| 129 BUILDING Tunnicliffe Builders Ltd Tunnicliffe clinch multiple accolades The award-winning project, known as the ‘tree house’. Photo: Olivia Ikinofo. Tunnicliffe Builders has recently cemented its reputation for excellence by clinching multiple accolades at the 2024 House of the Year Awards. The firm’s innovative off-grid home project in the Wairarapa wilderness garnered a Regional Category Award, Gold Award, two Regional Lifestyle Awards (Environmental & Sustainable Excellence and Smart Home) and made it into the national Top 100, showcasing the company’s exceptional craftsmanship and commitment to pushing boundaries in residential construction. The award-winning project, known as the ‘tree house’, is a testament to Tunnicliffe Builders’ ability to transform challenging ideas into reality. Located 10km from the nearest tarseal road, power source and sewerage system, the 109sqm two-bedroom retreat presented unique obstacles that the team overcame with ingenuity and determination. “This project shows people there are alternative ways of building,” says Greg Tunnicliffe. “It’s also positive recognition for the hard work of the team on a project that’s really outside the box,” adds son and project manager Blair. The house’s distinctive features include a wedge shape, cantilevered front deck supported by branched supports and a metal cladding that harmonises with its rugged surroundings. Inside open-tread rimu stairs by Tunnicliffe Builders and a custom-made halo pendant crafted by the owner add to the home’s unique character. What sets this project apart is its complete self-sufficiency. Solar panels and a battery system power the house, while hydraulic ram pumps deliver water from a nearby stream. The septic siphon system also operates without electricity. Despite its remote location, the house incorporates state-of-the-art technology. The owner can remotely control temperature, T T Karen Phelps unlock doors, and monitor various aspects of the house, bringing modern convenience to this wilderness retreat. The construction process was far from straightforward. “It has all the challenges possible,” says Greg. “The site was only accessible by 4WD vehicles when weather and stream conditions allowed. Materials like ready-mix concrete in 500kg containers were flown in by helicopter and released via a chute into the foundation holes.“This was the trickiest project the company had ever undertaken,” agrees Blair. “There was no cell phone signal or coverage so everything had to be pre-organised. It was a good challenge though and showed with a positive mind-set and a can-do attitude anything is possible,” says Blair.The success of this project highlights the strengths of Tunnicliffe Builders as a family-owned and operated business. Greg and Blair, representing the second and third generations of builders in their family, bring decades of combined experience to each project. Their hands-on approach, with both father and son working on-site, allows for unparalleled quality control and personalised service. Greg’s wife Sophia is the company’s business and accounts manager doing the work behind the scenes. Founded in 2008, Tunnicliffe Builders has built a reputation for versatility, tackling everything from new home constructions and renovations to smaller projects like fences, decks, and gazebos throughout the Wairarapa region. Its status as Registered Master Builders allows it to offer the Master Build 10 Year Guarantee, providing clients with additional peace of mind.The company’s success at the House of the Year Awards not only recognizes its technical skills but also its ability to bring ambitious visions to life. “If you can dream it up, we can build it,” says Blair, encapsulating the company’s can-do spirit.“If anyone is looking for a home built in the middle of nowhere,” says Greg tongue in cheek, “give us a call.” www.hol l ingsfirst.co.nz 06 377 3676 scott@hollingsfirst.co.nz Hollings First Aluminium are proud to support Tunnicliffe Builders Ltd WINDOWS AND DOORS GARAGE DOORS Architectural Design | Structural Engineering | Building Consent Documentation | Contact: www.icel.co.nz
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