Southland Home

Located in the Southland Plains, in the small farming community of Rakahouka, a three-bedroom home stands with panoramic views of the stunning countryside. To passersby, this home might seem like your standard new build, but a closer look reveals a house designed with intention and built with expertise. A collaboration between Bragg Building and Design and CS Roofing Southland has delivered a new home that not only showcases the craftsmanship and dedication of both companies but also highlights their seamless teamwork and commitment to quality.

Grant and Daphne, the discerning homeowners, were impressed with a previous small, shed home build by Shahn Bragg, the founder and director of Bragg Building & Design, that they entrusted him with their larger home project. With over 120 new house builds in Southland and Central Otago to his name, Shahn's reputation for excellence is well-earned. Bragg Building and Design is a highly agile building, design, and construction business with extensive experience in both residential and commercial projects. The company is known for its meticulous attention to detail, unwavering commitment to quality and excellent communication. Shahn says, "Our mission statement, 'Building the future, restoring the past,' reflects our dedication to high professional standards." The team at Bragg Building and Design self-performs key aspects of construction, including earthworks, foundations, framing, and roofing, ensuring seamless project management and delivery.

Shaun Harris, Operations Manager and Director of CS Roofing Southland Ltd, shares insights into the roofing aspect of the project. "We worked with the owners as well as the builders to ensure we delivered the best possible roof with no scratches or damages," Shaun notes. CS Roofing Southland's structure is key to the successful delivery of its projects. Jointly owned by Founder and Managing Director Keith Ivey and Shaun Harris, the team comprises salaried and contracted professionals with vast experience in the roofing industry. This ensures projects are completed on time, within budget, and to the highest quality standards. "Our commitment to quality is reflected in the accreditations and memberships we hold, including being Licensed Building Practitioners and members of the Roofing Association," says Shaun. The company also takes safety seriously, with all team members fully trained in Working at Heights and operating Elevated Work Platforms.

Dimond® Roofing was the chosen supplier for this project, a preferred choice for CS Roofing Southland. Covering a total of 496.65 linear metres, the home is adorned with Dimond® Roofing’s Hi Five® profile in the colour Horoeka. Hi Five® offers a bold, modern look to residential homes that can support wide purlin spacing and also performs well on low pitch roofs, bringing a modern, European touch to the homes design without the increased risk of buckling.

The architect behind the home’s design, Fat Hippo Design, specifically requested ColorCote®'s MagnaFlow® substrate, a choice driven by its superior protective qualities. ColorCote's MagnaFlow® has established itself as a benchmark in the roofing industry for over two decades, renowned for its superior corrosion resistance, durability, and self-healing properties. The innovative combination of zinc, aluminium, and magnesium in MagnaFlow® provides exceptional protection against the elements, making it an ideal choice for demanding conditions like those found in rural Southland Plains.

Grant and Daphne’s active involvement in the project, living onsite during construction, facilitated excellent communication and a superior project outcome. "There were no real challenges," Shahn recalls. A unique feature of this build was the use of Canadian cedar, which the team installed on the entranceway, entertainment wall, and a custom cavity slider. "The team loved working with the Canadian cedar," Shahn mentions. "It added a distinctive touch to the home."

When discussing the topic of challenges, Shaun also highlighted the ease of being able to get the job done, "We worked with the owners and the builders to ensure we delivered the best possible roof with no scratches or damages," Shaun notes.

The collaboration with Fat Hippo Design Group was instrumental in achieving the project’s success. Nathan Shearing, who had previously worked on several projects for the clients, understood their requirements perfectly. "Nathan put together exactly what they wanted," Shahn says. "We made a few finer tweaks to the design and layout, creating what they now call home."

From its cedar entrance to the floor-to-ceiling feature wall and spacious, sleek kitchen, the house reflects skill and care in its design and construction. The use of wide sliders and extensive glazing connects the indoor spaces to the picturesque Southland landscape. The house is well-equipped to handle Southland winters, with radiators, a gas fire, and upgraded insulation.

At first glance, this house may appear to be a standard new build, but a closer look reveals its purposeful design, expert construction and installation. The beautifully crafted home, now being enjoyed by its owners, stands as a testament to the combined expertise and dedication of Bragg Building and Design and CS Roofing Southland. The project not only exemplifies professional excellence but also highlights the importance of seamless collaboration in delivering a home that is both aesthetically pleasing and built to the highest standards.

• Architect: Fat Hippo Designs
• Builder: Bragg Building & Design
• Roof Installer: CS Roofing Southland
• Roll Former: Dimond® Roofing
• Pre-painted Steel Supplier: ColorCote®