110 | High-spec townhouses mark a milestone Emphasis Homes is committed to building exceptionally high-quality homes as efficiently as possible. Emphasis Homes T T Sue Russell BUILDING When it became apparant that the residential building market needed a company that could offer not only end-to-end design-and-build services, but also its own team of capable builders to turn visions into highly crafted homes, three industry-savvy people got together to form Emphasis Homes, based in Whitford, north Auckland. The three co-founders, Tayla Baldwin-Wood, Rob Van Wagoner and Derek Baldwin, brought their individual talents and experiences to the table with the simple aim of building exceptionally high-quality homes as efficiently as possible, passing the cost benefits on to homeowners in the process. “The brand Emphasis was originally started well over 10 years ago by Rob, and it focused on construction only,” Tayla says. “When he built my Dad Derek’s house, the two could see opportunities to build for themselves, and then I brought my design and business acumen skills to the table. We came to the market with this unique angle of gathering a team around us with all the disciplines needed to complete all aspects of a build project.” Tayla describes Rob as an inspirational builder with an exceptional eye for detail and impeccable standards. “Rob’s also a concrete expert, so we’re literally in control of all aspects of the build, from the foundations up.” This year marks a significant milestone for Emphasis Homes, in bringing to life their first own development to market. Situated on Cook Street, Howick ‘Emphasis Homes Townhouses’ comprises four high-specification homes – one, four-bedroom and three, three-bedroom homes, each with their own garaging and private courtyard. To call this project a labour of love doesn’t do justice to the time and effort that is going into seeing these homes realised, with an expected completion date in 2026. The townhouses are being built on a property owned by Rob’s mother Marilyn Van Wagoner. The section slopes down from the road, giving each home its own elevation and offering a sense that each one stands independently of the other. “This project has tested our resolve in terms of working through necessary council consenting pathways, and in all that time, spanning before Covid until early this year when construction began, we all believed in its potential,” says Marilyn. A well-established real estate professional, Marylin says the townhouses would suit a wide range of owners’ situations, but especially retired couples, who are choosing to downsize. “We wanted to ensure there was plenty of storage capability, and the four-bedroom home has one bedroom on the ground floor next to the garage, making it ideal for owners with mobility challenges.” The homes are also a stone’s throw from Howick Village, and encouraging enquiries are coming in. “I think the homes have wonderful street appeal and will add significant value to the multi-home market in this area,” says Tayla. Along with designers and builders, Emphasis Homes also has its own civil and foundations company, bringing the team size to 30-plus. “When you have all the resources needed to plan, design, and build on land from scratch, it gives you great control of standards, the building processes, timelines and costs. “We’re then able to pass those benefits on to the market,” says Tayla. • flatpack wardrobes • walk-in wardrobes • reach-in wardrobes • free standing wardrobes • garage storage • linen cupboards sales@wardrobe-warehouse.co.nz 0800 800 833 Tony: 021 272 8192 sales@mysplash.co.nz www.mysplash.co.nz Proudly supporting Emphasis Homes 09 570 5271 121 Morrin Road, Auckland 1072 sales@viewmaster.co.nz viewmaster.co.nz Proudly supporting Emphasis Homes For your machining and welding needs • STRUCTURAL STEEL FABRICATION • RESIDENTIAL & COMMERCIAL david@macweld.co.nz | 021 030 1756 www.macweld.co.nz
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