Business North February 2024

26 | “At BUILTsmart we are not just revolutionising the way homes are built; we’re transforming the entire process, from construction to delivery.” T T to page 28 BUILTsmart T T Karen Phelps Revolutionising the housing landscape The transportable homes produced at the Feilding factory will not only be versatile in design but also environmentally sustainable, incorporating energy-efficient features and recycled materials. BUILDING BUILTsmart is set to elevate its impact with a state-of-the-art transportable homes factory in Feilding. The family-owned and operated business, known for its commitment to innovation, is gearing up to revolutionise the lower North Island’s housing landscape. Scheduled for an official opening in February, the Feilding factory signifies a major expansion for BUILTsmart. Company owner Philip Leather says the facility will leverage advanced modular construction techniques and eco-friendly materials. T The move comes at a crucial time when there is a growing demand for housing solutions that balance affordability, mobility and environmental consciousness, he says. Situated on the outskirts of Feilding, the factory boasts 34 bays dedicated to building homes, with plans to employ around 60 people once fully operational. Philip says the advanced construction techniques employed by BUILTsmart aim to drastically reduce construction timelines while maintaining the highest quality standards. The transportable homes produced at the Feilding factory will not only be versatile in design but also environmentally sustainable, incorporating energy-efficient features and recycled materials. BUILTsmart’s commitment to sustainable housing is evident in its growing portfolio, with the company already operating a 50-bay facility in Huntly. It also has a 24 bay facility in Gisborne started two years ago in a joint venture with Toiti Tairawhiti Housing Limited. “Iwi were having trouble getting builders to go to the more remote areas so approached us to build for them. But transport costs were an issue and so the solution was to set up a joint venture. It’s been working really well, says Philip. “They have a lot of houses they want to build and good processes and criteria.” He says the company is growing rapidly due to demand. It is also looking at building a new factory in Huntly and has purchased the land with plans to build a factory with 120 bays. Philip believes that the innovative building SHOWERS , BATHROOMS , WARDROBES Waikato - 31 Higgins Road, Hamilton Ph: 07 222 2783 W.showerwell.co.nz SHOWERWELL H O M E P R O D U C T S sales@steelrite.co.nz 021 903 285 / 0210 8194 624 Steel Frame Structure Specialists Steel Rite Framing is your trusted steel framing specialist. Located in South Auckland, Steel Rite Framing is a fully NZ-owned and family-operated business. We have more than 8 years’ experience in cold-formed steel manufacturing and more than 20 years’ experience in building with steel. Steel Rite Framing is proud to support BUILTsmart methods employed by BUILTsmart are a crucial part of addressing New Zealand’s housing crisis and hopes the Feilding factory will mark a turning point in the way homes are envisioned and constructed. “Every working day of the week over the year we deliver a house somewhere,” says Philip. “At BUILTsmart we are not just revolutionising the way homes are built; we’re transforming the entire process, from construction to delivery. As the housing landscape continues to evolve, this factory is poised to redefine the concept of home-ownership, making it more accessible and affordable than ever.” To showcase its innovation and commitment to quality, BUILTsmart recently opened a new showhome at 496 Great South Road, Huntly, adjacent to Placemaker. This transportable showhome, spanning 117sqm, emphasises modern design, sustainability and flexibility, says company owner Philip Leather. “People think transportables are inferior to a build on site in terms of design and possibilities,” he says, “but when they walk into the show home they are blown away. It demonstrates what’s possible and with BUILTsmart transportable homes the sky’s the limit.” The showhome features a three-bedroom, two-bathroom floor plan that maximises floor area while blending aesthetics and functionality seamlessly.

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