Business South July 2025

| 117 T T Kelly Deeks Skills showcased on design show The project, designed with sustainability, personality, and practicality in mind, is a striking example of the builder’s close collaboration with clients and trusted local suppliers. T Dunn Builders “They were looking to build something that fit their personalities and lifestyle, and we were on the same page right from the start.” BUILDING Loburn-based building company T Dunn Builders has made its small-screen debut with a bespoke residential build featuring on the latest season of Grand Designs New Zealand. The project, designed with sustainability, personality, and practicality in mind, is a striking example of the builder’s close collaboration with clients and trusted local suppliers. The unique home belongs to recent arrivals to North Canterbury, who relocated from Auckland after selling their 10-acre block. They purchased another 10-acre property next door to Todd Dunn’s home at Loburn, and quickly struck up a neighbourly relationship that led to a viewing of his self-built shed home, which includes a stylish man cave crafted from sustainably grown and locally sourced timbers. “They really connected with the way we had used natural materials and created a space that was small, but full of character,” Todd says. “They were looking to build something that fit their personalities and lifestyle, and we were on the same page right from the start.” After Todd built a custom horse-stable shed for them as a test run, the couple engaged T Dunn Builders for their dream home, a 130sqm house featuring Oregon timber interiors, polished concrete floors, fully tiled bathrooms, cedar cladding, and a separate single garage. With Todd closely involved in the design process, the project became a true collaboration. “We spent hours discussing every detail. It was refreshing to be so hands-on with the design. It’s not something we always get to do, but I really enjoyed it,” says Todd. One of the biggest advantages of working with T Dunn Builders is the personalised service. As owner-operator and project manager, Todd oversees every job himself. “When you build with us, you’re dealing directly with the person who’s managing your build, rather than a revolving team of project managers,” he says. “That’s how we make sure every detail is done right.” Todd’s long-standing relationships with local suppliers and subcontractors also play a big part in the company’s success. The Grand Designs project features sustainably grown timbers from nearby Loburn Sawmill, including Oregon and cedar, both chosen for their natural durability and aesthetics. “We use people we trust, who know our standards and how we like to work. That’s why our projects run so smoothly, everyone’s on the same page from day one.” Reputation matters in a tight-knit community like North Canterbury, and most of Todd’s work comes from word-of-mouth. “We don’t take on more than we can manage. Quality comes first, and we make sure each build gets the attention it deserves.” The T Dunn Builders team, subcontractors, and suppliers are all proud to see their work featured on nationwide TV. “It was definitely a bit nerve-wracking having a camera crew around, but it was great exposure for us and for our suppliers, and our team has come out stronger for being under a bit of extra pressure.” The firm is now working on a new family bach in Moana, a series of two-storey units in Christchurch, and a run of exciting new client builds across Canterbury. “The phones are ringing again, and people are ready to build. We’re here to make that process as easy, enjoyable, and high quality as it can be.” YOUR LOCAL EXPERTS IN SAFE, RELIABLE SCAFFOLDING Scaffolding for New Builds Scaffolding for Painting Projects Edge Protection Re-Roo ng Scaffolding Chimney Access Scaffolding Working Platforms Rangiora Scaffolding Ltd 0274 366 901 | rangiorascaffolding.co.nz jas.rangiorascaffolding@xtra.co.nz Building beautiful custom made homes and renovations from small to large 027 529 1191 todd@dunnbuilders.co.nz

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