Words Liz French, Images Bryde Thompson for Thorne Group
While 80 may be the new 60 and many people are enjoying good health into their twilight years, there is good sense in planning your future home so you can enjoy an environment that will evolve as you do.
It’s not just about retirement or mobility; it’s also the unexpected injury, illness or life change that affects how your home needs to function, just when the last thing you want is to face major renovations.
This is where Thorne Group come in with their extensive experience in building both accessible and future-ready homes, discretely designed to adapt over time without feeling clinical or compromised. Their clients range from young families to retirees wishing to retain independence and community contact.
David and Jane Church are repeat clients of Thorne Group, now planning a two-unit development designed to appeal to any age group while incorporating features which will ensure they are forever functional. Some two years prior to commencement, David is already discussing the build with Thorne Group’s Construction Director, Gavin Morrow.
The two seem more like old friends than client and builder. David says, “Jane and I had our current home built by Thorne Group. Throughout the construction period we experienced nothing but positives. I refer to their communication skills, team work ethic and overall quality of the final product. Our high satisfaction and the ongoing relationship have created a level of trust that made it an obvious decision to utilise them when we finally got around to building again.”
Cash, Comfort, Convenience
David simplifies the process to three considerations: cash, comfort and convenience. Gavin studies the plans with all that in mind. “By getting involved early in the process I can identify aspects of the design that will be cost efficient – or not, avoiding expensive surprises later,” he explains.
Comfort and convenience cover both the pleasure to be derived from the home and the ease of daily living.
David expands on this: “The reason you need to employ professionals like Thorne is that there are so many comfort considerations, including warmth, airflow, the progression of the sun, good lighting. Plus, of course, practicalities like placement and width of doorways, bathroom design, smooth flooring transitions. Also allowances for future adjustments behind the walls, maybe even electrical or plumbing modifications – all without making a noticeable difference to the design integrity and the feel of the home.”
Gavin enlarges on Thorne’s role, “It’s all about taking care of the structure and sequencing, so you don’t have to undo anything later.”
As David anticipates another smooth building process with Thorne, he comments, “The future focused features will be barely noticeable, but they will make all the difference down the line as these homes continue to meet the changing needs of their owners.”
Avoid the Overwhelm!
While some Thorne Group clients are ‘old hands’ like David, there are many for whom the biggest roadblock to building is where to start and who to trust. It is a big undertaking and can be scary when there are so many variables and so many seemingly unforeseen ways to soak up your dream home budget.
Thorne Group to the rescue! Again emphasising the importance of involving them early, Gavin outlines their architecture and build collaboration as a genuine concierge-style service. “We handle everything from site assessments and budget feasibility to connecting you with an architect, complying with council requirements and managing the entire build. We can even help find you a site, review geotech issues and see if it is feasible to achieve what you want within your budget.”
Whether it is your first home or the home you want to grow old in, it’s worth getting to know the Thorne Group team. They have the expertise, the systems and the people. Their relationships with past clients are the proof.
Thorne Group Homes
41 Newton Street, Mount Maunganui