Building iconic homes with Dorset Construction’s Adam and Josh

After working away on project after project, Adam eventually decided it was time to fulfil every builder’s dream: building his own home.

“I was looking at all these amazing things we were building and I thought, ‘Why can’t we have that?’ And the answer was that, well, we could.

“My wife and I sold our house and bought some land and that's how 10x10 came about.”

Sited on the corner of a 280sqm section on a busy Wellington street, the house is filled with wild ideas and a cosy heart and captures stunning views over Kilbirnie.

Like many of the Wellington projects Dorset Construction has completed, this one was no different: located on one of the city’s many steep inclines. It makes the most of this, though, with a fun and practical bus-stop-like shelter on the roof – a unique feature that Adam and his family enjoyed spending time in and around with friends and family

Certainly a career highlight for Adam, it’s a project that went on to win the NZIA’s 2020 New Zealand Architecture Award for Housing and establish Dorset Construction in the industry.

A risky and architecturally complex project, Adam describes the construction of the 10x10 house as “not for the faint-hearted”. Instead, it’s one that demonstrates Adam’s passion for what he and the team do, and his trust in them executing each and every build to the highest quality.

“The 10x10 house is on quite a visible, busy street. Most people in Wellington would know the house. It helped everything to take off – everyone then knew who we were and what we did.

“It’s cool to know we’re doing projects that are significant. As soon as I mention our projects to an architect, they know what I’m talking about.”

This reputation has followed Adam to Mount Maunganui where he and his family have now put down roots.

Back in Wellington, it’s now Josh leading that part of the team. From apprentice to licensed building practitioner, he’s become experienced at working on complex sites and welcomes new challenges.

“Every project is different,” says Josh, “and they all need a lot of discussions and planning for them to work out.”

A key part to each project’s success is teamwork, he says.

“We often have three or four sites going at once, but we still get ideas from everybody. Even if it’s not their project, they still have input on how we can make it all work.”

Working in Wellington on the types of projects they do, the team is highly skilled at foundation work – whether it be in-situ concrete for walls, columns or beams, and executing a range of interesting shapes.

“It surprises me seeing what we’re able to build. I’m really quite inspired – I want to build the hardest thing possible now,” laughs Josh. “It’s exciting seeing what we’ve done so far, it only makes me excited for what we do in the future.”

So, what is in the future for Dorset Construction?

With Adam’s move to Mount Maunganui, he’s teamed up with Patchwork Architecture again to build his family’s new home – a project he’s keeping under wraps at the moment until the big reveal.

Until then, the team will continue crafting homes across Wellington and Tauranga.

Explore the architectural projects Adam, Josh and the Dorset Construction team have helped bring to life.

Words by Cassie Birrer