Haven (NZ) Ltd’s design and build of a contemporary home for a young couple in Pukekohe, Auckland, was the worthy national winner of the New Homes under $250,000 category in the Registered Master Builders 2007 House of the Year, in association with PlaceMakers.
With the couple in their 20s desiring a cost effective home that was both functional and fashionable, the Haven (NZ) Ltd team had specific design requirements to meet.
“The key challenge was to create something different and special on a limited budget and in a suburban subdivision. The end result was a fantastic example of value for money and quality construction that everyone in the company was proud to have been a part of,” Haven (NZ) Ltd managing director Gary Millington says.
“Winning a national title in the House of the Year was a great achievement not only for the team working on the project, but for the company as a whole.”
To meet the client’s requirement for a maintenance-free exterior, the home was clad in Linea weatherboard and grooved plywood, and the contrast in colour and texture created an eye-catching result.
The owners enjoy entertaining and so desired an attractive entrance to the home, and plenty of indoor-outdoor flow. Upon entering the house visitors are greeted with a feature wall covered with woven bamboo paper which continues into the living area.
A large double ranchslider opens from the designer kitchen on to an expansive deck, effectively doubling the living area in size when the doors are open.
An “awning” was also created by extending the roofline to cover a large portion of the main deck, allowing the owners to enjoy valuable leisure time outside while sheltered from the sun.
Mr Millington says the clients were elated with the end result, and are extremely proud of their new home.
“The young couple has achieved something that most will never experience — building a national award-winning home.”
Competition judges were equally impressed with the project, commenting on the clever design, quality of workmanship from all contractors and the great value for money.
Managing director Gary Millington has owned and operated Haven (NZ) Ltd, formerly named Franklin Builders Ltd, for more than 12 years.
Specialising in the custom design and build of residential houses and light commercial buildings, Haven (NZ) Ltd has been involved in some interesting projects, largely within the Pukekohe region.
“One of the most special projects we’ve completed was the renovation of an old villa that was transformed into Peter Thornley’s Bracu restaurant in Bombay. We’ve also been involved in a number of community development projects with Housing New Zealand.”
He said that since 2001, Haven (NZ) Ltd has consistently entered homes in the Registered Master Builders House the Year competition, winning regional awards at least every year.
“This year we have two houses entered, one in the Housing New Zealand Community Development category, and the other in the New Homes under $250,000 category.
“We hope to strengthen our commitment to excellence and leading-edge design and construction with another great result this year.”
