Judges comments: The builders’ “perfect” attention to detail, coupled with clear and concise workmanship have helped them to create an incredibly well-executed home. The use of metal cladding, white plaster and cedar boarding on the exterior of the home is aesthetically pleasing and incredibly well-executed. Metal cladding fixings are seamless, which is very difficult to achieve and a real credit to the builder.

Described by the Master Builder Awards judges as having “perfect attention to detail, coupled with clear and concise workmanship”, we built this exceptional home and sanctuary for a retired couple in Te Puke. It won the Master Builders Gold Award, it was winner of it’s category, winner of the Gold Reserve Award, the Craftsmanship Award and the National Sustainable Home Award. Learn more about the Master Builder Awards. As the judges pointed out, a high calibre of craftsmanship and attention to detail was essential to the client’s brief of a minimalist home. Combining crisp lines, immaculate finishings and attention to detail, we used metal cladding, white plaster and cedar boarding on the exterior.

The Project

Judges raved that it was “an incredibly well-executed home… Metal cladding fixings are seamless, which is very difficult to achieve and a real credit to the builder.” With plenty of upfront communication, organised project management and dedication to getting it right.

Our awards for this property

• Registered Master Builders, House of the year, National Winner, 2013
• Registered Master Builders, House of the year, Local Craftsmanship Award, 2013
• Registered Master Builders, House of the year, Local Supreme Winner, 2013
• Registered Master Builders, House of the year, Local Category Winner, 2013
• Registered Master Builders, House of the year, Gold Award, 2013
• Registered Master Builders, House of the year, Gold Reserve Award, 2013

Testimonial

The homeowners tell the building story best:

“For more than 30 years we owned a 200 acre piece of land in the Papamoa Hills. The contour is challenging but this also means there are beautiful valleys with native bush and hillsides with breathtaking views of the countryside, with the ocean as a backdrop. However, getting well beyond retirement age meant we had to scale down and find somewhere else to live. We looked around for a year and saw many nice homes, but there was always something not quite what we wanted; a warm and cozy home that would not “cost the earth” to heat. We came to the conclusion that the only way was to build a new home ourselves. We were able to subdivide the farm and create a stunning house site.

Finding the right building team

We decided to go for under floor heating in part of the house and radiators in all the bedrooms. As we did not want to use fossil fuels to heat the home, we were going to make extensive use of the sun to heat our water and the home. These incorporated ideas would be a New Zealand first. This was going to create some extra challenges for the architect and the builder, which meant that we had to find the right team for the job. After making some inquiries we decided to use Shaw Builders to build the home and Brendon Gordon as the architect. We never looked back. It has been a fantastic experience. When our friends heard we intended to build a new home, they always said are you sure you know what you get yourself into at your age? Are you sure you will be able to deal with all the stress?

Shaw Builders made the job look easy.

David did all the planning and made sure to choose the right subcontractors, who were always there when required. Building materials were always there when needed. No unnecessary delays. He also communicated very well with the architect. Carolynne provided us every month with a breakdown of the cost of labour and materials, which was easy to follow. David’s team of leading hands and tradesmen are second to none. David has a good eye for detail and is a perfectionist. He has a lot of pride in his job. This means he will only work with tradesmen and subcontractors who will perform to his standards. The final result is a stunning warm comfortable home which oozes quality. Visitors comment that the house has a good feeling. We think that is because all the workers on the job were always in a good mood and obviously enjoyed what they were doing. Finally the proof is in the pudding. The house won multiple regional and national awards.

Thanks a lot Shaw Builders, we love it here.”

Gerben and Gerbrig Muntendam