| 69 T T Rosa Watson Environmentally bespoke homes Manuka Homes specialises in architectural designed lifestyle block homes and engineered houses built into a hill. Manuka Homes BUILDING A Nelson-based builder is setting the standard of creating bespoke architecturally designed homes that also complement the environment. Manuka Homes was started by Lachlan and Rebecca Banks in 2015 when they reformed their existing business after their previous company “(The name) was just too long and commercial sounding and just didn’t accurately portray what we did and the direction we were moving,” Lachlan said. “We wanted a building company that by name was distinctly New Zealand and local, was fresh, natural and associated with green eco building, as we firmly believe that this is the mode of construction that should be standard. Many a bach or lifestyle block has Manuka as part of the landscape.” The company specialises in architectural designed lifestyle block homes and engineered houses built into a hill. The company was committed to detail, starting with the designer and following all the way through from foundations to finish. “We are not a building company project managing subtrades to produce a house, as has become the standard industry model. We are a small crack team that is hands on throughout the whole of construction ensuring that our exacting clients get an exact build. “I have always had an eye for detail and a love of architecture and would often find myself doing the more technical aspects of a job due to the patience and research required.” The company has recently associated itself with Heritage Timbercraft which provides kitset pre-industrial style post and beam barn style buildings and trusses. They hope to see this grow in Nelson Tasman area – so much so they are offering a 10 per cent discount to the first customer. One job currently underway is a three-bedroom home in Nydia Bay in the Marlborough Sounds with boat only access and staff live on site. “That requires dedication right there.” It was a classic bach design catering for extended family and friends, he said. Designed by the client’s best man who is an Architect based in London, Manuka Homes was involved right from the beginning, assisting with design and specifying details and products and other detailing. Manuka Homes advised the client to use Potius building systems - a panelised insulated system with extra flexibility than other panelised options. “We turned up on Monday and by the following Saturday we were screwing the roofing iron on. This was even faster than I had allowed for. Fully insulated, closed in bar the windows and flashings after a week!” And there were exciting projects coming up for the company. “We have two out of five houses designed for a five-lot subdivision in a desirable established area off Hill Street in Richmond where we have designed some tidy two-bedroom homes on 350m2 sections at ... a realistic price point for the market. “We know from our market research that these homes will sell as there are a lot of people in the area sitting on large sections with four-bedroom homes that are wanting to downsize, stay in the area but don’t want to do the retirement village thing.” We are currently accepting expressions of interest The company had been through some challenging times that last two years with the steady drop off of work volume – something being experienced across the industry. “We have knuckled down, shed any liabilities whether that be personnel or other and just concentrate on quality over quantity. And with the election coming, Lachlan said regardless of who got in, he expected investors who had been holding off would re-evaluate and re-enter the housing market. “There is still not enough housing in New Zealand and not enough tradesmen to build them, so while the next six to eight months may be a little lean, we are optimistic that these fundamentals will see some growth going forward.” Byrne Carriers Limited 38A Pascoe Street, Tahunanui Nelson 7011 P: 03 546 4040 W: byrnecarriers.co.nz E: byrnecarriers@xtra.co.nz Crane Trucks – Container Sales, Storage & Transportation Pleased to assist Manuka Homes Supplier of feature trusses & barn frames 027 379 9213 www.heritagetimbercraft.co.nz 027 424 4004 andrew@techelectric.co.nz For all your electrical requirements Proudly supporting Manuka Homes
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy NDc2Mzg=