “Dedicated busways have already been proven to work in Auckland with the Northern busway delivering more than half of all the people that
travel over our Harbour Bridge during peak hours each morning. The Panmure to Pakuranga section of AMETI will allow people to travel congestionfree, making public transport more attractive and reliable.” Mr Goff said Auckland grows by a city the size of Tauranga every three years and adds hundreds of cars to its roads per week. “Investment in our transport network is critical to address congestion and to deliver a world class city.” The Panmure to Pakuranga stage of the $1.2 billion project was expected to begin in late-2018, involving construction of a dedicated, congestion free busway along Lagoon Drive and Pakuranga Road with new cycling and walking connections, improvements to major intersections, urban design and landscaping enhancements, a new bridge across Tamaki River and the creation of a memorial park and improved public spaces. There will also be a new interchange at Botany Town Centre. For more information on AMETI Eastern Busway go to at.govt.nz/projects-roadworks/ameti/
On the buses A new East Auckland bus network has brought new bus routes, route numbers, timetables and buses to the local community. It provides a simpler, more integrated public transport network for travellers and features three new frequent bus routes, all day, seven days a week — every 10 minutes from Botany
to the City Centre, every 15 minutes from Howick to Panmure and every 15 minutes from Botany to Manukau. Although travel towards the City Centre may involve a transfer to another bus or train there is an improved service to Half Moon Bay ferry as well as new bus connections to local
destinations including a new service connecting Union Rd, Bradbury Rd, Cascades Rd and Reeves Rd to Panmure. A new service connects Otahuhu with Highbrook and Botany and there is an improved service to Ormiston Town Centre and surrounding suburbs.
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 19
Flat Bush within city limits
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Flat Bush is New Zealand’s largest and most comprehensively planned new town and is expected to be home to at least 36,000 people by 2025.
he masterplan for the development offers a true Kiwi lifestyle with access to open green spaces and a place which has neighbourhood values. At its heart, Ormiston Town Centre will be a unique place to live, work and play. Based around a traditional mainstreet format, the town centre will be compact and pedestrian friendly and have strong ties to the environment. Construction on the 19ha Auckland Councilowned land at Ormiston Road began in 2013. Completion of the entire Ormiston development is
expected between 2019 and 2022. The new urban village of housing, retail outlets, eateries and innovative working and living spaces is close to the 94 hectare Barry Curtis Park and is being developed to the international urban design standards. Once completed there will be about 30,000 square metres of retail space and 5000 square metres of commercial space. A Pak’nSave supermarket has already opened and will eventually be joined by a second supermarket, cafes and restaurants, a discount department store, cinema complex, big brand
20 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
retailers along with smaller, independent shops and boutiques. Construction of the first homes – 63 terraced houses – was expected to be completed in 2018 with some 500-700 apartments and townhouses to follow. Other nearby estates will also benefit from the new centre which will include a library and a $27.6 million aquatic centre. There are big economic benefits with the Ormiston Town Centre development in both construction and the jobs which will be created through the new retail and commercial spaces.
From dairy farm to rural paradise Northridge Estate is a new community offering the kind balance of country and city life many people seek. Nestled in the hills of south-east Auckland, bordering Flat Bush and among native bush, the Northridge Estate has all the essential elements to offer a change of pace and lifestyle. For those looking for a large plot with views to the native bush and city skyline, Northridge should tick the boxes. With plots as large as an acre and a half, there is plenty of room to carve out a traditional Kiwi lifestyle in close proximity to the city and its amenities. Premium countryside sites range in size from 1067m2 to 8985m2. Northridge can trace its roots back to 1929 when the Burrill family first arrived in East Tamaki.
One descendant, Bill Burrill, was born and raised on a local dairy farm with his two siblings, helping care for up to 220 cows at a time. In 1961, he decided to purchase his own farm on the land which would later become the Northridge Estate. The farm supplied milk to the local town, Flat Bush. After 50 years of 5am rises, it was time for Bill to pursue new ventures. He and his wife Maggie sold the farm and retired in Howick, leaving the land in the care of Viranda Partners Limited. Since then, the company has been carefully planning and collaborating to repurpose the land,
Mill Road, Alfriston A development at 71 Mill Road will provide for approximately 50 new sites starting in the 2018 construction season. Flat Bush – off Thomas Road In 2018 the Housing Foundation began building four 4-bedroomed, two-storey houses. These houses are part of a major subdivision currently under construction. Through its housing programmes, Housing Foundation provides options for getting New Zealanders into new homes and helping them manage their finances so that over time, they can become independent home owners.
serving the greater Auckland community in an exciting new way. Over the next few years, they will build a modern, lifestyle-orientated residential development with the help of McKenzie and Co Consultants Ltd, Murphys Development Limited and Platinum Homes. The development will include a minimum of 400 freehold lots of terraced and standalone houses and 39 lifestyle countryside lots, with section sizes ranging from 260 to 8985 square metres. With such a range to choose from, the aim is to cater for a variety of needs with new homes in place within three years.
New schools for south AND east A new Flat Bush school, Te Uho o Te Nikau School, is on track to open in 2019 and one at Hingaia South in Park Estate Road, Papakura is scheduled for 2021-22. Catholic Education Office chief executive Paul Ferris says the Catholic Church has bought 25ha in Burtt Rd, Drury, for a new Catholic co-educational high school and has applied for Education Ministry funding. However it has not yet been approved. “We know there are 1000 kids travelling from the Pukekohe area to Catholic schools in the city every day,” he said. Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 21
Extra funding approved for hospital building works Building works costing some $27.5 million dollars are in the pipeline for Middlemore Hospital which serves the south-east region of Auckland. Of that sum, $11.5 million will be used for re-cladding work on the Scott Building which has issues with weathertightness, timber framing decay and related damage. Health Minister Dr David Clark approved the funding when the Government realised early in 2018 that Counties Manukau DHB was dealing with a number of leaky building issues first identified in 2012. The DHB identified the Scott Building as its top priority.
Builders – keep it tidy! During 2018 Auckland Council took action against widespread compliance issues, including insufficient sediment controls and failing to control rubbish from building sites, at a large development in south east Auckland. Staff from the council’s regulatory compliance team undertook a large-scale inspection in Flat Bush and found 13 construction sites on a single street in breach of the rules, despite warnings from the council and a proactive campaign to educate builders in the area. Howick Local Board chair, David Collings said at the time he was pleased to see council taking action. “It was disappointing as we had initiated a small sites ambassador’s programme which involved officers proactively educating builders to ensure sites were kept tidy and that they had good sediment control. The programme focused on finding out how well builders were doing with sediment management and the industry’s level of knowledge of this practice.” Mr Collings said when staff found a widespread lack of sediment control, builders were given brochures in an attempt to educate them on sediment control, their
responsibilities and the requirements of the Resource Management Act. “Flat Bush is a hive of building activity therefore it is vital there is proper management of sediment runoff from development sites so our waterways are not polluted. Anything that puts the health of our waterways at risk cannot be tolerated,” said Mr Collings. As part of a targeted compliance campaign, Auckland Council focused its attention on the sites that were some of the worst in the area. The area also had a problem with illegal dumping, both of domestic rubbish from building sites. Flat Bush is the first of a number of such initiatives the council is undertaking to look at widespread compliance issues at various large subdivisions across Auckland. Abatement notices were issued mid 2018 requiring the builders to rectify the situation immediately. Failure to act may result in infringement fines of $750 for every day they fail to comply. Ultimately, they may be prosecuted and enforcement orders sought to prevent any further building work taking place.
22 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
Design, build, enjoy
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uilding a new home can be both thrilling and stressful but at Sentinel Homes customers say that the company’s efficient project management, up front pricing, and clear communication has ensured exhilarating and enjoyable build projects. Importantly, the team listens to clients’ ideas and lifestyle needs then sets about designing a home that is the right fit. An innovative home building company designing affordable and premium mid-end homes, Sentinel Homes has been a consistent winner at New Zealand’s House of the Year awards and one of New Zealand’s fastest-growing housing companies. With more than 36 years of industry experience, local managing director, Barney Culloty credits the company’s success to its
outstanding customer service and dedication to quality workmanship. “Just as these values form the cornerstone of the Sentinel Homes brand, equally important is that we act with the utmost of professionalism, respect and integrity.” In addition to building great family homes, the company also offers: ■■ Sub Divisional Services – As experienced and highly trained New Zealand home builders, Sentinel Homes can provide all the expert advice needed on subdividing and land development. We understand all the pitfalls that can cost time, money and even result in non-approval. Talk to us if you have a section to subdivide. ■■ Dual Occupancy Homes – Building a home to serve two families can be a great option; it can even create an income to help pay the mortgage.
