88 | BUILDING Jason Gorton Building T T Russell Fredric Factory production focus for couple Jason and Michelle Gorton are progressing towards producing prefabricated modular houses in a purpose built 3500 square metre factory. Invercargill couple Jason and Michelle Gorton are making progress towards an exciting new venture they hope will be a construction industry gamechanger in the south. The owners of Jason Gorton Building have established a new company, Seven2, (meaning seven squared) that will produce prefabricated modular houses in a 3,500 square metre factory. Jason and Michelle started working towards the new business and construction of a factory about 18 months ago with the aim of producing quality houses in a much higher volume than is possible with conventional construction. Construction of the 3,500 square metre factory, which is planned to be built in a commercially zoned area at Kennington about 10 kilometres from Invercargill, is currently awaiting resource consent. The catalyst for the venture was the “pure need” for housing stock in New Zealand as well as local developments such as the impending 600 house Te Puawai subdivision in Invercargill, along with Government housing initiatives, Jason says. “We just never seem to be able to get to the point where they become an affordable home. What I am trying to do is create a way I can at least produce houses at an affordable level.” Through factory production, Seven2’s model of off-site manufacturing (OSM) is a way to reduce some of the costs inherent in conventional building methods, he says. OSM creates considerable efficiencies, especially for building multiple houses of the same or similar specification, while there is the flexibility to build houses to a high specification, all in a controlled environment. “There’s no wind, no rain or temperature extremes, the timber is dry, the glues are working at the appropriate temperature they are supposed to be applied at. “It’s really the best of the best; almost lab conditions for how to build a house in the textbook way, very much like a joinery workshop.” Houses will progress through the factory from the timber floor being built to the building envelope and roofing, all to the client’s specifications, with the interior and exterior either finished or unfinished. For transportation, the houses or individual modules can be up to 200 square metres, with the option of any house or building to comprise multiple modules and with almost endless possibilities through to the likes of schools, office blocks, accommodation and similar facilities. The OSM method of manufacturing allows for construction with any BRANZ approved materials from standard timber framing to structurally insulated and other panel types. “We are wanting to specialise in a compressed panel which is called Metrapanel. It probably halves the actual building time. It has awesome bracing properties; one of its biggest benefits is the reduced labour and the accuracy and straightness of the panel.” Frameless, self-supporting and self-insulated, Metrapanel is a single component that replaces the timber framing and plasterboard lining of traditionally constructed buildings. Using the Metrapanel system, the internal walls and ceilings will be ready to be stopped and finished when the building envelope is completed in just one day. The panels will arrive at Seven2 precision CNC computer cut to the exact specifications including for the door and window openings. Although it is expected this will be the most efficient system, the style of house will be entirely the customer’s choice. “We will be able to do anything from a high level architectural home with intricate detailing to simplistic five-house plans. For example, the pavilion house really suits this type of building.” An advantage of the timber floor is the ability to insulate it to an extremely high level, along with it allowing full access to services from underneath for future maintenance, repairs or upgrades. It is expected a house of standard specifications built with the panel system will be able to be produced in 12 weeks, compared to the typical five to six months for a conventional build. Based on the forecast rate of production and the factory’s capacity, Jason expects it will be possible to produce 30 houses a year depending on the average size of the houses manufactured. Because of the volume of materials that will be used, Seven2 will have a strong environmental focus and robust processes to deal with waste, which is a massive issue in the industry, Jason says. Funding in the form of a $750,000 loan from Kanoa, a government regional economic development initiative has been granted to Seven2, and this is to go towards processes and technology that will enhance efficiency and speed of production. Seven2 will have a separate staff and management to the Gorton’s existing business. “We understand it’s going to take some time to grow confidence and to build it, but we’ve done that within our own building business so we are quietly confident we can succeed and produce quality solutions to a problem that hasn’t been fixed by this or previous governments. “We can definitely produce good quality affordable housing.” When it comes to service & reliable automatic or manual garage doors, for domestic, industrial or farming needs, don’t go beyond Windosr Garage Doors to see you through. 100% NZ Made & Owned We produce an array of options when it comes to technical advice & service needs in Southland. • Installation and Auto Systems, Domestic & Industrial • Retro Installation • Repair & Maintenance • Gate Automation For Sales Service Support Call 03 235 8887 Mobile 022 683 1140 - 50 Dalry Street, Wallacetown tony@windsordoorssouth.co.nz www.windsordoorssouth.co.nz Your 1st choice for locally made and installed garage doors and gate automation WSM Decorating services are proud to support Jason Gorton Building
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