| 117 T T Karen Phelps Carving out a niche The company’s eco-friendly approach extends to all aspects of construction. HDW Builders BUILDING Wanaka based HDW Builders is carving out a unique niche in the construction industry by seamlessly blending modernity with sustainability and vintage charm. “Everyone is looking for something unique for their home,” says company owner Hayden Wilkinson, a second-generation builder with over 20 years of building industry experience. “So incorporating up-cycled and vintage items can give a home a real point of difference.” Hayden started his company in 2005, initially contracting to other local Wanaka building contractors before taking on full projects under his company from 2014. HDW Builders aims to create truly distinctive living spaces that are both environmentally conscious and rich in character. This philosophy is evident in many of HDW Builders’ projects with one standout example being a house in Lake Hawea. The home was a Structural Insulated Panel (SIP) build and used a lot of natural materials including macrocarpa tongue and groove ceiling, a set of matching rimu up-cycled interior doors hung in new macrocarpa frames and solid timber southern beech flooring. “The owner had always lived in a character home and was moving from the country to Lake Hāwea township to retire and wanted to replicate some character in a warm modern home.” The unique entranceway to the home demonstrated the high levels of craftsmanship that HDW Builders achieves: “We had the entrance door custom made with a insulated panel in-between the solid timber door using up-cycled rough sawn lath on the exterior face and reclaimed rimu timber for the inside face, with a solid reclaimed hardwood frame. It also featured a handle forged from an old crow bar,” says Hayden. While the use of vintage and up-cycled materials is a key feature of HDW Builders’ work, it’s part of a broader commitment to sustainability. “Eco building is a passion of mine but the market is still limited with regards to this. So we use materials that are eco-friendly where possible, such as natural wool insulation, minimising chemicals in products, and using sustainable timber.” The company’s eco-friendly approach extends to all aspects of construction, which means wastage on site is minimised and separated for recycling and products are sourced from reputable and preferably sustainable firms. Hayden says that HDW Builders’ approach has resonated with clients, leading to steady growth since its inception. What started as a one-man operation has evolved into a team of three to five staff, depending on workload. Hayden takes pride in training apprentices, ensuring that the next generation of builders understands the value of both sustainability and craftsmanship. He says the company’s success has been based on understanding client needs. “We like to advise our clients of the best path forward for them,” Hayden says. “It’s about taking the time to find out their unique situation and goals. We are proud that most of our work is word of mouth.” HDW Builders works in Wanaka and Hawea. As a Licensed Building Practitioner and member of the Master Builders, HDW Builders brings professionalism and accountability to every project. The company offers a range of services including new home builds and remodels, alterations, cabins and even landscape construction. At the moment HDW Builders is working on an architectural new 390sqm home build, a two storey contemporary design clad in Abodo sustainable cladding with suspended heated concrete floors. The home, designed by Clarkson Architects, also features a cantilevered concrete floor in the master bedroom, internal lift and curved deck with cedar screening. Wanaka & Hawea Building Company Applying sustainability and craftsmanship to the forefont Enquiries to: 021 541 011 | hdwbuilders@gmail.com www.hdwbuilders.nz 021 500 315 LTD PLUMBING • GASFITTING • DRAINAGE Proud to be working alongside HDW Builders.
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