Raising The Bar For Spec Homes

The Gardiners Road project marks a significant milestone for J&M Built, being the company’s first foray into creating a spec home. Led by managing directors Jamie Ellis and Matt Radburnd, the team embraced the opportunity to build a residence that combines architectural sophistication with wide-ranging appeal. “This is the type of house we enjoy building,” says Jamie. “Something more architectural than your standard house, but still appealing to a wide range of people.”

The result is a stylish pavilion-style home featuring four generous bedrooms, including a master suite with a walk-in robe and ensuite, and expansive open-plan living areas. The seamless indoor-outdoor flow is a key feature, enhanced by a striking corner stacker door that opens from both sides, creating an expansive space ideal for entertaining guests.

For the exterior, J&M Built opted for Timberline’s Thermory Ash Cladding, a decision driven by its aesthetic and functional qualities. “Timberline supplied us with Thermory Ash Cladding, which is thermally treated Ash,” Jamie notes. “It’s stable, stays very straight, and has a beautiful grain to it.”

This cladding was chosen not only for its stability and durability as a hardwood but also for its stunning natural appearance, which contributes to the home’s visual appeal. The front door’s screen was also crafted from this same material, ensuring consistency in design and showcasing the wood’s versatility. This choice of cladding played a significant role in setting the home apart from typical spec houses, reflecting the commitment to quality and style that J&M Built values.

Outdoor living is an integral part of the Gardiners Road home, and the decking supplied by One Stop Deck Shop played a crucial role in creating the ideal outdoor spaces. Jamie shares, “The decking is Garapa. We chose this for a few reasons. It doesn’t leach like Kwila does, so we didn’t have to protect all the brickwork and concrete from staining. We also liked the colour of it against our cladding.”

In addition to its practical benefits, Garapa decking also provides a distinctive finish. Unlike the majority of spec homes, which typically use Kwila, this choice allowed J&M Built to deliver a unique product that enhances the visual harmony of the home’s exterior. The 70m² of deck space around the house offers ample room for relaxing and socialising, seamlessly blending with the home’s indoor living areas.

The interior of the home is just as impressive, thanks to the expertise of The Style Collective. The company was responsible for styling the home, transforming it into a cohesive and welcoming space that feels both luxurious and comfortable. Their main objective was to create a space that felt high-end but still warm and inviting. They selected pieces with natural colours and textures to complement the materials used in the build.

From the oak flooring that flows throughout the main areas to the custom-made barn door—crafted by J&M Built using the same hardwood as the floors—each detail has been thoughtfully curated to create a sense of continuity and style. The stone island benchtop, custom vanity, and Cerano plastered fireplace with bench seats and shelves further highlight the attention to detail that has gone into every corner of the home.

One standout feature is the 2.7m stud height throughout the house, with cathedral ceilings in the kitchen and living areas that add to the spacious and airy feel of the home. Over-height doors and fully tiled bathrooms, including a custom-made vanity with a matching stone benchtop, contribute to the sense of luxury. The master suite’s large walk-in robe, complete with a makeup booth, adds a touch of indulgence to daily routines.

Perhaps one of the most striking aspects is the handcrafted barn door, made using hardwood oak flooring and measuring 1.8m wide by 2.5m high. “We made this ourselves,” Jamie shares. “It’s made using the hardwood oak floors throughout the main areas of the house, and it closes off the media room.”

Ultimately, the Gardiners Road home showcases what can be achieved when architectural design, quality materials, and attention to detail come together.

Contact details:

J&M Built Limited
0278007311 
info@jmbuilt.co.nz
www.jmbuilt.co.nz