18 | Elaman T T Sue Russell Delivering homes and spurring change Zion Apartments in Birkenhead, designed by highly regarded architect David Strachan from SGA Architects in Auckland, is 15, singlebedroom social housing apartments, built for landlord Kainga Ora. “I think from a young age I was always interested in the transformative capacity good housing delivers for people in those entry-level and social areas.” REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT Driving Ido Drent’s energy in the property development space, and more specifically, the social housing/entry-level sector, is a burning desire to create really meaningful spaces for people to live in. “I think from a young age I was always interested in the transformative capacity good housing delivers for people in those entry-level and social areas,” says Ido. “I started Elaman in 2019 with these ideals in mind. It was just me back then.” And by focusing his energy, time and skills in delivering social housing projects in partnership with agencies such as Kainga Ora (KO), Ido knows he’s spurring real change for those sectors of society that are often vulnerable. Beyond delivering housing for KO to purchase, Elaman has also moved into the first-home buyers’ market, an activity Ido says brings real rewards. “It’s become so difficult for people to enter the property ladder, and we feel we can do the greatest good by using the skills and experiences we’ve gathered to provide for this cohort.” To do this, meant becoming a vertically integrated business, building all their own product through the development arm, apart from the team of 12 that today make up the business. “On-site we have another 20 or so people doing the building work, mainly apartment and unit-size dwellings. I was given the advice early on that to be successful as a developer you have to control the construction space.” Ido has also surrounded himself with consultant experts in their field; people that have been in the property-development sector successfully for a long time. This, he says, has been integral in Elaman’s progress and success as a business. And proof that he’s certainly making inroads in the market and being recognised for the quality of the company’s developments has been affirmed at this year’s Property Council Property Industry Awards, where Elaman’s Zion Apartment precinct was shortlisted as one of 12 finalists in their category. “We received a merit award in the Kainga Ora Homes & Communities ‘Community Affordable Housing Project’ award. “It was wonderful to be chosen as a finalist, to have our work recognised and be part of the awards process,” says Ido. Zion Apartments in Birkenhead, designed by highly regarded architect David Strachan from SGA Architects in Auckland, is 15, single-bedroom social housing apartments, built for landlord Kainga Ora. Ido says considerable care and thought was undertaken by the design team to ensure street appeal, privacy, and a sense of inclusiveness for its residents. “It’s built on a very small site and the units straddle two blocks. The site also had a lot of slope to it. My site manager, Troy Herewini, did an exceptional job through the build and we ended up 10% under budget.” Ido says every unit has something going for it, with beautiful north-facing 180° views across the Hauraki Gulf. The history of the project actually stems back 10 years or so, when a friend of Ido bought the site as an investment. “Four years ago, he approached me to see if we were interested in buying the site to develop. “It’s really close to the public transport centre with lots of amenities, and I could see it would work really well for apartment-type living, so we did a deal with Kainga Ora.” Historically, Ido says, it has been challenging to find suitable locations on the North Shore in which to build social housing projects, so when the opportunity came up to buy the site, he didn’t hesitate. For Ido and the team at Elaman, one of the greatest satisfactions comes from simply seeing a project they have delivered being lived in and enjoyed. “And of one thing Ido is certain – without the enduring support of the team around him, who have given him the confidence to take on the projects he does, there wouldn’t be an Elaman. “You know, I drove past one of our earlier projects the other day and I saw this little kid riding their trike in the back yard. “That kind of says it all for me about why we do what we do.” Comprehensive sca old design, erection and dismantling for commercial and residential clients across Auckland. With over 10 years experience in scaffolding, Senior offer one of Auckland’s leading specialist scaffold services. 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