Walking into the new Design Builders Waikato showroom in Flagstaff, you could be forgiven for thinking you’d stepped into a Manhattan loft.
Design Builders – Jeff Marra
There is the feature wall of recycled red brick by the entrance, the elegant wooden stairs that float upstairs, the clean sophisticated design and open-plan spaces.
Large, double-glazed windows soar two-storeys high in the central kitchen-dining-living area, filling the house with natural light.
Zones for relaxation are strategically placed throughout the 308sqm home including an upstairs living area which overlooks the double-height kitchen-dining room and a cleverly-designed children’s play nook under the stairs (a surprising but innovative use of a typically awkward space).
The interior design elements sing: on-trend floral wallpaper and bold art prints juxtapose against clean white walls, sculptural pendant lights hang seductively in the bedroom and marble benchtops and underfloor heating add a touch of luxury.
There is a butler’s pantry that is probably bigger than most actual New York apartments, plus sumptuous storage space in the chic walk-in wardrobes and large tiled bathrooms.
There are four large bedrooms, two living rooms and an office – making it the perfect home for a family with children, or retirees who want rooms for when the grandchildren come to stay.
Of course, one only need peek outside and realise that, in fact, this is not the Big Apple – it’s Hamilton – and the home’s unique and graceful design captures the best of both worlds.
The Waikato River flows at the bottom of the property and there are views across to the northern section of Pukete’s Braithwaite Park.
You can sit by the outdoor fireplace and watch the world drift by (while cooking up a snarler or two on the fireplace barbecue).
Design Builders Waikato managing director Jeff Marra is proud of the company’s new show home at 22 Riverpoint Glade, off River Road North.
It opened on September 21, built to showcase the company’s approach: offering unique, sustainable, architecturally designed homes at a good price.
Unlike other building companies, Design Builders do not work off existing plans or templates, but instead have an in-house architect and team of designers. The Design Builders’ team works with customers to create unique, one-off homes, keeping within the client’s budget.
Typically, client budgets range from $400,000 to $2 million (not including the cost of land).
Design Builders has been operating in New Zealand for more than 25 years, and in Waikato for eight. They have won more than 100 Master Builders Awards across the company, including several in the Waikato region.
Their partnership model allows the seven regional companies to share resources and efficiencies, with a shared website and shared expertise with in-house marketing, accounting, design and architectural experts.
“We’ve had a fair bit of growth over the past eight years in the Waikato region, and have built an impressive range of houses, from a 140sm bach to a 500sqm eco-friendly, off-the grid luxury home,” says Marra. “It’s so personal from client to client, and each one has been unique.”
Design Builders Waikato build homes for clients from Pokeno to Tokoroa and throughout the Coromandel region.
“We are a one-stop shop in terms of design-and-build,” says Marra. “We do the interior design, work with councils to get resource consent if required, whatever clients need.”
Typically, clients have already identified the land, but if not, the team can help with that too.
“We start with a design brief, which is based around talking to a client and understanding their needs and wants,” says Marra.
“What we do really well is cost-effective, unique design with the group efficiency of a standard building company.”
Efficient, eco-friendly energy solutions are part of the mix, as Design Builders look for options that will maximise warmth and comfort in a home while reducing running costs.
“We make each home site specific, maximising the different elements of each site,” says Marra.
In the new show home, clever engineering has placed the two-storey home on the top of the river bank; it feels private and nestled in the natural landscape, with native trees on one side and the water below.
Architect Renee Woods said her design was inspired by the site, “celebrating and focusing on the outlook to the river, and combining our client’s preference of New York loft type features”.
The master bedroom has a large window seat with views of the Waikato River, inviting contemplation. A designer bath also takes in the tranquil view. “The resulting build is very much designed to fit the site and its parameters,” says Woods.
Marra also credited interior designer Paula Waterhouse and his wife Emma Fenwick with creating the overall look and feel of the home’s interior. The construction team, led by project manager Geoff Dunn, ensured the home was built to exacting standards.
The Riverpoint Glade show home will be open to the public for the next 18 months. Two previous show homes in the region were highly regarded, so Marra is hoping that the new one impresses and inspires visitors. “If you thought they were nice, you’ll really want to see this one,” he says
Marra has been in the building industry for about 25 years, and with Design Builders Waikato for eight years.
“What I like about Design Builders is the extra level of service, and being involved in the whole process. By working with clients right from the beginning, it allows us to understand what is important to them.”
• Visit Design Builders Waikato’s new show home at 22 Riverpoint Glade between 1-4pm on Saturday and Sunday, or by appointment.
• For more information visit designbuilders.co.nz or call 0800 456 456.
