ISSUE FOUR 2013

Yellow fever

Cast aside those grey winter hues and

inject a little yellow into your life

Bringing the elements togetherThe ins and outs of creating great spaces

Smart thinking in the kitchenHow to welcome your kitchen into the 21st century

Simon says DIY might be in our DNA, but nobody told Simon Barnett, Mitre 10 Dream Home’s new host

Transforming salvaged wood into boutique furniture

THE RUBBLEREUSING

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This issueISSUE FOUR 2013

Disclaimer: This publication is provided on the basis that A-Mark Publishing is not responsible for the results of any actions taken on the basis of information in these articles, nor for any error or omission from these articles and that the firm is not hereby engaged in rendering advice or services. A-Mark Publishing expressly

disclaim all and any liability and responsibility to any person in respect of anything and of the consequences of anything done, or omitted to be done, by any such a person in reliance, whether wholly or partially upon the whole or any part of the contents of this publication. Advertising feature articles are classified as advertising content and as such, information contained in them is subject to the Advertising Standards Authority Codes of Practice. Contents Copyright 2012 by A-Mark Publishing (NZ) Ltd. All rights reserved. No article or advertisement may be reproduced without written permission.

HEAD OFFICEAcademy House47B Birmingham DriveMiddletonPO Box 1879Christchurch

MANAGING DIRECTORGary Collins

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ADMINISTRATIONKylie Moore ADMIN MANAGER

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SALES & ADVERTISINGMiranda Telfer MEDIA CONSULTANTS

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NEWSROOMJonathon Taylor EDITOR

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Davina RichardsPhone: 03 961 5098Fax: 0800 555 054Email: editor@academy.net.nz

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www.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz

24 11 Rebuild gains momentumThe Prime Minister, John Key, gives the Government’s take on how we’re recovering from the shakes

16 What lies beneath Architect Cymon Allfrey outlines what you need to know about the lay of your land

18 Half way thereGerry Brownlee reports from the rebuild’s frontline as the home repair programme hits the half way mark

22 Yellow feverCast aside those grey winter hues and inject a little yellow into your life

26 A slice of paradiseWhat do you get when you combine inviting character, executive style and stunning architecture… your own personal slice of paradise

28 Reusing the rubble Transforming salvaged wood  from demolition sites into stylish boutique furniture, Rekindle is the direct consequence of a social conscience

30 Simon says DIY might be in our DNA, but nobody told Simon Barnett, Mitre 10 Dream Home’s new host

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Ph. 03 961 5050 Fax. 0800 555 054

ABC circulation as at 31/06/13

32,000 printed copies

B&R | 7

Editorial

It’s probably fair to assume most people who were in Christchurch on February 22, 2011, still remember the day pretty vividly. Yet despite the tragedy and subsequent trauma, how many of us would have thought, at the time, the CBD would be cordoned off for more than two years? On Sunday, June 30, 2013 the red zone came to an official end. Unfortunately this 857 day hiatus wasn’t the end of the CBD’s state of limbo, more like the end of the beginning, as the area is now dubbed ‘the rebuild zone’.

It mightn’t be sexiest of titles, but you can’t fault its accuracy.

So we’ve reached the point where things get interesting; the place where grand plans and good ideas might, for now, have to give way to practicality and commercial reality.

A conference centre to covet and enclosed sports stadium to savour are things we want. But for now it’s about emplacing, first and foremost, what is needed the most and that’s bringing life back into the CBD.

Wandering through the central city delivers a wakeup call of the first magnitude – there’s simply nobody in there. Devoid of buildings and people, the priority must surely be to get it operating

as a functional commercial centre as quickly as possible.

We need to get people moving back into the place before big decisions are made on its long term shape.

This future shape hit the spotlight last May when the Christchurch City Council hosted the Christchurch Urban Design Symposium, where local and international experts talked about what shape Christchurch’s future should take.

Urban designers Tim Stonor of Space Syntax and Sam Martin from Align talked about planning around people - creating a place designed for people, instead of delivering a collection of places people need to learn how to use.

Laurence Sherriff, director of Align Limited summed things up nicely in the days following the conference.

“It’s critical that Christchurch creates a leading-edge CBD, but to do this we must get the layout right and make sure it is suited to the flows and movements of Christchurch’s people. It’s a real concern because if they get it wrong, if they get this one chance that we have wrong, then there’s a potential to create areas which will be wasted.”

Well there’s now no shortage of space – let’s just make sure we look before we leap.

Jonathon Taylor

Looking before we leap

Scan the QR code to check us out atwww.buildandrenovatetoday.co.nz

31 In the hot seat Mayor Bob Parker steps into the hot seat for a round of quick fire questions from left field

37 Getting your act sortedHelp is at hand if you’re suffering organisational malaise

38 First home buyer’s guide – part IIThe continuing fortunes of a first home buyer’s plunge into the market

41 Where to start?The thought of re-decorating can either thrill or chill, depending on your budget or level of confidence, so where do you start?

44 Bringing the elements togetherInterior designer Melanie Craig on the ins and outs of creating great spaces

52 Smart thinking in the kitchenHow to welcome your kitchen to the 21st century and create more efficient space

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Cover image courtesy of Melanie Craig Design

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Lifestyles

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10 | B&R

Lifestyles

By Davina Richards

Style statementsThe very best objects and furniture for your living space

1 Flavour in sipsLiquor glasses

Discover intense aromas with this flash design for liquor lovers by Scandinavian homewares brand, Normann Copenhagen. A clever little design which stands on an angle, aims to emphasise aromas as you sip on your favourite tipple. Also available in a larger version for those with a special taste for cognac.

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2 Coffee lovers’ carry caseObjectify Tota Coffee Carrier Deluxe

Forget coffee spits and drips as you try to stay balanced on the walk back to the office. Coffee lovers can now use the coffee carrier which is made from hard wearing 100 percent merino woollen felt. It’s simple, stylish, rolls up for easy storage and serves a great purpose for those coffee runs.

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3 One more timeJupiter beige wooden watch

Its point of difference is the fact that it’s just cool. Fashionable and eco-friendly the Jupiter watch is made with 100 percent maple wood. A tree is planted for every WeWood watch produced, so you don’t need to worry about running off into the forest and tree-hugging. It’s a little piece of art born from the city of Florence.

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4 Harden upHardshell backpack

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B&R | 11

Column

Rebuild gains momentumBy Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister

Three events in late June highlight the momentum that has gathered around the rebuild of quake-damaged Christchurch.The first of these events was the repair of the 40,000th home through the EQC project-managed home repair programme. This has left the programme with around 40,000 homes to go.

The second event was of great symbolic significance. This was the lifting on Sunday 30 June of the final cordon around Christchurch’s quake damaged city centre, which also heralded the end of the Defence Force’s deployment in the city.

The third event was the agreement between the Crown and Christchurch City Council on cost sharing arrangements for the pivotal anchor projects planned for the city’s CBD, and the repair and replacement of essential horizontal infrastructure.

These three events show just how much progress is now being made to rebuild the shattered city following the earthquakes.

The rebuild is being led by Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Minister Gerry Brownlee and the government agency charged with co-ordinating the recovery and rebuild, the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority. They are working alongside the Christchurch City Council and doing a great job – with the full backing of the National-led Government.

Rebuilding a modern city with as much damage as Christchurch has suffered is no easy task. It is complex and demanding, but there’s no doubt the signs of increasing momentum in the rebuild are apparent.

The EQC home repair programme was established in October 2010 – after the first damaging earthquake the month before – to co-ordinate the delivery of home repairs and support confidence in the region’s rebuild.

Around 1800 full home repairs are now being completed each month – some 60 per day. There are 1300 contracting firms accredited, employing about 5000 trades people. 

The cost-sharing arrangement between the Crown and council, announced on 27 June, was also a major milestone in the rebuild.

The arrangement covers both the anchor projects in the CBD and horizontal infrastructure repair and replacement, and involves the Crown footing the majority of the $4.8 billion cost – some $2.9 billion (including land).

Amongst the costs the Crown is bearing is $1.8 billion of the total estimated $2.9 billion needed for horizontal infrastructure. The Crown will also cover the entire cost of the Frame and the Convention Centre precinct, which together total more than $750 million.

These anchor projects are major elements in the rebuild of the Christchurch CBD, the heart of the city.

In late May I went with Mr Brownlee on a tour of three major construction sites in the CBD. The three buildings will be worth about $100 million once they are completed, and are employing a total of 500 people during construction.

It was further proof the CBD is fast becoming the scene of new construction – as opposed to the demolition that we have seen since the earthquakes.

There are many other signs of progress as well. 

It all adds up to a rebuild in full swing, although I acknowledge there is still much to do and many people are still experiencing great frustration.

However, one thing is for certain – the Government’s commitment to backing Christchurch and Canterbury to rebuild is as strong as ever.

John Key was elected Prime Minister of the National led Government at the 2008 general election. He also became Minister of Tourism, Minister responsible for Ministerial Services, Minister in charge of the New Zealand Security Intelligence Service, and Minister responsible for the Government Communications Security Bureau. He led National to a second victory in the 2011 election, achieving 47 percent of the party vote, which was the highest vote ever for a single party under the MMP system.

Rebuilding a modern city with as much damage as Christchurch has suffered is no easy task. It is complex and demanding, but there’s no doubt the signs of increasing momentum in the rebuild are apparent.

“

”- Rt Hon John Key, Prime Minister

12 | B&R

Lifestyle

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14 | B&R

Staircases

Top flight By Davina Richards

When you envision a flight of stairs, what do you see?Can you picture yourself walking into your entranceway and being greeted by a majestic stairwell which captivates you with its grand sweeping stairs and smooth classic curves?

Sometimes a staircase can be as dull as the winter weather but architecture has evolved and there’s much more to your average stairway. They will transform your home to bring a true statement of design so you can walk up in style every step of the way.