■■ Green Living – The team at Sentinel Homes is committed to creating new house designs that promote green living. This means that when we build a new house we aim to construct something that is healthy, environmentally responsible and resource-efficient. ■■ Graceful Living – Sentinel Homes recognises the social and personal needs of a mature generation. Our new house designs ensure that the healthcare and lifestyle requirements of every generation are catered for. “Because we are a design and build company, we can handle the whole process from initial designs, through to council consents, then construction. You deal with one company from start to finish. It couldn’t be easier! We’d love to hear from you so please give us a call on 09 533 8551.”
www.sentinelhomes.co.nz
YOUR FAMILY IS
JU0624
...LET’S BUILD A HOME THAT FITS. Get the home that really fits your family by custom building with us. Call 09 533 8551
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 23
By the book... Whether it be a modern, palatial ‘Ponderosa-style’ hacienda in a manufactured subdivision, or a humble weather-beaten weatherboard character villa on the old side of town, snug or cavernous, there’s no place like home! But whatever shape our castles may take, designing, building or renovating often first involves building knowledge, as these books reveal.
thiS iS hOmE Luxury is only skin deep; as author Natalie Walton contends, the heart of a home is what really counts. Focused on simple living, This is Home showcases 15 homes located throughout the world, revealing how their inhabitants make use of the spaces within. With page after page of photos, stories and practical advice, this book is all about how we make the most of our homes and how they can make us feel safe and secure in our world.
Natalie Walton: This is Home RRP $59.99 Hardie Grant Books
thE ArChitECturE rEFErEnCE & SPECiFiCAtiOn BOOk
thE intEriOr DESiGn rEFErEnCE & SPECiFiCAtiOn BOOk
Even architects may want to hit the snooze button on reading hefty architectural tomes. However, this book is designed to be much more user-friendly, offering a handy, commonsense guide to planning and executing architectural projects of all shapes and sizes. While its author (Julia McMorrough) has designed everything from libraries and schools to hospitals, The Architecture Reference & Specification Book is written so that even laypeople can build their knowledge.
Providing helpful tips from the professionals, this book is designed to help us all create beautiful spaces at our places. Also featuring interviews with top designers, The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book examines aspects ranging from use of space and colour, to how best to employ furniture, fixtures and even artworks into any design scheme.
Julia McMorrough: The Architecture Reference & Specification Book RRP $32.99 Rockport Publishers
Chris Grimley and Mimi Love: The Interior Design Reference & Specification Book RRP $32.99 Rockport Publishers
24 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
hiDEAWAyS Many of us may have to live in the big smoke but, come the weekend, we Kiwis are keen as mustard to get away from it all – as anyone who’s ever negotiated the Southern Motorway on a long weekend Friday will confirm! From beachside baches to tramping huts and hunting shacks, this book charts our love affair with homes away from home. Beautifully presented with plenty of colour photos, Hideaways is available from booksellers nationwide.
Sam Stuchbury: Hideaways RRP $55 Godwit / Penguin Random House
APArtmEnt livinG nEW ZEAlAnD Clever thinking allows Catherine Foster to think inside the box. As pressure continues on Auckland’s housing stocks, in particular, more Kiwis are embracing apartment living. Consequently, utilising smaller spaces – less than 90m2 – to their full potential is a challenge for architects and designers of the 21st century. From purpose-designed developments, to examples in heritage buildings, the apartments featured in this book reveal that compact homes need not want for style and sophistication. Catherine Foster: Apartment Living New Zealand RRP $50 Penguin NZ
Catalyst Construction’s minor dwellings make an impact
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inor dwellings are increasing in popularity in Auckland, their uses many and varied. Catalyst Construction director, Karl Braithwaite, says the demand is primarily driven by the introduction of the Auckland Unitary Plan and also the SuperCity’s extremely high cost of living. “More and more people are investing in minor dwellings their reasons varying from the need for more space for family through to wanting to set up a retirement income stream,” Karl says. “As Auckland is such an expensive city to live in, making use of existing extra space in the backyard can be a clever move.” Homes of 65m2 or less can now be built as a second dwelling on many sections in Auckland and may not need resource consent. The usual council consent is still required. Furthermore, adding a minor dwelling is often seen as an affordable means of generating added income from existing land, adding value to one’s property and as a way of creating extra space for family – teenage pad, parent accommodation – and for visitors. Also, with the ease of access to global accommodation booking sites, such as Air BNB, short term holiday rentals are also a growing opportunity. However, minor dwellings have been pretty poorly represented to date, Karl says. “The ‘granny flat’ as it is more typically known, has tended to be a low quality, box-like structure which looks more like a 1980’s cabin at a holiday park than an inviting modern home. That’s why Catalyst Construction has introduced its new range of stylish architectural minor dwellings which are beautiful homes in their own right. “We looked at what was available and it was clear that minor dwellings often went hand in hand with minor quality and style. It didn’t make sense to me that just because a house is small, it should also be of lower quality’.” Catalyst Construction’s minor dwellings are beautiful homes in their own right, Karl explains. The five designs offer enough variety to suit a range of tastes, from the three-bedroom QUINCY through to the RICO, the smallest in the range at 61m2. The Quincy (pictured top) has full height glazing which allows the living space to feel bigger than expected. The exterior wing walls allow for privacy and, with three bedrooms, it offers that little bit extra from a minor dwelling footprint. The Rico (pictured middle) is modern, unobtrusive and big on architectural style. Clad in powder coated metal it features two bedrooms,
The Quincy Minor Dwelling by Catalyst Construction has three bedrooms.
The Rico Minor Dwelling by Catalyst Construction is the smallest in the range at 61m2.
The Benny by Catalyst Construction features a sliding kitchen window and door.
great storage and an open, north-facing living space. The rest of the range doesn’t disappoint. The BENNY, the HARMON and the DARTON each offer their own unique and modern style. To find out more about Catalyst’s range of Minor Dwellings, go to www.catalystconstruction.co.nz or email admin@catalystconstruction.co.nz and
request an information pack. Catalyst Construction was established in 2011 and focuses on building bespoke quality homes and renovations. Director, Karl Braithwaite is the Chairperson of the Eastern Branch of Masterbuilders and the company has achieved multiple Master Builder House of the Year Awards.
021 844 311
admin@catalystconstruction.co.nz
RESIDENTIAL: NEW HOMES & RENOVATIONS | PROJECT MANAGEMENT | LIGHT COMMERCIAL Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 25
Door opens to affordable home ownership
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spiring homeowners may now find the road to home ownership much easier than in the past. In July 2018, Housing and Urban Development Minister Phil Twyford announced that people keen to become homeowners but for whom it was previously difficult or unlikely, could now register their interest in a KiwiBuild home. At that time, he said the first KiwiBuild homes were on track to be completed shortly and many more were in the pipeline. “We are now at a stage where the KiwiBuild Unit can open its doors and invite people in. People can check the eligibility criteria and will soon be able to pre-qualify for the first homes currently being constructed and the thousands more that will be built by KiwiBuild in the years ahead. “All eligible buyers will have an equal chance to own a KiwiBuild home at cost price through a ballot system.” The eligibility criteria for KiwiBuild home buyers are: ■■ First-home buyers or ‘second chancers’, ■■ New Zealand citizens, permanent residents or those who ordinarily reside in New Zealand, ■■ Must intend to own, and live in it, for at least three years, ■■ Income below $120,000 for sole purchasers and $180,000 for couples. “We know that New Zealanders at and below these incomes are struggling to buy a home, especially
in high demand areas such as Auckland and Queenstown,” Mr Twyford said on announcing the criteria. “For instance a couple of teachers may have a combined income of between $150,000 and $170,000, a nurse and police officer [might] earn upwards of $120,000, and an engineer living alone, $90,000. A decade ago these families would have been able to afford a home, but they are now locked out of the market.” In marking the official start of the KiwiBuild programme – where homes built under the
programme will count towards the Government’s official target – Mr Twyford said in the first year the Government would deliver 1000 KiwiBuild homes, with the full ramp up of production reaching 5000 homes by June 2020 and 10,000 homes by June 2021. “This is the largest state-backed home building programme in generations. I’m proud our Government is helping the next generation of New Zealanders realise the Kiwi dream.” For more information or to register interest visit www.kiwibuild.govt.nz.
