We are value creators for our clients, building beautiful, liveable spaces, both big and small
Our story...
We’re extremely proud to be one of the most respected building companies in the Bay of Plenty. As a family-owned business, each home we create carries our family name – something we don’t take lightly and which, we feel, is the best guarantee in the market. Word-of-mouth has built our business, which speaks volumes about our client satisfaction. We’re passionate about building with future generations in mind, creating homes which stand the test of time and have minimal impact on the environment.
Why Thorne Group?
Flexibility
We have the expertise and the passion for both small but smart homes, as well as large architectural homes with exceptional detail
Market Reputation
Over the last decade the majority of business has been through word of mouth which we are very proud of. We encourage people to talk to people who have built with us
Value
One of the key misconceptions that clients have is that we are more expensive than other build companies. This is simply not the case, not when you compare like for like.
Trees for homes
We have put together a programme which not only focuses on environmental projects in the Tauranga region, for future generations to enjoy but also mitigates carbon from the build process.
Energy Efficient
Jon McAlpine is a qualified Homestar accredited practitioner and assessor. This gives clients the option of having an independent national rating system that measures and encourages residential sustainability and reduces the running costs of your home.
House of the Year
We are fastidious about quality, which is one of the many reasons word-of-mouth has built our business. Irrespective of budget or scope, we never compromise. This was reflected at the recent Master Builders Awards.
Client Experience
It is not only quality and design we are renowned for within the market, it is also the client experience. This is why we have incredibly loyal clients.
Architectural Service
Thorne Group Architecture was formed in 2015 to give clients the option of having the option of having an architecturally designed and built house within the same service. It is headed up by multi-award winning Architectural Designer – Jon McAlpine.
You can use our multiple award-winning architectural designer or select your own.
Architectural Design service
Thorne Group Architecture was formed in 2015 to give clients the option of having an architecturally designed and built house within the same service. It is headed up by multi-award winning Architectural Designer – Jon McAlpine.
Jon creates what can be called ‘conscious architecture’ – bespoke designs which have a life beyond a material manifestation. And these designs have won him both regional and national awards every year he’s been in business.
Working alongside Thorne Group’s design-and-build team provides a valuable insight into creating affordable designs that work “ A designer needs to be completely in touch with practical construction methodology and also construction costs. You can have a great looking design, but it needs to be buildable to a budget” explains Jon.
One of Thorne Group Architecture’s key attributes is its commitment to the client, a relationship Jon believes is essential to a successful project. And, being a boutique architectural practice, Jon and his team work with many clients and builders all over New Zealand.
Experts in both smaller, smart homes and larger architectural homes......
If there’s one thing that defines us, it’s our passion for design. This passion includes a devotion to accommodating our clients’ different styles, needs and budgets. It is the constant collaboration between designers, builders, project managers, quantity surveyor’s and suppliers, both respect to design and translating this design to construction methodology on site for both small and large homes.
Small but smart home gallery view here
For those that want to downsize
Increasingly, we have clients who come to us with a desire to downsize. In many instances, their children have left home and there is no longer a need for a large family home, and maintenance of a large home can be inconvenient for those who want to spend more time travelling.
Jon McAlpine from Thorne Group Architecture has a particular passion for designing ‘small but smart’ homes. The design can include different zones so that the owners have their own space, whether it be to read in the sun, entertain and accommodate guests, or just watch television.
“We need to make allowances for all of this while maintaining a smaller footprint, and still ensuring the clients achieve their ultimate objective of having a low maintenance home,” says Jon.
Jon (Thorne Group Architecture) has lots of ways of creating multi-functional rooms within small designs,
by adding window seats, study nooks and creating covered outdoor spaces. Reassuringly, a small footprint doesn’t mean a client has to compromise on elements which may be important to them, like including a walk-in pantry; Jon’s small but smart designs can accommodate those non-negotiable features.
Having a covered outdoor area isn’t just about providing shade on a summery day. With planning and clever design – taking into account privacy, views, prevailing winds and sun angles – a covered outdoor area can be functional even on the coldest winter’s day. In fact, if the site permits, Jon will often include multiple outdoor areas.
Having a smaller home doesn’t preclude the home from having ‘wow’ factor. It is not only critical to get to detailed design correct, it is also the execution. With more than a decade of experience in building smaller homes, we are confident we can add value to your home throughout the build process.
Larger homes with exceptional architectural detail
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Homes with exceptional architectural detail, large or small, involve a different way of working. They require additional planning with the architectural designer, and often also include involvement from experts with particular specialist skills. The smallest details will be thoroughly planned to mitigate problems arising on-site during the project. This can include materials that may have long lead times or have to be sourced abroad to achieve the exact standard or effect requested by the homeowner.