ARCHITECT & BUILDER​

When you design and build a new home it is an exciting, educational, expensive and often anxious process. Our expert team can guide you from design through to completion.
Design and Build Architects | Box Home

DESIGN & BUILD A NEW HOME - a different take

Box is a unique company in that we are an in-house design company, and an established construction company. For us, the project must be a ‘collaboration’ between the architect/designer, builder, cost estimator and you. We want to produce a  design with flair that is practical to build. Our architects and designers are involved in the build process, like our builders are involved in the design. And because it all happens under the same roof, there are no gaps for issues to fall into. We are responsible for fixing any problems and ensuring that the whole experience is enjoyable, educational, and one to remember for all the right reasons!

We are strong on relationships. Not only with our customers, who become part of the larger Box family, but also the suppliers and broader network of tradespeople.

DESIGNING YOUR HOME

Our difference is that when our architects or designers begin, the Box team has already carried out due diligence. We’ve reviewed the site, the brief, the budget and the practical issues that could trip us up or cause additional cost down the road.

Beautiful, light-filled design is at our core, but we are always aware that the design ‘tail’ mustn’t wag the dog. Good architecture results from our design team working closely with you, your site and understanding the practical realities of how buildings go together.

We have a simple process that starts with a concept stage, where sketches and initial designs are created and costed. This is followed by a detailed design stage where interior design and full specifications are drawn up, and consents are lodged.

Each project has its own momentum. The start of design to the building is a 6 to 10-month process. Factors include the size of the project, the types of consent required, and the speed at which you are comfortable to progress.

BUILDING YOUR HOME.

The designer of your home is alongside you for the entire build process. As Registered Master Builders, Box has a track record of delivering beautiful homes and subdivisions, predominantly in the Auckland region. Each build is managed by our in-house project managers, builders and designers who work through the process to deliver your design vision.

The time and cost to build is very much driven by site factors. Box is experienced with sloping sites, which often require additional time to establish services and foundations before the house building starts. Each project runs to a controlled project schedule, and you are updated on plans and costs as the project progresses.

You are an integral part of the process, regularly meeting with the designer on-site to confirm or make important decisions and observe and enjoy the build process.

Projects tend to take between 7 months and 12 months to build, depending on the size, complexity and site characteristics.

Opening a new design build home in NZ

VALUE ENGINEERING.

One of our mantras from years of experience is that ‘all projects go well until the budget becomes an issue’. One of our strengths is that our design team, build team and cost estimators are all under the same roof, so we are constantly able to value engineer the house while respecting the design intentions.

In terms of price, Box homes sit somewhere between your standard house company product and high-end architect prices. That means typically a range of $6k to $9k per square metre as a total project cost (including the non-construction costs, site-works, house build and external build costs). You will undoubtedly have seen and heard a number of wildly varying rates and we understand it is complicated to compare like-for-like. 

So get in touch with us at an early stage so we can explain how we price construction, to understand all the different cost elements, and how to maximise value. Before each project commences, we will discuss typical build costs and perform initial due diligence. Before we start designing, we ensure we can deliver to your expectations. 

New Zealand Designed and Built Home

BEYOND THE BUILD.

We are proud of each home we build, and we often say that the build is incidental to the relationship. Our commitment to you doesn’t stop at the completion of your home. We look after those who become part of our Box family.  It’s a relationship that continues long after the project is complete, through the maintenance period and in several cases, we have helped customers market their Box home to buyers many years later.

Our maintenance guidelines and product information at handover give you the tools and knowledge to care for your home long after taking possession. Through our ‘Care & Repair™’ team we always respond to issues from our customers, who we consider to be part of the ever-growing Box family!

If you have questions about the process, or are keen to design and build a new home, please get in touch. We’re happy to spend time with you to see if we are a good fit!