110 | Design Builders NZ BUILDING Unique design for every client The home presents a modernist design aesthetic, and among its many striking design elements are polished floors and timber feature walls. T T Sue Russell Built by Design Builders HB Ltd, a show home called ‘Modern Times’ in Havelock North packs a lot of clever design into its 204sqm footprint, which often comes as a pleasant surprise for those seeking inspiration and desiring quality in a new home. “Given its location and smaller section, viewers are surprised at just how spacious the home feels,” says Tara Todd, who operates Design Builders HB Ltd in partnership with Trent Bartle. “We built this lovely home during the Covid era, and people comment about how well thought out its design is, with the master bedroom separated from the other two bedrooms and great indoor/outdoor flow.” The home presents a modernist design aesthetic, and among its many striking design elements are polished floors and timber feature walls. The kitchen with adjoining scullery takes centre stage at the end of the expansive dining and living room, which has large decks off the side and opposite end to the lounge, and large doors opening on to the decks creating a feeling of space. While Trent oversees the actual build processes, Tara takes care of fronting the business and overseeing the design phases. She says their approach to design is that it’s always client driven. “Because we carry our own architectural service in-house and the efficiencies and values that creates, we’re providing clients who may not necessarily be drawn to using an architect with the best of both worlds. We understand great design and we build what we design, using our fantastic contract builders who know our standards and our reputation.” Being part of a wider group of builders carrying similar philosophies also brings the benefit of access to exceptional buying power, Tara says. Every project is a unique design, tastefully created to work for each client’s site, financial and lifestyle circumstances. “We also tend to work on sites that are more unique, which is the starting point for some inspirational design and interior-design thinking. I sit down, and we spend as much time as we need to get a good picture of what the client wants from their new home, what their lifestyle is. It’s always an exciting time when the various elements start to come together into a cohesive plan. “We also find that there’s been a shift in what people are seeking in their lifestyle. Often, they’re looking for a slower pace, particularly if they’ve moved here from large urban centres.” Tara says one of the key elements to the company’s success has been the ability to interpret what design works well for the land it sits on. “It’s important for us to deliver when we say we can build anything. Each design is bespoke and perfectly suited to its situation, budget and the specific life-style priorities of the owner.” Tara acknowledges that the residential build sector has had its challenges, particularly post-Covid. However, she says there’s certainly a more stable feel now, and a positive sense to what 2025 will bring. “The falling interest rates have certainly helped ease the market. When Hawke’s Bay experienced the cyclone and all that this brought, it really put this region a good year behind others in terms of interest in building new homes.” Tara describes the Hawke’s Bay region as one full of positivity, particularly since the cyclone, and in the case of Design Builders HB Ltd, a new show home is also planned to be built this year. The home will be built in the Mission Hill sub-division in Napier, a significant new residential development that extends over nearly 900 sections. “We’re certainly looking forward to this new show home getting underway. We have amazing suppliers and it will showcase the quality of our design-and-build capability.” Proudly supporting Design Builders (NZ) Ltd Audio visual specialists Residential Security EMS LTD, YOUR ONE-STOP SHOP FOR Proud to be associated with Design Builders NZ Ltd FlowKing™ products · Commercial & Domestic Wastewater treatment design & installation · Drainage · Water treatment & filtration · Pumps & water tanks · Council compliance & consultation Contact EMS Ltd to discuss your options: Phone: 06 879 8022 admin@emsnz.co.nz www.emsnz.co.nz Tara Todd and Trent Bartle operate Design Builders HB in partnership.
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