96 | Character style meets modern functionality The project, currently under construction on Stourbridge Street, comprises four townhouses designed with a point of difference: classic character styling. Heathcote Building and Design T T Kelly Deeks BUILDING Christchurch building company Heathcote Building and Design (HBD) has carved out a niche restoring and renovating character homes. Now, the family team of Greg, Veronika, Jack, Jordan and Pena is bringing that traditional aesthetic into the townhouse market with their first multi-unit development in Spreydon. The project, currently under construction on Stourbridge Street, comprises four townhouses designed with a point of difference: classic character styling. Co-owner Greg Mundy says the move into townhouse development marks a significant evolution for the company, which was established in 2019 and has built its reputation on full-scale renovations of ‘as is, where is’ properties. “We’ve specialised in character villas and full restorations, completely gutting them, reroofing, recladding, and bringing them back up to spec,” Greg says. “This is our first time building multi-units, and we wanted to make sure we stayed true to our roots.” Greg and his wife Veronika, who leads the design work on all their projects, were inspired by the positive feedback received from previous projects, and could see a space in the market for new homes built in a traditional style. “We spent a lot of time going to open homes of a full range of townhouses to get a feel for what was on offer, and felt there was demand for character townhouses,” Greg says. “We got the feeling in many of the houses we viewed that the interiors lacked flow and felt more motel-like than homely. That’s where we saw an opportunity to do better.” With townhouses typically limited in size, efficient layouts and functional design are key. Veronika has worked closely with RBA Studios to create well-considered interiors that make the most of every square metre, while also meeting all council and consenting requirements, which was a significant learning curve for the HBD team on their first multi-unit development. “There’s definitely more paperwork and council-related process involved compared to like-for-like renovations,” Greg says. “From the time we bought the property, it took five months just to get to the point where we could start building.” HBD is managing the entire development in-house, from project management to construction, with the help of experienced subcontractors for specialist work like roofing and insulation. “When you’re doing a bigger block like this, it makes sense to bring in subcontractors who do this type of work day in and day out,” Greg says. “They’re faster and more cost-effective, and that helps us stay competitive.” Two of the four townhouses are expected to be marketed off the plans in the coming weeks, with completion scheduled for July or August. The remaining two will be held back for open home viewings once completed, giving potential buyers a chance to experience the difference in person. Looking ahead, the team has already secured their next project, a full restoration of a character home on Heaton Street in Merivale. “We’ve got a good following now, with people coming back to us trying to buy the houses we’re working on,” Greg says. “Moving forward in the multi-unit space, we aim to improve with every subsequent new build, just like we did with our renovations. “Our first renovation project was a milestone, the second we did faster and more efficiently, and every one thereafter has been better and better.” Proudly supporting Heathcote Building and Design cassidykelway@ckelectricalltd.com 02102568233 Proud to be working with Heathcote Building and Design Ph: 03 381 8016 | sales@alvista.co.nz www.alvista.co.nz Provide Aluminium Joinery Solutions for Commercial, Architectural & Residential Projects. Explore Our Extensive Selection of Survey, Erosion Control & Civil Consumables sales.nz@prosolveproducts.com www.prosolveproducts.co.nz We provide quality construction consumables for the Survey and Civil industry, from set out stakes, Marking Paint to Temporary Fence, Geotextiles etc. Contact us for reliability!
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