100 | Potential award not the only factor The home has been designed to maximise its position, with extensive glazing oriented towards the lake and a layout that embraces both indoor and outdoor living BUILDING Stroud Homes Bay of Plenty T T Kelly Deeks “We have had success in the awards ourselves over the past three years, so our goal is to deliver another winner.” Stroud Homes Bay of Plenty is showcasing its design capability and client-focused approach with a standout lifestyle build overlooking Lake Rotorua, as the business continues to build momentum ahead of future House of the Year campaigns. Owned and operated by Shane and Lisa McMah, the company is currently delivering a 308sqm home on an elevated site with sweeping views across Lake Rotorua and the airport, a project that reflects both technical complexity and strong community ties. The home is being built for a young local couple with deep roots in the region, including a family connection to the neighbouring property. The site was originally part of a farm, and while it has been subdivided, elements of its rural character remain, with livestock still grazing nearby. Shane says the project has taken on added significance through a friendly rivalry between generations. “There is a bit of competition between our client and his grandfather, who built next door and won a House of the Year award,” Shane says. “We have had success in the awards ourselves over the past three years, so our goal is to deliver another winner.” The home has been designed to maximise its position, with extensive glazing oriented towards the lake and a layout that embraces both indoor and outdoor living. High-end finishes include raked ceilings, polished concrete floors, and timber bench tops, while feature brickwork is used throughout the interior and exterior to create a cohesive visual identity. “You will see that brick from the moment you arrive and right through the living spaces,” Shane says. “It carries through to the fireplace and even into the outdoor areas, so it really ties the whole house together.” An alfresco space with a raked ceiling and sheltered design has also been incorporated to address the exposed nature of the site, ensuring usability in hilltop Rotorua’s often windy conditions. While the finished product is expected to impress, the build has not been without its challenges. Ground conditions required careful management, with soft areas identified early and addressed through on-site solutions. “We had to find good ground and move material around the site to make it work,” Shane says. “The house had to be positioned to capture the views, so we worked through a solution that allowed us to achieve that without compromising stability.” Stroud Homes Bay of Plenty manages the entire design-and-build process in-house, tailoring plans for each client. “Our clients deal directly with me as the licensed builder,” Shane says. “They are treated as people, not numbers.” That approach extends to communication, with weekly updates provided to clients outlining progress, upcoming work, and any changes to the programme. “If something does not go to plan, we tell them straight away,” Shane says. “Surprises are great for birthdays, but not when you are building a home.” Construction is being delivered in partnership with Skilled Building Solutions, a team Shane says is well suited to larger and more complex builds requiring a high level of finish. Looking ahead, the Rotorua home is set to be entered into the 2027 House of the Year awards, continuing the company’s focus on benchmarking its work against industry standards. For Shane, however, the awards are only part of the story. “It does not matter if it is a small home or a large one, every build is someone’s dream,” he says. “That is the best part of our job, handing over a home that people have been working towards for a long time.” WINDOWS & DOORS Mt Maunganui | 07 575 5074 • Aluminium windows & doors • Replacement joinery • Free quoting service • Metro Series • Architectural Series • Thermal Heart Email: sales@epicwindows.co.nz 45 Newton Street Proud to support Stroud Homes - Bay of Plenty Proud to work with Stroud Homes • Experts in New Homes / Renovations & Maintenance • LED Lighting & Upgrades • All Heat pumps including Ducted Systems • Commercial / Maintenance & Upgrades For all Enquiries, please contact Clifton: Clifton@switche.co.nz Locally Owned & Operated Tauranga Branch 07 571 3429 Katikati Branch 07 549 0042 www.switche.co.nz
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