120 | The lifestyle block solution Todd can assist with all aspects of setting up a lifestyle property from organising soil testing, septic tank systems, driveways, fencing, landscaping, and of course the construction of sheds and dwellings. T Dunn Builders T T Kelly Deeks BUILDING North Canterbury’s T Dunn Builders has a solution for lifestyle block living, and it’s one Todd has chosen to execute on his own 10 acre block at Loburn, where he now lives in a habitable 70sqm inside his 350sqm GreenWood Shed. “It’s going to be a secondary dwelling as we’re going to build our dream home down the track,” Todd says. “That’s what a lot of people are doing on their 10 acre blocks, so I’m looking to offer a fixed price plan range.” Todd’s habitable shed is the fulfilment of a life-long dream he has had since he was a young fella - the big shed, a few toys, and a bit of land. It includes the essential man-cave at one end, which has been decked out with rough sawn cedar wall linings sourced from the local Loburn Sawmill. This area is larger than the habitable space and includes a half bathroom. The habitable space at the other end includes a high raking ceiling with beautiful negative detail birch plywood, and the living area looking out towards Mt Hutt and the foothills of Cust and Oxford. The outdoor area has exposed aggregate concrete and Purple Heart hardwood decking, and the garden has been beautifully finished with native shrubs, grasses, and trees, sourced and planted from the local native nursery Mystic Woods, also based in Loburn. Loburn has its own microclimate and quite a few local orchards and growers take advantage of its moderate rainfall and good amount of sunshine. At Todd’s hillside property, he finds it can be up to 4°C warmer at the top of the hill compared to the bottom. “We don’t get the hard frost on the hill, but there will be one at the bottom.” The easterly wind is always very cold, so Todd’s home has been designed to mitigate that as much as possible. “It’s an L shape, and it blocks the easterly, but we can’t do anything about the nor’wester.” Todd says habitable sheds are a great way to go for anyone looking to build a smaller dwelling before getting started on their dream home. Though not necessarily a cost-saving option, he says as soon as people come up to see his own place, they leave totally inspired and decided to go ahead despite the cost. Todd can assist with all aspects of setting up a lifestyle property from organising soil testing, septic tank systems, driveways, fencing, landscaping, and of course the construction of sheds and dwellings. Todd sourced his pole shed from GreenWood Sheds in Rolleston, who were an excellent partner in his project. His shed turned up to site as a kit set in about three separate loads, including some very long 15m steel beams. Todd loves building habitable sheds, saying it’s really satisfying work being out in the country and creating something really special for his clients. “I want to come up with a fixed base price for about six different designs as a package that people can build on their 10 acre blocks. I’ve had a lot of enquiry and I’m starting another one soon in Oxford for a client moving down from Auckland. He’s been to my house, and that’s how we secured the job.” 03 662 9979 | admin@vipconsulting.co.nz Proudly supporting Todd Dunn Builders VIP STRUCTURAL ENGINEERS CONSULT 03 662 9492 | www.vipdesign.co.nz Proudly supporting Todd Dunn Builders Specialising in residential and commercial drainage, EQC damaged drains, repairs, alterations, foundations, blocked drains, CCTV and more. CCC Approved • Contact us today for a free, no obligation quote. ben@bcdrainage.co.nz 027 863 7522 www.bcdrainage.co.nz Proudly supporting TDunn Builders Ltd
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