92 | The homes may be simple in design, but they are built to last, incorporating the latest H1 building regulations to ensure durability and efficiency. A House T T Kelly Deeks BUILDING In the wake of the devastating Christchurch earthquakes, builder Barry Rowe saw an opportunity to turn tragedy into hope. Struck by the immense wastage from condemned buildings, he envisioned a way to repurpose materials and create affordable housing solutions for displaced residents. What started as a simple idea soon grew into a housing movement that has provided homes for dozens of families across Canterbury. With more than 50 years’ experience in the building industry, Barry had long understood the demand for cost-effective, wellbuilt homes. Following the earthquakes, he designed an affordable cottage with a simple floor plan, making home ownership a reality for those that previously thought it impossible. The popularity of these compact, functional homes spread quickly, leading to the development of transportable cottages. Initially embraced by the dairy industry for worker accommodation, these homes also gained traction among individuals and families looking for a reliable and economical housing option. As demand grew, purely through word of mouth, Barry recognised the need for affordable housing extended far beyond the post-earthquake recovery period – it was an ongoing issue affecting many New Zealanders. In 2019, Barry’s nephew, Jonathon Rowe, approached him with a personal request: to build an affordable home for his mother, who had also lost her house in the earthquake. While working together on the project, the two were frequently approached by locals, who were impressed by the speed, quality, and affordability of the build. Realising they had tapped into something much bigger, Barry and Jonathon decided to join forces and officially launch their company, A House. Simple homes, built to last A House is a collaboration between Barry’s company, Brobuild, and Jonathon’s A H Development. Their shared mission is to create high-quality, cost-effective homes for a wide range of buyers, from first-time homeowners to retirees, farmers, and investors. Based at an industrial site near Geraldine, South Canterbury, A House operates with efficiency and affordability at its core. By constructing homes off-site under a Multiproof approval, a national certification from the Ministry of Business, Innovation, and Employment, the company ensures compliance with New Zealand’s building standards while maintaining lower costs. A House homes are designed to meet a wide range of environmental conditions, including climate zone: 6, wind zone: extra high, snow loading: all zones up to -2 kPa, exposure zone: 3, and earthquake zone: 3. The homes may be simple in design, but they are built to last, incorporating the latest H1 building regulations to ensure durability and efficiency. As New Zealand faces an ongoing housing shortage, Barry and Jonathon believe A House can play a critical role in offering affordable solutions. Their homes cater to a variety of needs, whether as a first home, a retirement home, a rental property, or employee housing. “We are passionate about getting more New Zealanders into home ownership, particularly those on the fringe who feel it’s out of reach,” says Barry. “It shouldn’t have to break the bank to own your own home.” A House has sold transportable homes across Canterbury and Otago, and as interest grows the small business is prepared to expand with demand. Their ultimate goal is to see their homes become a viable option in New Zealand’s social housing sector, helping address the housing crisis in a meaningful way. “We’re not a fly-by-night outfit,” Barry says. “I’ve been in this industry since the late 1970s, and we plan to be around for many more years to come.” Contact us by calling 03 375 0700 | info@firstchch.co.nz firstchch.co.nz Get in touch to find out why we’re A House’s trusted supplier of Aluminium, Thermally Broken & Klima uPVC joinery. SPECIALISTS IN Proud to be associated with A House New Builds Light Commerical Repaint Phone Daniel 027 218 5557 dmilnepainting@yahoo.com Talk to us today, the feature profile experts Phone: 03 983 5500 waterfordpress.co.nz PROFILE YOUR PROJECT...
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