Generally we use locally sourced Douglas fir logs, but other species such as Lawson cypress and various cedars can be used as well and many other spices. New Zealand grown pine is not an acceptable species to use unless it has been pressure treated.
We mainly source locally grown logs from the Kaingaroa forestry plantations.
The Logs selected for the construction range in size from, 500mm Large End Diameter to 300mm small end diameter. We can use logs up to 20m in length.
As construction takes place we apply multiple surface treatments to minimise sap stain and protect against weather conditions. Once the house is constructed on site the house is painted with an oil based stain which protects the exterior of the logs.
Log house construction is a labour intensive construction and takes longer to construct than a conventional frame building. As a guide from start of log work to turn key walk in, a small house of 150m2 can take 6-8months of construction. A larger house of 250m2 can take up to a 12 months of construction depending on the complicity of the specific designs and requirements.
At New Zealand Log Homes we can supply the log house to any stage such as, log work only, Log work roof and lock up stage, as well as complete finished log home. We do however endeavour to supply the complete finished home. As with any unconventional build the difference between a spectacular and well finished build vs an average build is in the finishing. Our experienced staff understand the systems and methods that have been developed and are able to complete the builds with quality craftsmanship that exceeds expectation.
Depending on specific geotechnical, engineering and client requirements, most standard type foundations can be used such as concrete slab, rib raft, elevated pole and pile foundations as well as perimeter concrete block foundations.
Log houses can accommodate all conventional roof types, and some examples that we have used range from asphalt and cedar shingles to concrete tiles, corrugated iron to Eurotray colour steel.
Generally log walls remain as complete log walls. Internal conventional frame walls which integrate with the logs to form partition walls, bedroom and bathroom walls, wardrobes etc. can be lined with all conventional linings.
Before the house is disassembled from our yard an electrical plan is made. With the plan holes are drilled to accommodate for wiring as each log is taken down to be transported to site. Plumbing is routed through foundations to specific areas on the ground floor as per conventional methods. Upper levels are routed through conventional frame walls that are positioned within the building into the upper floor cavity which are then routed to the specific areas as per conventional methods. All plumbing and wiring are done in a manner that it is not visible with the final product
Yes all our log houses comply with the New Zealand building and meet or exceed any specific council requirements.
We do not sell handcrafted kitset homes but we can supply kitset machined log homes.
As with any construction, it is hard to give an exact amount for how much a log house will cost without first knowing the layout, design features, internal linings, specific geotechnical requirements, specific engineering requirements, client requirements such as the level of finish for systems such as bathrooms and kitchens. But as an average for a completed turn-key cost we generally work within the area of $4000 /m2
Between the logs we use a foam strip to insulate the small cavity manufactured during construction. After construction we apply a grout similar in colour to the logs which is applied to the exterior joins depending on the customers' requirements.
Our custom log homes are some of the most thermally and energy efficient log homes being built today. There are two factors that determine the R-value of logs that we use; the diameter and the species. The greater the diameter of the logs used to construct your home, the higher the R-value and thermal mass it provides. As a rule, the wood fibre that we use in our custom log homes is more energy efficient to heat and cool than a conventional stick frame home.
Yes we have constructed all types of high end timber buildings and constructions ranging from traditional log homes, post and beam constructions, pole constructions, square and round timber trusses, through to unconventional movie sets and unconventional large timber roof systems, as well as small construction projects such as bed frames and full staircase systems.
At New Zealand Log Homes we construct the complete natural hand crafted log houses. And can supply machine log houses
Periodic cleaning of the logs is recommended and reapplying oil based stains as required.
New Zealand Log homes is a registered building company. We have multiple staff who are current Licenced Building Practitioners who are required by law to carry out and supervise restricted building works. We also employ numerous staff who have completed the BCITO national certificate in carpentry and the BCITO New Zealand certificate in Construction Related Trades Supervisor course, we continue to train multiple staff to become qualified in these and other certificates.