108 | BUILDING Colab Building T T Sue Russell Carrying very much the attitude that nothing is a problem for his clients is something Paul says marks his standard and separates him from many builders. Five years ago Paul Gemmell felt it was the perfect time to establish his own building company, focussing on the Hawke’s Bay high-end residential market. These builds, he says, are large time commitment projects, often extending well over a year or more. “We’ve had the privilege of working on some wonderful sites with exceptional designs, where the detailing is second-to-none, the materials are wonderful to build with and the architects are top of their game.” Carrying very much the attitude that nothing is a problem for his clients is something Paul says marks his standard and separates him from many builders. “If the client wants something we make sure it happens. I’m fortunate with the quality of architect I work with. There’s a professional respect that carries each way and strong communication with clients underpins the success of every build.” Asked what prompted him to step out on his own Paul acknowledges he always wanted to steer his own ship and reep the rewards of his effort. “I learnt top carpentry skills when I was an apprentice and in my formative years building, so it was always an aspiration of mine to go on my own. I got off to a great start when my cousin asked me to build her home; they put a lot of faith in me and I’m very proud of that job.” These days, a team of four work alongside Paul and he’s keen, when opportunity presents, to grow that number, in the not-too-distant future. Currently the team are all qualified and the intention is to take on two more apprentices. And this year has been something of a bumper with recognition within the industry at the highest levels, when Colab Building received five top awards, including regional Supreme Winner in the Central North Island Master Builders House of the Year Awards, for a Haumoana Home, called ‘Glow and Flow’. The 350sqm, three bedroom, three bathroom home with two living spaces wowed the judges with how seamlessly indoor and outdoor living blended, with its choice of materials and especially with the striking attention to detailing lavished on it during construction. “We were delighted to take the Supreme Award and a National 100 award, given the calibre of entries from this region put up for judging.” Judges said the home was constructed by builders at the very top of their game. With cedar and stone cladding that combine to settle the home in its semi-rural setting, no effort was spared to deliver flawless craftsmanship. Timber walls and ceilings, along with extensive glazing bring light and warmth inside and provide sweeping views of the surrounding landscape. Some wonderful sites & exceptional designs Outside spaces were given as much attention as those inside, including an outdoor room complete with louvred roof, fireplace and wide rural views. Along with the Supreme and Top 100 awards, ‘Glow and Flow’ also received the Supreme House over $1million, the Outdoor Living Excellent Awards, the Resene New Home category award and a Gold Award. “We were thrilled to have been given the opportunity to build this beautiful home, designed by Mason & Wales Architects of Dunedin. The standard of their plans we worked from was exceptional.” Paul says he can’t wait for the national HOTY finals in Auckland on 21 November where the home will be pitted against other regional supreme winners. “The client and I will be there and it will be great to see the diverse array of entries representing their regions. It’s just a great thing to have been selected and something I’m very proud of for everyone who was involved.” We think outside the box to deliver you the best. Residential | Commercial | Industrial Ph: 0508 22 88 99 | advancedplumbing.co.nz Plumbing Drainage Gas Our team is focused and passionate about innovation, expert technical advice and consistently high quality workmanship across plumbing, drainage, gas and heating. We partner with our clients to ensure the best possible solution for every project. Proud to partner with Colab Building Proud to support Colab Building “I learnt top carpentry skills when I was an apprentice and in my formative years building, so it was always an aspiration of mine to go on my own.”
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