New homes on tap Clevedon village residents will soon be able to connect to mains water and wastewater services after Watercare reached an agreement with local landowners and developers to build and fund infrastructure for the village. It also signals a green light for new housing in and around the village. Clevedon was zoned for growth under the Auckland Unitary Plan which has enabled the construction of hundreds of homes on new urban lots around the village. However, additional housing could only be constructed after a wastewater solution was available The agreement is the culmination of years of work and negotiations between the parties and connections to the mains water network are expected by early 2020. 26 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 27 JU0664
Manukau to be thrice as nice
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anukau is unlike any other place in New Zealand. With a strong Maori heritage, its position as the world’s Pasifika hub, along with the creative and economic potential, it is the heart and soul of the south. In just over 20 years the number of residents who call Manukau home will grow from the current 6000 to 20,000. Manukau central emerged out of farm land between Manurewa and Papatoetoe, one of many south Auckland town centres to have formed and grown along the Great South Road, the historic spine of the south. However, it has never had a real address on Great South Road. The first buildings sat away from Great South Road, and since then development has shied away from the street, with car parks taking prominence. This is in contrast to the older town centres along Great South Road, which front the road, and provide active, vibrant, and culturally rich main streets. While Auckland continues its growth southwards, there has been significant growth both east and west of Manukau. To the west is Auckland Airport, a major destination and growing commercial base. To the east, there has been significant growth in areas such as Botany, Flat Bush and Ormiston. Now it’s Manukau’s turn. There’s a strong desire from the local community, as outlined in the Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board plan, to create a thriving heart for Manukau – an attractive visitor destination, business centre and place to shop, live, learn, work and play in world-class facilities and spaces. To achieve this it needs a strong resident population, and needs to be seen as a desirable and innovative place to do business. The ‘Transform Manukau’ project covers 600ha and includes the whole metropolitan centre, the 28 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
Manukau Sports Bowl and the Wiri suburban neighbourhood to the south, including the large 49ha Manukau Super Clinic site. Auckland Council owns 95ha of land within the project area, comprising approximately 40 properties. The project is part of the wider Southern Initiative which aims to bring about social, physical and economic change in south Auckland. Major housing developments include : ■■ Increasing housing supply and choice in Wiri with the progressive replacement of 380 existing Housing New Zealand homes over time to create up to 1180 new homes, as well as 400 new homes on the District Health Board site ■■ Under the umbrella of Auckland Council there will be new affordable housing (at least 200) at Barrowcliffe, and regenerated healthy neighbourhoods at Rata Vine and Inverell/Hoskens. ■■ Some 900 homes on the Pacific Gardens Special Housing Area site on Great South Road The transformation of Manukau is a long-term project which will take 20-25 years to complete. The first projects include the new bus station, the Putney Way street upgrade and the Hayman Park playground. Another major project will be restoration of the Puhinui Stream and development of a walkway linking Totara Park and Puhinui Reserve. The focus will be to create a healthy and vibrant heart at the core of central Manukau that can radiate out to surrounding areas. Residential development apart, key elements will be focussed on enriching the leisure and cultural aspects of the city including the proposed building of a new Te Papa Manukau, new hotels and improvements to the Civic Building. Shopping will expand and diversify to include large scale mixed-use development on the Westfield Manukau City car parks and new commercial office space will be created.
Commutes across the district should be considerably easier thanks to Auckland Transport’s proposed mass-transit route that will link the airport and Botany, and connect both to the southern rail line, Manukau and the Auckland Manukau Eastern Transport Initiative (AMETI) corridor. This will significantly strengthen east– west connections and enhance transport links to and from Manukau in all directions. Transform Manukau will firmly establish the CBD as a learning, innovation and community enterprise hub. A new metro school will eventually be built in response to the growing population. Most importantly people will start to call Manukau home – and when they do we will know that the transformation of central Manukau has been a success. Auckland Council’s development arm, Panuku, is leading the transformation of Manukau alongside the Government as a major landowner. It says transforming Manukau is about fostering and building upon the existing pride, values and talent of the people who live and work there, and visit it often. “In doing so, we will ensure that the transformation continues to appeal to locals, while also attracting future residents, workers and entrepreneurs. Most importantly people will start to call Manukau home – and when they do we will know that the transformation of central Manukau has been a success”. Other planned improvements include an increase in community services and facilities, with a focus on children and young people, and potentially including new leisure facilities. There will be new and improved open spaces along the Puhinui Stream and a new wetland domain in Wiri. Manukau will continue to be transformed from a car-based centre. There will better connections to local communities through improved public transport, easier walking and cycling options. See www.panuku.co.nz/manukau
mOrE hOmES FOr mAnukAu
Puhinui Stream (Potential)
Putney Way (artist impression)
Best foot forward For better or worse, Manukau is known for its carcentric centre but that’s all set to change. Putney Way in central Manukau is being transformed into a pedestrian-friendly main street. The upgrade includes a new single-level surface extending from the new bus station to the opposite pathway. In addition, native trees will be planted along both sides of the street to make up rain gardens that help to clean storm water before it reaches the drains and new lighting is being installed to create a stronger sense of safety for evening commuters and residents. A local group has designed artwork for the light panels. Otara-Papatoetoe Local Board Chair Lotu Fuli says it’s great to see changes in Manukau that benefit the community. “This type of street
design is the first of its kind for central Manukau, improving the area for pedestrians and encouraging use of the new bus station, which sits at the heart of the south Auckland public transport network.” The upgrade is being carried out by Auckland Transport on behalf of the city’s urban regeneration agency Panuku Development Auckland. Panuku Project Director Clive Fuhr says the upgrade of Putney Way is part of the broader plan to transform Manukau into the thriving heart and soul for the south. “This is the first of a series of projects that will help rebalance the impact of roads, car parks and large buildings, making the area more peoplefriendly,” Ms Fuli says. The project was about half way complete in July 2018.
An empty site at 20 Barrowcliffe Place in Manukau will be developed into a residential neighbourhood of up to 300 new homes during the next five years. The new neighbourhood – Kotuitui Place – will offer a range of dwellings, from one-bedroom apartments to four-bedroom houses. At least 50 per cent will be sold under an affordable housing scheme and there will be a range of purchase models including rent-to-buy and shared equity to help ensure affordability. Mayor Phil Goff says, “Auckland Council is absolutely committed to working with Government, NGOs and the private sector to accelerate house-building and the provision of social and affordable houses. “The houses planned for this development will be built to a high standard, in a location close to great amenities, transport links, education and job opportunities. “These homes reflect the changing needs of Aucklanders, with new dwellings catering for single adults through to large families.” Mayor Goff says the development also contributes to the wider regeneration plans for central Manukau. “The regeneration of central Manukau will be comparable in scale to the award-winning transformation of Wynyard Quarter on the city waterfront. It will create an exciting and reinvigorated heart of the city in the south.” Manurewa Local Board chair Angela Dalton says the development of Kotuitui Place will create more jobs and help drive the local economy. “This is an important first step towards transforming central Manukau into an affordable and sustainable neighbourhood and a hub for learning, leisure and cultural experiences.” Earthworks started in February 2018 and construction is expected to begin later in the year with completion of the homes within five years. Alongside this housing development work is already underway to begin transforming Putney Way into a pedestrian-friendly main street for central Manukau. The street design will be the first of its kind for the area.
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 29
No substitute for best practice
Auckland Council has called for due diligence when substituting materials on building sites – cutting down on quality and durability can result in red tape delays.
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he building frenzy to try and deliver new homes in record time continues and has meant traditional building materials are often harder to find when needed. This has caused builders to turn to substitute products which isn’t a problem as long as the new products are up to code, according to Auckland Council’s building control team. Auckland Council building inspectors have seen more substitutions, with a cheaper price being the number one reason for having replaced the specified product. Ian McCormick, general manager of the council’s building control team, has urged builders to save themselves and their customers thousands of dollars by getting the proper sign offs before using substitutes. He says it’s common for inspectors to discover a substitution on-site during an inspection. “That may happen weeks after the decision to use the alternative product was made. The message is
30 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
clear – notify us as early as possible to avoid delays in building. “We’re seeing innovative, new products and processes entering the market and the council has a duty of Ian McCormick care to Aucklanders to make sure those products meet our high standards and are fit for the intended use for the lifetime of the building.” The sticking point for builders in a hurry is in the time it takes for council to assess the products as fit for purpose, but Mr McCormick argues for “less haste, less waste.” “While we recognise builders need to get on with their construction, we can’t cut corners on quality, durability and suitability,” he says. Ian says due diligence can sometimes look like red tape when you’re in a hurry, but reputable builders will recognise the importance of ensuring
new products are up to code. He cautions against falling for a cheap price and quick turnaround if the deal looks too good to be true. All building products must meet the New Zealand Building Code. “While there are some great new products on the market, the boom has attracted a few cowboys trying to cut corners and some importers trying to bring in cheap, substandard products,” Ian says. Many imported products look like the local offering, but he says if they’re being quoted as 40 per cent cheaper, the chances are they might not comply with the New Zealand building code or pass inspection. Likening good building practice to being a bit like the proverbial tortoise and hare, Ian says, “Sometimes it may seem to take a bit longer, but ensuring new building products are signed off is cheaper and faster than having to re-work noncompliant construction and in the end consumers gain reliable and sustainable buildings.”
