Smooth sailing

It's one of the difficulties many people face when deciding to build a new home: how to get through the often-daunting process of completing the job to achieve satisfying results. Like a boat without a rudder, constructing a house without sufficient co-ordination can seem like an aimless journey.

One company that has built its reputation and business on providing a project management service for new home construction is Santa Barbara Homes. Managing director Richard Vincent says his company brings together the essential elements of the building process from start to finish.

"We co-ordinate the tradespeople, suppliers and materials, and work alongside the project's architects and designers where necessary," he says. "It is our goal to ensure clients can breathe easier knowing we are at the helm."

The brief for this contemporary house was to create a warm, bright and airy family home, with rooms positioned to take advantage of the lake views. The owners wanted timber beams and natural products that would reflect the home's proximity to the lake. The use of oak timber, schist stone, and natural tones throughout achieved this, while creating warmth. A glass ceiling above the living area floods the room with light year round.

Access to the back of the site was restricted once the house was in place, so much of landscaping was finished before construction began.

"Despite some of the challenges faced on this project, we achieved a very good result because the lines of communication were always open," says Vincent. "Our long-standing relationships with all the trades ensures work is completed on budget, on time, and to a consistently high standard."

For further information, contact Santa Barbara Homes, PO Box 33-1405, Takapuna, Auckland, phone (09) 489 3848, fax (09) 489 3849. Email: santabarbarahomes@xtra.co.nz.

Story by: Trendsideas