118 | Beachfront winner The award-winning home was designed to make the most of its uninterrupted views. M.I.C Homes T T Kelly Deeks BUILDING M.I.C Homes, a first-time entrant to the Registered Master Builders House of the Year Awards, has walked away with a regional gold award with the company’s carefully crafted coastal build recognised for its craftsmanship, attention to detail, and clever solutions to complex structural challenges. The award-winning home was built on a unique oceanfront site and designed to make the most of its uninterrupted views. Builder Jason Zhao says the client came to them by reputation, looking for a team who could take on the difficult structural aspects of the design and deliver a home of high quality and lasting value. The build itself presented challenges early on, particularly in the living room where three large windows and a sliding door were designed to frame the sweeping ocean view. When the project team reviewed the original plans, they discovered a structural steel post positioned in the corner of the living room that would have blocked part of that view. After detailed discussions with the structural engineer, the team found a solution— relocating the post and hiding it between two sliding doors, so it remained structurally sound without compromising the outlook. “That was one of the key moments of the build for us,” Jason says. “We managed to find a way to maintain the integrity of the structure while protecting the client’s vision for the home.” Other standout features include a waterproofed deck flowing directly from the living area, a striking custom wardrobe with timber and glass finishes designed to showcase the client’s clothing and shoes, and a dedicated man cave opening onto the deck with a sliding door to let in fresh air and ocean views. Carefully integrated LED lighting highlights the details of both the home and the outlook and elevates the interior finish. Jason, who originally trained and worked as a civil engineer, brings technical expertise and resilience honed during the Christchurch earthquake rebuild. After work dried up in Christchurch, he retrained at the University of Auckland and transitioned into residential construction. His background, he says, has given him a strong foundation for delivering projects that meet both engineering and architectural demands. “This was the first time we entered the awards, and our first award,” he says. “That’s a big success for us. We wanted to enter so we could test ourselves, see where we’re at, and find out what areas we need to improve on. Winning on the first attempt has been a great boost to the team.” Craftsmanship remains a top priority, with the company aiming for a level five finish on every project. “We’re not afraid to call subcontractors back if something isn’t perfect. It’s important to us that every detail is right.” The team is already looking ahead to next year’s House of the Year Awards, where they plan to enter a new project, this time the builder’s own home in Papakura. While not a luxury build, the project will showcase the company’s capabilities on a large and complex corner section, with landscaping set to play a major role in the design. With more than 10 years of residential building experience and a reputation for delivering projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standard, Jason says the gold award win is just the beginning. “We’ve built a strong track record in project management and construction, and now we’re ready to keep raising the bar.” Best Floor Service in Auckland Get the trusted Australian quality of Himalaya Carpets right here. As First Floordo, we wholesale and expertly install a massive range of Polyester and Nylon options, from tough 30oz to luxurious 70oz piles, all at fiercely competitive prices. +64 9 215 7853 Shop First Floordo and experience premium carpets for less. firstfloordo.co.nz Jackson Builders Comfort all year round T T Virginia Wright It was during the Covid lockdown that Sam Jackson established Jackson Builders Ltd. in Auckland. After 10 years building he knew he wanted to go out on his own and pursue his interest in building more energy efficient homes. Before the lockdown he’d worked on a renovation using passive housing principles, and a new build using SIPs panels (Structural Insulated Panel), which gave him exposure to some of the details used in better performing houses. A visit to friends living comfortably in t-shirts in a certified Passive House with minimum heating in the South Island further piqued his interest. “Then after renovating two of our own houses in Auckland using basic modern technologies and finding out how cold, and how hot they can still be through summer, my view on needing to build better performing homes was really reinforced,” he explains. Using SIPs for example speeds up the initial construction of a new build and gives it continuous high-performing insulation which is going to last. The concept stage is the time to think about it. It can be customised to suit so you can do any house out of it or use it for certain elements, such as your roof panels, or some of your exterior walls. It’s a new product which costs a bit more to start with but speeds up getting the house enclosed and performs better,” says Sam. Sam has a deep-rooted passion to continually improve and make use of new technologies but he and his team thrive on any new build, or doing extensive renovations and additions, helping clients enjoy the process as they transform their old houses into contemporary homes that look and feel new .A recent architectural 115sqm, two-bedroom, new build in Mangawhai combined the best of both worlds with its use of New Zealand made, sustainably produced, thermally efficient Abodo cladding. Bringing Jackson Builders in at the early stages to work with the client, the engineer, and the architect, meant they could be part of getting the design right for the site. For example, working with loose topsoil on hard sandstone meant the initial timber subfloor was replaced by a cost efficient, fully insulated concrete slab, with infloor heating. “This was the ideal scenario for us, because we were able to help our clients from the early stages to achieve their dream home within their budget,” says Sam. For Jackson Builders offering practical solutions, with the client’s budget and needs in mind, is all part of what they bring to the table, along with their professionalism and their commitment to delivering the sort of result their clients will be proud to call home. Using SIPs speeds up the initial construction of a new build and gives it continuous highperforming insulation which is going to last. Contact Us +64 21 711 788 jacksonbuilders.co.nz jacksonbuildersnz •New Builds and Renovations •Decks, Fences and Pools •Project Management •Excavation and Retaining Procoat professional painting services was established in 2017 and with over 25+ years of experience in the painting and decorating industry we have the knowledge and expertise to provide the highest level of service and workmanship to get the results you want no matter the size of your project. 022 033 2945 office@procoatpainters.co.nz www.procoatpainters.co.nz ProCoatPainters2017
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