| 105 T T Kelly Deeks Build a real team effort The use of parallel laminated timber panels allowed for the A-frames to be self-supported with timber screw connections at the apex and the base, and for the client to achieve their unique, strong, and cost-effective alpine chalet aesthetic. McCarthy Builders BUILDING The builder of the much-lauded and mutiple award winning Adventure Whare at Castle Hill village in Canterbury, McCarthy Builders, enjoyed a highly collaborative project from concept to completion, working alongside designer and engineer to work out the best way to build this sophisticated interpretation of the traditional A-frame alpine hut. Tucked under the Cragieburn Range in the remote Canterbury high country, this new holiday home project offered plenty of challenges for any adventurous builder. Sam McCarthy took the lead on this 18-month project and says excessive winds and clouds of bumblebees attracted by the surrounding beech forest were the least of them. “We’ve never had anything like the wind we had at Castle Hill. It was unbelievably strong and we learned very quickly we had to strap everything down to stop it blowing away.” The remote location, 100kms from Christchurch and a 42 minute drive to the closest shop at Darfield, played a huge part in the project and the time and energy it took for the construction team to travel to and from Christchurch on a daily basis had to be factored in to the scheduling. The engineer on this project was also the client, and this was McCarthy Builders’ third project they had completed together. “The owner’s willingness to collaborate and to trust us and the architects to just do our jobs was one of the most enjoyable things about this job,” Sam says. “I think there is a responsibility on the client to set the tone for the project, and this client certainly did. They came in and said they wanted this beautiful place and were keen to work with us to find the best solution. Everyone was at the table and everyone was committed to doing that. It was a great way to approach a project.” Over 30 years of sustainable timber manufacturing People matter. Buildings matter. Materials matter. Details matter. We are committed to the approach of making everything as well as it can be made. We strongly advocate for good architecture and value both the beauty and the function. Joe McCarthy 022 583 2552 | joe@mccarthybuilders.co.nz Sam McCarthy 021 033 2843 | sam@mccarthybuilders.co.nz Proudly Supporting Studio Well Architecture P: 03 349 7350 E: sales.chch@metalcraftroofing.co.nz A: 85 Columbia Ave, Hornby South, Christchurch www.metalcraftgroup.co.nz • Girts & Tophats • Metal Fencing • PV Solar Solutions • Metal Insulated Panels • Composite Steel Flooring • Metal Roofing • Metal Cladding • Metal Tiles • Metal Guttering • Metal Spouting • Steel Purlins The method decided on to minimise time on site and maximise support in the A-frame walls was parallel laminated timber (PLT) panels from Woodspan in Taranaki, all lifted into place within a couple of days. The PLT panels allowed for the A-frames to be self-supported with timber screw connections at the apex and the base, and for the client to achieve their unique, strong, and cost-effective alpine chalet aesthetic. Inside the living spaces are enhanced by the warmth of plywood wall linings, exposed timber roof panels, and cork flooring, all accentuated by colourful joinery, whose dark and light green and burnt orange are brought indoors from the forest outside. The handover of a completed project is always one of the greatest moments for any construction team and this was no exception for McCarthy Builders. After 18 months of gruelling travel, weather extremes, and bee-dodging, it was great to go back and enjoy the home and all the outdoor adventures surrounding the Adventure Whare.
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