| 47 The specialist in rural construction Kelvin Lalich Builders is expanding its rural residential design and build work. Kelly Deeks As more Waikato farmers are embracing longterm rural living and investing in high quality homes designed to remain in families for generations, specialist rural construction company Kelvin Lalich Builders is expanding its rural residential design and build work and delivering everything from traditional farmhouses through to highlyengineered architectural homes and integrated workshop living projects. Kelvin Lalich Builders residential project manager Rick Mather says clients are increasingly looking for homes that combine style, durability, comfort, and connection to the land. “We take projects right from the initial concept through to detailed drafting, consenting, and construction,” Rick says. “A lot of rural clients are busy running farms and businesses, so having one team manage the entire process makes things a lot easier.” One of Kelvin Lalich Builders’ latest projects near Cambridge showcases the scale and complexity of rural residential work. The approximately $2.5 million home is being built as a permanent family base on a working farm overlooking Mount Pirongia. Designed as a forever home, the 450sqm residence features large open-plan living spaces, expansive covered outdoor entertaining areas, and a dedicated wing for the family’s children to return to over time. “The owners wanted something that would genuinely last for generations,” Rick says. “They invested heavily in durability, thermal performance, and structural integrity.” The build incorporates Megaform insulated blocks for the perimeter walls, delivering high thermal efficiency and long term durability. Rick says Kelvin Lalich Builders is one of only a small number of Waikato builders with experience using the system. A major feature of the home is its structural steel spine, which supports a raked ceiling in the living area as well as a large cantilevered canopy on the outdoor area overlooking the farm. “There is about $50,000 worth of structural steel in the project,” Rick says. RURAL SERVICES » Kelvin Lalich Builders WAIKATO MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR 2021 Battens • Supply • Fix • Stop • Paint We are proud to support Kelvin Lalich Builders Ace Electrical Services Ltd 71 Anderson Street Morrinsville www.aceelectrical.nz Phone: 0800 889 6123 For all you farming electrical requirements: • Milking systems • Water pumps • Effluent systems Ace Electrical Member MASTER ELECTRICIANS Bring Beautiful Natural Light Indoors 0800 765 222 solatube.co.nz “It creates those large open spaces and the striking cantilevered canopy to the rear patio.” The project presented construction challenges around the intricate roof structure combining steel framing, timber rafters, and trusses. “We used a large proportion of our experienced staff on that build because of the level of precision required,” Rick says. Kelvin Lalich Builders also completed the design work internally through its in internal architectural design division, Solid Concept. Alongside high-end architectural homes, Kelvin Lalich Builders is also delivering more traditional rural family homes across Waikato. One current project involves a new timber framed home on a family farm where the next generation is relocating from Hamilton city to establish long-term roots in the country. “They originally planned something smaller, but then decided to make it their forever home,’ Rick says. Kelvin Lalich Builders has a third unique project underway with its portal building company Specialised Structures, providing an integrated home and workshop that combines a large steelframed three-bay shed and an attached home. Set up for off-grid living, this project showcases the company’s ability to provide tailored solutions for any and every requirement. “Our experience across timber, steel, and specialised systems allows us to adapt to different rural environments, and deliver homes that suit the way people want to live now and into the future.”
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