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An experienced design-and-build company will not only offer a range of standard home designs, but will also design houses that respond directly to a specific site and a client's individual needs.
Jennian Homes has gained its reputation thanks to an array of award-winning house designs developed over many years. Today, besides offering a standard range of house plans and the option of fine-tuning these to a client's personality, Jennian Homes also designs one-off responses to its customers' needs, says director Richard Carver.
"The seaside home featured here is a good example," says Carver. "The Jennian house sits neatly on the basement of a pre-existing house and is built largely as a response to the spectacular setting. The mid level of the three-storey house is devoted to bedrooms, laundry and garaging. We reserved the dramatic views of the top level for the living spaces and master bedroom."
With expansive decks on both sides to catch the sun all day long, floor-to-ceiling glazing, and open-plan living spaces, the house is a picture of seaside relaxation. Glass balustrading provides safe, uninterrupted views of the ocean and is in keeping with the contemporary architectural exterior and clean-lined interiors. Approaching the house from the street entrance, stone facades flank the front door entry, adding to the residence's sense of solidity and tying into the natural surroundings.
The house also has a separate garage facility for boats alongside the adjacent four-car garaging – a specific request of the client.
"Our residences are designed for comfort and reliability well into the future – in terms of high-grade materials, versatile space allocation and energy efficiency," says the registered master builder. "But this house is designed for future practicalities in a rather more personal way, too. The client wanted to ensure it would be suitable for him in his advanced years and, to this end, an elevator has been installed."
The emphasis in house design has changed over the years and Jennian Homes has broadened its skill base and expertise to grow with this.
"Healthy homes are sought-after homes, and all our houses are designed with close consideration to an optimum living environment. For example, domestic ventilation systems (DVS) are installed in many of our houses," says Carver. "These allow the homes to maintain high indoor air quality without excessive additional energy costs. The use of low formaldehyde-emission building materials and the laying of anti-allergenic Norman Ellison carpets are other healthy-house bonuses."
Solar panelling, high-end automation and security components are other elements often built into Jennian Homes' designs. But the key elements in all these residences are individuality and good workmanship.
"It is these factors, and a strong work ethic, that have allowed Jennian Homes to win so many Master Builder House of the Year National Awards. These include many House of the Year gold awards," says Carver. "Keeping our standards high not only means we are always in the running for awards, but also that our harshest critics, the homeowners, give us a valuable personal accolade in the form of word-of-mouth repeat business."
Jennian Homes has a range of showhomes located throughout the North and South Islands. These represent an array of design options aimed at a variety of family lifestyles and client budgets.
For further information and a list of showroom locations, contact Jennian Homes, phone 0800 Jennian (5366 426). Or visit the website: www.jennian.co.nz.