Gerard Roofs
The 2006 Gerard Roofs’ Design Awards celebrated examples of excellence in design and building. Now in their fifth year, the awards showcase Gerard Roofs’ continued commitment to recognising and rewarding top workmanship throughout New Zealand, Australia and the Pacific. Grant Williams, Business Development Manager for Gerard Roofs, says once again in 2006 the entries were of an incredibly high calibre and everyone involved in each project deserves congratulations for their attention to detail and their commitment to superior craftsmanship. He says the winners combined good design aesthetics with the selection and use of quality materials which enhanced the style of the buildings.
Gerard Home Design Award Winner at Kerikeri.
As one of the most luxurious homes in the Bay of Islands, this exceptional new home represents a careful blend of impeccable design and exceptional product choice. It was taken from concept to reality by project manager Eddy Marten and builder Chris Harper with each step to realising the owner’s dream home being carefully planned. The home is well situated on a north facing peninsula with panoramic sea views and private access to a sheltered, secluded beach. Because the focus of this comfortable home begins with the interior it was important for the house to appear more ‘low profile’ from the approach through the beautifully landscaped, seaside, 25 acre block.
From the exterior the home at first appears to be a single level dwelling however a less evident lower level provides private guest accommodation, office and separate kitchen facilities. Because of the buildings low profile and the elevated approach to the home it quickly became apparent that the roof was going to have a significant impact on the overall visual appearance. Neither the owner nor the designers wanted the roof to dominate and it was therefore of paramount importance to fastidiously consider all options available. The owner was, understandably, reluctant to start the project without a clear view of how the roof would ultimately look. After driving around and looking at many houses and listening to what design features were critical,
Chris Harper suggested using a Gerard Roof. The textured Senator tile profile provided the desired ‘look’ and the time-proven method of interlocking, horizontally fixed tiles provided the strength required in high wind zones.
Designers Bert Bam Viet and Clinton Grant suggested a more traditional ‘pitch’ style roof of 25 degrees.
Eddy Marten, who has used Gerard Roofs’ systems in the past, agreed. “We have a high wind zone in this part of the North Island and I was confident of the quality of the Gerard product. It is aesthetically appealing in profile and the cost reduction, in comparison to similar looking products, is significant without compromising quality”.
Because Gerard Senator Shingles are made for New Zealand conditions Bay of Islands Roofing director, Graham Moor, describes it as the ideal product choice for this luxurious home. Gerard Roofs’ 50 year Pro-Rata warranty (offered even in coastal locations such as this) was further confirmation that the right product had been selected for the project.
Textured Onyx was chosen to complement other tones used and the overall design of the house.
The owner says the final style of the roof is exactly what had been envisaged. “It looks great visually, working well within the parameters of the landscape and is suitable for the often harsh wind and rain.” The Gerard Roof, now taking pride of place on the new house, fulfils these criteria. The design of the home and all the building materials used have culminated in a unique home on a truly unique slice of NZ paradise.
Reflecting on the project, Eddy Marten is quick to praise Gerard Roofs for the quality of their product and Bay of Islands Roofing for the exemplary workmanship and installation. “It was great to use a Gerard roofing system in conjunction with a local company employing local tradesmen. The end result speaks for itself.’’