Cost of subdividing land A complex issue
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any Auckland property owners now have the opportunity to subdivide their property as a result of the new Auckland
Unitary Plan. The process of subdividing can be extremely complex and not everyone is in a position to invest the sizeable sum required to capitalise on their asset. In Auckland the cost of subdividing one lot into two will range between $90-120k, but this could be more depending on availability of drainage. This covers costs relating to the resource consent application, installation of drainage, services and driveways, legal and survey fees, and often, and most significantly, council development contributions. Usually the cost will be less for each additional lot. Tax implications of developing the land will need to be considered, too.
SuBDiviDinG PrOCESS: ■■ Topographic survey of the property. This locates all existing features of the property including any existing houses, drainage lines and trees, and the contours of the land. ■■ Prepare a scheme plan for the subdivision. This often requires house plans to be included. ■■ Prepare resource consent application. Usually done by a surveyor or planner and includes engineering design for any drainage and access ways required. ■■ Obtain resource consent from council. There will normally be some queries during this process but once resource consent is granted, then there is certainty of being able to carry out the subdivision. ■■ Complete all physical works including installing drainage and services and right of way driveway if required. ■■ Apply for 224c certificate from council confirming all works complete. ■■ Apply for new titles. Many house builders in the Auckland region offer specialist advice to guide owners through the sub-division process.
ChECkliSt FOr hOmE OWnErS: ■■ Ask the designer or builder to provide confirmation that the product complies. ■■ Ask for confirmation that the product meets the Building Code. ■■ Check if the product has been independently appraised or certified in New Zealand. An example of this is the Building Research Association of NZ (BRANZ) appraisal website where they list products which have been tested and certify compliance with the NZ Building Code. ■■ Ask the building inspector. He will provide advice on compliance matters. You should check compliance before buying particularly if the product price seems too good to be true. For free help with consent applications visit: www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/EN/ ratesbuildingproperty/Consents The team also publishes a free guide to working with Auckland Council while building or renovating your home. The guide can be downloaded from www.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz. Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 31
Your style of living... your style of builder I n this diverse city of Auckland, Fowler Homes understands the changing face of the region and the many challenges and opportunities the Unitary Plan brings to building a new home. Whether you have sub dividable land or love your current location – but not the existing home – we can work closely with you to turn your ideas into reality. While it has some tried and true designs, Fowler Homes specialises in design and build to suit you and your land. Our experienced home consultant, Dianne Strange, has several years’ experience working closely with clients, asking about their aspirations
and requirements. She understands that every build is unique and probably one of the largest transactions you may ever undertake. Dianne places great importance on listening to her clients to truly understand their personal situation – tailoring a package to suit their individual needs. To ensure your new build proceeds effortlessly, Dianne works closely with Bret Robinson, the managing director of Fowler Homes. A builder by trade; he has over 35 years’ experience in the industry. Bret has a proven track record of undertaking more complex builds that other builders have turned away. Just as importantly, Fowlers has strong buying power and the backing
of a national brand. While Fowler Homes doesn’t provide home and land packages, the company is happy to offer expert advice on purchasing sites, the Auckland Unitary Plan and properties ripe for subdivision. Homeowners could be sitting on a goldmine without even realising. Although sub-dividing can be quite a complex process, they can assist with surveying and consents and connecting you with the right agencies. If you have land a vision and you’re looking for a boutique design and build experience – call Dianne at Fowler Homes. She will guide you through the process every step of the way.
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Call now for a free quote Willy Jones | 021 0226 1725
www.fowlerhomes.co.nz 0800 4 Fowler TM
32 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
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daptability, a high level of finish, stylish and innovative design is what makes a Platinum Homes’ home so special; and that’s a combination that can be enjoyed at Platinum Homes show homes in Pukekohe and now our new Papakura show home. The Papakura show home features the “Ardmore” design plan, mixing stylish brick and clever use of space. The home boasts two fantastic, interchangeable living areas, one of which opens out to the patio, making this a home that can cater for your family as children grow and home usage changes. Our Pukekohe show home “Downton Design” has many great features. A spacious hallway and separate entry create a stunning sense of space, while the use of large windows throughout make the best use of views and adds to the ambience. The Platinum Homes’ “Downton” has a guest room with its own walk-in wardrobe and en suite plus generous storage space with multiple cupboards. And there’s peace of mind as well; all Platinum Homes’ builds, comes with a 10-year Homefirst Builders’ Guarantee. The new Papakura show home is situated at 3 Pakaraka Drive, Papakura and ideally displays the combination of great design and the highest quality of materials which characterises Platinum Homes’, and shows why more and more New Zealanders are choosing to build with a company which prides itself of producing individually-tailored homes that you will be proud to display to family and friends. But building a home is more than just about the finished product – it’s about ensuring the whole process is as comfortable and stress-free as possible. That’s why working with an established building company such as Platinum Homes’ is so important. The company’s knowledge and experience ensures that, every step of the way, building your family’s new home is an exciting adventure with an end result which provides the very best. Making those steps easy is helped by the fact that Platinum Homes provides a fixed price for your build – no hidden costs. “We provide great value-for-money building options. Our standard building specifications are set high, so there is no need to “up-spec” our homes. We are very upfront about the cost of building, we won’t hide any additional costs”, says sales manager, Murray Taylor. To find out more phone 09 277 7093 or visit the Downton show home, 6 Twomey Drive, Pukekohe or the Ardmore show home, 3 Pakaraka Drive, Papakura. Open weekdays 10am – 4pm and weekends 11am – 4pm. www.platinumhomes.co.nz
...more than 1700 Kiwis have trusted us with their dream home – and it all starts with service! 3 PAKARAKA DR, PAPAKURA Select a fabulous home from our library of more than 1000 plans and take advantage of our consultancy service to ensure your home is personalised to your particular tastes. We offer you homes that are built to last, with proven materials and building techniques. And... be confident that your investment is secure with the ten year Homefirst Guarantee underwritten by Contractors Bonding Ltd.
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Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 33 KAT6150
Advice for first home buyers
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hen attaching ‘first time’ to anything, it tends to prompt a whole bunch of unsolicited advice. Just ask any ‘first time parent’. They’ll tell you all about the flood of advice that comes from everyone from the supermarket checkout operator to neighbours, workmates, friends and parents. It’s the same for home buyers. But, just as with parenting ‘advice’, the quality of home buying advice varies greatly: there is good and there is questionable; there is knowledgeable and expert; there is inaccurate hearsay and there are generational differences. The advice can even come from people who haven’t stepped into the market for decades. As a first-time home buyer, the most important thing to remember (just as with children) is that the only person who can understand your unique position is you. You alone have to ‘own’ your homebuying journey…even if your parents are propping you up with support (because that’s common today). First home buyers (or FHB’s as often referred to) are having a very definite moment in NZ property: the March/April Property Market & Economic Update noted that they’re more active than they have been at any point over the past four to five years. In this article, the focus is on two of the major issues FHB’s face: organising finances and property research. The idea is to point them in the right direction to access some helpful tools, so they can smile and say ‘thanks’ to all that ‘helpful’ advice offered, but be confident in their own knowledge.
34 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
1. GeTTiNG yOuR FinAnCES SOrtED Until you know what you can afford, it’s pointless watch-listing properties or trudging around open homes. Know your parameters and any areas of your financial record that need addressing before starting on the whole homebuying journey. Take a deep breath and dive in.
and $20,000 for a new home/purchase of land. This grant is available only once and there are eligibility conditions (including income caps) to meet. It’s really important to understand that Housing New Zealand needs at least four weeks/20 working days from receiving an application through to paying out the KiwiSaver HomeStart grant. If applying for the grant in order to meet the financial conditions of an agreement for sale and purchase, it must be done at least 10 working days prior to the unconditional date. Find out more or apply online.
