Diamonds are created under immense pressure and Jamie Fairbairn and his team at Fairbairn Builders beat a taut deadline and exceeded client expectations with this gem, aptly coined ‘Papamoa Paradise’.

With the clock ticking from August, this 260m2 executive new build highlights the unparalleled value of experience and loyal subcontractors in a record-breaking construction climate. For Jamie Fairbairn, this combination was invaluable. Putting together the puzzle of time management enabled the Grey family of four to move into their brand new home in time for Christmas with no compromise to the finished article. The only thing missing was wrapping paper.

With so many decisions to make in the building process, the first one Nigel and Leanne made turned out to be their best. Weighing up their options, they toyed with the idea of a mainstream building company but wanted a home to match their prime section resting on the banks of the Papamoa waterways. “We looked at a few group housing firms and it was not what we were after in both quality and design,” the Grey’s reasoned and with so many more decisions to make, collaboration and support was vital.

Working closely with Jamie and Robin Baillie of Baillie Architecture, the Grey family had its blueprint and were grateful for the expertise heading into the unknown. Nigel and Leanne also welcomed the support from builder Jamie Fairbairn who they say was helpful right from the start, “he worked with us from the early stages and his ideas and vision for our home were invaluable.” 

Cutting the ribbon in time for the mince pies, the craftsmanship of the Grey’s home is evident from the minute you approach the exposed aggregate driveway. The entrance way hints at the contemporary design to come with the honed and sealed stack bond feature wall forming a path to the front door under warm and purposeful lighting. Where the internal access garage lies, another immovable stack bond wall gives the façade strength.

The first footsteps indoors take you directly into the heart of the home and you instantly feel comfortable and relaxed. Headroom is in spades with a four-metre clearance at the peak of the mono-pitch ceiling in the lounge and a clear opening to the kitchen, dining room and outdoor area. Hidden from the road front, the waterways are now within reach. At the push of a button, creature comforts are accommodated for by the inviting Rinnai Symmetry gas fire.

An undoubted drawcard, it sits cosily sandwiched between the wall mounted TV and the custom-made concrete honed hearth that spans the centrepiece wall of the living area. Builtin ornamental shelving provides a cove for the imaginative homemaker to do as they please. Versatility is a virtue and the expanse is ideal for entertainment, contemplation or relaxation. The ambience of the kitchen is only a few steps away and the attention shoots squarely to the character of the pearly white brick wall. Simple, yet sophisticated, the nucleus of the family home doesn’t take the emphasis off the living areas with all signs pointing outdoors. The vantage points are rife as multiple doors open to the view.

For the Grey family, moving in before Christmas was an added bonus but the quality of the design and craftsmanship will linger for many more.