If you’re planning to design and build a stairwell, here a few things to consider:

• Your budget

• Safety

• Comfort

• Building codes

• The amount of space you have

• Design details – such as width, number of steps, height and position, handrails and balustrades, and head clearance above the stair.

Quality materials will last a lifetime but the trick is to find a good compromise.

Be realistic about what you can afford and plan carefully when choosing a design and materials which will suit your surroundings and your lifestyle.

Designs are available in a wide range of contemporary and traditional styles, using materials such as wood, steel, glass, and marble. Many people choose to combine materials because it can reduce the overall cost, help to make the most out of the light and space available, and combining materials is a great way to achieve a contemporary style.

Maybe you’re looking for a traditional white staircase with contrasting dark railings and treads with a polished finish, wooden steps with glass panels, vintage colonial style design with cast iron balusters, or a modern floating stair masterpiece?

Don’t overlook staircases in your design process. Create an impact in your home with straight, spiral, curved, L-shaped, U-shaped, floating steps, or custom designed stairs for a style which reflects your home design flair and your personality.

Looking for inspiration? Check out www.stairporn.org or www.design-milk.com

Images provided courtesy of www.stylecraftstairs.co.nz

Whether you are planning a garden for a new house, or simply renovating, you may want to start by employing the help of a professional. A landscape architect will work with you to design and draw a plan that reflects your aspirations, lifestyle and budget. It can also save you money and avoid costly mistakes.

It is best to involve your landscape architect early on in the process, as placements of windows, doors and the actual house on a section, will influence how you can interact with your surrounding landscape.

Before your first consultation, brainstorm a wish list of all of the things you would love to include in your garden. Perhaps you would like to relax and unwind in a luscious garden oasis, entertain guests in an outdoor dining room, or even grow your own produce in a potager garden or orchard. Are there any particular gardens with styles or themes that have caught your eye?

DESIGN IN TIME FOR

SPRINGWhile this wintry weather may not have you longing to be out in the garden, now is the perfect time to start designing your landscape for spring.

Winter’s rainy days are ideal to stay in the warm and look for inspiration and ideas for your dream garden. Thinking ahead will streamline the process and make the experience muchmore enjoyable.

Landscape ArchitectsEvergreen Landscapes LtdE e.land@xtra.co.nz T (03) 349 2929

Your landscape concept plan will be of a scale that you can take measurements from, showing the layout of your garden with detailed and clear material specifications. It may come with an illustration or sketch to help you visualise your new garden and detail drawings to aid the construction process.

Next, you should think about the plants you would like to have in your garden. Ideally you should choose a good mixture of plants to retain colour and interest throughout the year.

Look around at the ephemeral displays of winter. Branches stripped bare uncover the structural bones of the landscape, some with stunning bright colours such as the scarlet Cornus alba or Acer senkaki. Winter flowering shrubs such as wintersweet or daphne add colour and a beautiful fragrance to the air and flowering groundcovers such as hellebores and snowbells carpet the ground.

Your landscape architect can advise you of the species that will thrive best in the conditions, work well with your theme, and with the level of maintenance that you prefer.

They can then draw up a planting plan that specifies the exact location of each species and complete a plant schedule so you know exactly how many plants you require and at what grade/height you should buy them at.

With both plans complete you can look forward to beautiful sunny spring days spent in the garden, or ask your local landscaping company to come and do the work for you.

With a comprehensive landscape plan they can give you a quote ahead of time, source the plants and leave you to relax and enjoy seeing your beautiful new garden come to life.

Written by Laura Batchelor & Matt Tidball

16 | B&R

Column

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What lies beneathBy Cymon Allfrey

Across Christchurch most of our land falls into three technical categories – TC1, TC2 and TC3 – which drive the manner in which we are to approach foundation design when repairing and rebuilding homes. Outside of these categories are the hill zones which, in regards to foundation design, remain relatively unchanged since before the quakes.

As we know, our land in Christchurch is susceptible to liquefaction, so we need to ensure we are designing, building and laying foundations that are robust enough to stay intact in a moderate quake and can be re-leveled.

The foundation of our home should be able to support its structure across small unsupported distances. As in, if the ground beneath your house slipped or fell away in a small area, your foundation should be able to hold the house securely in place without breaking and causing the house to slump.

However, it is what lies beneath the foundation that we need to address to ensure we are constructing and rebuilding robust homes that have been designed to keep us as safe as possible.

In broad terms TC1 land is business as usual; we are to build as though nothing has changed. Prior to the quakes we were undertaking site specific soil tests and in TC1 we are still doing this. These site tests are looking for uniqueness in the land in question – areas on the site that have been filled, the presence of organic materials such

B&R | 17

as peat and so forth. This is something that has always been done and which has always had specific design principles associated with it. Building codes and standards like that of NZS3604 control how to design foundations in these sites ensuring the end result is defined as ‘good’ ground.

In TC2 and TC3 land however, the condition of the land may need to be lifted to meet this ‘good’ ground standard. While conceivably foundation solutions for TC2 and TC3 land may be similar, it is how we treat the land underneath that is very different.

Before a foundation solution can be reached in TC3 and those TC2 sites at the higher end of the scale, the land quality needs to be addressed – ensuring that what is to be constructed above will not only be repairable, but work to bring the quality of the ground up to scratch.

While the damage to these sites is often extensive and costly to combat, unlike Red Zone areas, these sites can be brought to a level which permits repair or rebuilding. It is important to remember that each of these sites, like those in TC1, are unique and site specific geo-technical engineer assessments

are looking to reveal uniqueness. In these sites, the assessments are looking at things like, soil type, the ability of the ground to suppress liquefaction, proximity to rivers for lateral spread and so forth.

The way in which we repair these sites can range from shallow excavation (say 1-2 metres) below a building footprint - making way for an engineered compact gravel fill which will create a base on which to suppress liquefaction and provide a firm base to level a home - to the more onerous use of deep piles.

In some instances the use of a gravel raft is suitably adequate, while in others it may need to be combined with piles to support the ground repair. The use of piles provides a resistance when the ground moves and they can vary greatly in their depth. And depending on the capacity required, size and nature of the home, these piles can vary in material from concrete to timber to steel.

In most TC3 sites, gravel rafts are emerging as popular and adequate solutions, as they ensure that the problems underneath – the inadequacies in the land – are being dealt with where combined with a robust foundation and flooring construction.

If your land is classed as TC3, or you are required by a geo-technical engineer to undergo major floor and foundation repairs, it is possible that you will be required to repair the ground also.

It is important to be aware that it is the cost of this repair that is seeing a large amount of contention in TC3 land areas. In many instances TC3 land homes are being demolished due to the cost of repair out-weighing the value of the house.

Generally speaking, it is possible to surmise that deeper concrete floors or an engineered pod system – which sees reinforced concrete beams spanning across the floor – together with suitable ground should result in the floor of a home being repairable, reducing the risk of having to deconstruct the house to repair its foundations.

With more than 20 years industry experience, Cymon Allfrey holds the Chair of the ADNZ National Board and has won the ADNZ National Supreme Award three times in the past five years.

Column

18 | B&R

After

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Column

Half way thereBy Gerry Brownlee

The goal of the Canterbury Home Repair Programme was to ensure ongoing repairs would be of sufficient quality to support property values over time, and to manage price inflation for the work done and the materials used.

It is easy to underestimate the extent and the challenges of this programme.

It is managed for EQC by Fletcher EQR, a subsidiary of Fletcher Construction and manages the repair of properties

Gerry Brownlee has been Minister for Canterbury Earthquake Recovery since 2010 and is the Member of Parliament for Ilam, a seat he’s held since 1996.

where the cost of repairing the damage is between $15,000 and $100,000. It is the largest residential repair programme of its kind in the world.

Around 80,000 individual residential repairs are required and we recently completed around half of these; 1,800 repairs each month is impressive progress.

Very often the first half of the journey is the hardest.

There’s some truth in this here in Canterbury due to the large amount of preliminary work required for many of the more complex repairs and, in particular, the extensive geotechnical drilling and investigative work necessary to identify the appropriate repairs for homes in TC3 areas with structural and foundation damage.

More than 1,441 holes were drilled in TC3 areas, making it New Zealand’s largest ever residential and drilling programme.

Not surprisingly, of those repairs carried out, 43 percent have been in the eastern suburbs. And 80 percent of the more complex repairs are also in the eastern suburbs.

In a programme of this size, there will always be examples of home owners unsatisfied with the work completed, the occasional less-than-satisfactory standard of trades. However, more than 80 percent of owners whose property has been repaired under the programme have indicated they are satisfied or very satisfied with the repair work undertaken. I think this is impressive.

The economic value a well co-ordinated and well organised programme such as the Canterbury Home Repair Programme provides is often overlooked.

Around 5,000 people work for nearly 1,300 contracting companies accredited to the programme.

More than $1.25 billion in payments have been made to contractors, which comes out to about three million dollars daily.

These people are, mainly, Cantabrians - living here and part of our lives as family, friends and acquaintances. The money they earn is being spent here in our communities and in our businesses.

EQC has to date paid more than $5.5 billion on building, land and context claims and has set a target of completing repairs to properties with the worst structural damage by the end of this year, with all repairs completed by the end of 2015.

This is a long journey but we are half way through in terms of this significant and fundamentally important home repair programme. EQC, and all of us, should feel a sense of accomplishment.

By the time the Canterbury Home Repair Programme was established, more than 47,000 emergency repairs and installation of 19,000 heat pumps or solid fuel heaters, intended to mitigate some of the worst impacts of the earthquakes, had already been completed.

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20 | B&R

Lifestyles

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22 | B&R

Yellow Fever

from left, Resene Melting Moment, La Luna, Southern Cross and Resene Hive - available in The Range fashion colour collection from Resene ColorShops and resellers.

