Townhouse living with a difference
Brent and Vivienne Liebezeit purchased land on Salisbury Road with the dream of creating classy, contemporary, lock-and-leave style dwellings that would enhance the area and provide the style of urban living they believe is the way forward.
Thanks to their dogged determination to pursue the resource consent requirements required, the expertise of architectural designer David Todd and attention to detail of builders Cunningham Construction, there are now six exceptional, quality, family-sized townhouses in the space that once had one house on it.
“Instead of them feeling like traditional townhouses or apartments, we were determined to make them into classy homes large enough for families,” says Brent. “We also wanted them as low maintenance as possible.”
“Resene has diversified into the production of exterior claddings and we used one of their specialist plaster coatings which gives a contemporary smooth finish,” says David. The black-honed, stack bond block work was used as a contrast to the buildings’ cladding and to help anchor the design visually to the site.
Head of Cunningham Construction, Eddie Durbridge-Hunt, was delighted to be involved in the construction project. “We are very enthusiastic about contributing our skills to the improvement of urban living in the area,” he says. “This is such a great location within walking distance to schools, shopping, medical facilities and recreational areas and the design proposed was of a high standard.”
Cunningham Construction was established over forty years ago by Eddie’s parents-in-law John and Sue Cunningham. “I did my apprenticeship with them which was a tremendous experience,” says Eddie, who has been working in the business for thirteen years. “This project required a very high standard of construction and finishing, which is what we specialise in.”
The development required the developers, architect and builders to work very closely together. “We believe that relationships are vitally important to achieving the best result for clients and right throughout the project we regularly met to discuss progress and make sure the owner’s expectations were being met. It was a really enjoyable part of the building process,” says Eddie.
“We quickly realised that building two-storey homes would allow for fantastic views to the mountains and the sea,” says Vivienne. “It required considerable effort in design to get approval but it was definitely worth it.”
Permission to build was subject to keeping the existing trees along the roadside. “This turned into a real bonus, they are lovely to look out on,” she adds. “Not many new builds have the benefit of having mature trees on site.”
“Putting the central living areas and master bedroom with ensuite on the top floor of each dwelling has been enormously successful,” says Brent. “Everyone loves the open plan style that optimises the views and provides so much natural light and opens up to a balcony.”
The joinery was able to be done by Cunningham Construction thanks to the company having a joiner on their team, which helps keep all projects they do cohesive.
The kitchens are all of a high standard with soft-close drawers and garage-door style pantries. Contrasting wood tones provide a warm contrast to the light walls and kitchen joinery while strip lighting is placed effectively to provide excellent working light and a smart, contemporary feel.
The bathrooms are roomy and high-spec with demisting mirrors and Methven tapware, and there is abundant storage throughout each house.
Despite some delays and supply problems, Eddie and his team thoroughly enjoyed the project. “We had to order a number of materials well in advance to ensure we would get them in time but despite everything, the job was extremely satisfying. It was great working with the other professionals involved in such a forward-thinking project and a wonderful feeling to know that we have created homes that the people living in them really love.”
Marketed by Chris Davies of Harcourts, the reaction from viewers has been overwhelmingly positive. “People are really starting to appreciate the benefits of living close to town and their biggest surprise has been how spacious they are inside.”
Cunningham Construction is currently working on more townhouse-style projects and Brent and Vivienne would like to build more such properties in the future.
Everyone agrees Eddie and his team were great to work with and produced a high degree of workmanship. “I hope that more people consider the advantages of taking the challenge and looking at their properties in a new way, seeing what can be done on existing sections to create this type of highquality housing development,” says David.