PlaceMakers backs unique project
16 Sep 2024, Community & Sponsorship, News
PlaceMakers played a key role in getting a projected hailed as ‘an NZ first’ off the ground and in doing so will help create a legacy for trades trainees at One Tree Hill College in Auckland
A first of its kind project to completely renovate an ex-Kāinga Ora state home by students at One Tree Hill College in Auckland would never have got off the ground if it weren’t for PlaceMakers support, says One Tree Hill Trades Teacher Charlotte McKeon.
“PlaceMakers, and in particular Central North Hub Account Manager John Hanna, enabled us to get our project going in a way we’d never have been able to do ourselves, especially when it came to getting suppliers on board.
“Even small things were a huge help, such as making sure the orders we placed with Cook Street PlaceMakers were processed and shipped the same day, which meant we could keep the project moving to tight deadlines.”
High standards
The project has ambitious goals. Students from One Tree Hill’s Trade Academy are transforming the 1970s home into one that meets Homestar Level 7, V5 standards – which exceed the Building Code.
“The students are doing the majority of the work themselves, with the support of Licensed Building Practitioners, as part of their training to become apprentices,” explains Charlotte. “Training apprentices is our first priority and this is an incredible opportunity for our students to learn about best practice and be part of it.
“Our students move through a Level 3 BCITO programme as a unified group, allowing them to experience the full spectrum of trade education together.
“The power of this approach lies in its ability to create a tight-knit community of learners and mentors, all striving towards a common goal. The result? Students are not just preparing for a job; they’re preparing for life.”
Supplier support
To renovate a home to Homestar Level 7 requires generous support from a legion of PlaceMakers suppliers, which John helped organise.
“PlaceMakers initially donated items early in the project, then myself and Charlotte worked to turn suppliers into sponsors,” says John.
“Once sponsors met the people behind the project, they became very engaged and incredibly generous!”
Swept in the excitement
John was introduced to the project by a customer of his, Hargrave Homes (which designed the home’s interior and donated tapware and sinks) and it wasn’t long before he was swept up by it.
“I’ve really enjoyed being involved. Meeting the kids working on it and the people helping them, and seeing their passion for the project, is contagious. I had no intention of getting too involved, because I’m already busy, but you can’t help but get emotionally attached to the project.”
The proof is in the pudding. The organisers have since formed a small board to oversee the project, which John is a member of.
At the opening function before the build commenced, John says around 300 past and current trade students, families, sponsors and mentors gathered to hear more about this unique NZ project.
“I spent some time on the BBQ with a few of the students, who were courteous and falling over themselves to help in any way – as well as not missing any opportunity for some banter when I burnt a sausage or two! These students are fantastic.”
One of the stars of the show is student Dani Parker, who is now second in command to LBP (and site foreman) Paul Williams. Dani is in charge of coordinating her fellow students on site and has already picked up work experience at
PlaceMakers Mt Wellington, where she’ll engage with builders and learn about the industry from a supply perspective.
Market-leading technology
Achieving a HomeStar Level 7 requires the home to exceed current H1 standards, which it will thanks to Mammoth Batts product R values of R2+R1.3 (walls), R2.9 (roof), R2.8 (timber floor). Woods Glass thermally broken aluminium with UG1.1 glazing allowed windows and entry doors to exceed required construction R values as well.
The home also includes some advanced technology, such as a Simx continuous venting system to bring fresh air in and extract moisture and stale air; a Daikin central heating system; a Leo Smart Panel, which reduces electricity costs by a minimum of 10% (and isn’t even commercially available until February 2025); a Rainstick shower that recycles water; and an Aero Barrier System to complete the thermal envelope by pressurising the building interior and releasing an aerosol mist containing sealant particles, which gradually seal openings.
The school also needed a green way to manage and reduce waste, which Green Gorilla is helping achieve by recycling up to 80% of the waste generated during the build. Additionally, Target is supplying all the home furniture.
Self-sustaining legacy
Following the completion of the project, the home will be auctioned off and the proceeds used to purchase another ex-state home from Kāinga Ora for $1 – where the process will begin again. However, this time the plan is to create a self- sustainable model for years to come.
“We have expenses we need to cover first,” says Charlotte. “For example, we need to pay our LBP for next year, then we’ll use the rest of the money to turn the programme over year on year. The point is to be self-sufficient.
“We’re also acting as a pilot to show other schools they can train apprentices in this way. There are Kāinga Ora houses available all over New Zealand for $1. Other schools can copy what we’ve done here and we’re more than happy to share what we’ve learned with everyone.”
Project sponsors
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