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HELLO YELLOW! THERE’S NOTHING LIKE A TOUCH OF YELLOW TO BRING YOUR HOME TO LIFE. TREAT YOURSELF TO A PAINTED FEATURE WALL OR REJUVENATE SOME FURNITURE OR PICTURE FRAMES WITH A NEW COAT OF PAINT AND YOU CAN ENJOY THE HUES OF SPRING ALL YEAR ROUND.

yellow Adding the odd splash of By Davina Richards

Now is the perfect time of year to splash the colour of yellow into your home to help you feel like every day is a warm day in spring. And if you’re going to do it, do it bright, bold and dramatic.

Electric yellow is an inviting interior colour scheme which is jazzy, bold, exciting and zesty, creating a sense of cosiness, comfort and warmth in an unexpected but charming way. By adding a punch of yellow to the home, it will uplift a once plain and dull space and boost your mood at the same time.

A brighter shade of yellow is hard to miss and incorporating it into your home may appear complex, particularly to those who tend to shy away from bright colours. But try not to cast it to the back seat just yet – by applying accent colours in the correct way, the contemporary look is easily achievable.

For a fail-proof theme, use yellow as a highlighter and apply in small dosages so that it is subtle enough to avoid overwhelming but powerful enough to make a statement.

Where to use yellowAll through the home for a bright and airy look.

• Accent pieces – throw, rug, curtain, table runner, room divider, headboard, cushion, duvet cover, decorative vase, a piece of art or ornament

• On the walls and ceilings – a feature wall in a home is the perfect way to apply yellow in a more permanent sense. A white and yellow striped ceiling is eye-catching and helps to elongate the room

• Combine stainless steel fixtures in the kitchen with bright yellow cabinets or kitchen islands to create a glamorous look

• Furniture such as a table, cabinet, sofa or chair

• Bedrooms – mix it up a bit by using yellow on duvet covers, seating, lampshades and headboards. A great colour to use in a children’s room to help stimulate creativity and imagination

• Exterior – yellow doesn’t have to be restricted to the interior. A bright yellow front door, cladding or window frames command attention and deliver an alluring sense of style.

Colour combinations• Yellow and purple

– colourful and fun

• Yellow and grey – a winning combination on the scheme of things

• Yellow, black and white – modern and enchanting

• Yellow and green – translates to summer days

• Yellow and red – strong contrasting colour combo

• Yellow and natural wood – au natural at its peak

• Yellow and turquoise – bring the retro back.

How will you make your home shine?

For ideas on how and where to use yellow visit: www.houzz.com

B&R | 23

Yellow Fever

The 60-30-10 ruleOtherwise known as the three colour rule, this is a tried and true formula which most, if not all interior designers use when planning a colour scheme.

Consider the elements of this rule when redecorating your home to create a sense of balance in a room.

• 60 percent of a room’s colour should be a dominant colour, typically prominent on walls which act as the background colour

• 30 percent should be a secondary colour which comes from upholstery, feature walls, furniture colour, bed linen and so on

• And 10 percent is an accent colour, which holds a strong or bright colour to highlight accessories such as lamp shades, vases and rugs.

Paint colour is Resene Wild Thing

24 | B&R

Yellow Fever

The mere thought of yellow produces those feel-good vibes because it’s vibrant and powerful. Use it in small doses in your home to highlight features and create a totally striking look which will soon make you forget about the dark wintery days and inject a cheerful glow to your home. Think bright!

Touches of colour By Davina Richards

1 Feel good vibesTivoli ipal

Put the radio on, have a little dance as you put the plates away, bop your head from side to side when you’re outside getting your hands green, or get your groove on while in the garage restoring an old chest of drawers. The portable audio radio is a stunning little piece in its own right. Take it anywhere you like to brighten your mood as well as your room.

RRP: $399

Available from: www.wandaharland.co.nz

2 Just rightYellow segment clock

This clock has just the right amount of detail to earn its worth as an interior feature. Its yellow segment doesn’t overpower and will look fantastic against a darker background to make the yellow pop. Perfect for any room with a minimalistic style so it will always stand out. It’s like a little wink and if you fancy one check out the website.

RRP: $30

Available from: www.felt.co.nz

3 Milkin’ itPantone milk jug

Who said you can’t pour in style? Add a little ray of sunshine to your kitchen with the Pantone milk jug. Perfect for when you’re sitting down with a bowl of your favourite cereal in the morning.

RRP: $39.95

Available from: www.boltofcloth.com

4 Attention seekerEclectic chest

An old design in a new colour; just looking at it evokes a warm feeling. Your design theme will be complete with this electrifying yellow chest to complement your living space. Place in the living room, bedroom or children’s room for a bit of the wow factor.

RRP: $699

Available from: www.alliuminteriors.co.nz

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B&R | 25

Yellow Fever

5 Alluring lightPinhole lightshade

Who’d have thought that poking a few pinholes through a tin could produce lovely rays of light? New Zealand artist and designer Leanne Culy brings you a rather different style to interior lighting. Complement your room with something a little different.

RRP: $295

Available from: www.homebasecollections.co.nz

6 Eclectic mixOrigami tall vase

Ever longed for a little character to brighten up that dark corner or something quirky to stand on the mantle piece? This vase is utterly appealing in both design and colour. Bring back a bit of sunshine into your home and add a stunning flower to light up any space which needs some life.

RRP: $34.99

Available from: www.zestproducts.co.nz

7 Scale upBathroom scales

The good folks across the seas in Japan have designed a bathroom scale perfect for homes with small bathrooms. Better yet, its lightweight body means travel-goers can take them wherever they go. Bright, functional and lightweight, it makes a bold statement wherever you are in the world.

RRP: $65

Available from: www.urbanities.co.nz

8 What’s your flavour?Chevron cushion

You’ve seen it on the catwalk and you’ll be seeing it on floors, rugs, kitchen splashbacks and shower curtains. Behold the design trend for interior furnishings – the chevron pattern. The chevron continues to be the in-style pattern for 2013.

RRP: $39.90

Available from www.letliv.co.nz

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26 | B&R26 | B&R

Hot Homes

A slice of paradiseWhy go on holiday when you can create a slice of paradise in your own back garden, or should I say home? Kyria Warren and her husband Rhys did exactly that with their Auckland bungalow. Centrally located, the 1914 house on Epsom Avenue stands out as one of the city’s hottest homes. It firmly holds a grand impression on the market with its exposed character, executive style and stunning architecture.

It’s a practical and functional home with everything any family would ever want or need; complete with swimming pool, spa, trampoline, giant chess set, double garage, outside wood fireplace and a view of Mount Eden from the master bedroom to match.

The design has been carefully thought out and is awe-inspiring due to its restored old glory with a modern twist, “a modern feel without being too contemporary. It’s a sun-drenched paradise,” owner Kyria says.

Kyria Warren and her husband Rhys are the proud owners of this home and did the interior design themselves. Kyria managed the renovation project, with the design completed by architect Jason Gibson and landscaping by Natural Habitat.

“We built the home to be like a resort with an endless summer feel. An indoor/outdoor flow, totally sun-drenched backyard, with every inch of the section being used for something practical. It’s a boy’s playground with a girl’s touch.”

By Davina Richards

B&R | 27 B&R | 27

It’s such a social home, with lots of space to entertain. Inside there is a pool table and lounge for the big kids and adults.

“We lived in the house for two years before we renovated and decided what would be the best layout for the pool and the back deck. We wanted the pool area to feel tropical, as if we were on holiday. We wanted the interior to flow so we created some really large places for family and friends to hang out together.”

This beautiful family home is very much a home away from home with a clear concept from the beginning – the house needed to accommodate both children and adults and where everyone can socialise comfortably all year round.

“This house is very special, we swim in the pool all year round

with the outdoor shower, the boys come home from rugby, shower off all the mud, then head for a swim and a spa. We have all their mates back for swims, BBQs and drinks for the adults while the children are jumping on the in-ground trampoline, swimming, playing basketball, golf or roasting marshmallows on the outdoor fireplace.

“It’s such a social home, with lots of space to entertain. Inside there is a pool table and lounge for the big kids and adults.”

Auctioned in late May, Kyria reflects on the renovation process as being really hard work.

“Sometimes you want to pull your hair out and a few other people’s. But once it’s all done and you can kick back and enjoy it, it’s all worth every inch of the long days and sleepless nights. In our tropical paradise which we call home, we have created amazing family memories which last forever.”

If you would like more information on homes in Canterbury or in New Zealand, drop into your local Harcourts or visit the website at www.harcourts.co.nz

Hot Homes

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28 | B&R

Recycling

Social enterprise occupies a unique space; a kind of halfway point between business and charity, it is a social mission driven organisation which applies market based strategies to achieve a social purpose. Perhaps that’s what underpins the success of Rekindle, perhaps it’s the excellent products, or perhaps it’s just a great little home grown Kiwi idea.

A social enterprise that transforms salvaged wood from an earthquake demolition sites into stylish boutique furniture and other items, Rekindle is the direct consequence of a social conscience.

“It really came about through a blend of my own experience as an occupational therapist and my own practice as an artist working on sculptures using waste material,” founder Juliet Arnott explains.

“Through working in occupational therapy came the desire to work towards creating a therapeutic woodworking experience for people.”

While the idea was born during Juliet’s time living in the UK, the concept adapted easily

to the quake-ravaged Canterbury region, at least on paper. “The reality is the main mission is to get the damaged houses demolished as quickly as possible because of the sheer scope of work to be done. So the agenda for demolition companies is to do that in the most cost effective manner possible. For them, that includes the use of a digger.

“We’re trying to work with companies to be able to salvage the wood prior to the digger arriving.”

