Andrew Gray had grand plans to build his own home in Matangi, and he and his wife had their eye on the rural section next door for a long time. Designed to be his family’s forever home, this labour of love was the builder’s first entry into the Master Builders House of the Year competition. Hard work was rewarded when A J Gray Building was awarded a Gold, took out the Waikato Regional Category (Builders Own Home) and made the Top 100 across New Zealand. The cherry on top was a special mention from the judges who identified the home as one of the top three for craftsmanship in the Waikato across all categories, highlighting the exceptional workmanship in the build.
The three-bedroom Californian bungalow-style home has all the charm of a 1930s house but using today’s modern materials. The couple enjoy travelling and appreciate the craftsmanship and detail of older buildings. Andrew says that during construction, “It was sometimes mistaken for a renovation, which is a compliment in itself”.
“It was sometimes mistaken for a renovation, which is a compliment in itself.”
A signature feature of the California bungalow is the bay window, and Andrew did not shy away from making this a focal point of the road-facing elevation of the home.
The bell casting of the weatherboards underneath the bay window required careful planning and skilled execution. Indoors, the window seat provides the perfect spot to enjoy the morning sun and watch the world go by.
Custom shelving and built-in furniture are part of the charm of a bungalow-style home, and it’s a challenge to achieve the air of authenticity which emanates from this space. Detail is everything in this home, with special features like the locally-made stained glass window and Andrew’s handmade archway in the entrance hall, along with external statements like the vent façade in the Dutch gable.
“The flooring is engineered oak veneer boards, and the tiles in the bathroom, with their old-style pattern, fit the bill perfectly.”
Although it is not a large home by today’s standards, the 2.7m stud height gives the 198sqm house a sense of space, as do the 2.2m doors, wide hallway and generous rooms. The flooring is engineered oak veneer boards, and the tiles in the bathroom, with their old-style pattern, fit the bill perfectly. Dark green cabinetry in the kitchen gives the home a classic and regal look, and is a point of difference from what we often see in modern designs.
Living next door during the Covid-19 lockdown allowed Andrew plenty of time to fuss over the details and to focus the very best of his abilities on the project at hand. His dedication and time shine through in the finished product.
“Andrew has a passion for getting the detail right and delivering a product that he, and his clients, can be proud of.”
A J Gray Building is a small, family-owned building business focused on renovations and new builds. With an appreciation for all architectural styles, they work across the Waikato on varying projects. Andrew has a passion for getting the detail right and delivering a product that he, and his clients, can be proud of.Living next door during the Covid-19 lockdown allowed Andrew plenty of time to fuss over the details and to focus the very best of his abilities on the project at hand. His dedication and time shine through in the finished product.