Miro Homes: Terraced housing that’s a cut above

Quality is key in a new high-end terraced housing development in the heart of Henderson – which is why the developers chose GIB® systems

The masterwork of award-winning design and build company Miro Homes, the 20-unit Lavelle Road development is scheduled for completion in August and will offer upmarket living for West Aucklanders seeking something special.

Product and material selection have been pivotal to the project’s success, including extensive use of GIB® systems and products such as GIB Barrierline®, Aqualine®, Weatherline®, Braceline®, Noiseline® and Fyreline®. In fact, Miro Homes director Jerry Liu says he would not use anything else.

“We launched Miro Homes in 2017, but we’ve been using GIB® long before we started this company,” says Jerry, who has over a decade of construction industry experience in New Zealand. “We prefer to use good reliable brands that people can confidently trust.”

Miro’s commitment to quality has clearly paid off. Jerry and his team have won a number of awards including a bronze award and a People’s Choice award at the 2023 Registered Master Builders House of the Year as well as recognition at the 2023 NZCBIA (New Zealand Chinese Building Industry Association) Excellence Awards.

Change in approach

Initially established as a builder of stand-alone homes, Jerry and his business partner Hongren Wang began expanding into the terraced housing development market in 2019, quickly building a reputation for high quality projects offering a touch of luxury. While they still complete a lot of individual homes across greater Auckland, their multi-unit subdivision projects are gathering significant momentum.

“We have completed very successful terraced housing projects in Pakuranga and Saint Johns, and we’re currently building terraced homes in Mangere East and here in Henderson. Stand-alone homes are not a reality for many people these days due to budget – but just because you have to buy a smaller terraced home, doesn’t mean it can’t still be beautiful, or that you have to compromise on lifestyle.”

Their Lavelle Road project is a case in point. Every detail has been thoughtfully considered, and functionality and aesthetic appeal go hand-in-hand. Consisting of four two-bedroom homes (90m² each) and 16 three-bedroom homes (120m²), the three-level development is a step above a typical terraced housing subdivision.

“People come to our open homes and they can just sense the difference,” says Hongren, who completed his master’s in construction management last year and has many years of experience in the sector.

“When we say high end, we’re not just talking about high specs. It’s also about the high quality of our workmanship. These homes are not boring simple boxes – they are something special.”

How GIB® makes the difference

GIB Barrierline® has been used extensively throughout the project. Hongren says its narrow space-saving footprint, lightweight construction and cost effectiveness make it the ideal solution for intertenancy walls.

“Our builders love using GIB® because it’s easy to install and gives us more flexibility than other products and systems. It also gives our homeowners confidence and peace of mind, because they know GIB® products are high quality, low maintenance and backed by robust warranties.”

The right team

Another secret to Miro’s success is their high-performing team of designers, builders, project managers and quantity surveyors, who work side by side to ensure projects are designed and completed to the highest standard, on time and on budget.

“We have nine people in the office and ten builders. We are all qualified industry professionals and because we all work together, we are extremely agile and able to build really efficiently.”

Combine this with ongoing support from the GIB® technical team, and Hongren says they have a winning combination.

“Almost 100% of the issues we have found onsite we have been able to work through and solve with the support of the GIB® team.”

Jerry agrees.

“When we’ve had any challenges, the GIB® onsite technical support has been invaluable,” he says. “These homes are three levels with balcony, so fire resistance was tricky – and ventilation threw up another challenge – but site meetings with GIB® helped us work through solutions and saved us a lot of time and money.”

Now nearly completed, the Miro Homes terraced housing development has injected more than a dash of style and substance into Henderson’s housing stock and looks set to deliver an enviable lifestyle to those lucky enough to call it home.