| 101 ‘Special’ build a company showpiece Located at 17 Taruna Place, Havelock North, this recently completed home has been a passion project for company owner Rob Liddle, who was both the builder and the client for this build. Hawke’s Bay-based builder Havelock North Construction has completed a striking new architectural home that showcases the company’s capability in delivering bespoke, high-spec projects, and highlights the growing demand for custom-built homes designed to work in harmony with both their site and their clients’ lifestyle. Located at 17 Taruna Place, Havelock North, this recently completed home has been a passion project for company owner Rob Liddle, who was both the builder and the client for this build. Designed from scratch for the unique contours of the section – a flat site that rises steeply at the back – the house capitalises on its serene outlook, with lush greenery, rolling paddocks, and distant hills all part of the view. Rob says the home was always intended to be a showpiece for the company’s architectural capability, and it features many of the construction techniques and materials Havelock North Construction is known for. “We’ve had the land for a while, and we wanted to create a house that would really highlight what we do best,” he says. “We specialise in cedar cladding, and this house combines that with flat roofing, blockwork on the lower level, and lots of custom detailing throughout.” Building the home presented a range of technical challenges, starting with significant earthworks and engineering. “There was a lot of retaining and cutting into the bank before we could even think about building,” Rob says. “We actually redesigned the concept plans because the first iteration didn’t work. It took about two and a half years to get it absolutely right.” The home is oriented to maximise natural light, with a large rear patio capturing the morning sun and a top-floor kwila deck with skylights, which takes in afternoon sun throughout the winter. Inside, a calm and neutral palette complements engineered timber flooring, and a stunning designer kitchen with oversized scullery, while a simple but considered landscape with lush plantings softens the bold architectural lines of the house. “This project really reinforced the value of having a clear vision and a great working relationship with my subcontractors,” Rob says. “So many people don’t realise the build is just one part of the process. There’s engineering, council consents, site preparation, and a lot of decision-making. When you have a builder who can walk you through that with experience, good systems, and top-tier communication, it makes all the difference.” T T Kelly Deeks He says a builder’s reputation, especially in a smaller centre like Hawke’s Bay, is everything. “Word-of-mouth is the best way to find someone who is going to take care and do a beautiful job. You need to click with your builder, because you’ll be working closely together for a long time.” Having built in the region since 2001, Rob knows the realities of the sector. “A house is hand-made,” he says. “It’s not just about materials, it’s about skilled people putting care and precision into every detail. Our builders and subcontractors are proud of their work, and you can see that in this home.” BUILDING Havelock North Construction Rob says the build was a smooth and enjoyable one, thanks to clear planning and the experience of the team. “We were able to make decisions on the fly, and the crew really loved working on it – it was just one of those special builds.”
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