Nelson boutique building company Inhaus Developments Ltd is known for its consistency, achieving numerous local and Gold Reserve awards in the Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers House of the Year since it first entered in 2005.
But the company hit the jackpot in 2011, winning two national awards for a stunning holiday home in Abel Tasman National Park — the Nulook Builders Own Home and the BRANZ Sustainable Homes under $500,000 categories.
Set on an idyllic cliff edge overlooking the National Park, the four-bedroom, two-bathroom waterside home, with no services and only boat access, is a truly peaceful, getaway retreat.
The sustainable features make this self-sufficient home stand out among others, with double glazing, insulated floors, walls and roof space, and a wood fire used for both heating and cooking.
Power is generated from a solar power system, hot water is heated by a solar wetback, rainwater is collected, and house water is treated with a Biolytix system.
Managing director Russell Campbell says the home, which he built for himself and his family, suits the location down to a “t”.
“It’s a simple design, and it takes us back to basics. When we go up there, it’s a real buzz because it’s completely off the grid,” he says.
The secluded setting, a 20-minute boat ride away, required some well-planned logistics when it came down to construction. All material was transported to the location on a barge, and was then loaded off by helicopter.
“Because it was my own, and it wasn’t a priority job, the project was built over 12 to 18 months by me and one of my regular builders,” he says.
“Then we involved my family. I have two young boys, one who is now an apprentice with us. I wanted the family involved because I don’t plan on selling it. It’s at a unique location and it’s irreplaceable, so by involving them, it gives them a sense of ownership.”
Priding himself in his eye for detail, Mr Campbell says for a small company, Inhaus has punched well and truly above its weight.
“We strive to win, consistently. We focus purely on what we do, and doing it well, and as a smaller company, people deal with me and not some salesman,” he says.
Mr Campbell is a member of Registered Master Builders because of the recognition he receives for his efforts, his workmanship and his achievements, and his membership gives him the ability to enter House of the Year.
Inhaus currently has a number of projects on the go, including a holiday home at the tranquil Split Apple Rock, Abel Tasman, another in the planning stage at Kaiteriteri, and two residential homes in Nelson.
The company has entered the House of the Year competition again this year, with a property on Old Coach Road, Nelson, in the New Homes $350,000 – $450,000 category.
Entries for the Registered Master Builders PlaceMakers 2012 House of the Year have now closed.
The Awards are made possible through the support of PlaceMakers, James Hardie, Gib Living Solutions®, Nulook, Department of Building and Housing, Future-Proof Building and Master Build Services Ltd.
For more information about the competition, visit the Registered Master Builders web site at www.masterbuilder.org.nz.
