Business South March 2021

10 | DEVELOPMENT DGM Group Developments embrace good design Russell Fredric The Juno Apartments complex in Christchurch is a typically stylish development from DGM Group. “My philosophy is that I believe in what I build; this means a development of which I can be proud, that serves its purpose well and is embraced by the wider community.” D GM Group developer Grant MacKinnon takes a lot of pride in creating apart- ments and townhouses that enhance the lifestyle of their owners while adding aesthetic appeal to a neighbourhood. The sole owner of DGM Group, Grant had originally considered a career in architecture and while it was an interest in building that ul- timately won over, his interest in architecture is apparent in the aesthetics of each complet- ed project. “My philosophy is that I believe in what I build; this means a development of which I can be proud, that serves its purpose well and is embraced by the wider community. “I believe I have achieved this in our 25-plus year history and, as a long-term Christchurch resident, I intend to continue doing so.” His passion for good design coupled with a desire to create a sense of community with each development has received industry endorsement in the form of architectural awards. The company has undertaken 13 devel- opments since its inception and two of its multi-level projects have won New Zealand Institute of Architecture awards. It’s Rakaia Apartments designed by Wilson & Hill Architects won the Canterbury New Zealand Institute of Architecture 2017 Housing Multi-unit Award while DGM Group’s Gallery Apartments also designed by Wilson & Hill won the Resene Local Award for Architecture “Good architecture adds immensely to the living environment of a house and it adds immensely to public buildings like the projects we build as well. “When you don’t put any architecture into things and it becomes a commodity it leads to a blandness. With a little bit of architecture you can really lift things and make your living environment far better.” A development currently being built for DGM Group is Riverbank Quarter, a unique development of 17 terrace townhouses in Cambridge Terrace. The location is second to none, enjoying wide Avon River frontage between Colombo and Manchester Streets in the CBD, while to the west is the open green space of the PGC Memorial site, Otakaro Orchard and Town Hall. The recently opened Avon River Precinct, with its wide boulevard, seating, artworks and other features runs past the front door, and Manchester Street passes to the east with the famous poplars avenue across the street. Within a stone’s throw is the Margaret Mahy Playground, New Regent Street and Victoria Square, while the new Library and Cathedral Square are just beyond. The townhouses can be used for both residential and commercial purposes, either as completed residential townhouses or as GST-exclusive shells for the owner to finish as they wish. Another development, 17 Salisbury Street, completed last year, comprises six town- houses on the corner of Salisbury Street and Westwood Terrace. Each home is designed with entry and living downstairs and two bedrooms and bath- rooms upstairs. Grant says the mews layout and terrace style homes are popular and well-proved living environments. He gains a lot of satisfaction from the qual- ity of his company’s developments, for which people are prepared to pay a premium for. “The skill lies in making sure you can pull that extra cost out with additional value.” New Zealand’s only stone column ground improvement design and build specialist. NZ Ground Improvement is a solution focused business for all ground improvement requirements whether it’s bridge construction, commercial projects or residential land performance management. Our successful portfolio includes solutions in ground models not typical of a stone column solution, we can add value to any project requiring structural enhancement removing this necessity by adopting a first principal approach and managing the issue rather than accommodating it as is often the industry norm. In doing so we are adding immense value both in the construction stage and in the future asset value. CALL FOR A NO OBLIGATION QUOTE — 027 323 9962 steve@nzgroundimprovement.co.nz www.nzgroundimprovement.co.nz COMMERCIAL & RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE www . s c a r c h i t e c t s . c o . n z | P h 0 3 3 6 5 8 5 8 2