64 | Habitable shed buildings are booming Habitable shed buildings offer quicker construction times, excellent durability, and the flexibility to serve multiple purposes. Specialised Structures sources all materials within the country. Habitable shed buildings combine the practicality of farm structures with the comfort of traditional homes, and are becoming increasingly popular, says Jim Keith, General Manager of Specialised Structures Waikato-Coromandel. “We believe everyone deserves a space that accommodates their unique lifestyle. For farming families considering their options, habitable sheds present a cost-effective alternative to traditional builds. They offer quicker construction times, excellent durability, and the flexibility to serve multiple purposes - as a main residence, guest house, studio, or granny flat with attached shed space.” With its own design team, Specialised Structures Waikato-Coromandel handles everything inhouse, and takes care of the whole project from start to completion, including the fit out, services, and finishing. It can deliver whatever a client wants including, and not limited to, different cladding options. The company’s recent Te Mata project is a good example. Perched on top of a hill on a sheep farm, the 170-square-metre, two-storey home offers heritage barn-style looks that fit in well with the rural landscape. “Our client approached multiple building companies who were unable to work on such a remote and challenging site until they found us at Specialised Structures Waikato-Coromandel,” says Jim. The top floor features a master bedroom, ensuite, walk-in wardrobe, and office. The ground floor offers three bedrooms, an open-plan kitchen, dining, and lounge area. The covered verandah spanning three sides of the home, completes the classic farmhouse aesthetic. The building method itself offers distinct advantages for rural properties. “The roll formed steel system can achieve big open spans, so for a house it can provide large covered portico areas and raking ceilings,” says Jim. Currently the company is working on another project in Glen Murray, south of Huntly, which further showcases the possibilities of habitable shed building. This home consists of a three- bedroom house, integrated with a four-bay over height workshop as part of the same building. For the rural community, Specialised Structures Waikato-Coromandel provides a comprehensive range of buildings, tailored specifically for New Zealand’s agricultural sector and engineered to withstand this country’s unique climate conditions. RURAL SERVICES » Specialised Structures - Waikato Karen Phelps Farmers can choose from freestall cow barns, milking sheds, calf sheds, implement sheds, hay barns, stables and horse arenas, woolsheds, grain sheds, and various animal shelters. Each structure is site-specifically engineered to account for local wind zones, snow loads, terrain and earthquake demands. Jim says the company’s implement sheds deserve particular mention for their practicality. With clear spans of 25 metres or more, these structures can house machinery, vehicles, and equipment of all sizes. Farmers can customise bay sizes, choose between open or closed bays and select roofing options, including clearlite for natural lighting. Storage solutions are equally versatile, with the company providing shelters and canopies for protecting vehicles, machinery and livestock. “These can be freestanding or attached to existing buildings,” says Jim, “offering flexibility as farm operations evolve.” As part of a 100 per cent New Zealand-owned network, Specialised Structures sources all materials within the country, predominantly using New Zealand Steel products formed by long-term partner Steel & Tube. “It’s important we know where and how our materials are manufactured, and the products’ WAIKATO MASTER PLUMBER OF THE YEAR 2021 Battens • Supply • Fix • Stop • Paint We are proud to support Specialised Structures - Waikato lifecycle,” explains Jim. “The cold rolled steel system offers numerous environmental benefits: it’s infinitely recyclable without degradation, doesn’t contain hazardous preservative chemicals, and minimises waste through cut-to-length ordering.” Based in Morrinsville, Specialised Structures Waikato-Coromandel is owned and operated locally by Kelvin Lalich Builders Limited, a construction company with nearly four decades of experience. As members of the New Zealand Master Builders Association, it gives farmers confidence in the quality of its workmanship and can offer the association’s guarantees.
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