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PROJECT overview
Our latest project stands as the pinnacle of our craftsmanship and dedication to creating homes that seamlessly blend the best of the past and the future. This grand new build, inspired by the timeless elegance of a 1900s villa, is a true testament to our tagline: "Building the future, restoring the past." The house beautifully marries historical charm with cutting-edge technology, making it the largest smart home in New Zealand.
Project Type
Home
Location
Kelburn
Year
2024
CASE STUDY
Unique Challenges and Solutions
Throughout the construction process, we encountered several unique challenges that required innovative solutions. One significant hurdle was excavating a large hole for an in-ground garage. Drawing on my background in building bridges and water tanks, I developed a self-supporting boxing system for the slab above the garage, ensuring both safety and structural integrity.
We worked closely with the client and a heritage architect to meticulously plan every aspect of the project. This collaboration extended to the fine details of both the exterior and interior, where we coordinated with various trades to ensure each room met the highest standards.
Seamless Integration of Modern Technology
The client envisioned a home that captured the aesthetic charm of a traditional villa while embracing modern conveniences. To achieve this, we partnered with an electrician to implement the most extensive smart home system in New Zealand. The 3.3-meter stud height in each room allowed for elegant plaster cornices and wainscoting, enhanced by LED channels integrated within dado rails, creating a sophisticated interplay of light and shadow.
Additionally, stained glass windows in the main stairwell added a touch of historical elegance, while the multi-angled V-groove ceiling in the Genkan, adorned with grand light fixtures, became a focal point of the home.
Client Satisfaction
Our clients were overjoyed with their new home, comparing the experience to living in a luxurious hotel. A particular highlight was the timber flooring, reclaimed from old army barracks at Shelly Bay, which held sentimental value for the client, whose father served in the army and spent time on those very floors.
The project has received admiration not only from the clients but also from other builders, who were impressed by the authentic charm and craftsmanship, with many assuming the house was a historical renovation rather than a new build. The attention to detail, especially the reclaimed timber flooring, is a testament to the dedication we bring to blending history with modern living.
