The Block is back for 2018 with a new batch of contestants designing new homes at Hobsonville point. Photo / Supplied
Housing developments are very much in the news these days as Auckland strains at the seams, and Hobsonville Point — on a peninsula west of the city, which was once home to New Zealand's Air Force and flying boat industry — is undergoing a huge transformation.
A brand new, carefully-planned town is emerging, complete with schools, parks, playgrounds, cafes and shops and, in celebration of this fresh and exciting community, The Block NZ 2018 teams were assigned to put their own marks on a group of four generously-proportioned townhouses.
Needless to say, the journey has been a lively and sometimes chaotic one.
There's been laughter and a few tears too, as four teams grapple with a huge job that would be confronting for anybody — experienced or not — and we all know that things don't always go to plan.
Plus, it's not just about getting on with the task On The Block, they like to test the teams, making them compete for extra cash to fund work on their houses, or score great prizes.
There are some tricky and sometimes outright crazy challenges along the way.
Claire Rapira and Agni Bhorkar are from Hamilton, where he runs his own gym and she's a personal trainer. They have experience, having renovated their own house, but there's much more pressure when you're on The Block and at times their relationship has been strained and they've had a tendency to get caught up in arguments. Nevertheless, they're very pleased with their achievements.
Favourite room and why?
It's a tie between our landing, where we created extra space the other homes didn't have for sitting or for study, and the kitchen, which is extremely practical. The large scullery is the dream of a kitchen enthusiast!
What inspired your decor?
We love nature and wanted to use it as inspiration for our entire house. The judges pushed us out of our comfort zone to add more colour than we had intended. We are extremely grateful as the end product is a house which is warm and homely.
When was your toughest moment?
The entire Block NZ experience was saturated with tough moments, whether it be physical, mental or emotional. However we tried our best to adapt and learn at every step, turning tough moments into positive outcomes.
What was your greatest achievement?
Our greatest achievement is looking back at our home and being satisfied whether in regards to the value we have added to our house, the way we budgeted, or even as simple as how effectively we problem-solved through the entire experience.
The best feature of your house?
It has to be the entire second floor. Once the doors to the patio have been opened it epitomises the concept of open-plan living. Perfect for families, with a great blend of practicality, function and design.
21 FRANCES BRYERS ROAD, HOBSONVILLE
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 1 parking spaces.
• House: (more or less): 206sq m, Land: 194sq m.
• Contact: Team Tomes 021 554 044.
• On the web: oneroof.co.nz/1188909
Best mates all their lives, Aucklanders Ben Speedy, a handyman and project manager, and Tom Waalkens, an architect graduate, have had their friendship put to the test this season. Both brought good, relevant experience to the project and they're certainly not lacking in confidence but success eluded them in the first few weeks and they had to try hard to stay motivated. At the end of the day a sense of humour is a must, and they both have that!
Favourite room and why?
The kitchen sets the scene for contemporary living providing context for the architectural aesthetic we've used in the different spaces. With its high-tech appliance upgrades, streams of light and loads of storage it is a convergence of sleek function, beautiful elements and meticulous attention to detail.
What inspired your decor?
Our minimalistic and clean-cut architectural design approach. The underlying structure, and physical elements had to define the spatial personality of the home — as opposed to soft furnishings and decoration. Everything needed to come together with a sense of cohesion and wholeness.
When was your toughest moment?
The toughest moment came after the master bedroom. Weeks of negative feedback from the judges really strained us. We knew what we were trying to achieve but no one seemed to have confidence in us. The perseverance was well worth it and everyone soon changed their opinions to positive ones!
What was your greatest achievement?
Winning challenges. We managed to get over $100,000 worth of upgrades and additional features that provide our house with exciting points of difference.
The best feature of your house?
Cohesion. The architectural design elements throughout provide a basis for a high-functioning, contemporary standard of living. Each space promotes a careful composition of natural light, material and function for a home with a unique and captivating personality.
23 FRANCES BRYERS ROAD, HOBSONVILLE
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 1 parking spaces.
• House: (more or less): 206sq m, Land: 163sq m.
• Contact: Trish Adams 021 557 589 or Elaine Lu 021 234 4455.
• On the web: oneroof.co.nz/1188910
Chloe Hes and Em Blanchett are another pair of best friends - both hailing from Palmerston North where Chlo is an office co-ordinator and Em has a salad bar. While Em has some DIY experience under her belt, Chlo started out as almost a complete novice, so it's been a tricky learning curve. However, they've managed to keep smiling through some pretty stressful moments and gained confidence in the process.
Favourite room and why?
This would have to be our master bedroom and ensuite. We absolutely love how everything ties together so well. The bedroom has a very rich, earthy, romantic vibe and the ensuite complements it perfectly, with our patterned tiles.
What inspired your decor?
Em's father made our beautiful Moroccan-style headboard and the velvet fabric was rich in autumn tones. We pulled colours from this fabric to use throughout the room and the deep warm charcoal walls really stand out.
What was your greatest achievement?
Completeing The Block NZ. Seeing the whole house coming together on the last day was amazing. Everything worked perfectly and we had a cohesive home with character. It's all ready for a family move in.
The best feature of your house?
We would say the huge open-plan living room, kitchen and dining area. It flows perfectly on to our massive patio and back yard. With lots of beautiful natural light, it's cosy in winter and will be cool in summer.
25 FRANCES BRYERS ROAD, HOBSONVILLE
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 1 parking spaces.
• House (more or less): 206sq m, Land: 163sq m.
• Contact: Amy Anderson 027 472 3600 or Anna Byron 022 088 1640.
• On the web: oneroof.co.nz/1188912
Amy Moore and Stu Watts from Gisborne are the most "mature" contestants to have appeared on The Block NZ — in terms of age. She's a beauty therapist and he's a plumber and they're both very outgoing and confident. There were a few times in the series when their relationship with the other teams got somewhat strained but they still say that they've enjoyed almost every minute of a manic three months.
Favourite room and why?
Master bedroom and ensuite. We did something that we loved even though it was risky with the judges, and were stoked with how it turned out. The ensuite is beautiful and really brought some colour into an otherwise neutral space.
What inspired your decor?
Our inspiration was just the bringing together of all the things that we love, and using things sourced locally from our home and from our friends, then putting them together to create a space full of soul.
When was your toughest moment?
Our toughest moment was in week five when everything just got too much and not only was it extremely stressful and overwhelming for us both, we also had to deal with it alone.
What was your greatest achievement?
Our greatest achievement was finishing every room, every week to a high standard with a result that we are so proud of and also making our family, friends and everyone in Gizzy feel proud of us.
The best feature of your house?
The best feature of our house is that it all works together as a whole. Every room has its own individual feel but it still flows throughout and of course it is in the best location ... all day sun.
27 FRANCES BRYERS ROAD, HOBSONVILLE
• 3 bedrooms, 2 bathroom, 1 parking spaces.
• House (more or less): 214sq m, Land: 200sq m.
• Contact: Craig Smith 021 960 565 or Stacey Smith 021 022 34502.
• On the web: oneroof.co.nz/1188911
• Auctions: Sunday, Sept 30 at 7pm. Watch the action on TV3.