Dream run
Care and craftsmanship exist here, in an easy-living new build in Christchurch by Gregg Architectural Builders.
PHOTOGRAPHY ANNA MCLEOD
Approaching retirement age, Gordon and Karen Hartley wanted easy living for themselves, and welcoming entertainment areas for friends and family, including their five grandchildren. So when a large section in Merivale Christchurch popped up, they grabbed it. A dilapidated house was removed, and work began.
“We have worked with Gregg Architectural Builders for many, many years,” says Karen. “So there was no question about who was going to build our house for us. We didn’t look for anyone else. We always enjoy working with them.”
That’s just as well, because they were on site every day of the build.
“We have a longstanding relationship,” says Blair Watson, project manager at Gregg Architectural Builders. “They’re great people to build for, and a lot of fun, too. They were heavily involved in the project from start to finish.”
The rug by Cronz in the entrance hall was an ideal way for interior designer Angelique Armstrong to introduce some bold colours. It is a 100 per cent New Zealand wool rug with a custom design, and the colours are Pure Dusk, Pure Caramel and Pure Plum.
Blair says the build was an easy one. “It was a big undertaking because it is a large site but it all ran smoothly.”
That’s thanks to the experience of the team. “There’s always plenty to think about while making sure that
it’s done how everyone envisions it,” says Blair. “It’s a challenge that keeps us on our toes. But the more you do it, the more you understand what people are after.”
Gregg Architectural Builders are well-reputed for building top-quality architecture with a focus on good craftsmanship and customising every project. It’s a longstanding family company, says Blair. “People know they can rely on us.”
Preparation and planning is key: “We make sure that we’re thinking well ahead so that when the time comes, everything’s ready to go.”
In every build, regular meetings are held and detailed agendas are created, allowing time for preparation. Planning ahead is emphasised, with a focus on working with the clients in making decisions well in advance to avoid rushing.
Blair also credits their regular team of subcontractors, as well as foreman Simon Carmont. “He’s in charge of everything that happens on a day on site. All these guys are an integral part of the job.”
Gregg Architectural Builders collaborates with top-tier construction partners on all their projects.
“With all of these relationships, we can manage every aspect of a project from beginning to end. We work closely with a wide range of subcontractors – from plumbers to plasterers – and it’s seamless,” says Blair.
The carpeting in the home is by Floorpride Mandeville Street, experts in providing product and design advice for any style of project.
Yubi Cloud tiles from Brymac Tiles add texture and height, supplementary to the Italian-made Ascot Ceramiche Stone Valley Sale, which is warm and organic to form a clean-lined, contemporary space.
Angelique Armstrong of Armstrong Interiors also contributed to the smooth sailing of this project. “It always makes our life a lot easier when you’ve got a fully detailed interior design plan to work from,” says Blair.
Her designs include plenty of texture and detail, which Blair says is intricate but rewarding to work on. “You get it right, and the end result speaks for itself.”
The homeowners’ style is synonymous with luxurious interior spaces. Karen and Gordon’s brief on this occasion was for classic, contemporary and calm interiors as well as something that was easy to live in and functioned well.
Blair and the homeowners are delighted with the final outcome. “I really love the big, open kitchen and living area. The high ceilings. It’s a spacious, light property,” says Blair. Blair’s personal favourite part of the new build is the outdoor area. “It’s a great place to entertain.”
When the site’s existing house was removed, the pool was kept, and Gregg Architectural Builders oversaw its restoration. “We don’t often manage renovations on pools. Typically we do new pools, so that was something slightly different,” says Blair.
“We did a pretty extensive landscaping job on the property as well, in collaboration with Texture Plants.
We like to do the hard landscaping as it ties in nicely with the house and we enjoy getting outside and using slightly different skills. Then you can deliver a home that’s 100 per cent done. It’s come up beautifully.”
The Resene Construction Systems Rockcote cladding by Properly Plastered, alongside the bagged schist and cedar, creates a sleek and modern exterior.
Outdoor entertaining areas were a must. “We consulted with the client to design the landscape,” says Stephen Mapletoft of Texture Plants. “And we collaborated with Gregg Architectural Builders so they could build the structural elements, and we finished with the soft landscaping to complete the picture. Basically anything outside is by our design.”
It’s the combination of the small details and the big picture that have created this stunning home.
For example, there’s a small servery from the kitchen through to the scullery, as Karen does all her baking in there and she can pass hot trays through the window. There’s also a small but functional bar area (with a beautiful stone finish) tucked under the stairs, which was a suggestion of Gordon’s. In the hallway, a hidden door accesses Gordon’s office.
And looking holistically at the property, there is a wonderful mixture of dark and light timbers throughout the home to create balance, and soft voiles and fluted textures to add a dreamy feel. The execution of the build has been meticulously thought through, and as a result, Karen and Gordon’s desire for an easy-living, extensive home has been very much realised.
Blair and his team delight in making clients happy. “At the end of the day, it’s the clients’ dream home,
so you’ve got to think on your feet and make things happen. That’s building; that’s what makes it exciting. We’re stoked with the projects we secure and the clients we work for. We get to build some amazing properties.”
Involved in this project
BUILDER
Gregg Architectural Builders
03 358 6491
greggbuilders.co.nz
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Armstrong Interiors
03 356 2636
armstronginteriors.co.nz
EXTERIOR PLASTER CLADDING
Resene Construction Systems
Properly Plastered
021 221 0282
ROOFING
CS Roofing Canterbury
03 338 0400
csroofingcanterbury.co.nz
FLOORING
Nextdore Interiors
03 366 9400
nextdore.co.nz
BATHROOM TILES & KITCHEN SPLASHBACK
Brymac Tiles
03 366 8187
brymactiles.co.nz
PAINTING
Ben Blair Painting
027 521 8895
AIR CONDITIONING & VENTILATION
Beattie Air
03 379 4832
beattieair.co.nz
LANDSCAPING & DESIGN
Texture Plants
03 281 7780
textureplants.co.nz
RUGS
Cronz
03 347 3592
cronz.co.nz
CARPETS
Floorpride
03 348 0939
floorpride.com
