66 | IDSGN T T Kim Newth New home market bouncing back ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN Timaru-based IDSGN architecture is noticing a distinct upswing in local demand for new home design. The award winning practice observes that the prevailing trend amongst their clients is for new executive family homes and larger architectural dwellings. “People are definitely coming back on board and feeling more comfortable with the higher cost environment,” Glenn Allan, who founded IDSGN in 2017. “We are seeing a lot of local residents who have been in properties for quite a while now wanting to build their dream home. We strive to create homes that fit with how the client likes to live and the site. Everybody is different and has their own style. We’re finding that every new home project is completely different. There’s not one that’s similar in scale, shape, style or claddings.” While today’s style preferences are diverse, Glenn notes that all clients are prioritising energy efficiency and being a little more considered about window design as part of that. “We are also seeing a marked preference for low maintenance homes. Timber claddings are not quite as prevalent in a lot of designs. People don’t want the job of having to recoat cedar for example. What they want are cruisy weekends!” Glenn and his team offer a personal, direct service and engage closely with clients throughout the entire project. Adding to that, the practice has strong local trade and supply relationships, and works closely with trusted engineers and local builders. “In Timaru, every client likes to deal with their builder first, so having those good relationships with builders is very important. We like to add value by making sure every design is presented well, and is very clear and easy to understand. We work with engineers on detailing to create a cohesive set of drawings, with all the structural elements properly integrated.” IDSGN architecture has designed a number of executive style homes in Timaru’s Meadowstone Street in recent years for young professionals starting their families. “These are three-bedroom family homes with large kitchen, living and dining areas and with separate lounges being a trending choice.” One of IDSGN’s current new home projects is for one of their own employees, who is building their first new home at a subdivision out of Timaru, on the way to Pleasant Point. Title was issued in mid-2023. “We have another one going through building consent. We’re finding the biggest issue with more rural sites is the complexity involved working with Environment Canterbury around things like sewerage.” Glenn says another ongoing challenge for the Timaru market is the comparatively tight supply of new flatland available for new homes. The market preference is for flat sites over sloping sites – “but there’s not much flat land left.” In the renovations market, IDSGN has worked with many clients wanting to make their kitchen, living and dining areas more open plan. This can involve moving these spaces to another part of the house, as they can sometimes be on the wrong side of the property in older homes. Some projects have involved taking a roof off to add another storey or doing a major extension, with larger scale alterations commonly involving out of town properties. IDSGN works alongside local interior designers to complete the finishing touches. IDSGN is also available for commercial projects, from redevelopments of existing buildings to new building design. “We’re currently involved with a project at Rolleston, tying an office space into a tilt panel style workshop. We’re working with other consultants, including electrical, mechanical, structural and civil engineers, and coordinating with them through the entire project. We’re a small team so this is quite a large project for us. IDSGN has a good line-up of projects into 2024. “Growth seems to be relatively steady overall and we are positive about the outlook ahead.” www.classicstone.co.nz Proud tobe associatedwith IDSGNArchitecture P: 0800 278 663 E: info@classicstone.co.nz NZ’s Premium Stone Veneer
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