70 | BUILDING House of the Year Awards: FV Design and Build T T Karen Phelps Supreme award ‘nice pat on the back’ The project featured several distinctive elements including heated, polished coloured-concrete floors with plywood and cedar walls. Despite winning numerous awards at the Master Builders House of the Year competition over the years, 2023 marked the first time Hamilton-based construction company FV Design and Build secured the prestigious Waikato regional supreme award. It’s a significant milestone for the company, which has been steadily building its reputation for top-notch construction, meticulous attention to detail and unwavering client dedication since its establishment in 2009. And a key factor in its success is offering a very personal service, says owner Francis Van Den Einden, a trade qualified, licensed building practitioner, a member of the Registered Master Builders Association and has over 20 years’ experience. “Clients only deal with me throughout the entire project, eliminating the need for multiple intermediaries. This not only streamlines the process but also ensures a higher quality product since I’m there to maintain control at all times,” he says. FV Design and Build is a small, niche building firm specialising in mid to high-end residential homes, encompassing new builds and renovations. The highly personalised approach is just one aspect of the business philosophy. FV Design and Build distinguishes itself further by offering a comprehensive range of services. It is a one-stop shop, handling everything in a build including foundations, decks, cladding, wall linings, pools and landscaping. Importantly the company doesn’t outsource this work; it is all completed in-house further ensuring quality control at every step of the project and making life easy for clients. In addition FV Design and Build collaborates with an in-house interior designer, ensuring a seamless fusion of aesthetics and functionality. However, what truly sets FV Design and Build apart is that it only works on a limited number of projects and has a focus on working with discerning clients in a collaborative manner. Francis says commitment to transparency is also unwavering, ensuring that clients are well informed about how their money is being utilised, a rare and much-appreciated feature in the construction industry. Over the years, FV Design and Build has garnered around 15 House of the Year awards, reflecting its consistent commitment to and achievement of quality. “We’re always aiming for top quality. Entering the awards and winning is validation for the team and shows we are on par with our peers, consistently achieving great workmanship,” says Francis. Winning the regional supreme award was no small feat. This particular project overlooking Raglan Harbour presented unique challenges, as it unfolded during the COVID-19 pandemic. Faced with product shortages, lockdowns, travel restrictions and communication obstacles due to a client based in Auckland, the team at FV Design and Build had to ensure that the project remained on track despite these hurdles. Francis says this showcases the ability to adapt and persevere demonstrated true dedication to excellence. The award-winning project was to replace an original and faded family bach on the site and comprises 173sqm, constructed over three levels, with engineered block foundations, including three-bedrooms, two-bathrooms and two-living rooms. It featured several distinctive elements including heated, polished coloured-concrete floors with plywood and cedar walls, feature halo light, a solid plaster fireplace over aerated stone and an exterior shower. Notably, a hidden door integrated into a cedar wall in the main living room leading down the hallway to the bedrooms, captured the attention of the judges. The precision of the company’s craftsmanship was evident in the negative detailing and flush finishing on the cedar work, architraves and skirting. Multiple ceiling heights, three steps in the foundation, and the challenge of building under pohutukawa trees all added layers of complexity to the project. Despite these obstacles, the team excelled in craftsmanship, earning high praise from the judges. The project took home the Altus Window Systems New Home $750,000 - $1 million award for the Waikato region along with Regional Supreme House of the Year, Category Winner, Outdoor Living and Gold awards. The home also made it into the Top 100. The success of FV Design and Build is not a one-man show, says Francis. The team, comprising five staff members, including three apprentices, plays a crucial role in achievements, he says. “It’s certainly a really nice pat on the back for our team to win. There are so many great builders out there so winning awards is pretty special as we are being measured against the best.” The commitment to training and bringing new talent into the industry is a testament to Francis’ dedication to the building profession. “I came from a small town and had always wanted to be a builder since I was four years old. If my old boss hadn’t trained me, I wouldn’t have the ability to do what I’m doing now, so it’s important to give back to the industry,” says Francis. 022 697 8915 | office@ppdecorating.co.nz P O Box 15384 | Hamilton 0276 877 663 info@otsroofing.nz www.otsroofing.nz Roofing Wall Cladding Spouting
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=