86 | BJ Carter T T Russell Fredric Riverton renovation truly remarkable A striking feature of the Howell’s Point house is its prow-shaped south elevation, BUILDING The remarkable renovation of a Riverton house with a breathtaking ocean view was recognised in this year’s House of the Year awards. Perched high above Howell’s Point, the house underwent a complex renovation, which sealed the 2024 Southern Region Renovation $1 million to $2 million bronze award for rural-based Southland company B J Carter Builders & Insulators. Owner James Carter estimates the award is one of approximately 20 his company has won during the past two-plus decades, including many top-level residential and commercial awards. Howell’s Point overlooks Foveaux Strait to Stewart Island and beyond and, reflecting the seaside location, a striking feature of the house is its prow-shaped south elevation, which sits atop the double garage underneath. The house’s south and east elevations feature extensive, thermally broken floor-to-ceiling glazing along the full length, and provide incredible panoramic views that are constantly influenced by the weather and light. The wraparound timber deck along these elevations allows for the enjoyment of the sea air and the ability to choose the most sheltered side, as well as to open up the sliders for indoor-outdoor flow. “It is exactly what they wanted. [The client] loves their home, they are thoroughly enjoying it. It’s got a million-dollar, 270-degree view, the scenery changes every day. It’s a relaxing tranquil retreat tucked into the sand dunes,” James says. Because of the large amount of glazing, there was a deficit of bracing available, so the substantial bracing elements needed to meet the building code included steel portals for the walls and plywood in the ceiling and floor diaphragms. There was also considerable engineering required for the garage, which included excavation of the sandy substrate to a depth of 3.5 metres, plus piling and retaining. The prow section was meticulously constructed to include a new dining-living space and a main bedroom with ensuite and walk-in closet. On this level, the kitchen was also revamped and an ensuite added to one of the three existing bedrooms, with B J Carter’s attention to detail highlighted throughout. The extremely generous dining/kitchen and living area features a white raked skillion ceiling, which is subtly complemented by pale teal walls, with accents of vibrant blues in the splashback, a curved cerulean-blue settee and matching artwork. To future-proof the 285sqm home, the staircase was designed so a stair-lift could be added, and a dumbwaiter installed between the garage and kitchen. Originally built in a modest form in the late 1970s, the house was clad in Hardi Plank with an attached lean-to porch and garage partially obstructing the seaward views. The re-imagined design was by Neil Slater, owner of Riverton-based firm NJS Architecture. The renovation was one of the most challenging undertaken by B J Carter Building & Insulation. The company was involved early in the design process and worked with the architect to develop and streamline the construction process, the ideal situation for all involved, James says. “As a builder, you can get a feel for what the client likes and working with Neil was a dream. It’s really a collaboration between the builder and the architect. This was a complex project, it has a lot of steel supporting the roof and floor, it’s a very high wind zone right by the sea with high corrosion.” The exterior is stylishly reclad in Adobo shiplap thermally modified timber which is designed to last in the extreme environment. The house is insulated with Envirowool supplied and placed by B J Carter Building & Insulation. The company is a pioneer as Southland’s specialist insulators, having introduced Envirowool as its own insulation line of 100% southern New Zealand wool. It provides this service for ceiling and under-floor insulation in homes, rental properties, workers’ accommodation or commercial premises, without the need for renovation. “We’re really passionate about providing a quality, locally sourced product.” Its subsidiary company, Insulmax Insulation Southland, can also retro-install Insulmax for thermal and acoustic insulation. Insulmax is a soft, white, water-resistant mineral fibre manufactured to the highest European standards that is safe, dry, non-combustible and formaldehyde free, designed to insulate the walls of all styles of New Zealand homes without renovation or removing wall linings. Mapei Aquadefence Waterproofing System Mapei Licensed Applicator 03 217 6158 admin@amtec.net.nz 69 Eye St, Invercargill www.amtec.net.nz At AMTEC Electrical we are totally committed to supplying a service that consistently meets the requirements of our customers. We are dedicated to continually improve our service by involving all employees in establishing and maintaining quality systems. With 35 years experience in the business, we are your safe and reliable provider of electrical services in Invercargill. Safe and Reliable Electrical Services Residential • Commercial • New Builds• Alterations Building Maintenance • IQP Registered • Site Safe Certified
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