McRaeway Quick-Build Project Supported By Local Trades

Forty-eight hours – enough time to enjoy a weekend off work, bake and ice a cake, fell a tree and cut up a couple of trailer-loads of firewood, perhaps even to erect a small pre-fabricated garden shed.

But to build a three-bedroomed, two-bathroomed architecturally-designed house, roof it, wire it, install plumbing and internal decor and park it complete and ready for some lucky person to cart it away to a site of their dreams and live in it?

Timaru home building firm McRaeway Homes says that’s plenty of time and it is enjoying overwhelming support from South Canterbury industries equally determined to make it happen for the benefit of the new Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre.

And the iconic construction company that has been internationally famous from Timaru for its pre-fabricated and award-winning designer buildings, will be taking the time test at the next Timaru Herald Home Show.

Timaru’s newest quick-build project, the proceeds from which will be donated to the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre, has McRaeway Homes general manager and project co-ordinator Matt Tipa excited and eagerly looking forward to the challenge.

The firm’s project, scheduled for next March, will be only the third quick-build project in the district, the Timaru District Council’s building department says.

Senior building advisor Dave Aitken said the first was the Jehovah’s Witnesses Kingdom Hall Trust building in Old North Road in 1994, followed three years later by a house at 175 Pages Road, which was a quick-build to raise funds for the Timaru Hydroslide Charitable Trust.

Mr Tipa said McRaeway Homes was proud of its long history of support for the community.

“Sixteen years ago we were among the first significant backers of the stadium in Morgan’s Road. The company has always looked for opportunities to support worthwhile projects,” he said.

“McRaeway Homes is very proud to be part of the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre’s Supporters Club and the driving force behind the quick-build fundraising initiative.

“We trade nationwide, but our roots are important and we see so much community value in our new aquatic centre.”

He has a significant home planned for the promotion.

At 130 square metres the quick-build “Aquatica” model is unique and has been specifically designed for the project.

The three-bedroom, two bathroom design features a high raking ceiling in the living area creating an additional a sense of space, as does the combination of large sliding doors and strategically-placed windows around the entire home, also designed to maximise sun and views in any location.

Mr Tipa said that in keeping with the design functionality of relocatable homes that his company was renowned for, the quick-build home combined distinctive architectural elements within the confines of the New Zealand Transport Authority’s and other regulations required for a relocatable housing.

“It complements the aquatic look and no doubt will attract interest from those with a lake or seaside section.”

The quick-build will also be notable for wide community and trades involvement and McRaeway Homes has already enjoyed wide support from the business community with representatives of trades including master builders, electricians, painters and plumbing associations, interior décor specialists and specific building-related supplier and service groups.

“There have been a number of pledges and overwhelming support for the quick-build project which is gratifying at such an early stage,” Mr Tipa said.

“There are some stores in Timaru saying they will even donate furniture.”

He said the contributions would extend beyond the construction of the house itself with downstream industries such as drainlayers, landscape specialists and fencing contractors offering to become involved once the final resting place for the home had been decided.

A special display area will be cordoned off at the Timaru Herald Home Show in March where the public could watch the quick-build and the final fit-out in a show home carnival-type atmosphere.

On completion, the relocatable home will be open for public viewing prior to being auctioned, with net proceeds going towards the Caroline Bay Aquatic Centre, Mr Tipa said.

ENDS

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