102 | Alpha 1 Builders Just reward for the character home experts T T Sue Russell BUILDING Paul and Kate Bateman of Alpha 1 Builders. Last year, Paul and Kate Bateman, from Alpha 1 Builders, received a Gold Award for each of the two-characterhomes entered in the Auckland Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards – one of which happened to be their own family bungalow. Since establishing their building company back in 2003, the couple have specialised in the renovation and restoration of gracious inner-city villas and Bungalows; work they find a wonderful mix of creative and challenging. “When you think of the history of many of these homes, built in an era when beautiful forms were hand crafted, it makes it so worthwhile to restore these unique features, while modernising those elements that no longer suit our lifestyles. This is what we most enjoy and gain huge satisfaction from.” Acknowledging that they both love character homes for their inherent character. “They have their own personality, and we could certainly see the potential in our own home when we bought it. To have this project recognised within the industry was super-rewarding.” The project involved a major rethink as to how the floor plan would be configured which also involved a substantial extension and opening up to an outside deck area bringing wonderful indoor/outdoor connection. Often old homes have seen former modifications, and this can sometimes involve the covering up or sadly the removal of original crafted elements. Both Paul and Kate say it was important to celebrate these fixtures and forms as much as possible when renovating. The couple had lived in their home for 4 years, giving them plenty of time to consider how the home could be redesigned to best suit their family and its situation on the site. “Through lockdown we really began to work up floor plan ideas. Once we had a plan, we were happy with in terms of flow and lifestyle we took it to Drawn Architecture, one of our trusted architectural partners to put it all together.” Whilst Kate took care of the full interior design, working her magic over every room, ensuring that the home’s heritage was acknowledged in the detail. This was not the first time Alpha 1 Builders had entered the House of the Year competition and Kate says they always had a hopeful plan to restore and enter their own home when the time was right. “With the planning of the project happening over lockdown, it meant we had to get every piece of material on site before we could start. During the build, we unearthed quite a bit of character, which was great. Concentrating on the villa & Bungalow restoration/renovation market as they have, has provided the couple with a wealth of experience in extensions and additions when working up plans with clients. They live by their promise of “craftsmanship that wins awards, renovations that respect your budget” It’s clear that the couple honour these values as the company has received both multiple industry awards and many happy clients singing their praises long after renovations are completed. Paul says “It’s critical there’s a Plan A and a Plan B and a budget that’s going to work at the front and back end of a project. The time taken to really work out all the contingencies is critical. This and constant communication throughout the build underpin a successful outcome,” The company operates with two experienced building teams, with Paul and project manager Devon Headland each leading work on sites.“I think we’re in a good situation size wise to take on projects across an array of scale and complexity, combining at times when the work project warrants it.” Asked how business has been the couple agree “it’s been a quieter year, but there’s a real sense of work picking up. And with more favourable economic factors emerging we’re looking towards a positive 2026” “We get a lot of enquiries through word of mouth and being located where we are in Mt Albert we’re seen as the local character home experts. A title we are incredibly proud to have earned.” Renovation winner: the project involved a major rethink as to how the floor plan would be configured which also involved a substantial extension and opening up to an outside deck area bringing wonderful indoor/outdoor connection. KNOWLEDGEABLE AND TIDY ELECTRICIANS Renovations New Work Residential Commercial 0508 STRIKE info@strike.net.nz www.strike.net.nz We supply reliable scaffolding solutions for industrial, commercial, residential, and shutdown projects, with expertise in bridge and infrastructure work. Our team also delivers complete weatherproofing using shrink-wrap and Keder roof systems for construction projects big or small. shane@erectsafe.co.nz 1237 Paerata Road, Pukekohe 2121 erectsafe.co.nz
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