This Nixon Homes build showcases a range of interesting features that really bring the place to life, including quality native timber for the cladding and interior details. The clients were keen to build something different, and decided on using Macrocarpa with Triclad board and batten. This lovely native wood has also been used for much of the internal detailing as well.
Initially cedar was their first choice of cladding, but with such high demand causing long delivery times, it was a no brainer to choose the cheaper, locally sourced and high quality Macrocarpa. “Our client was really involved and had a lot of great ideas. It was important to take the time to ensure we got what they had in their mind onto paper, and to make sure it was right before we started the build.” co-owner Mike Holmes said.
An engineer by trade, Mike teamed up with his builder brother Cameron just two years ago to establish the business, while working in the Netherlands.
Cameron is an experienced builder of 15 years and both the brothers decided it was time to put down some roots and start families with their partners – Mike now taking on a project management role within the company. They currently employ a team of 10 builders enabling them to work on a variety of different projects at once. Inside this lovely home the client decided to use Macrocarpa for the exposed rafters and beams, this created a simple but stylish looking interior. Overall, the clients were looking for a product and finish that looks great and fits in with their natural earthy style of the home.
An impressive decorative batten macrocarpa ceiling also greets you in the entrance, and overall, the natural stained timber looks sharp against the white ceiling and walls. This natural wood theme has been continued around the architraves and skirting with the use of pine clears, and also for the kitchen cabinetry – followed through into the bathroom vanities and wardrobes. Cameron said working with this wood internally and for aesthetic reasons required plenty of finesse, “because there was no ‘second chance’ with the exposed timber being the final product.” The client has loved the feeling of bringing the outside in as the project evolved, adding an earthiness and warmth to the home.
To help keep costs down and to get involved in the project, the clients even stained some of the wood themselves , and they are looking forward to landscaping their lifestyle section now that they can move in – after New Zealand’s second lockdown. Polished concrete floors in the living area works to soften the overall effect of the internal space, keeping everything natural and fresh.
Speaking of natural, even the wastewater system is a talking point, with the use of Tiger worms making it completely Eco-friendly.
Nixon Homes offers a high quality personalised service for every one of their clients, and being a small company, it enables them to be focused and flexible, Mike said.
They pride themselves on really getting to know their clients to design and build a home that is perfectly suited to the way they live. Understanding their clients needs and expectations is a critical part of the build process, and it enables them to deliver homes that families love and are proud of, and that are completed to the highest standard of craftsmanship. Covering the entire Waikato region, they plan to enter this rural property into the 2022 Registered Master Builder of the Year competition, where they have already had success with their Hamilton show home.
Last year Nixon Homes entered the competition for the first time and were pleasantly surprised to take out a Silver Award for this build.
“We enjoy doing these detailed homes because it’s something different and we really have a sense of pride after completion and seeing it done. We also see ourselves building more of these unique style homes in the future with our highly experienced in house team of builders and our focus on delivering high quality homes.” We have the ability create a design and build package that suits a range of budgets, from an architectural designed home to a smaller house for a first home buyer. We have a strong focus on great communication and personalised service from start to finish and we love helping and working with our clients through every step of the process.