Firth’s Manorstone - to the manor born

By Firth

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Products used: Manorstone®

Summary:

Janine and Derek Grul lived in England for a number of years so when they were looking to build a new home on their lifestyle block in Bombay, South Auckland to enjoy into their retirement, they wanted to recreate the elegance, presence and solid look of an English manor home.

“We knew what we wanted from the start,” explains Janine. “We loved the architecture and the grandeur of the big English homes. We also wanted to build something that would stand the test of time.”

Janine had trained as a draftsperson and had made a model of the house for the architect to be sure the house would be exactly what they wanted. The ‘spec’ included the use of a large block veneer for the exterior of the house to create the solid look they were after.

After spotting a house with a large creamy coloured, rumbled edge block, Janine and Derek knocked on the door to ask the owners where the block came from. “The house was only about three or four years old but it had new owners and they didn't know what the make of the block was,” says Janine. “Derek thought we should try Google Earth and luckily we could see the house under construction and the pallets of Firth blocks waiting to be laid!”

Through Ruven Duinkerke from CTM Architectural Ltd, they made contact with Christy Thompson from Firth and went to view Firth’s range of Designer Masonry veneers at the PlaceMakers display at Pukekohe. “We loved Firth’s Manorstone in Tranquillity right away and Christy was great with samples and advice.”

Firth technical support were asked to assist with the detailing of final specifications by providing recommended control joint locations to comply with the requirements of the NZ Building Code.

NB: Control joints provide a mechanism to accommodate any potential movement within the wall element.

“We are really happy with the final result,” adds Janine. “Actually there is nothing we would want to change on the house. Firth were great with the technical support and info and were very easy to deal with. We are very pleased with our English manor equivalent home.”

Construction of a two storey dwelling: Although the NZ Building code limits normal veneer construction to 4.0m in height Firth Manorstone, and other veneer options, may be used in accordance with E2/AS1 up to a height of 6.0m but require specific design incorporating a galvanized steel shelf angle at a maximum height of 4.0m above foundation height. A PS1 Producer Statement, confirming the design, is required for building consent. A standard design and Producer Statement is available from Firth’s website click here for a copy.

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Firth’s Manorstone - to the manor born
Firth’s Manorstone - to the manor born
Firth’s Manorstone - to the manor born

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Firth’s Manorstone - to the manor born

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Firth is one of New Zealand's best known and most trusted trade names in concrete. They have been developing, manufacturing and delivering concrete and concrete products to New Zealanders for almost a century. 

90 year proud history

The history of Firth is part of the history of New Zealand. Firth's capability extends through the construction industry, roading & infrastructure, industrial and commercial projects to residential builds.

Industry leading

All of our products are formulated to meet strict NZ standards. Our engineers ensure Firth customers consistently receive delivery of the highest quality product that they can rely on. Our concrete products are tried and trusted so customers can be sure what we make, makes the grade. Always.

Our national, dependable brands include: Firth Certified Concrete®, Firth Masonry, Firth RibRaft® floors, Dricon® bagged concretes, mortars and sands.

Innovation that endures

From day one innovation has been at our core, but not at the expense of long lasting durability. In 1925, the 'original' Firth family with their entrepreneurial spirit created innovative concrete products that made life easier.

Today's wider Firth family still carries that same can-do spirit into today's market challenges. Our designers work alongside our engineers to ensure new designs will stand up to the rigors of time.

Kiwi Made

Like the people who manufacture them, our concrete ranges are all products of New Zealand. We employ 650 people spread across 70 plant sites throughout the country.

Firth's strength lies in its regional relationships delivering a quality service locally to loyal customers, every day.