James Jagger and Candice Adams are the two furniture makers whose skills are complemented by those of Tim McGurk who carries out sculptural works and Emma Byrne who makes the jewellery and other small objects. “It’s really important in terms of valuing the material we already have in our communities,” Juliet says.

“It gives people an opportunity to get involved in meaningful work transforming materials which are being thrown away into something which is useful both environmentally and socially.”

The items are strong and powerful pieces which represent a piece of history. “It has been really well received. We have created a positive response to something which was tarnished with loss and disempowerment.

Reusing the rubble By Melinda Collins

Images provided courtesy of Laura Forest

“The furniture tells a story; every mark on these pieces represents the life of that piece.”

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B&R | 29

Recycling

By Emily Murphy

The rise in online shopping may be fuelling anxiety for bricks and mortar retailers, but for Kirsty and Justin Hosking business has never been better.

The couple launched an online store to sell craft, books and magazines in 2010 and last October opened their craft café and store, Make Café in Riccarton, Christchurch. 

Since the café opened, the couple has been able to connect with more people. “We went from having five to 10 orders per day online, to a business environment where we have people in our café all day, people in our workshops every day, and customers browsing and purchasing in our store every day,” Justin says.

The move has allowed the couple to bulk up their product range and Make Café is now home to a wide array of bakeware, craft supplies, gifts, hand-baked goods and coffee. They also host craft workshops. “Achieving this was not possible when we only had our online store,” Justin says.

Canterbury Business Recovery Group spokesperson, Peter Townsend says a physical presence is critical for Christchurch businesses, partly because customers enjoy the social nature of shopping.

He predicts that in the future there will be lower physical uplifting, but customers will still have the chance to order products online by going into the shop.

Justin says he has noticed a similar trend and many customers are choosing to book workshops online, after making enquiries at the store.

New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts director, Dr. Warren Feeney

a newCrafting

niche

says there has always been a demand for well-made and interesting objects, but that craft has received more attention recently. “Some of the most exciting and innovative things taking place in the arts in New Zealand at the moment are happening in craft,” he says.

According to the Hoskings, the economic downturn has spurred many people to making rather than buying goods which, along with a concern for sustainability, is driving the craft revival.

Justin says the need to eliminate waste was a key concern of their customer base. “For others it’s about the sense of belonging that comes from getting together to craft, sew and socialise.”

Kirsty says there is a general movement in society back to a simpler life and way of doing things. “New Zealanders have traditionally always been into making things and what we are seeing now is crafters reigniting the skills they learnt as children and putting them to creative use,” she says.

Life in Vacant Spaces (Livs) project manager, Brie Sherow says craft will play a significant role in the city’s future. “These businesses are valuable to Christchurch for so many reasons. We believe that the DIY culture and aesthetic are central to the rebuild.”

Kirsty says customers were starting to see the value in handmade, one-off items. “Customers are returning and more importantly they are telling their friends about our business.”

30 | B&R

DIY is in our DNA in this little corner of the South Pacific. So it’s not surprising then that one of the few things we can put down our tools for is a weekly schedule of DIY reality television.

Quick Questions

Simon saysBy Melinda Collins

For its 2013 season, TVNZ has brought the construction to Canterbury and its new host Simon Barnett couldn’t be more excited.

“This particular season of Mitre 10 Dream Home will not only be about building with bricks and mortar, but building into the lives of a family that has suffered a huge emotional toll in the last 24 months. I am enormously excited about being involved as this series will tell a story of rebuilding - not just building a house but a home and all that encompasses,” Simon says.

He talks to Build and Renovate Today about bleeding hearts, urban geysers and naked mole rats.

Why did you decide to host Mitre 10 Dream Home?

When they mentioned that the new series was going to be in Christchurch and that a family would win a brand new home built from scratch, my enthusiasm soared! It is a privilege to be involved in a small way in  changing a family’s life. I am not overstating that; the winning family will be mortgage free in a brand new home!

Why was it important to film the show in Canterbury this time around?

It is tapping into a well of upheaval, devastation, anxiety, but huge hope as well! Hope for a brighter tomorrow, hope in the

future for this tremendous city and hope in a new beginning.

Are there any exciting changes viewers can expect from previous years?

Absolutely! The key difference being in previous series’ the families have renovated homes and restored properties; in 2013 literally the homes have begun from a pile of soil in an empty subdivision. The winning family will walk away with a stunning brand new dream home, the  value of the prize goes from being around $75,000 to over half a million!

More FM listeners will be familiar with your DIY “skills”… the host selection process obviously wasn’t a practical test?

(Laughs) Obviously… I mean it is the height of irony that I am hosting a DIY show! Having said that the funny thing is I try to do everything, but have the ability of a naked mole rat. I once tried to chop a tree down with an axe, truly, missed the tree and plunged the axe into the ground bursting a water main. I had a 20ft high geyser in my front lawn, embarrassing! 

Has your latest hosting gig given you any opportunity to upskill in that arena?

No! My wife won’t let me have a chainsaw and now is thinking about withdrawing my axe privileges, I have tool envy. 

Is there a renovation project you have been involved in which you are most proud of?

I once laid stereo cables under the carpet and mounted speakers on the wall. Unfortunately when I cut the carpet I expected to lay the cables and join the carpet back up. I didn’t realise carpet stretched so much... we ended selling the house with a two inch gap in the carpet... the speakers looked fabulous though.

Let’s be honest, you’re the bleeding heart of the show against Gary’s cold, cold heart - how are you going to handle telling one family they didn’t win?

I know, I’m the guy that cried when Nemo the clown fish found his father, but honestly I found that part of the job dreadfully difficult. I am extremely mindful of the contestants’ situations. 

I have met the kids, shared a lot of time with our families and my heart went out to them. It is just television for you and I watching, but for our families it’s their life, their children’s lives and futures, I tried to respect that. 

How much are you looking forward to the future of Christchurch?

Immensely! Having spoken with the Mayor, developers and leaders in our community, I firmly believe Christchurch is going to be a world class city with innovative design and infrastructure whilst maintaining everything we love about our Garden City. 

This is a city that our children are going to be enormously proud to call home and a city that will be the envy of many around the globe. The new Christchurch will rightly honour those that lost so much and we should never lose sight of that! 

B&R | 31

• What’s your favourite object at home? Mrs Parker

• Are you a hoarder or a chucker? Hoarder

• What’s your favourite room? I live in a warehouse - we don’t have rooms, just one big space, and I love that space

• Clutter or minimalism? Former, but aiming towards the latter

• Lazy Boy or bean bag? Bean bag

• Classic or contemporary art? Contemporary

• Rugs – Persian or contemporary? Persian

The Inside World

• Telly in the bedroom? No

• In the hall – sculpture or hat stand? Sculpture

• Shower or bath? Shower

• Wine rack or whiskey cabinet? Whiskey cabinet

• If you could change anything about the design or decoration of your home, what would it be and why? Get rid of the shipping container in the front yard and then we can start to reclaim our lives a little more post-earthquake.

Mayor Bob Parker steps into the hot seat for a round of quick fire questions from left field.

In the HOT SEAT

The national and supreme Architectural Designer New Zealand (ADNZ) Resene Architectural Design Awards winners will be announced on September 27 at a gala awards ceremony in Dunedin.

Winners will be selected from various categories including best interior, best alteration and addition, best residential new home over 300 sqm and best commercial / industrial design.

The top architects and architectural designers in the country will be on show, featuring inspired designs and clever craftsmanship.

On July 12 the Wellington region celebrated its entrants with this

stunning home, the Potter Hart house by Brynn McCauley of BMC Design Ltd, taking out the title of Residential New Home between 150sqm and 300 sqm in the Architectural Design Award sponsored by Gerard Roofs.

About Potter Hart houseThe Potter Hart house is located at the base of the foothills of the Tararua ranges. The clients wanted a home that would fit in and look a part of its surrounding rural landscape.

The solution was to create a collection of shed like forms aligning with the escarpment behind. The chunky roof cladding is folded down the front face of these forms reflecting the steep escarpment behind.

The form and materials selected draw from that of the typical older rural milking sheds in the area, with their often simple facades and striking mono-pitch roof forms.

BUSINESS BEST IN THE

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32 | B&R

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Swimming Pool Safety

Protecting the ones you love Children can be quick, nimble and very quiet when they know they are doing something their parents wouldn’t like. A deadly combination when it involves an inadequately fenced swimming or spa pool and an inquisitive child.The sad fact is, most children who have drowned in a New Zealand swimming pool or spa pool have been known to the owners of the pool – a son or daughter, a friend’s child or maybe the little one next door.

Making sure your swimming pool fencing fully complies with government regulations goes a long way to ensuring your peace of mind if you are going to have

young ones at your place, no matter what the time of year. But it is also vital that you watch children when they are in or around water.

Christchurch swimming and spa pool owners who flout fencing regulations can also expect to pay stiff financial penalties. Pool fences that do not meet the requirements of the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act can attract hefty fines and if a child drowns as a result of non compliance, swimming pool owners can face fines of up to $200,000 and possible imprisonment.

Non compliance also includes tying swimming pool gates back for easy access to the pool.

Pool owners have a legal obligation to ensure that their swimming pool or spa pool is fenced in accordance with the Fencing of Swimming Pools Act

and that the fencing is maintained or the pool remains empty.

Under the law, the immediate area around a swimming or spa pool must be enclosed by a fence at least 1.2 metres high. The fence must be built in durable materials and able to stop a child up to the age of six from climbing over or under it.

The door or gate giving access to the pool area must open away from the pool and be self-closing. The self-latching gate must never be propped open. French doors and windows opening into the pool area must also be fitted with effective self-closers and devices to limit how far windows can be opened.