■■ kiwiSaver:
■■ your deposit:
■■ Facing facts:
If you‘ve belonged to your KiwiSaver scheme for at least 3 years, you may be able to apply to withdraw all except $1,000 of your KiwiSaver savings towards buying your first home. But there are conditions: you have to intend to live in the property so KiwiSaver funds can’t be used to purchase investment property. Not all complying funds allow First Home withdrawals, so understanding what is allowed by individual funds is important. Sometimes, a real-life case study also helps to picture a situation so read on. ■■ kiwiSaver Home Start Grant:
After 3 years of regularly contributing to KiwiSaver, you may be entitled to the HomeStart Grant. It’s available on old/existing homes or new/ buying off the plans/land to build situations, up to a maximum of $5,000 for an older/existing home or $10,000 for a ‘new’ home. If buying a property with other people, a maximum of $10,000 worth of grants will be available on an old/existing property
Debate has been raging on the difficulty of building up a deposit ever since the Reserve Bank introduced higher LVR restrictions (loan to value ratios). In November 2017, however, the Reserve Bank of New Zealand announced a moderate easing of LVR restrictions, effective from 1 January 2018: a 5% lift in the amount of ‘less-than-20% deposit’ loans that a bank can write for owner occupiers. So, it’s worth researching mortgage options actively across lenders before you begin. Your chosen lender will provide advice on your personal situation and any areas to address. ■■ the Welcome home loan:
Offered by lenders, supported by Housing New Zealand, and, designed for first home buyers who can afford to make regular repayments on a home loan, but have trouble saving for a large deposit: a Welcome Home Loan only needs a 10% deposit. ■■ New kiwiBuild Programme – see page 26
The bank said NO – where to from here? Philippa Farmer from Canopy talks about mortgage options once a bank has said, ‘no’.
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The lender’s specific lending criteria must be met and payments of a low equity fee (depending on the lender) may be required. Regional house price caps apply. Visit the Housing New Zealand website for more information, including case studies, lender options and FAQs.
2. PROPeRTy ReSeARCH Once you know what you can afford, start looking. This is where the advice hotline really starts to hum because property is our national obsession. Residential real estate accounts for a whopping $1.07 trillion (with $248 billion in home loans) of our national asset class. By comparison, NZ listed stocks are $130 billion and KiwiSaver/ Superannuation, a measly $79 billion. When everyone has a property story to tell, everyone has an opinion. But the reality is that the property market dynamic moves like no other. Even experts can be taken by surprise sometimes, so it definitely pays to be actively up to date: and we’re not just talking the snippets you see in the news headlines. QV.co.nz has excellent localised recent data available so look up your area of interest for house values and sales prices, buy reports on any property in NZ, keep across the latest reports and news and, perhaps most importantly, receive the QV monthly newsletter direct. ■■ Additional recommended tools/sources:
A new resource, but an extremely helpful one: www.settled.govt.nz/by the Real Estate Authority has lots of fantastic independent information, including checklists and videos.
any of my clients have approached me after having their mortgage application turned down by their bank. Understandably this can be a very disappointing experience and it is easy to give up hope, but often there are other options. ■■ understand where you went wrong – finding out exactly why your application was declined is the first step to putting things right. Was there a default on your credit check, or poor account conduct? Not enough deposit? Did the bank feel your income was too low, or outgoings too high? Are you recently self-employed? If you wish to proceed you will either have to find a lender who will accept your application as is, or address the issues that led to your application being declined in the first place. A mortgage adviser can work with you to figure out the best way forward. ■■ Approach other mainstream banks – different banks have different lending criteria. While one bank may turn down an application, another may be willing to approve it. Some lenders are more lenient when calculating your ability to service the loan; some are willing to overlook minor issues on your credit check. An experienced adviser will have a good working knowledge of each bank’s lending criteria and know which lender is likely to have an appetite for a particular deal. Plus, working with a mortgage adviser will give you access to numerous lenders without having to fill out multiple applications. ■■ Consider non-bank lenders – mainstream banks are governed by the Reserve Bank of NZ (RBNZ) and must follow their guidelines. This includes the loan-to-value restrictions on both owner occupied and investment properties. Non-bank lenders have more flexibility and may be able to work outside these restrictions. Again, a mortgage adviser will know which lender is a good fit for your current situation, and they can help you improve your position to return to a mainstream lender when you are ready. If you have been turned down by your bank and wish to look at alternative options, call Philippa Farmer on 021 432 748 for an obligation free chat.
Your insurance, mortgage and Kiwisaver advice specialist We’ve got you covered
Phone Philippa Farmer – 021 432 748 Email philippaf@canopygroup.co.nz KAT5204-v2
www.canopygroup.co.nz www.facebook.com/karakafinance Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 35
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Tap into drainage advice When buying or building a new house have a good look around and understand what you are buying into. While not glamorous, drainage is an important aspect of having a healthy home. For most folks it’s not a romantic spend and no one has ever shown me their new drainage as if it were a trophy purchase like a new car. So let’s have a look at drainage: ■■ Consider your needs – how many bedrooms and bathrooms? Are you planning a pool, where does the water supply come from and where does waste water go? ■■ What does your site have that requires special attention? Is it steep or flat, compact or large and do you have good site access? ■■ What contours do you have on site and what soil type? Are there site constraints such as bush or streams that might limit what you want to do? ■■ Lifestyle: In towns and urban areas there is more focus on drainage for driveways, deck areas and lawns.
Current council practice sees greater use of soak pits and recharge pits for replenishing ground water resources. In rural situations, water tank overflows are required and usually 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: Modern council practices focus on more silt trapping devices to keep water ways clean and to control pollution such as plastic bags in water ways. Silt control has taken primary on site importance during construction as has the construction of rain gardens, silt traps and swales Detention/retention tanks to slow down peak flows from storm water coming off impervious areas such as driveways and roofs and water recycling to make use of rain water for flushing toilets and watering gardens. Of course, all these devices require care or they
cease to work so home owners need to undertake maintenance on a regular basis. Gutters need cleaning out, water tank cleaning is required from time to time and silt traps, soak pits detention tanks need cleaning out. Ignore them at your peril and discover the adverse effects when the first big storms of winter arrive. This all adds cost to your initial purchase and annual maintenance bill so be aware when investigating what services are available. ■■ 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 looked after and functioning well, add value to the home enabling a healthy, safe environment for your family to live in and the ability to enjoy your lifestyle. Drains.co, cnr Quarry & Great South Rds, Drury. Phone 09 294 8109. Email info@drains.co.nz. www.drains.co.nz
NZ’s Building Code
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“universally” misunderstood
ecent research in from BRANZ, the Building Research Association of New Zealand, reveals that “the building code is universally, mistakenly used as the target quality standard, rather than a legal minimum.” And, according to Bob Burnett, the Superhome Movement spokesperson, “The New Zealand Building Code describes the worst possible house you can build legally.” Architectural designer, Jo Hitchcock, who has been designing sustainable homes for nearly 20 years, says, “what a waste to do just the minimum.” While ‘building sustainably’ is a phrase we hear much more of these days, it is not always well understood. “Essentially, it’s designing and building in a way that harnesses natural resources efficiently, and ensures healthy design that has minimal impact on the environment,” Jo says. However, at a time when there’s more awareness of the earth’s finite resources, she’s concerned by homeowners’ increasing reliance on heat pumps – for heating and cooling – and believes this is mostly due to poor design. “If homes are well insulated, positioned to
capture sun and light, and there is suitable airflow with eaves angled for winter and summer sun, then reliance on heat pumps to such an extent wouldn’t be necessary.” And what about the perception that building sustainably adds unnecessary expense? “When people start looking into it, they realise that’s not the case. They need to consider ongoing costs. For example, what will the household power bill amount to when there is heavy reliance on heat pumps?” Jo’s also a member of the Superhome Movement, a group of designers, builders and suppliers keen to debunk the myth that building an energy efficient home is too expensive. She believes more people would embrace sustainable building principles if they understood that the purpose of New Zealand’s building standards is to legislate for minimum standards. Designing sustainably for Jo means having optimum sun and light coming in to a home, using thermal mass to store heat, and effective airflow that enhances energy efficiency all year round. Through her practice, H Architecture, she also follows the Lifemark star-rated certification guidelines, which are focused on creating
accessible homes for everybody. “We do need to senior-proof our homes as we’re getting older but Lifemark is about more than that – it’s about great design for any age. For example, a front door wide enough for a baby buggy to go through will easily take a wheel chair too.” Committed to designing the best possible homes, Jo shares her design inspirations: “I love getting light and sun coming into spaces from unexpected angles, and retaining good sight lines throughout a building. I like to make each room feel special, because designing a home isn’t just about a collection of rooms.”
