88 | Gemini Pepper Construction T T Kim Newth UFC star part of project Brendon Lawrence with Oluwafemi and Israel Adesanya at Adesanya Close. BUILDING Building a village of seven architectural townhouses for Israel “Stylebender” Adesanya and his family has been a rewarding experience for Whanganui’s Gemini Pepper Construction. Gemini Pepper owner Brendon Lawrence first met Oluwafemi Adesanya, Israel’s father, some two years ago and was thrilled when the opportunity subsequently came up to work with him on the distinctive townhouse development in Palmerston North. The Adesanya family moved from Nigeria to New Zealand during Israel’s childhood. In Whanganui, Israel picked up a love for Muay Thai under Derek Broughton. At the age of 21, he moved to Auckland and began training in mixed martial arts under Eugene Bareman at City Kickboxing. Israel rapidly rose from obscurity to become a world champion and an international UFC star. Rather than letting the fruits of success slip away, Israel and his family have wisely turned to property development to ensure there will be long term security for Israel after UFC. The seven townhouses in Palmerston North are a build to rent development. Called Adesanya Close, they are the latest addition to the family’s growing property portfolio. Designed by Auckland’s Houston Architects, the project was recently shortlisted for a local NZ Institute of Architects (NZIA) award. The two-storey, three-bedroom units have a strong visual identity, featuring stylish Cemintel cladding and alternating black brick and white brick, with front doors also individually coloured. A floating box element adds drama to the design. “We have entered this multi-unit project in the Master Builders House of the Year awards too, so we’re hoping it will win something – we’re keeping our fingers crossed,” says Brendon. “It has been a really nice project for us and the work our boys have done there is impressive.” Brendon says Israel’s father was heavily involved from the outset, bringing good experience to the project that helped facilitate productive working relationships throughout the design and build. “Right through, Femi would regularly check in. Occasionally, Israel would come on site too. The whole family is lovely. They put on a phenomenal dinner to show their appreciation for what everyone had done. They’re not the type of people to do a project and walk away without saying thank you. They went above and beyond; we took our subtrades too and they loved it.” At last year’s housewarming event, Israel personally thanked his father for his vision, his mother for her support and the whole project team for their contribution: “You’re all part of our extended family now for being part of this project and putting your heart and soul into it – thank you so much.” Brendon is himself a champion heavyweight boxer in the masters’ division, who started following Israel’s stellar UFC career long before this project came along. “I’ve been able to watch two of his fights in Australia – the first time was before I met his father. It has been great to meet him in person. He’s so polite and down to earth, just like his parents.” With this project now finished, the Gemini Pepper Construction team is preparing to work with the family again, this time building a spectacular new home for Israel’s parents, high on a hill in Whanganui. Houston Architects has again been chosen as the designer. There are also plans to build another home on a section below. Brendon says construction will get underway this winter once excavation and retaining works are completed. Gemini Pepper Construction is a highly reputable building company in Whanganui, specialising in high end architecture and servicing an area from Ohakune and Hāwera to Bulls and Palmerston North. Key members of the Gemini Pepper team today include project manager and estimator Shayne Perry, site foremen Michael O’Leary, Daniel Jensen and Preston Hooper, and three qualified builders, with Ngaire Penman managing office admin. Four apprentices round out the team. Plumbing, Gas Fitting & Drainage Services PROFESSIONAL PLUMBING&GAS 06 359 0252 www.professionalplumbing.co.nz Kerry Leong & Dave Schmidt 30yrs of being in business Proud to support Gemini Pepper Construction 1SPVE UP TVQQPSU BOE TVQQMZ (FNJOJ 1FQQFS $POTUSVDUJPO ,"-04 * XXX LBMPT DP O[ 5IF $VUUJOH 8BZ .JMTPO 1BMNFSTUPO /PSUI # .D,FO[JF 4USFFU -FWJO FOR ALL YOUR KITCHEN NEEDS 06 345 1840 www.kitchencontours.co.nz Proudly associated with Gemini Pepper Construction
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