102 | Elegant Kiwi Homes BUILDING Proud Suppliers to Bespoke design and efficiency go hand in hand for Chch builders Through its Build for Good project, supported by subcontractors, suppliers and Harcourts Grenadier, EKH built and sold a home with the net profit donated to Hato Hone St John Christchurch. T T Russell Fredric “EKH aims to create a point of difference by giving each home a distinctive appearance rather than producing houses that are indistinguishable from competing companies.” Elegant Kiwi Homes combines bespoke residential design with efficient construction management, creating homes tailored to clients while achieving build times of approximately 16 weeks. Co-owned by Ivan and Elizabeth Presquito, the Christchurch-based company began in 2015 and expanded its operations into Hamilton in 2022. Ivan’s finance and accounting background, together with his carpentry training and Elizabeth’s property law studies, gives the business a strong mix of financial, legal and construction experience. Elegant Kiwi Homes (EKH) has grown from a small residential building business into medium-density housing and land development, delivering client homes, spec builds and multi-home projects. The company’s growth has been built on careful financial management, strong supplier and subcontractor relationships, and honouring commitments to clients and business partners, Ivan says. “Most of our suppliers and subcontractors have been with us since day one, for more than 10 years.” For clients commissioning a bespoke home, the process starts with understanding how they intend to live in it. EKH’s architectural designer discusses lifestyle, culture and individual requirements, which can influence everything from room configuration to cooking and entertaining spaces. One client may want a home theatre or flexible living space for family movie nights, while another may prefer separate lounge and living areas for privacy when entertaining. “EKH aims to create a point of difference by giving each home a distinctive appearance rather than producing houses that are indistinguishable from competing companies.” Project management is central to EKH’s business and customer service model. For many standard residential projects of up to around 200sqm, EKH targets a construction timeframe of around four to four-and-ahalf months. Clients can access EKH’s project-management software to view photographs, schedules and progress, and communicate directly through the system. This time frame is achieved through planning rather than shortcuts. Construction stages are forecast in advance, with council inspections booked early to minimise delays between stages. “It’s about being proactive and efficient with the project management system.” EKH’s Halswell portfolio includes house-andland packages in Milns Green, Meadowlands, Benrogan and Halswell Commons, alongside projects in Wigram Fields, Robam Estates, Wigram, Avonhead and Hornby. Homes range from four-bedroom designs of about 140 to 185 square metres to a 200sqm five-bedroom home. EKH employs its own building crew and supports apprentices through New Zealand Certified Builders and the wider community. Its NZCB membership provides eligible new homes with a 10-year building guarantee, giving clients additional assurance. Giving back to the community is also part of its philosophy. Through its Build for Good project, supported by subcontractors, suppliers and Harcourts Grenadier, EKH built and sold a home with the net profit donated to Hato Hone St John Christchurch. The project contributed more than $140,000, demonstrating how the company’s growth can create an impact beyond the homes it builds. Ambulance 664 was later presented to the team involved in the project. The company has further strengthened its credentials through Business Canterbury’s Canterbury Trusted 2026 certification, recognising businesses committed to trust, integrity and responsibility in the region. “The message we want to convey to clients is that we’re here for the long haul.”
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