| 93 Standout homes boosting company profile J&M Built is earning a reputation for pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship J&M Built T T Kelly Deeks “We’re both really peoplefocused, and it’s a pretty awesome feeling being able to make someone’s dream become reality.” BUILDING Christchurch architectural building company J&M Built is earning a reputation for pushing the boundaries of design and craftsmanship and the team’s most recent project may be their most ambitious yet. Directors Jamie Ellis and Matt Radburnd have more than 28 years of combined experience in residential construction, and since launching J & M Built the pair have focused on high-end architectural homes that are unique, sustainable, and tailored to their clients’ vision. “We’ve both been in the industry about 15 years and were motivated to start something of our own,” Jamie says. “We’re both really people-focused, and it’s a pretty awesome feeling being able to make someone’s dream become reality.” Their latest build, nestled in native bush in Little River, will be entered into the 2026 Master Builders House of the Year Awards – J&M Built’s second time participating after earning a silver award for a striking Okains Bay holiday home in 2023. The Little River house is a standout in both design and execution. Completely off-grid, it features solar panels, seven different exterior claddings giving a different look from every angle, and challenging access that required a helicopter to deliver 18m roofing sheets. Inside the 150sqm home, the bathroom ceiling soars to 6.5m, with huge bifold windows above the bath opening into the surrounding bush. “It’s the most interesting build we’ve done,” Jamie says. “We used recycled materials like steel beams and copper sinks recovered from John Britten’s old stables. It’s incredibly rewarding to build something this unique and environmentally conscious.” The home’s distinction was also recognised by its architect Ben Brady of Linetype Architectural, who has called it his best design to date and now regularly recommends J&M Built to his clients. The company’s profile is also growing, thanks to its own speculative builds. A standout spec home completed last year on Gardeners Road acted as a de facto show home and received fantastic feedback, as well as generating three new commissions. “People really appreciated the quality and design, especially compared to the cookie-cutter homes that are common in subdivisions,” Jamie says. “We’ve taken that feedback and gone even further with our next two spec builds on Weston Road.” Those homes, 240sqm and 190sqm on 600sqm sites, will feature high-stud ceilings, oversized doors, custom-made bathroom vanities and stone bench tops, and architectural touches usually reserved for higher-end custom homes. J & M Built now has a team of eight, including five tradesmen and three apprentices, and Jamie says the company’s values – quality workmanship, client satisfaction, and teamwork – are the foundation of their success. “We’ve only ever had happy clients, and we’re proud of the relationships we’ve built. We look after our team, and they look after us,” says Jamie. With the Christchurch market showing signs of recovery, Jamie says now is an excellent time for homeowners to begin planning a new build. “With interest rates easing, faster consenting times, and the availability of the best trades and suppliers, winter is a great time to design and consent your dream home so you’re ready to hit the ground running with earthworks in spring.” DSCANTERBURY DRYWALL SOLUTIONS +64 22 065 7009 quintin@canterburydrywall.co.nz Supply, Fix And Stop Specialists Delivering top-notch solutions to all your plumbing and gasfitting needs. General Plumbing Repairs | Drain Cleaning & Blockage Removal | Toilet, Sink, & Faucet Installations Hot Water System Repairs & Installations | Gas Appliance Installations & Repairs Gas Leak Detection & Repair | 24/7 Emergency Callouts | And much more! Chris: 027 329 8118 Bryce: 027 393 2188 flameandflowltd@gmail.com enquire.flameandflow.co.nz
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