John Creighton was over the moon when his company took out took out the BRANZ Sustainable Homes over $1 million category, in the Registered Master Builders 2009 House of the Year, in association with PlaceMakers.
John Creighton, owner of John Creighton Builder Ltd, says every element of the two-storey Christchurch home was developed with an eye for sustainability — featuring four bedrooms, four bathrooms, three living rooms and an attached garage.
“The home owners were really passionate about sustainability, so it was important that we used the latest materials and construction methods to ensure optimal energy efficiency and future proofing,” Mr Creighton says.
“We even went as far as installing an automation system that controls everything from power and heating to its security and solar energy.”
The home also boasts an outdoor area with a pool, organic vegetables that climb up a wire grid and a well-planted landscape, resulting in a finished product that the competition’s judges described as a “self-sufficient, sustainable home that will last a lifetime”.
“This home delivers a sophisticated response to sustainability, beautifully delivered on an inner-city site, showing what can be achieved using sustainable principles,” they said.
“Excelling in everything from energy efficiency and design, this home also delivers thermal separation from the elements, reducing heat transfer and creating a warm and inviting home.”
Although Mr Creighton says the company doesn’t specialise in sustainable building, he believes that after the Christchurch project, his staff have developed exceptional knowledge and skills in a range of sustainable practices.
“The home required extensive research in sustainable products and processes, which allowed us to test and develop our knowledge in these areas,” Mr Creighton says.
“Being successful in this industry requires continuous learning, so I am pleased to say our team has successfully upskilled in the area of sustainable building.”
Mr Creighton has had a passion for the construction industry for as long as he can remember, starting his own company in 1993, and becoming a Registered Master Builder a year later.
“Being a Registered Master Builder is like having a quality mark for everything you do. It’s a great way for customers to see your value and have the assurance that you will do a great job,” he says.
The 2009 award was the second national award John Creighton Builder has won in the past eight years, and he is very optimistic about his entry in the 2010 competition.
“We build each and every home to an award-winning standard, and ensure that the client is always happy with the end result.”
Mr Creighton believes his company’s point of difference is its superior service, commitment to quality and the loyalty and efficiency of its staff. “Some of our builders have been with us for 10 years — we have even built two homes for some clients using the same building team.
”We pride ourselves on making the building process an enjoyable journey for our staff and our clients. Building your dream home should be an exciting venture.”