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34 | B&R

Spring Cleaning

Call Kim on 960 3312 or 027 6822529

Commercial CleaningOVENS * CUPBOARDS * KITCHENS

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We offer a Professional Dry Cleaning Service for:

•WeddingGowns•EveningWear•Drapes•Duvets,Bedding,Pillows•SchoolUniforms•Laundry•Pick-Up&Delivery•Drive-Thru•SameDayService Available

Spring cleaning

Destroy anything a bit dubious; it’s dangerous having them lying around, especially if there are little ones in the household. Get the torch out and have a good look at the back of the bathroom cabinet. Be ruthless… if you haven’t used it, you probably don’t need it.

The kitchen is one of the big tasks. Start by removing everything out of the cupboards, pantry and fridge. Toss out those things that are gathering mould, or are past their used-by date. Make sure everything in the pantry is visible and easy to access. Have the stuff you have to use in the near future at the front so you can adapt your menus to suit.

While you are at it don’t forget to spring clean the deep freeze. Make room for the bargain buys and baked goodies for school lunches.

In the wardrobe, if you haven’t worn it for years, you are not likely to need it - unless you are planning to go to a retro theme

fancy dress party! Sort everything into one of three piles:

• Stuff that you wear

• Good stuff that you would wear if you could fit into it

• Stuff that should be thrown out or used as rags.

Give away the good stuff that you don’t wear, drop it into one of the charitable thrift shops, or sell it at a garage sale. When putting the clothing back, try sorting by items (all the shirts together for example) or by use (for example, best, casual, work and so on). The better organised your stuff is the more efficiently you will use it. You may discover good shirts lost in decades of chaos in the wardrobe!

Good luck!

Do you have favourite spring cleaning tips that you would like to share with others? Then visit www.oilyrag.co.nz and share the wisdom.

xtrooper and have them report back to HQ at regular intervals.

Break the tasks down into small and simple steps and plan one room at a time. Work in pairs if needs be and keep the communications short, sharp and snappy – simple questions such as “What about this?” are given one word answers like “Rubbish”.

Start by rummaging through forgotten places. There may be lots of trash that you can turn into cash. Unwanted household appliances, furniture, books - they can all be sold online, at a garage sale, swapped, or given away.

In the bathroom check the medicines for their use-by date.

Spring is nearly here and this means it’s that time of year to do those cleaning and clearing jobs that have been conveniently ignored throughout winter.If it looks like you’ve got a big job on your hand, then one of the best ways to tackle the task is through a family social day - but with military discipline! Organise and arm the troops with fluffy feather dusters, top secret cleaning agents, rubbish bags, boxes and most of all a positive attitude. Write down the mission tasks for each

*Special conditions apply

36 | B&R

Column

Seeing redBy Michael McKay

A couple insure their house in Dallington. The house is materially damaged, but not destroyed in the Canterbury earthquakes. Following emergency repairs, the house is safe to live in and essential services are eventually restored. The house is on land which is declared to be part of the “red zone”. It appears essential services will not be maintained in the long term. Can the insured claim on their insurance policy for a reduction in value of their house as a result of it being in the red zone?

In O’Loughlin v Tower, the High Court clarified, among other things, the legal nature of the red zone. The court held that the creation of the red zone was not an insured event for the purposes of the relevant Tower insurance policy. Here I briefly review the 61 page decision and discuss possible implications for others.

The insuring clausesThe Court emphasised the starting point is the terms of the relevant insurance policy. The primary clause insured against sudden and unforeseen accidental physical loss or damage, unless excluded by the policy. The policy also contained an extension for natural disaster damage, defined as “loss or damage as a direct result of earthquake...” The question was whether the creation of the redzone fell within the term “physical loss or damage” or “loss or damage”.

The court considered each part of the term. In essence, it held that, in terms of the primary clause, there must be a physical event in relation to the insured building before there

can be damage or loss to the building. Damage means a change in physical state short of total destruction. Loss, for this particular, policy meant the total destruction of the building.

The court considered the context of the policy when interpreting the extension. The initial definition of “physical loss or damage” set the scene, such that later references to loss or damage were assumed to mean “physical” loss or damage.

The red zone The creation of the redzone was part of the Government’s response to the Canterbury earthquakes. It created an area in which the Canterbury Earthquake Recovery Authority (CERA) would make offers to buy properties of insured residents. It signalled, among other things, that the land had suffered significant damage and was at risk of further damage. It did not prohibit building consents or people living in the red zone.

The court noted that this did not cause the O’Loughlin’s house to suffer damage or loss in the relevant sense. The house was not only physically unaffected, but was not indirectly affected in the sense of being deprived of water or electricity or other services. The house remains exactly the same, has its services and can be inhabited.

Going forward Some insured in the red zone may view O’Loughlin as an unwelcomed development. We consider, however, the decision is likely to be correct for the red zone issue and there is some value in the decision for insured.

First, O’Loughlin provides some clarity as to the legal nature of the red zone, which is likely to help in interpreting and applying other insurance policies. The decision may

not trouble those in the red zone who sold their entire property to CERA and transferred their insurance policy to the Crown. For those who accepted CERA’s offer for the land only or did not accept either offer however, O’Loughlin may remove one hurdle to reaching a settlement with their insurer.

Secondly, as part of its reasoning about the meaning of “damage” in the Tower policy, the court discussed whether certain United States cases were relevant in New Zealand. In particular, it ruled that the United States case which suggested a building may be treated as physically damaged when it becomes subject to a potential threat, such as falling rocks or landslides, was not of assistance in the New Zealand context. While this development is not favourable to insured, it may narrow the sticking points between insured and insurer going forward.

In sum, while insured may have seen red at the outcome of O’Loughlin, we consider the decision should help clear a way through the proverbial mist.

Please note that this article is not a substitute for legal advice about your specific situation.

Michael McKay is a lawyer with Malley & Co, and has experience in commercial litigation and dispute resolution. He has acted in disputes for and against building inspectors, franchisees and shareholders and is acting for several insured in relation to issues arising from the Canterbury earthquakes. www.malley.co.nz

B&R | 37

ZBLIT ITMy time creates your space

Professional Organiser & CoachHome | Workplace | School

Anne Barron

[M] 027-BLITZIT or 027-254 8948[P] 03-354 8398[E] barronnz@xtra.co.nz[w] www.blitzit.co.nz

De-clutter and organise with Anne...

Did you resolve to clean up your act this year within your home or business? If you are looking for help to re-organise and de-clutter your lifestyle then look no further than Blitzit.Blitzit is available to improve your lifestyle - specialising in organizing - from wardrobes and kitchens to your entire home or business. Established in 2008, Anne Barron saw a gap in Christchurch’s market for a professional organiser who could take care of people’s homes, businesses or personal needs.

“I have always had a passion for organising and de-cluttering so I decided to pursue a dream and created Blitzit. I became a member of AAPO (Australasian Association of Professional Organisers) and attended the conference in Christchurch to establish my business.”

Anne says life has become so busy that often our last priority is organising our home and workplaces. “They should be our main priority. We spend so much time in our home; we need to make it conductive to relaxation and receptive to our guests. Our workplace is important as this is often where we need to be creative, focused and calm.”

Blitzit will go to anyone who needs help with organising, whether it’s a business, home or school. The business offers one-off organising sessions or full packages with planners and solutions to benefit clients. Blitzit also provides Tupperware solutions to dramatically organise your kitchen.

Since the earthquakes Blitzit has helped a number of clients, particularly the elderly. Anne helps with the packing and unpacking along with sorting.

Getting your

“I deal with all kinds of people who need my service. A recent client of mine was referred to me via her GP. She was suffering from depression and lacked motivation to move from her earthquake damaged home.

“When I visited the client she felt ashamed by the situation, but we soon overcame her embarrassment and together we zoned the house and accomplished the whole process by making lists and breaking it

into small, manageable steps. When she was established in her new home she handled the new challenges methodically. It gave her a new lease of life.”

Blitzit has mainly developed by recommendation. “Many people realise their life could be more organised. Initially I am often invited to organise one room. When they have personally experienced the difference, I am usually asked to come back and organise other rooms.

“I always like to make a follow-up call and monitor the client’s reaction and level of satisfaction. It is always fulfilling to hear how much better they are feeling and how Blitzit has improved their lifestyle.”

Blitzit Anne BarronT (03) 354 8398M 027 254 8948E barronnz@xtra.co.nz www.blitzit.co.nz

Contact Anne for your free no obligation, 30 minute

consultation and quote. Receive $10 off your first hour when you book with Blitzit – simply quote:

Build & Renovate Today.

Offer valid until September 2013.

Anne Barron is a professional organiser who can help you, your home, or business in many ways.Lifestyle• Organise and co-ordinate

cleaning, gardening, cooking - getting your routine back

• Storage ideas and solutions • Elderly – moving to smaller

homes, retirement villages • Separation/divorce – help with

dividing assets and organising the home.

Declutter• Offices, homes, garages,

schools – offering a maintenance programme

• Help with getting unwanted items to good homes

• Shifting• Maximising space and enhance

interior for open homes• Packing, unpacking and

re-organising a new home/business

Organise• Rental property maintenance• Organise birthdays, weddings

and important events• Fundraising• Office – Filing and systems

Anne Barron

Blitzit

act sorted

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38 | B&R

First Home Buyers

The entire house buying experience was hard to define. I’d compare it to running through a forest, hurdling obstacles and not being able to see too far ahead and then, all of a sudden, you are out in the open and standing before you is your very own house.

With all the external obstacles such as insurance, finance and legalities out of the way, Sarah and I now had to view our project — with ‘achievable prospective’ achievable being the key word.

Yes, we had visions to turn our ex-state house into Christchurch’s very own Taj Mahal, as I can imagine many other first home buyers do, but unfortunately we had to realise that our dreams and plans had to be in direct relation with our budget and time.

