Lifestyle first

When it comes to a new home, one size does not fit all. Every family is different, and every house needs to be individually designed to suit their precise requirements.

David Reid Homes specialises in customised design-and-build solutions for homeowners, as this project shows. The Hastings display home, designed and built by David Reid Homes (Hawkes Bay), sits on a large 900m² site in the suburb of Frimley. With two family living areas, four bedrooms, two bathrooms and a powder room the 213m² house is spacious, but not overly large, says manager Tony Southey.

"For this project, the owner didn't want to over-capitalise the property. It was all about cost effectiveness and getting the best value."

Southey says the company was able to adapt one of its Concept floor plans to suit the owner's specific requirements.

"It's a fairly traditional house in terms of style, but it has every modern convenience and an energy-saving design that will ensure it is comfortable all year round. For example, we have provided large overhangs and an extra-large portico to keep the summer sun at bay. In winter, however, the sun is low enough to warm the interior. Because Hawkes Bay has such a hot climate in summer, we have also positioned bedrooms on the east side of the house, so they are not heated by the sun in the late afternoon. And the house is so well insulated, there is hardly a need for the gas fire in winter but it does provide a very cheery living environment."

To add visual interest, the house features a mix of materials, including columns in Stutex Stone's schist-style manufactured stone. The rest of the house exterior is clad in a high-end industry-approved polystyrene system, with a Sika Polyclad Barricade plastered finish.

"Cladding materials are always a concern for homeowners, but David Reid Homes will only use tried, tested and approved systems that come with an extensive warranty," says Southey. "This plaster system, for example, has a 15-year warranty."

The attention to quality and detail extends to the interior, where coved 2.7m ceilings are a feature of the living areas and the portico. The kitchen also incorporates the latest materials and technology.

A member of the Registered Master Builders Federation, David Reid Homes (Hawkes Bay) has won awards in the annual House of the Year Awards competition, including two gold and a silver in the Regional Awards and a Bathroom Excellence Award. One of the Gold Award homes made the National Finals, underlying David Reid Home's commitment to quality.

To contact David Reid Homes (Hawkes Bay), 1 Cooper St, Havelock North, phone (06) 877 4441. To find your nearest show home, phone 0800 000 007. Web: www.davidreidhomes.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas