104 | Focus on the finer details Blac Design & Build T T Rosa Watson “Clients work with one cohesive team from concept through to completion, allowing early collaboration between builder, project manager and interior designer.” BUILDING Mapua-based BLAC Design & Build is distinguishing itself in the construction market with a fully integrated design-and-build model. The firm specialises in architectural residential construction, primarily bespoke new builds and high-end renovations, and is a onestop shop for clients. “Clients work with one cohesive team from concept through to completion, allowing early collaboration between builder, project manager and interior designer,” marketing manager Eden Armstrong says. This creates greater pricing transparency, reduces variations during construction, and ensures alignment between vision and execution, she says. BLAC operates under fixed-price contracts and is a Master Builders member, giving clients confidence throughout the build process. Directors Duncan Andrew, Jared Armstrong and Sean Barrett are actively involved in pricing, procurement and on-site oversight. A standout project for BLAC was an M Estate build at Māpua Inlet — a 2000sqm lifestyle property that combines two sections. The initial concept was developed for a different brief, however when the clients secured the combined sections, they were drawn to a plan we had previously designed specifically for a lifestyle property. “They loved its layout and architectural direction, so together we refined and reworked that design to better suit their family’s needs and the scale of the land,” Eden says. The 258sqm home boasts an alfresco area at the front and surrounding decks, allowing the footprint to extend well beyond the internal living spaces. A substantial over-height three-bay pole shed is clad in the same exterior materials as the main dwelling and was designed to feel like a natural extension of the home rather than a separate utility structure. Another recent project — the Blanc project — features American Ash feature joinery, Caesarstone benchtops and splashback, and solid brass pendant lighting create a balanced, layered interior. Outside, a SkyLouvre Silencio system allows for changing weather conditions with comfort and usability year round. A current project near completion is the personal home of Duncan and wife Alysha that showcases BLAC’s architectural and interior design capability. At over 250m², the four-bedroom home includes two bathrooms, a separate toilet, media room and open-plan kitchen, living and dining spaces. The design centres around proportion and scale, with over-height internal doors, external doors and windows creating a sense of volume throughout. Fine details include gibbed jambs, and custom internal joinery by local business Complete Kitchens. Outside, Genia cladding is paired with Viblock elements. A challenge was the over-height elements and refined detailing that required extremely precise framing and finishing tolerances, Eden says. But careful coordination between structure, joinery and plastering achieved a crisp, seamless outcome. BLAC Design & Build was established in 2016, originally operating as Barrett Armstrong Building Solutions. It began as a family-led building business in Māpua, founded by experienced builder and foreman Sean Barrett alongside his son-in-law, Jared Armstrong, who transitioned from a professional golf career into construction. The interior design division was formally introduced in 2021 when Alysha and Duncan joined the team, starting as an additional service and growing into a core component of the business. Interior design is integrated early in the planning stage, allowing material selections, joinery layouts and architectural detailing before construction begins. Interior design is integrated early in the planning stage. Eden says this proactive approach enhances the overall design outcome while minimising costly changes later in the build. The design arm of the business continues to expand and is a key focus for future growth. With the addition of Duncan (sales and project management) and Alysha (interior design), BLAC evolved into a fully integrated designand-build firm. Today, it is a tight-knit team delivering bespoke architectural homes across the Nelson– Tasman region. Eden says while the wider construction market has experienced national slowdowns, the Nelson–Tasman region remains relatively resilient due to lifestyle migration and continued demand for high-quality, architecturally designed homes. “BLAC sees ongoing opportunity in design-led new builds and renovations where clients prioritise long-term value, craftsmanship and thoughtful detailing.” Looking ahead, the company’s focus is not on rapid expansion, but on refinement, she says, strengthening systems, enhancing design capability and delivering architecturally significant homes across the region. Website: apexroofingnelson.co.nz Alex: 027 923 7215 Email: admin@apexroofingnelson.co.nz NEW ROOFS | RE-ROOFS CLADDING Proudly Supporting BLAC Design & Build Phone 03 539 0055 Website completekitchens.co.nz Showroom 308b Queen St, Richmond Email info@completekitchens.co.nz Proudly Supporting Blac Design & Build
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