Business South August 2020

| 65 Volume 29 | Issue 4 businesssouth We develop projects working with client's goals and aspirations to strike the best balance between architectural perception, function and proportions. We encourage the practical and efficient use of resources and space for healthy living. www.sur-architecture.com BUILDING - DUNEDIN » Wilson Builders Creativity and transparency Wilson Builders is creating brand recognition in the wider Dunedin area as a member of the Superhome movement. SUR Architecture is a growing company providing architectural services to families and businesses across the Otago region. It has completed projects in Dunedin, Otago Peninsula, Waikouaiti, Karitane, Mosgiel, Central Otago and Queenstown. The Dunedin-based business is owned by Maria Callau and Juan Puricelli who hold Argentinian and New Zealand qualifications in architecture, architectural technology, design science and energy conservation science. The couple strongly believe in offering clients an efficient and transparent process. “We are a client-based practice which values customer’s feedback, we work with clients goals and aspirations to strike the best balance between architectural perception, function and proportions. We encourage the practical and efficient use of resources and space,” Maria says. A feature of SUR Architecture’s website is that it indicates in each stage of the design process the percentage of the full scope of the architect’s fee involved. If the time required in a particular stage needs to be higher, the client will be given prior notice. This transparency along with good communication with the client is important to the business’ ethos, Maria says. During the early design stage a client can help the process by bringing design ideas to the table, but Maria and Juan can also suggest possibilities the client hasn’t thought about. Their creativity and broad base of qualifications were put to good use in the design of a Wilson Builders two-story house currently being built in North East Valley, Dunedin. The house incorporates many unique features. The clients were wanting something simple and warm and were open to SUR Architecture’s design ideas. Builder Bruce Wilson was part of the initial design stage with both SUR Architecture’s and the client which was an ideal situation, Maria says. Despite the architectural design, it is an affordable house which required a tight budget. Part of the solution to achieve what the client wanted within the budget was to incorporate some recycled materials, plus materials such as beams and posi-struts and plywood were left exposed which meant an industrial feeling was created. To complement this, bright colours in the interior scheme provided a pleasing balance. This house is a great example of how SUR Architecture love to help people with modest budgets. It also highlights how some people who do not think it possible could have an energy- efficient, architecturally designed new or renovated house, while early engagement of an architectural designer and builder can also lead to efficiencies and savings during construction.