Neither me, nor Sarah, profess to be mathematicians or property experts, but we could see the potential pitfalls emerging before our very eyes; one of those pitfalls being over-capitalising. We had to prioritise the areas that would deliver a definitive return on investment, but unfortunately this realisation put plans for my elaborate deck on hold until next summer… such a travesty.

We have to keep our eyes on the prize though; we’re aiming to raise the equity level in the house through renovations and improvements to borrow against the property in order to secure our first rental (providing the market continues to rise). We will not borrow any more, a mortgage is enough at present, so for every dollar we spend on renovations we want it to at least double the investment. To make that happen, we needed to take the rose tinted glasses off and view our home through the eyes of a registered valuer.

The sun was still shining on the day we picked up the keys (January 25) and we’d arrived at the house with open minds, a sense of freedom (an odd sensation considering the 30 year mortgage we’d just scribed for) and a list of ideas more elaborate than the city blueprint!

We decided to adhere to the saying ‘make hay while the sun shines’ so we prioritised the landscaping and general outdoor tasks while the weather was still favourable. Sarah did however, have one vital installation that took all priority – a dog flap. Well, a cat flap actually, but the dog is small enough to squeeze through.

Our weekends became redundant; we were socially reclusive as the overgrown (I mean, hip height) bush in the 680 sqm garden proved a battle to rid and the objects we found embedded in the earth became more and more absurd. It seems the previous owners had decided to lay DIY weed mat in the form of ice cream carton lids.

When we viewed the house we could see past the overgrown garden and realised that there was plenty of usable land to take advantage of. However, there were a few issues with trees, although we both liked the trees we had more than enough and they’d grown dangerously close to the house and were blocking vital sun/warmth from our windows. The house itself was shaded for most of the day, meaning we

First home buyer’s guide case study: Anthony and Sarah – part II

By Anthony Patrickson

Keys, thanks…now where’s the instruction manual?

B&R | 39

First Home Buyers

day. Now we just have to re-grow the grass that had been deprived of sunlight for so many years.

Patience is a virtueAfter living in the house for a while we noticed a worrying lack of energy efficiency. No insulation in the roof, gaps in the floorboards and single glazing, all factors contributing towards an energy inefficient home.

We wanted the ability to give the heat pump a rest once in a while and reduce our power bill further, for this we enlisted the help of Eco Insulation. As an avid supporter of The Campaign for Wool myself, I found the choice of insulation companies pretty easy – Eco Insulation’s wool-blend would add extra thermal retention to our previously shaded home and their Eco Fleece® product was cost effective, professionally installed and used natural New Zealand wool. We also insulated under the floor and qualified for the very helpful EECA grant

which eased the impact on the allocated budget.

Looking at the ratio of ‘dollars spent to energy efficiency achieved’, we certainly have noticed the impact and believe we will recoup the outlay through savings on our heating bill within a few years. Next up, those single pane windows, but we may need to save a little longer before they get replaced or retrofitted.

Winter is for indoorsAs the colder weather began to settle in we were certainly glad our house had a woollen hat and a pair of slippers on! We moved operations from the outside, to the inside.

Planned renovations during the next few months include a full new kitchen, carpeting the patchy wooden floor and if the budget will stretch far enough, we may even be able to upgrade a few items of furniture!

Watch this space.

BeforeAfter

Before

After

had no solar heating through the windows. Out came the compass as we decided the trees had to be sacrificed in order to harness the free heating source in the sky.

This is where we were very fortunate; after discussing these plans with Jude, a fellow Academy worker and gym buddy, she pointed out that her husband was a part owner of Arbor-Tek and she kindly volunteered his services for the weekend.

A few weeks earlier I’d begun some amateur tree felling with a handsaw, climbing trees in a pair of jandals, not exactly PPE, but Bernie had the tools for the job and with all hands on deck, including Jude, we managed to clear a number of sunlight blocking and spout destroying trees from our land. It’s made a huge difference to the ability of the house to heat itself naturally and retain heat throughout the

Neither me, nor Sarah, profess to be mathematicians or property experts, but we could see the potential pitfalls emerging before our very eyes; one of those pitfalls being over-capitalising. We had to prioritise the areas that would deliver a definitive return on investment…

“

”

40 | B&R

Home

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Come in and see our large Bathroomware Showroom

Showcasing the latest New Styles in bathroom ware

As master bathrooms morph into therapeutic relaxation centres, the accent is on luxury, indulgence and quality fittings.Designers are utilising smart spatial inclusions such as wall dividers, floor zoning and split levels to ensure the perception of space is enhanced and an element of separation, say between bathing and toileting areas, is maintained.

Freestanding baths often form the centrepiece (space permitting) of the master bathroom with other luxury features including overflow and bubble massage baths, deluge showers, statement basins and taps.

Items such as the Kohler Sok overflow bath offers the ultimate

A luxurious soakxxindulgence of an ‘infinity pool’ effect with a continuous flow of water cascading over the sides of the bath.

The ultra deep design of the bath provides enough room for two people while the whirlpool options create thousands of tiny bubbles at varying intensities to massage and support the entire body.

Or you can go for an air injected shower, where two litres of air are injected into the water stream every minute – resulting in decadent plump water droplets that drench the body, giving the impression of a ‘rain shower’ deluge. The impression you get is one of being inundated by masses of water.

For details go to: www.kohler.co.nz or: www.micobathrooms.co.nz

Kohler Sok overflow bath

B&R | 41

with; they will tell your visual story for you, save you time, money and maybe your sanity!

The thought of redecorating a home can either fill you with dread or joy depending on your budget or level of confidence.So where should you start?

Most clients come to us with some sort of ideas already, but it helps to put a plan on paper – this helps focus the mind, creates a wish list and structure for the job in hand, as does keeping a scrapbook or a collection of images.

It helps to try to identify your style if you can, be it classic contemporary, shabby chic, cottagey, traditional, eclectic, Tuscan, Asian, Swedish, or it might be that you are wanting to combine two styles.

Start with what you have – very few clients decorate a room completely from scratch. Most of us have some flooring/furniture/accessories we either have to keep or want to keep and this can be a great time to really consider what you do have and whether you want to make it a focal point or camouflage it.

Some suggestions for key areas:

BedroomsBreak up the bed – superking beds in particular. Put a blanket or a throw at the bottom and decorative cushions/pillows at the top – otherwise it looks like a landing strip in the middle of the room! Consider a custom-made

headboard – not only incredibly comfortable, but looks great as well. New bed linen offers an instant uplift.

DiningIf a new table and chairs is out of the question, consider either re-staining or polishing a timber table, or have existing chairs reupholstered in a new fabric – maybe new trim or stud work will revitalise them.

LoungeIf the couch is still in a good condition but looks dated, get it recovered and add some new cushions. Don’t be too ‘matchy matchy’ though - source a couple of good armchairs in differing fabrics. Textured fabrics add much interest to a room as well; think wool, leather, velvet, silk, satin.

Forget about choosing the paint colour first – it’s relatively inexpensive and available in a million and one colours however, it is the quickest way to transform an interior and there are the positive mood enhancing qualities of colour, such as:

Red – warm, strong, stimulating

Blue – positive, calm, reflective

Green – harmonious, nature, balance

Yellow – confident, optimistic, creative.

Consider all the large elements in the room and find colours which co-operate, something which will make everything look better.

Column

Where to start?By Ann-Marie Appleton

It could be a new wall colour to pull everything together for you.

Paint out a large poster board and move it around the room to see how the light affects it. Trust your eyes! If it works for you that’s all there is to it - you should be fine.

If in any doubt, find a good interior designer you think you could work

Ann-Marie Appleton is the director of interior design company Frobisher Interiors. She holds a diploma in interior design and is a member of DINZ.

44 | B&R

By Davina Richards | Images provided by Melanie Craig Design

Melanie Craig Design is an independent boutique design company specialising in the entire interior system; kitchen architecture, interior architecture and lighting. The company, established in 2005 and owned by Melanie Craig and Gaynor Rodgers, started from humble beginnings in a tin shed in Southland. Eight years later, the business has successfully grown into three working studios located in Wanaka, Timaru and Gore and picked up the Designer of the Year award in 2011.

From the young age of five, Melanie had always dreamed of having her own design company. Her dad is a builder and her mum an interior designer, so it was inevitable her creativity was fine tuned from the beginning.

With a team of six passionate and creative designers, the design

experts will deliver a practical and stylish interior with a focus on detail, style, design and, most importantly, results. Here Melanie talks about the ins and outs of her profession and passion for it.

What is the difference between an interior architecture designer and an interior designer?Both are very creative disciplines but briefly, an interior architect designer should be registered as a trained designer. They take a more active role in the structural elements of the interior drawings and documentation, opposed to an interior designer who is more focused on the aesthetic elements.

What aspects of a room are specifically acknowledged before a project can start?Firstly function, then an extensive list of elements needs to be considered to achieve the best desired result for clients. In our

initial meetings we are very nosey; we ask lots of questions to get to know the client and this is the key to developing a great design that will work perfectly for the client.

Why did you set up Melanie Craig Design?I’m not a designer who pens something and hands it over. I’m a start to finish girl. Function and flow. Good design is more than a concept. Good design is turning a concept into a product and orchestrating the manufacturing process to best suit the demands of the design and the needs of the client. Initially I was working in

isolated areas, mainly the kitchen, which I love. The end result would look amazing however, there were too many different design ideas flowing through the home.

Gaynor, an interior designer and I joined forces to take architectural projects to a new level, infusing the kitchen and structural elements with the entire interior of the home to achieve a seamless flow though every aspect, including lighting applications. And most of all co-ordinating trades and helping clients understand the steps during the final two stressful months of a project.

