Make a splash

Time is of the essence in any busy city dweller's life, and this is often reflected in the choice of home. To be close to town, and for a lock-and-leave lifestyle, apartments are a popular choice. However, for those with families, or if you prefer a more expansive lifestyle, there are other opportunities for a contemporary, easy-care way of living.

The houses featured on these pages, and two more currently in development by Jalcon Homes, offer the best of both worlds, says Jalcon's sales and marketing manager Ingrid van Leeuwen.

"Jalcon Homes designs and builds specifically to site, sun, views and lifestyle. Located on sunny Herne Bay sites, these homes feature sheltered outdoor living areas accessed from informal living areas through large stacking doors, which give great indoor/outdoor flow," she says.

"The inground lap pool is a feature of this selected home, but all have landscaped gardens that are large enough to entertain in, without maintenance becoming a problem. Privacy is assured by substantial fences and electronic entry."

Other stand-out features include fully appointed gourmet kitchens, enabling you to entertain with ease while enjoying the large open living areas with bleached timber floors. An alternative entertaining option is provided by a separate formal lounge with an open gas fire.

Over the years, Jalcon Homes has received numerous medals in many categories at New Zealand House of the Year competitions a recognition of the company's continued efforts in raising the design bar. The company's large portfolio of homes ranges from large and traditional country residences through to more modernist urban styles, such as the ones featured here.

For more details, contact Jalcon Homes, phone 0800 Jalcon (52 52 66). Email: sales@jalcon.co.nz. Website: www.jalcon.co.nz.

One of the most noticeable things about a house is its exterior finish, and as such, it's important to make a good first impression. However, it's just as important to use materials that are durable and weatherproof.

Jalcon Homes uses Wattyl Nu-Age plaster systems as an exterior finish on many of its house designs, says Ingrid van Leeuwen, Jalcon's sales and marketing manager.

"We offer a 15-year Weathertight Warranty with all our homes, so it's essential that the quality of the products we use and the work of our subcontractors meet a high standard," she says.

"As a home's exterior is usually one of the first things commented on, it's also important to use distinctive cladding. The Granosite Nu-Age plaster system provides a tough weatherproof seal that's also visually attractive."

The home's plaster cladding creates smooth, clean lines that complement the modern structure. The finish consists of 40mm-thick polystyrene sheets fixed over a weathertight cavity, with three plaster coats applied.

For details, contact Wattyl NZ, phone 0800 Wattyl (928 895). Websites: www.wattyl.co.nz or www.nu-age.co.nz.

A consistent supply of materials is essential to a company like Jalcon Homes, which has many projects underway at any one time.

For many years, Jalcon has sourced materials from Placemakers Takanini. Placemakers provides a personalised service to clients such as Jalcon Homes and, as one of New Zealand's largest suppliers of building materials, can cope with the volume of materials required. Its experienced staff are also on hand to provide practical advice.

For more details, contact Placemakers, phone 0800 Placemakers (752 236) or visit the website: www.placemakers.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas