| 87 T T Sue Russell When technology and design flair join forces The new showhome at Greenhill Park showcases clever design and the use of latest technologies. Cambridge Homes North Waikato BUILDING Riding the waves of frantic busy to steady in a matter of three years is something Jacqui Baigent, from Cambridge Homes North Waikato, has taken in her stride. She understands the cyclical nature of the residential building market as economic shifts occur. Along with husband Jared, the couple lead a team of nine , project managers, designers, builders and customer engagement staff, offering a complete residential build service offering, from first conversation to hand over of the keys. While it has definitely slowed down in the residential sales market, the business has created ways to add value by establishing relationships with organisations involved in delivering affordable housing and when Business North caught up with Jacqui in October, Cambridge Homes were busily engaged in developing 15 homes in Te Kauwhata just 25 minutes North of Hamilton. “I’ve discovered there has been a lot of positives from working with Kainga Ora that have been great for our business. It’s made us a better business from a process point of view and I’ve really enjoyed that,” Jacqui says. Being actively engaged within Master Builders as a member on its Executive committee has also brought benefits in networking and gaining a good understanding of the overall residential market direction and climate. Jacqui and the team are right behind the desire to see as many kiwis as possible living in great quality affordable homes. “We feel everyone should be able to enjoy warm, healthy, well-ventilated and constructed homes and its good to see Government and sector organisations alike focussing on this aspiration.” These are exciting times also for Cambridge Homes as it opens a new show home in Greenhill Park, a subdivision established by Chedworth Properties. “We’ve invested in a beautiful, smart home we’re proud of. It’s designed with a real nod to the 60’s and 70’s. Around Hamilton there is some lovely revival style work happening and this home showcases just what can be achieved with clever design thinking and the use of technologies available today.” Above all, Jacqui says, the inspiration for the home was to put a visionary direction on what housing can be into the future. A significant part of the house is voice-activated through Alexa, celebrating just what is possible when technology and design flair come together. “We did so much research about trends and styles overseas before settling on its design. This home is something we are very proud and excited about.” The four bedroom accessible home measures 234sqm and is set to enter next year’s Waikato Master Builders House of the Year Awards. Designed to make the best use of light and space the home floorplan and features have been extensively thought through. An example of this is in the storage built into the double garage, accessed through a separate laundry. “I love the look and feel of the open-plan kitchen, dining and lounge areas, created for easy flow and family living. The Montage kitchen is outstanding. I’m very proud of what we have achieved; its a lovely home.” Cambridge Homes North Waikato engages a core team of building contractors who each understand the quality and attention to detail the business expects of every build, regardless of budget. “We have 32 partners we work with in supply of materials and labour, fixed around four key building crews.” Covering a footprint which extends from Tamahere, just south of Hamilton right up to Meremere and across to the Coromandal, when Business North spoke with Jacqui the company had 54 House & Land packages available in the market. One thing the industry has taught Jacqui is patience, working with long relationships. Patience, she says, is important to understand and navigate the cyclical nature of the sector. Looking ahead Jacqui says they are in for a very busy 2024. She’s pleased the systems and processes now enshrined in every project they undertake are robust and productive in nature. “It means we’re in the best position now to seize opportunities to grow as these present. My philosophy is bound around continual improvement and growth.” PROUDLY SUPPORTING CAMBRIDGE HOMES New homes painting • Interior & Exterior repaint Water pressure washing • Fence and roof repaint Residential/renovation repaint • Commercial and Industrial coatings Spray painting • Textured finishes • Protective coatings 022 - 188 - 1120 | CONTACT@RRB.NZ | 2/23 BRISTOL PLACE, TE RAPA Before After 022 133 1365 | awbbuild@gmail.com www.leadingedgeelectrical.co.nz | 0800 453 234 Proud to regularly work with the team at Cambridge Homes - North Waikato
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