Business Central December 2021

| 93 National recognition for ‘Modern Whare’ T Karen Phelps The home that won the gold award in 2021 showcases Totara Construction’s impeccable attention to detail. BUILDING House of the Year 2021: Totara Construction B ay of Plenty based Totara Construc- tion is proud to have worked on some of the region’s most distinctive new homes garnering national recognition for its achievements. The company took out the national award for the new home $1 million - $1.5 million cat- egory at the 2020 Registered Master Builders House of the Year competition for a home described as a ‘modern whare’. It followed this up in 2021 with a gold award for the Bay of Plenty/Central Plateau region in the same category. The design of the distinctive modern whare 194sqm three-bedroom home resulted in a house that connects people to people, and people to place while honoring the heritage of its Bay of Plenty surroundings and putting into practice sustainable initiatives. For example the black stone island in the kitchen reflects the owner’s connection to Tuhua/May- or Island, where the stone obsidian is found. Rangarua weave is repeated in the tiled splashback, and can also be discovered in the downstairs powder room and laundry. Outside a unique cedar batten façade not only reflects the top of a pā but also the technical expertise of Totara Construction. Green ini- tiatives include use of recycled insulation and locally grown renewable timber, as well as passive solar heating and natural ventilation. The home that won the gold award in 2021 once again showcases Totara Construction’s impeccable attention to detail and ability to deliver challenging builds. Perched on the side of a hill, significant earthworks and retaining was required before the build commenced. Timber features, olive-green kitchen and bathroom cabinets, and brick, inside and out, give the 240sqm house the unmistakable vibe of the mid-century era. Windows and skylights abound and an entrance with a wide light-filled hallway runs almost the length of the three-bedroom home, also serving as a gallery. Beams form the skeleton of the home and float to the outside through the soffits. Matt Saathof, who started Totara Construc- tion in 2016, thinks the awards are evidence of both the youthful energy of the team, that has an ability to think outside the square, cou- pled with experience. Although young, Matt has been in the building industry for over 14 years. He has a Double Diploma in Construc- tion Management and Quantity Surveying and completed his apprenticeship with a well re- nowned building company in the Hawkes Bay seeing him awarded apprentice of the year in his region and second in the nationals. He quickly excelled becoming a foreman and then a site manager, building multi million-dollar homes and commercial developments. He then spent two years abroad, in Papa New Guinea and Fiji building a Missionary complex and the International Fijian Airport upgrade where he developed his project and team management skills. In starting Totara Construction his aim was to create an awesome company culture, some- where people would love to work and where everyone – staff, subcontractors and clients - could benefit and thrive. Forming great relationships on every job is a key focus with communication playing a big part in achieving this. “We take a genuine interest in our client’s in- dividuality and work with them to successfully integrate this into each project. This ensures our end product is a true reflection of their vision and brief,” explains Matt. Matt and his wife, Grace, who runs her own interior design company Grace Saathof Inte- riors, work together to help clients to achieve their dream home. Clients can either come with their own designs or Totara Construction can assist from start to finish. Totara Construction is a small, bespoke company, completing just two homes per year. Matt says this enables Totara Construc- tion to take on the challenging projects he and his team love and to deliver the utmost levels of quality customers’ desire. “We take a genuine interest in our client’s individuality and work with them to successfully integrate this into each project.” Need an experienced electrician at an AFFORDABLE PRICE? We provide a complete range of electrical services from New Builds and Renovation Re-Wiring to Commercial Electrical Work Tauranga-wide, call us today! 0274 727 023 www.jonoselectrical.co.nz admin@jonoselectrical.co.nz Serving the whole Bay Area EXPERIENCED • FRIENDLY • RELIABLE • AFFORDABLE RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL ELECTRICAL SERVICES Call for an Obligation Free Quote | Quality Workmanship. Guaranteed! APC is proud to work with the winning team at Totara Construction M 0274 990 333 • Freephone: 0800 NEW LANDSCAPE (0800 639 526) PO Box 9189, Greerton, Tauranga 3142 E hamish@apclandscape.co.nz W apclandscape.co.nz