| 97 MLC Building BUILDING Great Under Pressure Repairs & Maintenance • Renovations •Water Heating Solutions • New Builds mark@h2osolutions.co.nz 027 869 0026 h2osolutions.co.nz Hill Site Specialist TAI TAPU BASED | 027 469 7076 wdearthworks@gmail.com FIND US ON 022 177 6416 admin@perfectionplasterers.co.nz www.perfectionplasterers.co.nz for all your exterior plastering needs T T Kelly Deeks Demand growing for specialised craftsmanship The architecturally designed family home features a number of distinctive elements, including a creative brickwork design. For MLC Building, the most rewarding residential projects are the ones that demand more than just construction skills – they require problem solving, collaboration, and a commitment to getting every detail right. The Christchurch-based company has built a reputation for delivering complex residential builds, including architecturally designed homes where high-quality finishes and specialist craftsmanship are central to the final result. With more than 21 years in the industry, owner Michael Connell says the business has seen a steady increase in demand for bespoke homes from clients wanting something that is tailored specifically to their lifestyle. “People are not scared of investing into their homes now, and they are putting really nice finishes into them,” Michael says. One of MLC Building’s current projects, in Merivale, showcases the level of detail and craftsmanship increasingly being sought by homeowners. The architecturally designed family home features a number of distinctive elements, including a creative brickwork design that incorporates a traditional 1970s’-inspired pattern using a light cream-coloured brick. “It takes a lot of craftsmanship and requires a few different specialists to get right.” The project includes a specialist bricklaying team, and Michael says strong relationships and a collaborative approach are key to ensuring the quality of the finished result remains consistent. The return of brick as a popular exterior material is something he believes is being driven by both aesthetics and practicality. “For a lot of owners, it comes down to longevity. We wrapped a lot of houses in cedar for a while, including our own house, but it does require ongoing maintenance to keep it looking good. There is a reason people talk about bricks and mortar.” While the finished product is important, Michael says the success of architectural builds often comes down to the relationships formed before construction begins. The Merivale project was designed by Threefold Architecture, a practice MLC Building in working closely with on a number of projects. Early involvement allows the team to provide valuable input around feasibility and buildability before designs are finalised. “That early relationship makes a big advantage to the end result. We can work through the details before we are on-site, which helps when it comes to the final finishes,” says Michael. The project has presented some practical challenges, including working close to the local water table during excavation. Michael says careful planning and efficiency helped the team navigate the conditions without impacting progress. The home’s design also reflects the needs of the owners, including a garage large enough to accommodate a plumbing van. For Michael, seeing the finished home come together will be especially meaningful, with the owners being family friends. “We have kids the same age, so we are looking forward to hopefully enjoying the house and the pool out the back with them once it is finished,” he says.
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