| 77 T T Karen Phelps Cafe reno goes all the way Finishes included painted Gib, vinyl graphics wallpaper, stone schist elements, ACM and Acupanel timber panelling, all selected to create a contemporary atmosphere. New Construction Taupō BUILDING Word of mouth has been a strong source of business for New Construction Taupō, and one of its latest projects, the renovation of Kinloch cafe and bar, is a case in point. The project, which began in late 2024 and wrapped up in early 2025, was awarded to the company after the property manager of the site approached New Construction Taupō on the strength of its work renovating the Robert Harris café in central Taupō. “The Kinloch cafe and bar was a full refurbishment from top to bottom,” explains Matthew Newell, director of New Construction Taupō. “We reframed most of the building and reclad three of the four sides using a mix of Dimond Rib 50 metal cladding, Hard as Rocks West Coast schist and JH Axon panel.” He says the project presented a traditional set of challenges often found in older commercial buildings. Bringing the structure up to code required strengthening work and the replacement of areas of rot within the framing. Inside, the layout was completely redesigned to form a new kitchen, dining area and toilet facilities. Finishes included painted Gib, vinyl graphics wallpaper, stone schist elements, ACM and Acupanel timber panelling, all selected to create a contemporary atmosphere. The design was handled by Tauranga-based Complete Architecture. “They were awesome to deal with,” says Matthew. “The client made many upgrades to capture the look they wanted, and the whole process was seamless.” A significant outdoor upgrade also formed part of the refurbishment. Rather than using traditional timber piles and concrete footings, the team opted for a Nuraspike and Nurajack system, which offered a more economical and time-efficient solution, particularly valuable given the well-known delays and costs associated with small concrete pours in the region. The new deck was finished with thermally modified bamboo, an area in which the company has become a local specialist. “It’s very easy to install, extremely hard and durable, and gives an awesome look,” says Matthew. “The decking product used was Plantation Bamboo X-treme, which comes with a 25-year warranty and is considered one of the most sustainable options available, with bamboo taking only around five years to re-grow.” Because the refurbishment was commissioned by the landlord ahead of leasing, the project required thoughtful forward planning. This included the placement of services and the likely preferences of incoming tenants for kitchen, bar and access layouts. “It was a seamless project with no delays or issues,” says Matthew. “It shows how we efficiently plan and deliver projects to meet the deadlines of our clients.” While the Kinloch café and bar has been a highlight, the company continues to work across commercial and residential sectors, including office fit-outs, motel refurbishments and a new show home in Nga Roto Estate, Wharewaka, due for completion in 2026. It is also preparing detailed listings of available spec homes and, for those wanting to build a new home, offers a series of 15 plans that people can modify or undertake a complete design and build. New Construction Taupō, founded in 2021 by Laurie and Matthew Newell, has grown to a seven-person team known for its attention to detail, ongoing upskilling and strong relationships with local contractors. “We look at the bigger picture,” says Matthew. If something doesn’t look right or could be done better, we will always speak up.” With more than a decade of building experience and a strong focus on detailed design and quality, the firm has quickly become a trusted name in Taupō’s commercial and residential construction scene. “With transparent pricing and a highly trained team, our clients can be at ease knowing they have chosen the right builder to partner with in their construction journey.” Specialising in both Commercial and Residential projects completearchitecture.co.nz Cam Cotton +64 2147 4046 cam@completearchitecture.co.nz COMPLETE ARCHITECTURE EMAIL hq@hqelectrical.co.nz PHONE 07 378 8411 MOBILE 021 861 931 PROUDLY SUPPORTING FENCING POLE SHEDS LANDSCAPING ROUNDWOOD TIMBER BUILDING SUPPLIES HARDWARE
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