94 | BUILDING Albon Building Commercial • Residential • Maintenance 0800 NO FLOW www.flowmasters.co.nz office@flowmasters.co.nz Proud to support Albon Building As industry leaders in New Plymouth, there is no-one else that can provide the quality materials and service at our price. Whether it’s a floor, driveway, path, a patio, deck, fence or a feed pad we’re the guys to call if you want the job done properly. We are the concreting contractors for you in the following areas. Concrete and construction, Decorative driveways, Paths and patios, Floors, Feed pads, Silage pits and races, Decks and fences Contact us on: Dale 0275 401 435 or Adrienne 0275 466 566 www.aplusdriveways.co.nz T T Karen Phelps High-end construction done well One standout involved a 1980s’ architectural home spread across five different levels. When Gary Albon started Albon Building Taranaki in New Plymouth back in 2005, it was just him and one other builder. Two decades on, the company has carved out a reputation as one of the region’s go-to firms for technically challenging, high-end residential construction. Gary brings nearly 30 years of building experience to every project, and says the early years were about proving what the company was capable of. “We did a couple of tough renovation projects for one particular architect, and that led to confidence, and he said if we could do that, we could do anything,” he says. “Then we started doing everything from high-end new builds to villa renovations to large shed builds.” Those foundations, built through hard-won relationships with designers and architects, have shaped Albon Building’s identity. The company typically focuses on one substantial project at a time, often spanning 12 months or more. It’s a deliberate approach that allows it to maintain the quality clients expect. Albon Building is a member of New Zealand Certified Builders and takes on mostly new builds, though it also undertakes renovation work. Past projects offer a picture of the firm’s capabilities. One standout involved a 1980s’ architectural home spread across five different levels. “We stripped it back, extended it four different ways and fully reclad, reroofed, re-gibbed, rewired and re-plumbed. That was a large project but very satisfying,” says Gary. Another challenging build sat on the side of a bank, requiring deep pole foundations, the largest poles reaching six metres, with a two-storey home rising from what Gary describes as difficult ground conditions. The team is just finishing a significant leaky home remediation, a classic 1990s’ leaky home that evolved well beyond the original scope. Using the existing foundations and extending outwards, Albon Building constructed an entirely new home of approximately 300sqm over two levels, with three bedrooms, a games room, and sweeping views over the Port of Taranaki. Next on the schedule is a large, single-level rural home for clients retiring off a farm, a technically demanding build characterised by complex angles. Another company highlight was the Watson Street project, a multi-million-dollar spec build, and it is currently planning another high-quality spec build set to launch to the market in 2027, but at a more modest price point. Based on a previous build, the single-level family home in New Plymouth features four bedrooms and two living areas. Gary says that what sets Albon Building apart is a willingness to take on what others won’t, and building respectful and honest relationships with clients. “We thrive on the technical, custom, more challenging projects,” he says. “We have the ability to think outside the square and build unique custom homes. That said, we also take on smaller projects, particularly for returning clients. It’s a reflection of the relationships we have built up over the years.” Passing on skills to the next generation is equally important to the business. Albon Building carries one or two apprentices at any given time, and the results speak for themselves. Earlier this year, apprentice Ryan Jury entered the New Zealand Certified Builders Apprentice Challenge and won the Taranaki region event. The competition tests carpentry, leadership, client relationship, and community engagement skills. “It was a great achievement and testament to him and the training he has absorbed here. He showed the skills and handled the pressure very well. We are very proud of him.”
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