It is finally raining!
Our collective prayers have been answered, and some welcome relief for our farmers and our firefighters is hopefully on its way.
A reminder that after several months of little rain, many drains and gutters may be filled with debris – leaves, dust, even bushfire soot that may obstruct them. Make sure everything in your home or property is clean and working the way it should to avoid any flooding!
We have already had a few calls in the last 24hrs. If you need any help, don’t hesitate to contact Horizon Upkeep.
|
|
|
|
Northbridge residence
This 3-storey waterfront home in Sydney’s leafy Northbridge underwent a process of addressing many waterproofing issues left behind from the original build, causing damage to the fabric of the building, and mould in many places. Our clients decided to take the opportunity to undertake a complete refurbishment at the same time, and get the best out of what is an etraordinary location.
Working closely with the teams at MHDP & H+K, communicating and proactively looking to solve problems ahead of time, we delivered this beautiful home back to our clients in less than 12 months from the date we started.
View the project here →
Architecture by Mark Hurcum Design Practice
Interiors by Hare + Klein
Photos by Hare + Klein
|
|
We thought that this issue, our blog would address some myths we come up against quite often when talking to people about our business!
We only do large projects
Not so! We do dozens of small projects each year. It is more about the people that we’re working with than the size of the job. We even have a separate team that concentrate of delivering them (Horizon Small Works), and give each one the service & dedication that Horizon is known for.
Small jobs keep us fresh, and there’s a lot of satisfaction in getting stuck in and finishing a job quickly, as opposed to some of our larger projects than can take 2 years or more to complete! It’s all about balance.
We only build in the East
Not so! We build all over Sydney from the Northern Beaches to the Inner West, and down in to the Shire as well. We recently completed our luury farmstay at The Oaks, about 1.5hrs from Sydney, and we’ve looked at projects in Byron Bay and even as far as Queenstown, NZ.
Again – It’s more about who we’re working with than where we’re working with them!
Our overheads are high
Not so! Our office and our project management team allow us to deliver better, less risky outcomes, in a faster time, and with less stress, overall saving much more than anything they might cost. And as a fraction of our overall turnover, they’re much lower than a smaller, less-organised building firm.
|
|
Employee of the month
This month we meet one of our Horizon Small Works Division’s site managers – Ormond “Ormy” Garland.
Many of you will recognise the face only Mrs Garland could love… Ormy is one of the most popular members of our team with staff, subbies and clients alike. Nothing is ever a problem for the young fella!
How long have you been at Horizon?
I think it’s been 8 years. Time passes quickly at my age…
|
|
|
What do you love about your job?
I have met and worked with a lot of decent, intelligent colleagues, clients, contractors andsuppliers, that after all this time, I now consider them FRIENDS. Who wouldn’t love a job like that?
What are you working on at the moment?
I’m doing a small renovation in North Bondi. Our clients liked what we did across the street from them last year, so they got Horizon to do their job too! I didn’t have too far to move the tools!
I also have my regular Horizon Upkeep clients that I look forward to seeing on a monthly basis.
What do you enjoy about working with architects and designers?
Where do I start? They are all individuals. They all have different tastes, and more importantly different IDEAS. It keeps me on my toes, and I’m always think – G_d love ’em!
Where were you born?
Saint Margaret’s Hospital, Darlinghurst. I grew up in Ramsgate Avenue, North Bondi, and attended Waverley College.
What has been your greatest professional achievement to date?
Actually, it’s probably playing 1st Grade rugby for the Cronulla Sharks, and then overseas afterwards
What’s the most useful thing you’ve learned throughout your career?
Trust yourself. Have confidence in your own judgement. Others will follow your lead. If you doubt yourself, others will doubt you too.
Three people you’d have over for a BBQ?
- Marilyn Monroe
- Kelly Slater
- Susie Moroney
- Jack Gibson (my former coach) [Editor’s note: Orm counts joists better than he counts guests]
What do you do outside of work?
I love going to the gym, and am there most mornings at 04:30 before work.
A quiet morning swim at Nielsen Park is hard to beat.
Walking my Staffy, Cooper!
|
|
Bushfire Support
As all of you will have been as well, we have been devastated by the destruction of lives, flora & fauna, and properties by the recent bushfires.
We have made several donations to various organisations ourselves, and encourage anyone who has not yet donated, to do so to a charity that they best identify with.
|
|
|
There are a number of funds which have been established to support those affected by the bush fires. These include:
Many people are choosing to show support to our volunteers. While brigades are provided equipment to protect the community, donations assist them deliver additional services to the community.
Thank you to everyone who has offered to help. We appreciate your generosity and kindness.
|
|
Quantity Surveying Services
Our Managing Director, David Moses, has recently become qualified and registered as a Quantity Surveyor with the Australian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (Member #27601). This allows us to add yet another level of epertise, service and peace of mind for our clients and designers, especially as part of our Horizon Advisory pre-construction advisory services.
We are also now able to provide estimates for Council DA submissions, as well as bank valuations and the like.
|
|
|
Horizon Golf Championship
The 8th annual Horizon Golf Championship is coming up soon!
When: Friday, March 14th, 2020. Tee-off @ 08:00.
Where: St Michael’s Golf Course, La Perouse
Cost: $150/head, incl. cart & lunch.
Horizon will donate the equivalent of 50% of all proceeds to the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation.
Contact our office if you’d like to play, make a four-ball, or even sponsor a hole.
|
|
Easts Junior Beasties & Bays Easts Rugby Sponsorship
Rugby is the ultimate team game – where a multitude of players of all skills, shapes and sizes rely on each other to come together in a coordinated effort, in order to achieve a successful outcome.
A lot like building!
We are delighted to announce our new partnership with Easts Junior Beasties & Bays Easts Junior Rugby Football Clubs as both of the clubs’ Major Sponsor from 2020 through to the end of the 2022 season – continuing our support for the local community, and helping young boys and girls be healthy, active and develop long-lasting friendships – and a passion and love for the game they play in heaven, Rugby Union!
|
|
CPD Points
Don’t forget to contact our office and book in for a cost-planning seminar to get two CPD points under the AIA’s Refuel system.
|
|
|
Horizon – Building projects you’ll love, and love building together.
|
|
|
|
|