Energy efficiency tips for winter
■■ Check your insulation, ceiling and underfloor, is at least 200mm thick. ■■ If you can’t double glaze, floor-length curtains with a quality thermal layer are the next best thing. ■■ Make sure moist air is extracted from kitchens and bathrooms and avoid drying clothes inside – it’s much easier heating cold, dry air than cold, moist air. Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 37
Rocking good landscapes Homeowners keen to stay in touch with Mother Nature should look to natural stone as a beautiful and timeless addition to both the indoors and out.
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versatile aspect of architecture since building began, natural stone is more sought after than ever being incorporated into such rooms as kitchens, bathrooms and living while remaining one of the most popular landscaping materials for walls and garden features. And, no one knows better how to use the distinctive qualities of natural stone to accentuate prestigious residential or commercial projects than Joshua O’Connor from Stone Creations. A talented stonemason who has operated Stone Creations for 20 years, Joshua says stone is especially suitable for interior walls and floors, exterior cladding, steps, columns, pilasters, roundels, paving, hearths and more. “The look of stone expresses solidity with a sense of permanence and exudes a sense of nobility – there’s nothing like it to give a property timeless appeal,” he says. “Of course, today, modern refinement and design vision has made stone suitable not just for traditional homes but
all contemporary styling. The beauty of stone is that there are so many choices offering diversity of colour and texture.” Heading an experienced, skilled and creative team, Joshua has gathered knowledge from around the world including Italy – the heart of beautiful sculpture and stonework. Working from a five-acre Ramarama property – big enough for a business that needs space for the large range of boulders, rocks and stones – Joshua has formed strong ties with builders, developers, architects and landscapers. “I love the permanence of stone and the character it adds to almost any project,’ he says. “What’s more it’s great for new builds, existing houses and upgrading properties of all types. “Stone can be used to create an impressive entrance not just to a house but to a whole street or even a subdivision. It can uplift a garden or facelift an outer wall and it’s ideal for bespoke outdoor fireplaces.” The options for using stone are many and
38 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
varied and Joshua loves to show clients how he can transform a property, inside or out with this durable and natural product. With customer satisfaction the constant objective at Stone Creations, he invites clients to discuss their design ideas and special requests so he can not only achieve, but surpass customer expectations. To discuss enhancing your home and property with stone, call Joshua and his team at:
41 Dale Road, Ramarama Phone 09 294 7448 Mobile 021 786 632 www.stonecreations.co.nz
Match flooring to lifestyle
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hen considering flooring for the home, it’s advisable to think honestly about the way you and your household likes to live. Do you have pets, are you in and out from the pool all day in summer, do you feel the cold? These are questions you need to ask when looking at flooring practicalities. For example, if you spend the winter rugged up with hats and woolly slippers, chances are a house laid in ceramic tiles wouldn’t be a great idea. Rather, a luxurious carpet, soft and warm underfoot could be a wiser choice. New Zealanders are blessed with some of the best quality wool in the world, as well as top quality mills and carpet manufacturers which ensure a premium product. However, solution dyed nylon carpets are so technologically advanced they are now a popular carpet choice for modern homes. But, there are many other choices to suit individual needs, and alternative floorings have flourished in recent years. While hard flooring options – such as timber, tiles and concrete – aren’t everybody’s cup of tea, for certain rooms or high traffic areas, these surfaces can be a godsend. Easy to maintain, and incredibly durable, hard flooring is definitely an option that requires serious consideration especially if one has a lot of traffic through the house such as pets and children.
Under-floor heating, especially where tiles have been used, is another consideration. Solar heating is one way to harness an excellent energy source – the sun. Once panels are installed, this source is FREE.
Homes which receive a lot of sun provide ideal conditions for floors such as tiles or concrete. If a house is positioned to receive maximum sunlight on to a thermal conducting surface – such as concrete or tiles – heat can be captured during the day, retained, then released at night, keeping temperatures relatively even throughout the home. The range of timber flooring options, another popular preference, has increased incredibly in recent years. Technological advances that enhance or imitate timber can provide a natural and earthy ambience in the home and they are relatively warm underfoot. Timber, engineered wood and timber veneers or laminates also come in a wide range of colours, making decorating easy. Think about vinyl too – these days you can purchase comfortable, easy care vinyl which looks just like timber planking. It is a practical option for wet areas where an accidental flood would severely damage timber but would impact far less on vinyl. While carpet and underlay provide effective sound and thermal insulation in the home, insulation considerations for hard flooring should be explored. Timber floors can be noisy, especially if there is no insulation underfoot. Children and noisy shoes can exacerbate this. Flooring is a personal choice but in this modern age, the options are many – seek good advice and check out costs before making a decision.
Make an impact – opulent sophisticated tiles for floors and walls We are a New Zealand-owned tile importer, retailer and distributor focused on quality products from highly regarded manufacturers throughout Italy, Spain and China. Emphasis is on large format and Italian designed products suitable for inside and out. Email or bring in your plans and we will give you an estimate – our sales consultants can assist throughout your entire process Take home samples available – fabulous selection for all tastes.
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Plug in a Beam Building a new home (or renovating) may be a balancing act, with so many decisions about which modern features to include.
“W
e hear the same thing again and again from our clients: ‘I can’t live without my Beam Central Vacuum System!’,” Judy Cruickshank from Beam Central Vacuum Systems says. “The days of lugging an old, clunking vacuum cleaner around the house are long gone! They often provide only a superficial clean and move dust and dirt around our homes, which is no good for asthma and allergy sufferers.” However, Beam systems are up to five times more powerful than conventional vacuums, removing dirt, dust and animal allergens from our living environment, Judy asserts. “This deep cleaning extends the life of carpets while leading to cleaner healthier air in our homes.” Providing an extensive range of systems suited to any type of home and budget, Beam’s powerful suction, lightweight nature, crushproof flexible hose and versatile attachments allows these systems to reach
every corner and crevice with ease. “Simply plug the hose into one of the unobtrusive and strategically placed inlets throughout your home and you’re ready to go!” Installing systems does not require major investment or hassle and they can be retrofitted into most homes. “Combine that with our five and 10-year parts and labour warranties, our self-cleaning filtration and long term commitment to quality and you can expect many, many years of service from our machines,” says Judy. “We have hundreds of machines out there, many of which are still in working order after more than 30 years. “In many respects, we live in a throw-away society but that certainly doesn’t mean we should! Beam systems are designed to go the distance….you won’t be disappointed!” To see which system suits best, visit beam.co.nz or call Judy and team on 09 638 6220 to arrange a free consultation.
Come and see us first for your new kitchen Jag Kitchens have an excellent reputation for designing and building for all budgets. Their advice and design service is FREE OF CHARGE. Visit www.jagkitchens.co.nz for more information on a wide range of materials and design options or to see more kitchen examples.
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Inside Danske Mobler, 501 Ti Rakau Dr, Botany Town Centre. Open 7 Days. Ph 271 3131. www.jagkitchens.co.nz
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 41
Kitchens on trend
T
lOtS OF SPACE:
hinking about renovating your kitchen and want up-to-the minute fittings? If so, take note that European design — uncluttered kitchens, clean lines, and dynamic colours – are on trend.
GiVe Me COlOuR! Two-toned furniture is turning heads. The trend is towards cabinets that marry white with another colour, for example, white accompanied by a naturally polished wood or laminates such as walnut, ash or kauri. But an explosion of colour is also possible; twotoned cupboards mixing white doors with emerald green, or fire truck red, even cobalt blue can create an eye-catching effect. Avoid an overly flashy result by limiting the bright colour to only one section of cabinets.
PriZED mAtEriAlS: There are many different types of great materials to meets your needs, budget, and tastes. ■■ For worktops: granite, marble, stainless steel, wood, laminate, engineered stone and even concrete. ■■ For cupboards: veneer, hardwood, laminate,
thermoplastic, lacquered paint or glass.
■■ For floors: hardwood, engineered timber,
laminates, white painted wood, vinyl, tiles. ■■ For appliances: stainless steel is the enduring trend.
mODErn FAuCEtS: Single-handle faucets are the preference but there are many finishes. Stainless steel or chrome endures but you could choose brass, or a copper finish. Black tapware is all the rage with red and white also making a play. Checkout new innovations such as flexible spouts, variable pressure, spray nozzles and more.
Don’t crimp of bench space. Think about an island which can be equipped with a sink or even a cooking surface. Sinks are many and varied – doubled, butler style and recessed, white, black and stainless. Some come with a fitted cover which can double as bench space. Extend cabinets up to the ceiling for more storage space and, remember, today’s kitchens are all about drawers. You can even have corner drawers to accommodate that awkward space. Sliding shelves, pull out pantries and hidden rubbish containers are all helpful.