Melanie Craig Design

Bringing the elements together

The trend is personality, boring interiors are out.“

”- Melanie Craig

B&R | 45

Melanie Craig Design

How do you choose an interior architecture designer?Carefully; remember this person is paramount to the success of achieving the best results for you. It is a close relationship therefore your design partner needs to be a good listener, inspire you and keep you energised throughout the project, and importantly your designer needs to be able to work within budgets as this is the single most stressful element if clients are misled.

What should people think about first before they start a project? Project partners. Interview as many professionals as it takes to make informed decisions on who will partner you through the project. Get this right and the process will be enjoyable.

What common mistakes are made by clients? Not engaging with their designer early enough in the project. A designer should be brought onboard as soon as the concepts are completed from

the architect. Little things like plumbing positions or windows can affect the entire design.

What are the current trends which can be incorporated into a design? The trend is personality; boring interiors are out. We enjoy having a lot of fun with our clients and evolving their individual ideas and needs for all aspects of the interior so they are connected and love the space they are investing in. 

What has been the most frustrating thing you have had to deal with in your career so far? Nothing is a frustration, it is a challenge that needs to be worked through. However if I had to put my finger on something, it is a client who demands a new stunning design yet compresses the brief with restrictions. As a designer we love to work through clients’ ideas with them. The perfect design is harmony between both the client and the designer. Neither one should outweigh the other.

How would you describe your personal design style? I really like eclecticism and I love the rawness of materials in their original condition. That said, I’m also somewhat of a minimalist – which can conflict with the eclecticism. It’s a tough balancing act. This contradiction fits in with my thinking of what constitutes a good design aesthetic, that is, a sense of contrast and drama.

What was the most complex assignment you have had?Starting Melanie Craig Design as a young 19 year old with no capital behind me, just a whole heap of passion and determination to become an industry leader in design.

What do you believe are your key strengths at Melanie Craig Design?I think one of our team’s strengths is attitude. We set out to communicate a relaxed sense of excellence, injecting knowledge, experience, professionalism and fun to keep the project at an enjoyable level for the client.

Projects are a big deal in people’s lives, it can be years of dreaming and saving. Every job is important whether it be upholstering a favourite furniture piece or talking of an entire new home design.

How do you address problems – either with clients or design?If it’s a design block – I turn the music up really loud and sing. Often I can find inspiration from the tempo of the music. For the client, everything is about communication. There are always solutions.

Who do you admire or follow for design influences and inspiration? I love the energy of young designers and their “I can do this approach”. I love the wisdom of our older experienced designers; they seem to have everything in perspective. It seems the more I listen and learn about design changes, the more I realise the faster things change the more they stay the same.

For more information visit www.melaniecraigdesign.co.nz

46 | B&R

Interiors

021582411 | shuttleworthpainters@xtra.co.nzwww.shuttleworthpainters.co.nz

Over 23 years experience.

Our services range from Water Blasting, Re-Paints, Plaster Board Stopping to Project Management and

Public Liability Insurance

A sparkling addition Although summer’s a little way away, there’s no harm in doing some pre-planning. So if you’re in the mood for a little contemporary design for the kitchen, a state of the art appliance and some instant bubbles (the perfect summer accessory), then this fridge is the one for you.

It’s the Samsung Four Door Refrigerator and the brainchild of SodaStream and Samsung who teamed up to produce a refrigerator that instantly produces sparkling water, as well as chilled water and ice, with just a push of a button.

What this means is… sparkling water straight from the fridge. You can select up to three levels of carbonation for the sparkling water, giving you exactly the right fizz to quench your thirst.

And it’s also a green choice as you’re bypassing damaging plastic bottles clogging up landfills.

“The new Samsung Four Door Refrigerator makes it easy for consumers to cater to everybody’s preferences – whether it’s chilled water or three different levels of sparkling water,” says Chris Bremner of SodaStream New Zealand.

The new Samsung Four Door Refrigerator makes it easy for consumers to cater to everybody’s preferences – whether it’s chilled water or three different levels of sparkling water.

“Not only can people choose their water carbonated, they can also choose how carbonated it is – a choice you certainly don’t get with a store-bought soft drink.”

As well as the SodaStream sparkling water component, this stunning fridge features an ice master icemaker, high efficiency LED lighting and ‘twin cool plus’ technology that keeps food fresher for longer.

“

”

B&R | 47

Interiors

buildings’

from either side with double sided printing - a true revolution!

Future Glass can be used in many different areas on any type of glass, including laminated safety glass.

Giving glass a new lease of lifeIf you want to inject a little colour and personal touch to your surroundings, then try getting your glass surfaces custom printed.Colourworx is the first in New Zealand to introduce the Future Glass direct printing system which offers a variety of solutions in printed decorative glass.

The range of options includes:• Feature wall panels• Balustrades• Art• Building facades / canopies• Furniture• Interior partitioning• Doors and floors• Splashbacks and bench tops• Showers.

You can pretty much print what you want, as Colourworx can print images, designs or patterns – options that haven’t been possible before.

Future Glass printing also includes the option of printing transparent colours and colour gradients in resolutions nearly double that of previous capabilities. Also, an image can now be viewed with the same high resolution finish

For more information contact Colourworx on (09) 263 0500 or visit: www.futureglass.co.nz

A sparkling addition

48 | B&R

Sustainability

NEW HOMES

Specialising in energy efficient,

eco-friendly homes.

Our Planet, Your Home

Ph. 0800 422 845www.ecobuilthomes.co.nz

It’s 2013 and as a society we are becoming very aware of the negative impact we are having on the environment. Some industries are worse than others – but PrefabNZ CEO Pamela Bell says the construction industry’s waste statistics are about 40 percent.

Perfection in a prefab

“Forty percent straight to landfill! It’s a shocking statistic. There’s the analogy that you wouldn’t build your car in your driveway - so it begs the question, why are we using 200 year old craft-based practises to build a house at site when we could be making them air-tight, water-tight, to very high-quality standards in a factory?

“The waste created in a factory can often be recycled whereas it’s harder and more expensive to do so when the house is being built onsite. Plus when it’s done in a factory, we’re cutting down greatly on the number of trips the contractors make.”

The digital age has revolutionised architecture, Bell says.

“Prefab housing manufacture doesn’t mean that all houses turn out the same. We’re not talking about mass standardisation.”

Why choose prefab?

• Affordable

• Architecturally designed

• Attractive

• Long-lasting

• Stylish and individualised

• Sustainable.

For more information visit www.prefabnz.com

Is your current driveway cracked or damaged? Are you looking for a replacement to enhance the look, appeal and value of your home? Well the solution might be the ago-old, tried and true solution to any surface needing to stand the test of time – concrete.

Gone are the days of one size fits all, as contemporary concrete driveways have many benefits, including being able to match the colour to suit your property. They can be decorated using a stamping pattern to provide texture, they last longer than most other forms of driveways and are easier to maintain - provided they are laid correctly.

Costs range significantly between different contractors however, the majority of companies that will guarantee their work range from $115 per sqm for plain concrete, $140 per sqm for coloured concrete and $133 per sqm for exposed or stamped concrete.

Visit www.ConcreteDriveways Christchurch.co.nz where you’ll find a full process flowchart, including a list of the equipment you will require for you to work from.

For more information contact Wrights Concrete Placing.

Call 021 552 484 for a free no obligation quote, email: info@ConcreteDriveways Christchurch.co.nz or visit www.ConcreteDriveways Christchurch.co.nz

Why concrete your new driveway?

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Land For Sale - Fantastic location

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50 | B&R

How to make a ceiling look higher

By Davina Richards

Not all homes are blessed with high ceilings which give a room a sense of space, but there are solutions to help you to create the illusion of height without having to physically raise the ceiling.

Up and down Vertical lines are often used on garments to help draw the eyes up. You can apply this to a room by using striped wallpaper or paint vertical stripes on walls to create the illusion of height. Simple and effective, it’s a style which works.

High and wide – just like how wearing flared, high waist trousers give the illusion of longer legs, hanging full length drapes from ceiling to floor will give the same illusion.

ColourAny fashionista will know that wearing one shade of colour from shoes to hat will make you look taller. So as a general rule, designers incorporate this concept

Looking

to make a room look open and airy by painting or wallpapering walls, ceilings and floors in one neutral colour.

Consider different textures and patterns to add interest and depth whilst still achieving what you set out to do.

AccessoriesIn fashion, your outfit isn’t complete without accessories and the same goes for the room you’re decorating. Use accessories such as tall vases, ornaments, long mirrors or wall art to reinforce the sense of height.

Avoid hanging objects from the ceiling such as fans and pendant lights which cause the ceiling to appear lower.

Images provided courtesy of Resene

Combine with low furniture so the space between furniture and the ceiling is enhanced.

Hang artwork higher up on the ceiling which is tall in length and has vertical lines or features.

Add mirrors to bounce natural and artificial light around the room to create the sense of larger space.

Fancy footworkWomen love to wear heels to make them look tall, so when it

comes to flooring, contrast light coloured walls with dark floors to define boundaries, expand floor space, add interest and emphasise the height of the walls.

Fashion failClutter is equal to a woman’s wardrobe malfunction. Too many things going on at once is a cocktail for disaster. Avoid clutter to enhance and maintain the sense of space and height.

upx

B&R | 51

How many family homes suffer from the problem of too much stuff and not enough space to put it? Probably close the lot of them and it’s a problem that’s almost and epidemic when it comes to the kitchen. One area that’s quite problematic are cutlery trays – a hundred items and just not enough individual spaces to put everything, so you end up digging through and moving things about in a frantic search for the thing you know is in there, can’t find right now and needed a few moments ago.

Well one answer might be expandable cutlery trays. One particularly attractive product

Space savers

is an expandable wooden cutlery tray system made by Fitflex and only available in New Zealand via Mardeco.

