Begovich Builders used everything from copper spouting to strong timber cladding, ensuring this Auckland client’s holiday home would perform against the elements, and stand the test of time.
Shaun and Hayden Begovich have been building houses and providing extensive renovations for clients across the Waikato for 18 years, and employ a strong team including apprentices – many who stay on until they step into leadership roles.
Their work ethic is clear across many of their high-end builds, and eventually they will work towards a full time crew based in Waihi Beach as the seaside town becomes more popular.
This particular build was one of the most challenging yet – not just because of the complexity of the design, but because of the timing, having to negotiate New Zealand’s second lockdown and then supply issues.
Longevity was the key to replacing this quintessential kiwi bach into a stunning architectural build at Waihi Beach.
But Shaun and the team managed to clad the asbestos-ridden bach into a holiday home owners dream, and the big front lawn was kept for the all important Christmas cricket matches and other fun activities.
“The asset of the place is the expansive beach front,” Shaun said.
Walking through the front gate you are greeted by two guest rooms off the covered deck, and a covered sitting area with an open fire, before entering the home.
There’s even an outdoor shower wrapped in Kwila so you can wash off the sea water before sitting down to relax and take in the expansive views.
Vertical cedar features on the cladding – a strong product “that in the environment takes a hit pretty well,” whilst pine has been used on the garage, which has been painted white for a contrasting effect.
It’s almost like a boat, as the sea spray often comes up and hits the side of the house, but aluminium roofing with a torched membrane ensures the building is robust against those offshore winds.
Inside the house, soft champagne anodised aluminium joinery works well with the cedar, and is quite different to a lot of their builds over the past few years, where window frames are often just powder coated.
Two big doors open up the lounge to the outside world, and separate outdoor areas ensure there is always shelter from the wind that comes off the hill behind.
Begovich Builders has two branches – one in Hamilton managed by Shaun, and the other in Matamata managed by Hayden. Between them they have around 16 staff covering the Waikato and up into the Western bay.
The Waihi Beach build started after the first lockdown and was held up in the second, but despite the challenges of supply issues and access to site when Hamilton was in Level 4, the team managed to finish it in time for the clients to enjoy Christmas.
“Covid certainly took some of the fun out of it. We are builders because we love bringing details together. But we were having to order materials 8-9 months ahead,” Shaun said.
But seeing the Auckland owners, who had been through long lockdowns, come down at Christmas and relax while they were finishing off, was immensly satisfying after a tough year.
The company specialises in everything from bespoke baches to larger architectural homes, and some complex renovations, through Hamilton, Matamata, and Waihi Beach areas.
“We are always working on something complex. Renovations are a big part of what we do,” Shaun said.
They take pride in the fact that many of their apprentices come out with a strong qualification covering many aspects of the building trade, and often stay on to help run their teams.
“Everyone that comes through, I’d like to think they come out a better builder than when they started.”