Impeccable pedigree

When buying a thoroughbred racehorse your first step would be to check its blood lines. So, when it comes to selecting a design-and-build company to create your new house, a string of industry accolades provides similar reassurance.

Continuing a long list of industry awards, Jalcon Homes consistently wins Gold Awards in the Registered Master Builders House of the Year this year for its expansive Orewa show home.

The secret to Jalcon Homes' success in these awards is creating dynamic houses that respond both to client needs and the environment of the site, says marketing manager Ingrid van Leeuwen.

"Our close consultation process means that as the design process unfolds, the client has input on everything in the home, from the appearance, number of rooms and features, right down to the placement of electrical fittings," says van Leeuwen. "This comes after discussion with our electrical installer, in this case Laser Electrical. Our portfolio of built houses provides inspiration, but the house we create for a client is always distinctly individual."

For Jalcon's show homes, a variety of architectural elements, finishes and detailing is featured to help potential clients picture their own Jalcon-built residence.

"The Jalcon Homes show home seen here, named Black Beauty, is a shining example of Jalcon Homes' 17-year design-and-build pedigree," van Leeuwen says. "The name refers to the cladding's jet-black lustre and is also appropriate to its setting directly across from the Karaka Bloodstock Centre in Karaka."

"And as with every Jalcon home, Black Beauty's design responds to its setting."

Jalcon's architectural designer Cameron Baker has responded to the rural environment with a crisp design that makes prominent use of natural accents. For example, large river stones first seen on exterior pillars are repeated in the gas fireplace surround in the formal lounge. A natural wood mantelpiece adds to the fireplace's substantial, rustic feel.

In terms of layout, Black Beauty's living spaces are on the ground floor, and include an open-plan living, dining, family room and kitchen space. This sweep of rooms has a relaxed feel and the entire ground floor has a light-filled ambience.

Sliding doors open off the family room to a rear covered courtyard that also opens directly off the kitchen. The formal lounge opens through double French doors to its own north-facing private courtyard. A guest bedroom, galley-style laundry and bathroom are also on this level.

Abundant storage is a feature of Black Beauty, and includes linen cupboards, under-stair storage and fitted wardrobes.

Climbing the timber and wrought iron staircase, there are two bedrooms, a bathroom, a family retreat and a generous master wing on the upper level.

In-house design team Duo Design has ensured the home's look is cohesive from the pillars and dramatic exterior colours, supplied by Wattle NZ, to the hardwood floors by the Wooden Floor Company in the kitchen, dining and family room.

The house is cool in summer and warm in winter, with the help of an HRV home ventilation system, double-glazed front windows and underfloor heating.

Black Beauty is also fully landscaped all part of the Jalcon Homes experience.

Jalcon Homes sets out its high build standards in writing, offering a 15-year weather-tight warranty and a 7-year master build guarantee on all its houses.

For further information, visit the Jalcon Homes show home between 11am and 4pm daily, or to view by appointment, freephone 0800 52 52 66. Or visit the website: www.jalcon.co.nz.

Designer-builder: Jalcon Homes,

phone 0800 52 52 66

Website: www.jalcon.co.nz

Architect: Ashby Baker Architectural,

phone (09) 273 9114

Website: www.ashbybaker.co.nz

Interior designers: Duo Design,

Website: www.duo-design.co.nz

Building supplier: Placemakers Takanini, phone (09) 269 0100

Website: www.placemakers.co.nz

Electrical contractor: Laser Electrical,

phone (09) 820 0360

Website: www.laserelectrical.co.nz

Roofing: Gerard Roofs, phone 0800 104 868 Website: www.gerardroofs.co.nz

Cladding: James Hardie New Zealand,

phone 0800 808 868

Website: www.jameshardie.co.nz

Paint finishing/supplier: Wattyl NZ,

phone (09) 274 0595

Website: www.wattyl.co.nz

Bathroom fittings supplier: Franklin, Pukekohe, phone (09) 303 1839

Website: www.franklins.co.nz

Kitchen designer: TK & C Cabinets,

phone 09 836 5420

Email: kitchenmaker@xtra.co.nz

Tiles: Design Italia, phone (09) 415 5656

Website: www.designitalia.co.nz

Appliances: Fisher & Paykel Appliances,

phone (09) 273 0660

Website: www.fisherpaykel.co.nz

Window and door hardware: Knobs 'n Knockers, phone: 0800 652 156Website: www.knobsnknockers.co.nz

Flooring: The Wooden Floor Company,

phone (09) 630 3061

Website: www.woodenfloors.co.nz

Wardrobe fitter: Wardrobe Works,

phone 0800 400 789

Website: www.wardrobeworks.co.nz

Story by: Trendsideas