EASy ACCESS ShElvinG Shelves are in. They’re perfect for keeping often used kitchen articles close at hand, but you don’t want shelves to become overcrowded or a collecting place for junk, dust or grease. If you’re the disorganized type, shelves installed under a worktop will keep mess out of sight. Shelves are popular in sculleries or butler’s pantries (off the main kitchen) but if you prefer doors don’t be dictated to by fashion. Importantly, don’t stress – consult a kitchen designer who will help create your dream kitchen.
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Small bathrooms big on pizzazz
T
he days of ‘splish splash’ when taking a bath are now more of a ‘rub dub, just relaxin’ in the tub’ as modern bathrooms become a place to linger. In fact, many households now look for spa-like ambience at home. However, while one may dream of a spacious bathroom with a double walk-in shower, free-standing bath and twin basins, the reality is that sometimes a small space is all that is available. But that doesn’t mean a variety of luxurious features cannot be incorporated to give an illusion of space and to make the best use of space. The focal point of any bathroom is the bathtub — it sets the tone more than any other feature. Whether sporting the modern lines of contemporary design or the clawed feet of an antique model, the bath is a symbol of comfort. Free-standing baths are the go-to for most contemporary homes today and even smaller
bathrooms will usually accommodate a bath of one’s choice. However, if space is lacking, why not invest in a modern shower system which can provide just as much luxury with a fraction of the footprint. If dispensing with a bathtub altogether it may be possible to even include a roomy, walkin, tiled shower cubicle with little need for doors or even a wet room with no walls at all. Of course, many shower systems now have all the bells and whistles to provide a spa-like experience but if a high-tech shower system, with several settings, is beyond the pocket consider a rain showerhead – it can feel just as grand. With every hot shower comes steam so ventilation is key. An extraction system will keep the room clear of steam helping prevent mould and allowing towels to dry more easily. Heated towel rails will also help eliminate damp towels. Beyond all the fittings a bathroom needs, colour goes a long way to creating
the right mood especially in a small bathroom. When in doubt, opt for white. All-white decor instantly makes a small space seem bigger and adds a relaxing spa-like vibe to help turn the bathroom into a serene sanctuary. Pops of natural greenery will complement the white and add to the day spa feel. Storage is another issue. A floating vanity is a great solution in a small bathroom as it gives a feeling of spaciousness. A vanity with large drawers inside the vanity, rather than shelves, can also maximise storage. To cope with an overflow of bathroom products place a linen-lined, cane storage cube underneath the vanity or erect a white shelf. If building new, recessed shelves are another idea. Good lighting is crucial in bathrooms both for practical tasks, such as shaving, putting on makeup or drying wet hair but also for atmosphere. A combination of natural light and warm, soft lighting is ideal.
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 43
Trend alert
– it’s all about automation
K
iwi homeowners love automation and while the notion of robotic housemaids such as The Jetson’s, Rosie may still be a few light years away – or maybe not – nevertheless more houses are incorporating creature comforts that can be turned on and off from afar. Motorised window treatments are among automated features recognised as sophisticated, convenient and functional. Christine Smith from Kevens Curtains (Pukekohe) says motorised curtains and blinds have become more commonplace as homeowners are embracing time-saving, smart wiring systems. “The demands of modern living require that we fit so much into our day; it seems we have less time than ever. There’s even a name for it – we’re time poor. With home automation, technology can perform the role of hired help, ensuring many tasks are done at the touch of a button such as drawing the drapes or lowering the blinds! “What’s more, when it comes to curtain and blinds, this new age of automation can solve many problems. For example, motorised curtains and blinds are great for hard to reach windows or where there is a lot of glass to be covered. “Modern homes with big windows and
stacking doors can be very transparent and that’s fine if there is plenty of privacy but where homes are close together, window coverings are usually a must – motorised blinds and curtains just make life very easy. “How lovely to open and close the curtains while still lying in bed and so convenient for the elderly or bed-bound patients. Drapes can be drawn in multiple rooms quickly and efficiently, even remotely which means returning home to a welcoming environment. And, with less handling
of the fabric, curtains and blinds stay clean longer.” Alisha adds that motorisation also eliminates the need for chains or cords. If installed at the house building stage she says it’s easy to accommodate throughout but adds motorised window treatments can also be retrofitted and run on batteries. “With the flick of a switch blinds and curtains can be lowered or retracted to any point, individually or as a specified room or area grouping.”
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Easy bedroom makeover ideas
T
he bedroom is one room which is entirely individual to the occupants and, as everyone knows, bedroom décor can differ vastly according to taste and personality. When the time comes to redecorate, a complete overhaul may be necessary but very often a remarkable makeover can be achieved quite simply by changing out a few items and introducing a new pop of colour. Here are a few tips to achieve a new bedroom look without stretching the budget or dispensing with elements which still appeal or are in good shape. Add plants –potted greenery or colourful blooms can make a world of difference to a room. To maintain continuity, the vase, pot or blooms could pick out one of the room’s theme colours. Cushions – pile them on. If the coverlet is of neutral tones swap out your contrasting colour for a new one. If your duvet has several colours in its pattern mix, choose one that you haven’t already highlighted and bring in new cushions, a new throw and a few small accessory items to tone with the new choice such as a new bedside lampshade, coloured photo frames or a fun clock. Use repetition effectively – think sisters rather than twins! Four or five items in the same colour but in different shapes and sizes can make quite a statement. If you choose a pop colour such as blue, complementary accessories don’t need to be an exact colour match; various
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toning blues and blue-based patterns can do the trick. Think about wall art – décor art is not expensive and again there are plenty of abstract pieces available to complement theme colours. Alternatively think about a padded headboard which will provide a style change yet still work in with your new accessories. Rugs can make a huge difference to a room. Consider whether the room requires a plain but textured rug to offset new bursts of colour or whether a bright tapestry rug is all that is needed to make a statement against neutral toning or strong block colours. Tired of minimalism and neutral shades? Why not introduce some gilt vintage frames (you can often pick them up cheaply in second hand shops) and group them on to one
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wall. Adding a Turkish-style rug or creating a colourful canopy over the bed are others way to add character to a room. Plenty of texture – faux fur cushions or throws, a touch of embroidery or a stack of vintage luggage can also help eliminate that sense of neutrality. Finally, why not change your wall mirror or if you don’t have one, introduce one with a dominant frame or perhaps a brightly coloured surround. A large mirror with presence can be a real room changer adding a sense of expanse and light. There are many ways to redecorate without blowing the budget but, of course, if paint or paper and new window treatments are called for, then it’s a great opportunity to change a bedroom’s style and mood.
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Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 45
Out of Europe Comprising dozens of countries and eclectic cultures, Europe is a continent replete with imagination when it comes to interior (or exterior) design. Here, we showcase our top picks of products from the upside down side of the world.
PlAnE StuDyinG ON THE UP & UP: While the team at Circu may have been encouraging little ones to dream big for quite some time with its imaginative range of children’s beds, come homework time, they’re on the case too! Thanks to these Portuguese designers, kids lucky enough to have a Sky Desk are likely to be quite happy to hit the books, provided they have their sights set on becoming pilots rather than accountants, that is! That said, if they study hard enough, maybe, one day, they could grow up to become furniture designers in which case... the sky’s the limit! Circu Magical Furniture can be shipped here – order via circu.net – but is not currently available in New Zealand stores.
nEW kiDS OFF thE OlD ‘BlOC’ EASTERN PROMISE: Since the hammer and sickle fell, artistic design has been revealed behind the iron curtain. Victoriya Yakusha’s Faina Collection sets aside a world of austere, strictly functional, man-made design to prove that nature will always, ultimately, ‘Trump’ politics. The Ukrainian designer says Faina was inspired by such basic “living elements” as clay, willow vines, flax, felt, wool and wood. “We listened to ‘eternity’ and the voices of the earth,” Victoriya explains, “We chose materials, we did not look for forms, we ‘remembered’ them, because they are intuitively familiar to everyone.” Another of the “living elements” she credits for inspiration is hemp, which makes perfect sense to us after reading her description! From cabinets to occasional tables and chairs, the Faina Collection is ‘living’ proof that creativity is alive and thriving in Eastern Europe. To order products from this collection for shipment to New Zealand, contact via faina.design/en. 46 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
MullAN MAkeS liGHT... WORk! WE’RE JAM-MING! When it comes to creativity, light bulb moments are stock in trade for this Irish designer. While lighting solutions must prove functional, aesthetic qualities should not be overlooked. With its range, of light fixtures, Mullan Lighting repackages industrial design for the modern home. Reclaiming and revitalising, the company’s design director, Mike Treanor, seems to be calling our attention to a beauty long obscured by dreary factory settings. However, there is more than just a touch of quirk to this designer’s work, as fixtures featuring jam jars and even old gramophone horns suggest. From pendants and chandeliers to floor, wall, table and ceiling lights, Mullan’s products can be shipped worldwide by arrangement. Contact via mullanlighting.com.
