Talking point

Building sites may be getting smaller, but the plans for your new home needn't involve sacrifice. With the right design, you can enjoy innovative architecture, an energy-efficient design and privacy.

The Jalcon Homes show home in the new Stonefields subdivision, Auckland, has been designed to address all these factors, while also providing a family-friendly home with all the mod cons.

Jalcon Homes sales and marketing manager Ingrid van Leeuwen says the company frequently designs and builds houses on challenging sites, including infill land in the city.

"While these homes may have smaller footprints, nothing is compromised," she says. "In fact, thanks to modern technology and building methods, homeowners get much more efficient homes that better suit their families' lifestyles. We often find homeowners choose to rebuild rather than remodel, especially when they like living in a particular location. Sometimes it is simply more efficient and economical in the long run to start over from scratch."

Van Leeuwen says the Stonefields show home is a good example of a house built to fit on a smaller site.

"At 295m², this house is large, and occupies most of the site. But it has been designed to ensure there is plenty of sun, a good indoor-outdoor flow and privacy from neighbouring properties. The entire house is double glazed with built-in heating and security. The walls and roof are also very well insulated even the garage roof is insulated so the noise of cars won't penetrate the bedrooms."

Van Leeuwen says the show home also demonstrates an open layout. All the key living areas are connected, but there are time-out zones, where family members can close themselves off if required.

"Every household is different one plan will never fit all, but even so, there are trends that affect design directions. There is always a need for flexibility, for example. A room may work as a guest bedroom, a home office or a media room. Houses also need to be able to change with a growing family."

Van Leeuwen says the Stonefields show home also highlights the high standard of finish that characterises all its projects no matter what the budget.

"Each home is a team effort from the foundations provided by Combined Construction Services to the final interior design by Duo Design, one of our own companies. We provide a full interior design service, and it is these finishing touches that really make a house a home."

Jalcon Homes is a family-owned firm that has been in business for nearly 20 years. The company is also a registered Master Builder.

"In all that time, we have never had a claim against the firm," van Leeuwen says. "That is a reflection of Jalcon Home's commitment to high quality standards and client satisfaction."

For added peace of mind, the company provides a fixed-price contract and an all-important 15-year weathertight warranty.

Story by: Trendsideas