There is another way
There’s more than one way to build a home, as these homeowners discovered, thanks to GMAC Builders.
WORDS Kathy Catton PHOTOGRAPHY Mick Stephenson
HEART OF THE HOME This simple but functional kitchen, designed and manufactured by Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery, has the feeling of home about it while also bringing texture and style to the space.
Typically, when people are looking to build a home, they opt for either an off-plan design or an architectural build. But there is another way. Less well-known but just as relevant in today’s market, the use of a tender process and working directly with a trusted builder is a great way to ensure a high-quality build at a competitive price.
That’s exactly what these homeowners did when it came to building their Fendalton home. Having lived in their previous dwelling for 22 years, Sarah and Howard knew it was time for a fresh start. They loved the suburb but were seeking more sun, space and privacy. So when they came across the 900 square metre section down a quiet street, they knew they had struck gold.
“We’d spent about two years looking for the right spot,” says Sarah. “Going to multiple open homes and visiting lots of new homes gave us time to figure out exactly what we wanted.”
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The couple took the plunge just after the first Christchurch Covid-19 lockdown in 2020. They purchased the land, by which time their design brief was already shaping up. “It was never about an architectural statement home,” says Howard. “We wanted a simple weathertight home, which we could make into a gorgeous, contemporary family home.”
“I had it all in my mind how I wanted the home to be,” says Sarah. From the floorplan to the materials, products and finishings, it was all planned out. So it made sense to work with an independent builder and draftsman, who could provide unbiased, independent and transparent advice and guidance through the build process.
“We wanted to get it right and had the luxury of not being in a hurry,” says Howard. Through the tender process, the couple was able to get everything costed and sourced from the very start of the process.
INSIDE AND OUT There’s nothing quite like the rustic and traditional look of stone, supplied here by Hard as Rocks. Exterior cladding and entranceway is Rustic Ledge West Coast Eldorado Stone.
As you step through the front door, you are effortlessly drawn in from the outside by the continuing Rustic Ledge West Coast stone exterior cladding, which becomes the interior entrance wall. A guest wing and master bedroom create two of the private retreat areas, while the children’s bedrooms occupy the other side of the house. Drawn down a long corridor, you are led to a bright and airy main living space and kitchen, with an outdoor louvred entertaining room beautifully blurring the line between inside and out.
Sarah relished the opportunity to unleash her creative side on the blank canvas. The result is a restful, almost romantic abode, with a sense of soothing natural tones about the place. For example, the master bedroom is styled after The Great Gatsby movie, with New York blacks and whites informing the stylish yet romantic room.
FLOORS TO LOVE The Godfrey Hirst Oak engineered timber flooring in Rafia is from Floor Pride who also supplied the Godfrey Hirst Enchant wool carpet in the media room.
“I love how the curtains billow in the wind,” says Sarah. “It takes me to that feeling of being in a historical romantic drama. Julie Anderson from Julie Anderson Interiors was a great help in helping me achieve this look.”
This New York style is continued throughout the rest of the home. For example, the ensuite and walk-in wardrobe have plenty of room for clothing, shoes and space to get changed, while the kitchen has those black and white tones throughout.
The couple worked directly with Larissa Brekelaar, designer at Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery, to achieve their desired look in the kitchen, scullery, laundry, office and bedroom wardrobes.
“Sarah loved black and white, and she had lots of inspirational images when she came to see me,” says Larissa. “She knew she wanted a sleek yet functional and cohesive space, so we used only a few materials but showcased them in different ways.”
For example, the Acrymatte cabinetry in the kitchen is a soft matt finish with anti-fingerprint resistance, so it stands out well in the dark kitchen. The simple, light marble-look Calacutta Gio benchtop pulls through the colours and looks incredibly sophisticated. “To provide some texture we changed the overheads and feature shelving to a black-stained veneer, so it ties in nicely and has a subtle texture," says Larissa.
Sarah and Howard are pleased with the kitchen, which often becomes the hub of the household’s activities. As Larissa says, “Some people underestimate how important a well-designed kitchen is. Having a space like this creates a really beautiful central area which grounds the home.”
CRISP FINISH The fresh walls in the superb interiors were expertly painted by Dyer Decorating.
Every aspect inside the home’s walls were coordinated by the homeowners. As a result, they felt entirely in control of the process and knew exactly where they were in the process. This was very much a hands-on build, so a strong relationship with their builder GMac Builders, and draftsman Steve Butterworth, was going to be crucial.
GMac Builders have had a presence in the Canterbury region for almost 20 years, so over this time director Geoff and his team have gathered long-term relationships with subcontractors and suppliers throughout the region.
Geoff was born and bred in Canterbury, so he understands the industry and specialises in a range of building services, from bathroom and kitchen renovations to new house builds, home extensions and earthquake repairs.
ENTICING INTERIORS The New York-theme of interiors was facilitated by Julie Anderson Interiors, creating a classical and stylish space for the homeowners.
“Architecturally designed homes always throw up a few challenges,” says Geoff. “An experienced builder can generally work through issues as they arise.”
The biggest challenge of all were the constant supply issues and price increases. “The gib board crisis had a direct impact on this job, pushing the completion date out.”
In addition, the couple introduced some special effects lighting in some of the living areas and master bedroom that didn’t feature on the plans. “We were able to come up with a solution to achieve this,” says Geoff. “And we had to give some forethought to the outdoor fire, as the Kwila deck was not going to support the 800 kilograms Masport Matakana fire, so we needed to construct piles at an extra depth, and joists spaced closer together to carry the weight before laying the decking.”
The homeowners were impressed with Geoff and his team of Hayden, Greg and Leon who worked on this job. “Nothing was a problem, and they saw any problems before we did and dealt with them promptly,” says Howard. “They were very professional and completed work to a very high standard.”
The result is a great family home, with lots of communal spaces as well as private areas to retreat to.
This family has created something that expresses their dreams as a family. The home’s success is also largely due to the extensive research and many hours the homeowners spent envisioning the kind of house they wanted. It is the embodiment of who they are.
Involved in this project
BUILDER
GMac Builders Ltd
0274 940 665
gmacbuilders.co.nz
DRAFTSMAN
SWB Designs Ltd
03 338 4768
swbdesign.co.nz
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Julie Anderson Interiors
021 921 214
KITCHEN DESIGN AND MANUFACTURE
Modern Age Kitchens and Joinery
03 365 1675
modernagekitchens.co.nz
FLOORING AND CARPETS
Floor Pride
03 348 0939
floorpride.com
EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR CLADDING
Hard as Rocks Ltd
0800 353 672
hardasrocks.co.nz
DECKING
One Stop Deck Shop
0508 4 DECKS
onestopdeckshop.co.nz
PAINTING
Dyer Decorating
027 229 4421
LOUVRES
Louvre Concepts
0800 568 837
louvreconcepts.co.nz
