126 | BUILDING T T Sue Russell Variety for busy team Matt Fookes, one of two directors of Te Awamutu-based building business Ridgeline Homes, says 2024 was a steady year, and considering the economic situation the construction sector generally is experiencing, that was a good year in his books. Matt and business partner Paul Diak bought the company in 2019 and the journey to date has been positive, with the pair building a team around them within a couple of years. Currently, the company engages a team of nine carpenters, a mix of trade-qualified and apprentice chippies, and Matt says this is a good size for the number and nature of projects they get involved in. “Last year, we had five new builds on the go, plus a renovation. We have four apprentices and a core of skilled and very capable builders, who they buddy up with. It’s a good way, I feel, to support the next generation of builders coming through. “We’re involved in new builds as well as renovations and alterations, and we find with the crew we have on board we can handle a number of projects at any one time. It works well and gives the team a lot of variety,” he says. “We’re certainly open to taking on more staff once the workload justifies it. It’s also important we have the right systems in place to support an increase in projects at any one time because we’ve worked hard to establish a very good reputation and it’s our priority to maintain this.” He says one of the benefits of working in the Waipa District is that council is definitely encouraging of new growth, with zoning changed to allow new subdivisions to be established. With the company’s current situation, Matt spends most of his time off the tools, ensuring new projects are sourced, and the teams have everything they need to undertake each project efficiently. Being based in Te Awamutu means Ridgeline Homes can easily take on projects over much of central Waikato. Matt says there is a lot of infill housing occurring throughout the town and in Kihikihi close by. “Many older houses were built on large sections and so there’s a definite trend towards building another home on the section. This has been happening for some time now.” Ridgeline Homes has also undertaken a number of renovations on homes on the West Coast in Kawhia, where problem-solving skills are often tested. “That’s the thing with renovations, you’re never quite sure, particularly with older homes, just what you’re going to find.” Matt says, since he undertook his apprenticeship the system of learning has changed, and he thinks for the better. A shift towards digital distance learning and aligning theory with what an apprentice is actually experiencing on the job brings greater relevance to the qualification pathway. Three of his four apprentices are gaining their qualifications through BCITO. One of the things Matt says he most enjoys leading a building business is the opportunity to help train new builders and to support them to become quality builders over time. “It’s incredibly important established building businesses have a door open to someone new knocking on it. TThat’s certainly been our journey, finding new team members, and I get great satisfaction seeing them achieve.” Matt says having a business partner is another of the company’s strengths, providing a sounding board, a different perspective and a way to find a collective vision for what the company will become. “Paul and I each have our areas of skill and interest, and together these create a really strong business model. Our journey to date has certainly demonstrated this.” Ridgeline Homes 2019 Scafpro are proud to support Ridgeline Homes T T Karen Phelps Platinum Homes Rodney Platinum Homes Rodney has recently launched a high performance show home on to the market, which franchise owner Sam Watt says signals the future of housing in New Zealand: “Up until now, these types of homes have been a specialised thing. We are trying to bring high performance homes to the broader market and make them an affordable option.” Sam says the show home, located at 99 Waiwai Drive Milldale, offers an holistic approach to living that prioritises health, comfort and environmental sustainability. Unlike traditional New Zealand builds, the home utilises cutting-edge technologies and construction methods to create a superior living experience. The high performance show home differs in three key ways. It is constructed using Formance Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) for the external envelope, providing superior insulation and creating an airtight environment. The second and third key features complement this – a balanced mechanical ventilation system with 94% heat- recovery rate to control the inside environment, and Starke UPVC joinery, which is approximately 48% more thermally efficient than traditional thermally broken aluminium frames. Solar panels and an energy-efficient heat pump hot-water cylinder further enhance the home’s sustainability. All about performance The home utilises cutting-edge technologies and construction methods. “High performance homes maintain an almost consistent indoor temperature yearround. SIPs, when combined with high-performance joinery, create a building envelope free from thermal bridges. “This exceptional insulation and airtightness means occupants won’t experience cold drafts near windows, or uneven heating throughout the home. “The heat-recovery ventilation system constantly supplies fresh air while recovering heat from outgoing air, creating a healthier indoor environment. “High performance homes are proven to reduce respiratory, asthma, and allergy symptoms,” says Sam. Designed across a 202sqm floor plan, the show home has north-facing, open-plan spaces, 2550mm stud heights, and 29-degree vaulted ceilings, creating a light-filled, spacious interior atmosphere. San Selmo Italian kilnfired brick cladding and a hardwood wraparound deck complete the look. Sam says the show home has been very popular. “A lot of people have come in specifically to understand the difference of what a high performance home is. Others have done their research and want to see a home like this in the flesh. We’ve also had architects and engineers come in to look at the construction during our mid-build event.” Land and Aerial Surveying | Land Development Engineering Urban and Rural Planning | Project Management is a small consultancy specialising in providing trusted advice, solutions and management in a timely, cost effective and efficient manner. From boundary disputes and multi-lot subdivisions through to aerial surveying, we pride ourselves on understanding your requests and providing quality solutions. Fluker Surveying Ltd 027 454 3090 reception@fluker.co.nz
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