Business North March 2021

80 | Bringing Central Otago to the North Karen Phelps Designed by EA Designer the renovation project brings the theme of Central Otago to the north. Warwick Gair Builders / EA Designer BUILDING A home renovation project that displays high degrees of craftsmanship has been the product of a fruitful collab- orative relationship between two Auckland companies – Warwick Gair Builders and EA Designer. Located in Milford on Omana Road, the home brings the theme of Central Otago to the north, says Warwick. The site contained an original 1970’s unit that was virtually demolished for the reno- vation to take place with only the concrete foundation structure utilised. Around 15.5 tonnes of steel was used – unu- sual for a residential project – to allow for a cantilevered second storey, which has a 3.5m overhang and supports eight sliding glass doors weighing around 5.5 tonnes. The steel had to be transported into the site by Hiab and the foundation underpinned to take the weight. MSC Engineering Consult- ing carried out the engineering work for the project. “Capturing as much of the marina view as possible was one of the main focuses,” says Warwick. Designed by EA Designer the resulting home boasts four bedrooms and three bathrooms. The design is open plan – kitch- en, dining, lounge – that flows out onto a full length deck. Special features include oak timber floors, a feature wall in the stairwell, open tread oak stairs and balustrade with glass handrails and a water feature. The South Island based quarry the schist cladding was sourced from was usually cov- ered in snow over the winter months. This meant strict planning and processes – including ordering the cladding very early and storing it until needed - were an essential element of the successful project. The two companies often work closely together on projects and Warwick says that he has found EA Designer owner Eric Abba to be a good listener and problem solver. Eric says the project was a great example of builder and architect working together to achieve a stunning result for the client. “It’s always good to have the builder and designer working together from the start. Warwick came to me with his vision and we worked together to get the right result.” The resulting design offers minimalist de- tailing and clean, simple lines. Eric says as the home is one of three units the design had to work in with these restric- tions and the existing footprint of the home. He says even the logistics of construction had to be carefully considered from the outset. To open the home out onto the marina was therefore largely achieved through glazing. Shadowing effects on neighbouring proper- ties were mitigated through adjustments to the roofline. “This project shows what can be achieved with creativity and attention to detail even with existing restrictions. The end result is that it really does feel like you are part of the sea environment. Beautiful design com- bined with sustainability and performance is what we do at EA Designer.” Warwick Gair Builders was started in 1979 and specialises in home alterations, renova- tions and new builds. The company boasts a team of around ten staff and works Auckland wide and further afield depending on the project. All work is referral indicating the high stand- ing of the company and it’s unwavering focus on quality, says Warwick. As an example Warwick Gair Builders has held a maintenance programme contract with SkyCity for 27 years. “No other employee or contractor has worked for SkyCity for so long,” says Warwick. Son Alastair also works for Warwick Gair Builders and is set to take over the business shortly carrying on the family tradition. War- wick’s wife Theresa runs the company office making for a genuine local, family owned business. EA Designer is a local collaborative archi- tectural and interior design practice based in Auckland. Eric says that the studio’s approach is focused around client, designer and con- tractors working together to create bespoke, contextual design with a strong focus on sustainability and practicality. Proud to be associated with Warwick Gair Builders & EA Design Pool Fences Balustrades Showers Mirrors Splashbacks office@360glass.co.nz | 0800 360 GLASS | 360glass.co.nz FISILAU STONEMASONS Experienced Auckland masonry contractors Walls • Repairs • Paving • Retaining Walls • Pillars Gardening Walls • Mail Posts • Swimming Pool Surrounds • Hearths & Fireplaces Proudly supporting Warwick Gair Builders & EA Design Vasini 027 234 2761 Elaia 021 261 5823 fisilaustone68@gmail.com www.fisilau-stonemason.com