90 | BUILDING Beach House Builders “It can be hard to know for sure just how sustainable we’re actually being on site and that’s why the Homestar system is such a good system to use.” Homestar system provides thorough process Beach House Builders delivered the Coromandel’s first Homestar project. T T Kelly Deeks As a New Zealand Green Building Council member, Luke Baxter of Beach House Builders in Whangamata can advise on and deliver construction projects aiming for a Homestar rating. Otherwise, he can simply use his experience and knowledge to build future-proofed projects incorporating energy-efficient building practices. Luke has built in Whangamata since 1992, apart from a five-year hiatus where he explored new building techniques in the UK. Beach House Builders has been in business since 2005. In the interests of supporting New Zealand’s construction industry to deliver higher-performing, more sustainable homes for Kiwis, Luke joined the New Zealand Green Building Council very soon after forming Beach House Builders. He has since qualified as a Homestar Practitioner, enabling him to understand the fundamentals of Homestar, communicate its benefits to the market, understand how products or services will help achieve Homestar ratings, and assist in the design and construction of Homestar projects. In 2020, Beach House Builders delivered the Coromandel’s first Homestar project, which was also the first Homestar 7 rated home in the Waikato region, a really long-lasting legacy that Beach House Builders is proud to put its name to. “We try to push sustainable building practices as much as possible,” Luke says. “It can be hard to know for sure just how sustainable we’re actually being on site and that’s why the Homestar system is such a good system to use. It does it for you. There is a thorough process to follow and if you follow it, you can’t go wrong.” Four years after its first Homestar project, Beach House Builders is now working on the second, and targeting a minimum rating of Homestar 6 to achieve a warmer, drier, healthier home to live in with lower running costs than a standard home built to the standards set out in the New Zealand Building Code. This project’s designer, Jon McAlpine Architecture, was also keen to push a Homestar rating for this project, incorporating the necessary design features to meet the requirements and working closely with Luke throughout the build process. Luke took his clients to his previously built Homestar home so they could see and feel the benefits for themselves. “It’s incredible how it actually works,” Luke says. “They hardly use their heating because the sun heats up the slab during winter, which then releases the heat overnight and the eaves prevent the house from getting too much sun during the summer. Their house is always warm in winter and their power bills are low. This home is really performing.” This latest project is set to be the permanent home for a couple of retiring farmers. Jon is taking care to specify low- to zero-maintenance materials, which are made in New Zealand to ensure quality and durability and keep the carbon footprint down. Framing is 6x2 rather than 4x2 to make room for additional insulation, and the edges of the slab are also insulated. Solar panels, water retention tanks, and also a lift are included for further future-proofing. A highend architectural design, this project includes some special methodologies and some really nice detailing with a floating timber staircase, which Luke knows is going to be a pinch point but also a great opportunity for the Beach House Builders team to flex their craft skills. The design and construction of a Homestar home is only part of the puzzle. To achieve the target rating, sustainable methodologies are incorporated across the entire project. Luke says it’s a culture change from when he first started out 32 years ago, and one he is proud to keep developing on site. WWW.EASTWOODKITCHENS.CO.NZ Company owner Scott Eastwood takes on every project as if it were his own house. He works with his clients on a design, applying every bit of his own commitment, passion, and inspiration until the client is completely happy with the style, the materials, and the price. Eastwood Kitchens marketing manager Jessie Coffin says Scott has great vision. “Every single client is different, and we like catering to their needs,” she says. “Scott talks to the client, looks at the space, and then creates a design which will cater to their tastes, their lifestyle, and their budget. It’s incredible what he comes up with.” This design is then converted into an Archicad 3D image and plans, created by Eastwood Kitchens designer Dan Gillingham, giving clients the opportunity to see a realistic image of their kitchen before it’s made, and to further fine tune the design. Scott began his career as a trained builder, but it was while he worked in the kitchen industry in the UK that he fell in love with joinery. This was an exciting time where specialist joiners were starting to be used by homeowners. This was a huge learning curve and he wanted to bring the same white glove, bespoke service locally. Scott established Eastwood Kitchens in 2012. “I enjoyed building, but I really loved doing kitchens,” he says. “There are so many options, and so many exciting products coming through all the time, and it is such a creative field. I love the puzzle of finding a solution for a client with a tricky scenario.” “I’ve got an epic team, awesome clients, and we get to build some absolute beauties.” Quality materials and hardware are selected to enhance Eastwood Kitchens’ stunning designs with high performance and durability. All components are hand-built from in-house with the team also building custom cabinetry and shelving, bathroom vanities, and wardrobes. With more than 20 years of experience, Scott is happy to talk clients through their best options for doors and panels. No design too challenging
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=