86 | Townhouse projects on the rise Powered by solar and packed with the latest technologies, the Ara Hills showhome epitomises modern living . Sentinel Homes Auckland North/West T T Sue Russell BUILDING Maree Van de Water leads the team at Sentinel Homes Auckland N/W. The company builds homes across a footprint extending west of Block House Bay Road and everything north to Warkworth. In all, 15 people work with Maree, across designers &sales, quantity surveyors, project managers and support staff. The business engages teams of building contractors who, Maree knows, understand the values and standards of her company.Sentinel Homes. “North for us is currently busier than West at the moment with us being very involved with town-house developments – where we knock down or remove one dwelling, and replacing it with anywhere up to seven town-houses,” says Maree. The business also undertakes Government housing contracts, along with stand-alone design/build and house and land packages, so there’s a whole mixed-bag of projects on the go at any one time. Maree recalls what a massive game-changer COVID was, affecting the industry hugely. “It was a case of huge feast and famine opportunities and challenges. We couldn’t get enough people to build the houses once lockdowns were over. Today, with interest rates impacting borrower capability we find ourselves operating in a highly emotional, highly sensitive business,” says Maree. Sentinel Homes has just opened its new Show Home at 12 Kotuitui Drive, Ara Hills, Orewa. It is overflowing with features to wet the imagination of would-be clients, families wanting to see unique features and gain inspiration. For Maree and the team the display home, which also acts as the company’s sales base, tastefully reflects the standard of workmanship that goes into every build the company undertakes. “We have all the features priced out for visitors to consider in relation to their own budget and it gives a wonderful sense of how flexible our design elements are.” On the ground floor of the 199m2 two-level home is a double garage, laundry, three two bedrooms, family bathroom and extensive media room which opens to the homes outdoor area. An open plan welcomes viewers to the level above, home to a spacious kitchen, living and dining space with guest WC and the master bed and ensuite. “The show-home has a fantastic outdoor kitchen and covered patio on the first floor, creating a sense of so much space upstairs where family and friends can entertain and “We have plenty of construction work ahead in the multi-unit space which is very positive. “ enjoy in indoor/outdoor flow. Powered by solar, the home show-cases smart technologies. We wanted this to be a thoroughly modern but very liveable, engaging home and we’re very proud of it.” Looking ahead Maree says she is looking forward to capturing more retail market share in what has been quite a volatile current period for group housing businesses. “We have plenty of construction work ahead in the multi-unit space which is very positive. I understand the cyclical nature of building, particular the factors that impact the residential sector and we know we have the systems and the right people to see the current challenges through.” This year, Sentinel Homes Auckland N/W received two awards through the Master Builders House of the Year Awards in the multi unit space. Regional bronze gongs were awarded to two outstanding projects. At Te Atatū Peninsular a stand-alone two storey 72m2 home, shows just what is possible on a challenging site to give a sense of space and ease of living. In the volume group housing up to $500,000 category the home offers an inspiring floor plan where every square metre has been thoughtfully considered. Then in Browns Bay, a 9 terrace housing cluster at Eastwood Rise displays in style just what is possible to achieve on one site. Where the two blocks meet a communal garden area, complete with pōhutukawa and other natives offers residents a relaxing space outside. The collection of two and three bedroom homes each have two bathrooms. The units have been designed to Homestar 6 standard. For Maree and the team at Sentinel Homes Auckland N/W, while recognising the challenges that currently exist, have there’s an optimism looking forward to what 2024 has to offer. “We offer a quality brand that stands the test of time.and understand. We listen to what home owners want and we work honestly with them to achieve their goals.” Congratulations Sentinel Homes - Auckland North/West on your 2023 Master Builder Awards! No matter what your scaffolding needs we’ve got you covered, making sure your project runs on time and on budget with a friendly efficient service 021 867 223 enquiries@supercityscaffolding.co.nz www.supercityscaffolding.co.nz
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