The cutlery tray insert consist of a base which goes from 400 to 600 mm and the extentions which go up to 1,000 mm. It is easy and quick to assemble and the only tools needed are scissors and a Philips screwdriver. The trays are made of solid beech with a plywood bottom and the surface is clear lacquered.

To find out more visit: www.mardeco.co.nz

Storage

One of the easiest ways to create space around the home is with simple storage boxes. They come in an array of sizes, shapes and materials for kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, offices, the laundry, or anywhere you want to put them.

Bin it

Be it wire, stainless steel, chrome, bamboo, wicker, wood or plastic, you can find just the right solution to suit the size and style you want.

Not only will it make things easier to find, you can create a surprising amount of space just

by placing a few boxes, draws, bins or shelves in strategic spots. It’s a cheap, simple and highly effective way to de-clutter your home, making living easier and doing a lot to create a much cleaner look around the home.

52 | B&R

Kitchens

www.dreamdoors.co.nz

Dream Doors (Christchurch)

Adrian and Tammy KayPhone: 03 338 1081 Mobile: 027 338 1081Email: adrian@dreamdoors.co.nzEmail: tammy@dreamdoors.co.nz

From a complete new kitchen installation to a simple door swap, Dream Doors have the kitchen solution for you.

Scroll through the website to discover the vast range of doors, bench tops, kitchens and design ideas Dream Doors have to offer.

Dream Doors can supply innovative kitchen storage solutions, top-brand appliances, quality sinks and designer bench tops.

Dream Doors are there to help you turn your tired old kitchen into a fantastic new kitchen.

There are two questions that I am asked by customers on a daily basis. One, what can I do to bring my kitchen into the 21st century? And two, how can I make better use of the space that I have?

Smart thinking in the kitchenBy Adrian Kay

Both of these can be addressed relatively easily and, more importantly, cost effectively.

Firstly, let’s address question one. At Dream Doors we see a lot of kitchens which have dated very badly, be they new or old kitchens. The biggest culprit is colour choice of door and drawer fronts and, of course, the bench top.

In the late 90s and early 2000s there was a trend in the industry to use rather a lot of dark blues, pinks, greys and greens. Unfortunately (or fortunately) trends and tastes change and we meet customers daily who want to bring a lighter, cleaner, more neutral, open look and feel to the kitchen, which has really become an extension of the entertainment and living area.

More than 80 percent of facelift and new kitchens that we fit these days are white or a shade or two either side. This leaves more flexibility in bench top choice too, with compatible colours from designer white to absolute black, and everything in between.

The classic white doors and dark top is timeless and can be brightened up with a myriad of accessories with striking results. Or add a bold and personal colour statement with a painted glass splashback, which can be cheaply replaced should one tire of the colour.

I always remind my customers to consider resale value of their house. A more neutral or timeless colour combination in the kitchen is far more appealing to potential buyers than perhaps a very personal and potentially polarising colour choice, which can put potential buyers off.

For the second question, about making better use of the space people have - I have only met a handfull of customers who have said that their kitchen was too big and had too much storage.

For the rest of us, space is a premium and so making the best out of what we have is essential.

The most common thing we get asked for is to replace cupboards with drawers. Aside from better utilising the actual volume of a cabinet, drawers make things far more easily accessible. Pot drawers, plate/cup drawers and Tupperware drawers are the most requested.

There are also thousands of clever systems which can be added to drawers, cupboards and pantries, to make better use of space and make everything more accessible. Things like a “lazy suzan” for corner cupboards and pull out pantries are frequently fitted and very good value for money.

And finally a real hot tip – get rid of the raised breakfast bar leaners; they are just a magnet for junk, cell phone chargers, broken toys and electricity bills. Opt for a single level flat bench, you will be amazed at how much more open and modern your kitchen will look and feel.

Adrian Kay is the managing director of Dream Doors Christchurch

Pull out pantry system by Hafele

Put a bit of colour in your splash back

56 | B&R56 | B&R

Flooring

Tiles are perfect for creating innovative and inspired living spaces or working environments including bathrooms; kitchens, reception areas and indoor and outdoor living spaces, but selecting the right tile and choosing an installer can be daunting.

Designastyle is a leading importer and supplier of exclusive Italian porcelain and ceramic wall and floor tiles as well as bamboo flooring. Based in Mandeville Street in Riccarton, it is a member of the Canterbury Master Plasterers and Tilers Association with more than 35 years experience and a history of success in the Christchurch and Canterbury region.

The company offers professional advice on how to select the right tiles for your home or commercial building and will work with you every step of the way to meet your requirements, from style and size to finish and instalment.

The experienced design consultants are more than happy to answer any questions you may have and will help you to complete a project to a high standard, no matter what your budget.

Designastyle also operate a tile contracting service “Designastyle Tile Installation” with more than 35

years experience in the industry and offers a 10 year guarantee on tile, workmanship and waterproofing.

“We pride ourselves on quality assurance and are committed to providing a professional service. We have built a reputation for excellence and quality in Christchurch and Canterbury over many years,” owner Grant Mulholland says.

“Tiles should always be laid by a professional, experienced and qualified tiler. Always look for a tiler who you can communicate easily with. A good tiler should have the end result in mind before he starts the installation. All waterproofing should be applied by an accredited installer who will provide you with quality assurance.”

For a range of quality tiles, industry advice and a professional finish, Designastyle has everything you need to complete a commercial or residential project.

Specialising in the tile industry, Designastyle offer a full range of services for residential, retail, wholesale, commercial and installation.

We are very passionate about what we do and our clients take assurance in our professional service. Our aim is to create a beautiful tiled environment which is unique and personalised.

Sustained longevity and success in the tile industry in Christchurch.

Come and visit us at 35 Mandeville Street, Riccarton, Christchurchor phone us on 03 348 1099

www.designastyle.co.nz

Italian inspired style solutions

B&R | 57

Clark Land Surveyors Ltd

Jeff Irving B.Surv M.N.Z.I.S Principal

Registered SurveyorsLand Development Consultants

Unit 6, 11 Print PlacePO Box 8177, Riccarton, ChristchurchPhone: 03 339 0401Fax: 03 339 0408Akaroa: 03 304 8799

www.cls.co.nz

Making all your surveying, planning & consent requirements simple and stress free

03 389 7874

407 Ferry RdWoolston, Christchurch 8023 (next to Power Boat Centre)

293,000

Surveyors / Building / Construction

The name of a company can speak volumes to the potential customer and whether taken in a literal or metaphorical sense, Carpe Diem Contracting and Construction is certainly taking its opportunity to ‘seize the day’. Steve McMillan founded the company in 2008 with a view to provide Christchurch with high quality, cost-effective small homes, without losing any integral elements such as style and liveability. With a projected 20,000 new homes set to be built in Christchurch in 2013, Carpe Diem may just have the right formula to assist in such a monumental task.

Carpe Diem Contracting and Construction aims to provide the

Complete home building packagescustomer with a one stop shop for homes. This means handling essential elements such as the design, build, decorating and even insurance and finance packages. By encompassing all aspects of the home building experience the company can avoid potential delays or increased costs that can occur on regular, competitive building sites.

Carpe Diem uses cost-effective repetitive systems to ensure a quick build and smooth process, yet the modular form is also very flexible meaning the client can tailor design the project to suit individual needs.

Experienced in a wide variety of disciplines across the building sector, McMillan and his team possess the combined know how and attention to detail to complete any given job to the highest standard and well within budget.

Nowadays accreditation is a huge determining factor when choosing the right builder, so the customer can rest assured that not only will Steve utilise his 30 years of project management experience, but the company is also a member of the Registered Master Builders Association and a provider of LifeMark approved homes.

Instantly that gives the peace of mind accompanied via a 10 year guarantee associated with being

a Registered Master Builder and also the knowledge that the newly built home is ‘future-proofed’ by LifeMark to evolve with the ever-changing needs home owners.

The advantages of modular homes• Cost-effective• Quick build• Lower carbon footprint• Ease of quality control• Repetition breeds perfection.

58 | B&R

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Quality Gates and Fencing

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No obligation FREE Quote contactNeville and Sue Hamer

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VISIT BLUM’S INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOMTo experience their revolutionary range of kitchen hardware first hand.

Blum’s sink drawers SPACE CORNER drawers SPACE TOWER pantry system

The high-quality solutions from Austrian fittings manufacturer Blum can be enjoyed for the entire lifetime of the kitchen and make many tasks easier. For example the innovative SPACE TOWER pantry from Blum offers more than just ample storage, conveniently, each drawer can be opened individually and even when fully loaded to 65kg, drawers open effortlessly and close softly. The unit can be customised in width to suit your storage requirements, anything from 275mm up to 1.2 meters.

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Showroom27 Dalziel Place, Woolston, Christchurch, ph: 03 379 4984

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Want to be employed?Well we want to employ YOU!Do you enjoy talking to people?Do you like working from home?Do you like to work your own hours?Do you want to earn a reasonable income? If you answered YES to any of these questions Build&Renovate Today would love to talk to you now!

Contact Janice Bateman on (03) 961 5124 janicebateman@academy.net.nz • www.buildandrenovate.co.nz

VISIT BLUM’S INSPIRATIONAL SHOWROOMTo experience their revolutionary range of kitchen hardware first hand.

Blum’s sink drawers SPACE CORNER drawers SPACE TOWER pantry system

The high-quality solutions from Austrian fittings manufacturer Blum can be enjoyed for the entire lifetime of the kitchen and make many tasks easier. For example the innovative SPACE TOWER pantry from Blum offers more than just ample storage, conveniently, each drawer can be opened individually and even when fully loaded to 65kg, drawers open effortlessly and close softly. The unit can be customised in width to suit your storage requirements, anything from 275mm up to 1.2 meters.

PERFECTING MOTIONIS PRACTICAL

www.blum.com

Showroom27 Dalziel Place, Woolston, Christchurch, ph: 03 379 4984