TuRk WORk, TOP dRAWeR FlOOR! HOW ‘BAZAAR’! Warm feet and cold floors do not make good bedfellows, particularly in winter. But why cover our rooms in carpets when we can adorn them with rugs such as those produced for generations by Istanbul-based Dhoku? At the crossroads of Europe and Asia, Istanbul has become renowned for producing some of the finest rugs in the world. Roughly translating as ‘texture’, Dhoku’s authentic Turkish rugs feature designs from traditional to contemporary. While it seems every Memet in Istanbul (apparently) has a brother or a cousin with a rug shop – as many a backpacker would attest! – this company exports its hand-woven rugs worldwide. So, if you have a love for rugs, there’s no need to make a date to have one waiting in Istanbul (not Constantinople), simply contact the company via dhoku.com.
thErE’S A SnAkE in thE kiTCHeN... BEST OF BRITISH: You can take Great Britain out of the EU but (geographically speaking) you can’t keep her out of Europe! Living up to its name, Essence of Strength produces furniture that’s ‘very metal’ in our books; and yet, not at all heavy. Drawing on a background in super yacht design, the team uses light weight ‘ultra-high-tech carbon composite materials’. The result is a rock ‘n’ roll steely look, as exemplified by this Cobra bar stool. When poised to strike in any kitchen, bar, man cave, or yacht for that matter, these stylish stools provide quite the perch indeed. For more information about the Cobra – and other products – see essenceofstrength.co.uk; these stools can be shipped to New Zealand by arrangement.
Walk-in wardrobes – where to start? ‘W
e need more storage,” has been the lament of many a householder but, fortunately, contemporary homes now tend to include more cupboard space with at least one walk-in wardrobe. Ann Trainer from Wardrobes Plus, Manukau, says standard double wardrobes of old no longer do the job for modern day families who look for more than just hanging space. “A dressing room/walk-in wardrobe attached to the master bedroom has become the norm while other wardrobes in the house are often fitted with shelves and drawers as well as hanging to make more efficient use of space,” Ann says. “In premium homes it’s not unusual for every bedroom to have a walk-in wardrobe although these may vary in size.’’ Where older homes are being renovated, she says homeowners look for ways to re-design spaces so that a walk-in can be created. “Sometimes, a small, single bedroom will be converted to a fully equipped dressing room or in older villas, where the master may be exceptionally large, it may be possible to crib some space form the actual bedroom itself.” Ann says wardrobes are now required to accommodate more than just clothes. “They need to house bags, hats, accessories and even extra bedding. A well designed walk-in will keep everything in one place and out of sight helping to eliminate clutter building up within the bedroom itself.” A well-planned walk-in wardrobe can alleviate storage issues but planning should include: ■■ Adequate hanging height for different garments ■■ Shelves for handbags and hats ■■ Drawers for socks and underwear ■■ Shelves or drawers for knitwear
clothes. Longer rods are easily over-loaded
■■ If natural light is limited ensure lighting is
installed
■■ Allow room for a chair and a mirror if possible ■■ Think about ventilation to prevent mould
■■ Concealed jewellery drawer ■■ Concealed ironing board ■■ Short rather than long horizontal rods. Short
rods are sturdier and simplify looking for
forming “Caring for your clothes means having the right type of hangers for different clothing types and hanging spaces should be flexible enough for clothes of different lengths,” says Ann. “Dresses and suit packs require full length hanging, while hanging space for shirts and tops can be in two tiers.” It is possible to install drawers with dividers for items such as neckties, socks and scarves while a concealed jewellery drawer is a sensible option. “Shoe storage in your walk-in wardrobe can take the form of tiered floor racks or shelving. If you have a lot of shoes, include at least five 1200cm wide shelves,” says Ann who also suggests walk-ins should be vacuumed regularly and kept as dust-free as possible. “In older homes where ventilation may not be up to scratch mould can grow on items such as leather so it important to keep your walk-in aired and clean.” While white is still the most popular colour for shelves there are other choices ranging from timber looks for a more masculine presence to trendy colour combinations. Flat pack and modular options are available but homeowners should be sure the fit is right and materials are durable. A custom-designed walk-in doesn’t have to be expensive and it will better accommodate a family’s personal needs,” Ann says. “It’s amazing how differently a space can be designed according to individual preferences.” If you would like dressing room or walk-in wardrobe advice visit www.wardrobesplus.co.nz
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 47
Log into tree art S
tumped for landscaping creativity? That could be a good thing if you have cut down a tree or have some old logs lying around in the backyard. Here are some simple ways to use them effectively in the garden. ■■ AS A PEDESTAL – Thanks to their flat surface, tree stumps make perfect pedestals. Use your stump as a base for a bird feeder, a bonsai tree, a statue, a floral arrangement or even a fountain. As a finishing touch, surround the stump with flowers or decorative stones. ■■ AS LIGHTING – Hollow stumps are great for hiding outdoor lighting in plain sight. Drill holes in the surface of the wood or cut slats in the sides to let the light shine through. Use the stumps to subtly illuminate a tree, a shrub or a pathway. ■■ AS ART – Think about turning your tree stumps into works of art especially if you have an artistic streak. Sand then paint to create unique decorative elements for your garden. You could even engrave or sculpt the wood if confident of your skills. ■■ AS A PLANTER – Fill up hollow tree stumps with soil and sow some seeds inside. Choose plant varieties that spread quickly to add character to your garden. Visit a garden centre and talk to staff about suitable plants, materials and tools needed to make your project a success.
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Five ways to create a Zen garden Japanese Zen gardens are renowned for their inspiring meditation, their tranquillity creating a relaxing, harmonious outdoor space. Here are five tips to help you turn your backyard into a pleasant Zen oasis.
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Don’t overcrowd the space. When it comes to designing a Zen garden, always think in terms of simplicity and sobriety. This means you should avoid including too many showy decor elements, which would create a cluttered effect but do not avoid colour altogether. If you want the space to feel pure and minimal, keep accessories (lanterns, statues, fountains) to a minimum — two or three is plenty. Choose organic materials. Stone tiles, sand pathways peppered with pebbles, a wooden bridge — organic materials are key in a Japaneseinspired garden. Any furniture you’d like to incorporate (a chair for meditation, for example) should be plain, simple and high quality.
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Incorporate aquatic elements. Water, which symbolises purity and relaxation, is a key element in your Zen garden. Set up a calming fountain or create a small pond. Use water iris and lotus to enhance your pond. Choose inspiring plants. Select trees, shrubs and flowers which inspire serenity. Japanese maple, alpine pine, azaleas, camelias, weeping cherry, cedar and bamboo are just a few varieties that are ideal for creating a peaceful haven. Incorporate plenty of moss.
Say yes to asymmetry. Avoid straight, regular lines — such as a pathway bordered by parapets — often associated with Western gardens. In a Zen space, asymmetry and irregularity should be highlighted in celebration of the unpredictable randomness of nature. Also consider balance; combine hard and soft, horizontal and vertical, wet and dry.
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TILING & WATERPROOFING
Lynch Design & Associates Phone: 09 577 1939 Mobile: 027 473 4700 Email: lynda@lynchdesign.co.nz
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KAT6049
• UHF aerial installations
25% off
The Tile DepoT Manukau
★ Tree Surgery (removal, formative pruning, reductions) ★Hedge Trimming ★ Storm Damage ★ Chipping/Mulching ★ Planting ★ Spraying for pests and diseases ★ General garden maintenance and landscaping www.limbtolimb.co.nz 0800 PRUNE IT or 021 259 0987 Email: joe@limbtolimb.co.nz
CD2049
• Residential & Commercial
directory
Abdul Hassan Ph: 536 5073
Emergency Same Day Service 358 5888 Email: office@aahassanplumbing.co.nz
Design and Build South East — 2018-2019 — 51
WE’VE TAKEN THE GRANNY OUT OF GRANNY FLAT Minor dwellings are surging in popularity in Auckland and under the Unitary Plan, these 65m2 homes are an affordable way to generate income from your existing land or create additional space for family.
Catalyst Construction’s stylish range of architectural Minor Dwellings are homes to be proud of. We only build quality, no matter how big or small.
Email admin@catalystconstruction.co.nz to request your information pack
52 — Design and Build South East — 2018-2019
Telephone 021 844 311 admin@catalystconstruction.co.nz
www.catalystconstruction.co.nz JH14050