66 | BUILDING House of the Year Awards: Chris Burns Construction T T Sue Russell Cape Cod style home takes bronze Entered in the Carters New Home $1m - $1.5m category the house was buillt using Cashmere brick, with gables, deep eaves and porticos echoing those found in Cape Cod-style houses. This year, saw Hamilton-based Burns Construction receive recognition at the Waikato region House of the Year Awards, for ‘American Classic’ a substantial residence built in Flagstaff, one of the city’s suburbs. Entered in the Carters New Home $1m - $1.5m category the build received a bronze. Best described as very much giving a nod to the solidly built Cape Code style, the impressive statement home measures 374sqm, has four bedrooms, three bathrooms and two living areas. Something that’s rather special about this build is that the owner’s first home, built 30 years ago, was constructed by second generation Alex Burns, father of today’s director, Chris Burns. He remembers as a youngster going to building sites and enjoying seeing a home being built, using the tried and true old carpentry ways, common of that era. “I’m very proud to have taken over from Dad in 2017. He, in turn, took over this business in 1975 from his father W M Burns, so there’s really quite some history to celebrate and to carry,” says Chris. In fact Chris’s grandfather was involved in many iconic Waikato builds, including Hamilton’s historic Fairfield Bridge and construction of Karapiro Dam near Cambridge. Today, Burns Construction concentrates solely on residential work and extends activity over Hamilton and satellite areas. In all, Chris employs a team of 9 and is actively on the tools – just as he wants it to be. “I could be bigger but I don’t want to. As it is we have three teams and two office staff. I know I have been really lucky with many wonderful clients, as is the case with our House of the Year entry.” The clients desired a house with solid bones, a sense of grandeur and classic American charm. Constructed using Cashmere brick, with gables, deep eaves and porticos echoing those found in Cape Cod-style houses. Entry is through a beautifully crafted curved doorway, there’s plenty of traditional carpentry detailing to be seen in the mouldings and grooved, raked ceilings. Packed with plenty of display space for the owners collections, every part of the homes design speaks of delivering a very comfortable family home, where family and friends can enjoy the spaces both inside and out. Asked what stands out for him, Chris says, of many features it is the bespoke ceiling in the lounge, shaped like the inside of a pyramid, that really sets the scene. Chris says he will be interested to read the judging panels comments on the build, one he says went smoothly, with no supply issues from the get-go. While he says he has extremely competent people supervising on site, its still his favourite part of work, visiting and seeing progress on the builds as they unfold. “In all we’ve built 120 houses in our time. I enjoy all aspects of the build process, engaging with clients, seeing the home built from scratch to become something that will bring so much pleasure to a family, is the best feeling in the world.” The plan, come the middle of next year is to look for a new apprentice to join the team. Chris knows its important that apprentices in training feel they are developing and being given more responsibility. “So you always need to be bringing in a new apprentice as everyone steps up above.” MIKE STENT DECORATORS LTD For all your new home or new commercial painting and decorating needs contact the team at Mike Stent Decorators. Mike Stent REGISTERED MASTER PAINTER 027 290 4484 Matt Stent MANAGER 022 106 6166
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