The Bach That JK Built
All Black legend Sir John Kirwan and his wife Fiorella have a long connection with Waihi Beach so when they came to creating their dream Bach they wanted to get it just right and that's just what Barrett Homes did!
JK describes Waihi beach as his mana’o okioki which is rest feeling in Māori, a perfect description for this beautiful coastal town. Plans were designed by architect Chris Tate and built by Barrett Homes.
"We've done a few houses now and they say you need to build six before you get it [right]. But there isn't actually anything I would change in this house..."
They make the decision to tear down the beach and start over. And just as we see on Grand Designs NZ, they had a tight budget and there are time pressures – the family wanted to be in their new holiday home by Christmas!
With the site clear, foundations laid and the Barrett build team onboard, Sir John & Fiorella’s dream beach gets underway! Progress is rapid but not fast enough for our impatient former All Black (due to COVID), but with Barrett’s build process it was “stress free” says JK & Fiorella.
"You know this bach for me has already exceeded all my expectations.... it feels already like a home. My goal is to spend more time here".
Building a home that was comfortable and practical, using materials that would withstand the coastal elements, so future generations could enjoy the simple life at the beach was important to JK.
Partnering with local suppliers, we built Jk's a one story, four bedrooms, plus wet room for his surfing.
