| 71 Expertise makes all the difference Varcoe McMillan Architecture’s portfolio of completed projects includes everything from retail outlets, offices and commercial premises to schools and sports clubs, industrial sheds, workshops and from high-end homes to tiny homes. Varcoe McMillan Architecture T T Russell Fredric ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN New Builds | Renovations Paul McHaffie - 021 684 181 Steve Gibson - 027 268 4180 PROUDLY SUPPORTING VARCOE MCMILLAN ARCHITECTURE Services Include: • Seismic Assessments & Retrofit Strengthening Solutions • NZBC Based - Fire Engineering Solutions • Civil • Structural 173 Spey St, Invercargill P: 03 218 7936 M: 027 403 3773 E: darryl@kensingtonconsulting.co.nz Varcoe McMillan Architecture directors Gordon McMillan and Cory Varcoe emphasise that engaging an architectural designer is not solely the domain of big-budget builds. Between them, the two have nearly five decades of experience in residential and commercial design work. Having expert design input and guidance, including for a lower-budget build, such as a modest home or renovation, can make a huge difference, they say. Varcoe McMillan Architecture’s portfolio of completed projects includes everything from retail outlets, offices and commercial premises to schools and sports clubs, industrial sheds, workshops and from high-end homes to tiny homes. Gordon and Cory can also provide project-management and tendering services, which typically applies to commercial projects and large-scale residential projects. Their clients have a wealth of experience to draw from. “Whether it’s a grand home in Central Otago or a small townhouse, it’s still a big outlay and we feel that they should have someone that’s got good experience to provide the best solution for their brief,” says Gordon. Clients vary from those with very clear ideas of what they want, to others that are starting with a blank sheet, while some people don’t realise the potential of what can be achieved, and suggestions put to them can radically improve the end result, Gordon says. He reflects on an alteration where the client wanted to reconfigure their kitchen and create a living space. On the north side of the house was an area that originally was a coal shed/ laundry area they wanted to squeeze the kitchen into. “I said demolition was cheap, and there’s not really any value in this part of the building, and if we demolish this, then add a small amount to the house to the north you would have all north living, while also having a much better kitchen space. “They did as we suggested, and they absolutely love it. Because they were fixated on that small space, they couldn’t see the bigger picture. We can see those solutions they wouldn’t necessarily see.” Likewise, Gordon and Cory are happy to adopt suggestions from a client or builder through the design process. The pair is seeing a trend towards clients being increasingly conscious of energy efficiency, and with their extensive knowledge of materials and building systems, they can design a home that is warm, dry and healthy with either conventional materials and methods, or suggest other alternatives, including options for the builder to consider. While the build cost may be higher for an energy-efficient home, the long-term benefits and cost savings easily justify the extra initial expense. “That’s one of the things that we think about the most – designing a home that’s going to be thermally efficient. Public knowledge is increasing a lot; more than ever, we are getting more people coming in with thermal efficiency as a focus,” says Gordon. “Energy efficiency is only one aspect. Yes, the running costs will be lower, but you’re also improving the health and the comfort of the occupants in the home. We stress the importance of good design practices, which go a long way to achieving this.”
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