84 | NZGBC: Shackleton Developments Building sustainability into new developments Shackleton Developments directors Scott O’Loughlin, left, and Geoff Cawson. Below, Peachgrove development. Sue Russell BUILDING “We think the best way to educate the public about the principles behind sustainability is to build it into our projects.” Auckland Property Development business Shackleton Developments focuses on residential projects. Led by Directors Geoff Cawson and Scott O’Loughlin Shackleton Developments provides a complete package of residential development services, from initial feasibility studies, identification and development of the most appropriate project designs to meet the needs of target markets, to project management and turn-key delivery of completed residential precincts. Scott spent 10 years living and working in Canada and Geoff returned from living 14 years in the UK in 2015 having earlier completed a boat building apprenticeship and a Bachelor of Property at Auckland University. “I did my Masters in real-estate and development in the UK. People come into property development through many different means. Real-estate is a global thing and I’m a great believer in the importance of keeping abreast of changes and influences in the market through professional development.” Geoff says that New Zealand presents with particular challenges for property developers and a lot of the risks come from what is sitting underground and what is not. “Our utilities historically have not been built in a way that future-proof’s their use. So when Developers come along interested in building on a site, there’s a lot of additional cost to meet by Council to upgrade the underground services. Those costs are met by the Developers.” So when a sub-division for instance is planned upgrading the infrastructure down the road comes at a hefty cost. As a development company Geoff says relationships with contractors is critical to their success. Geoff describes the company as very lean with specific work contracted out. “We’ve got great builders, excellent consultants and engineers that we engage. It’s a very efficient and effective way to operate. We’re lucky in New Zealand with some extremely talented designers who want to engage with like-minded people. One you get to a certain scale in the sector then momentum gains but to get to that position is hard and risky work.” At any one time Shackleton Developments has upward of 8 or 9 projects at various stages of process. In Fleet Street, Eden Tce, a 60 apartment development is in planning with approximately half that number to be owner-occupiers with the balance as ‘build to rent’ dwellings. The project is embracing advances in power technology with the use of solar panels and sensitive water design and will eventually offer a fleet of electric vehicles for those living in the development able to book and use. “We aspire to be a leader in the ‘green’ space with a real interest in sustainable building materials and practices, but as any experienced developer will tell you, it’s not easy with temptations to just build to the building code and not exceed it. We think the best way to educate the public about the principles behind sustainability is to build it into our projects.” Cost effective building systems that make a house cheaper to run and perform better both in running costs, thermal performance and long-term maintenance are our immediate targets. Geoff says he feels good about the nature of builds he and Scott get involved in. While there’s an element of risk attached with any property development project Geoff says the company has positioned and structured itself well to be one of Auckland’s leading multi-residential property developers.
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