For several months now, we have watched the virus spread from Wuhan, China to many places across the globe. Despite the best efforts of governments around the world, including our own, it continues to spread. Strict containment measures have helped limit and even curtail its growth. This has had a severe effect on economies here and abroad.
The message from the Federal Government on Tuesday night was encouraging, in that they recognise that they are managing not one, but TWO crises – one health, and one economic, simultaneously.
At Horizon, we are managing as best we can, implementing a mixed strategy of social distancing & strict hygiene protocols on site, to rostering shifts in and out of the office and working from home where possible. We are in constant contact with our many subcontractors and suppliers and managing their & our own supply chains.
Where our Special Works teams are working inside our clients’ homes, we have established clear protocols to protect their and our wellbeing.
The health & safety of our employees and their families are our priority, as is that of all our stakeholders. We are also trying to stay open and offer all our staff and subbies the opportunity to work, and provide for their families for as long as possible!
We are monitoring the situation closely with the Federal and State Governments, as well as taking advice from the Master Builders Association, and we are always cognisant that at worst we will be locked down for an indefinite period, and even at best there may be a temporary break in availability of many building materials, as well as supplies like lights, hardware, flooring, tiles etc for some time to come – even after production re-commences and borders re-open. For several weeks already, we have been taking various measures to avoid or minimise the impact of such delays. Where possible, we are ordering and taking possession if required of anything we can, in order to guarantee availability when we will need it, and lock in prices to reduce risk.
We wish all our supporters and their families good health and the strength to endure these turbulent times. Together, we will overcome and see it through.
Project of the month
Point Piper Apartments
This 6-level apartment building was built from the ground up, after an extensive excavation process to retain the neighbours and the street, and get down to the required levels. With direct access to an exclusive harbourside beach, the basement has a changeroom and storage for kayaks. The next level up has access to Wolseley Road and private garaging for the three separate apartments, along with guest parking and a private lobby.
The dual access building has two entire floor apartments and a two-level penthouse on top, house inside a mansard-style steel framed and zinc clad roof. Pre-stressed concrete slabs giving maximum ceiling heights, and Vitrocsa windows throughout allow the owners to take maximum advantage of the extraordinary elevated views of the harbour.
The interiors are all custom designed and built joinery, with slabs of marble amongst timber flooring in the living areas. A Dynalite smart home is installed in each apartment.
Architecture by Ercole Palazzetti and Paladeum Design Studio.
Interiors by BKH
Employee of the month
This month we meet one of our 3rd year apprentices Dovy Straiton. Dovy came to us as an mature-age apprentice, and is also an ordained Rabbi, is married and a father of a young son.
How long have you been at Horizon?
Two years
What do you love about your job?
Bringing the design concept into a reality. What are you working on at the moment?
We just started on a new job in Dover Heights, we are currently doing demolition, and I am very excited for the construction stage to start!
What do you enjoy about working with architects and designers?
Seeing their attention to detail, and settling for nothing less than the best.
Where were you born?
Sydney
What has been your greatest professional achievement to date?
The completion of our job in Paddington, it was a complex renovation and it was very satisfying to see it go from an old terrace to a beautiful new home, while keeping all the original characteristics that made it so unique.
What’s the most useful thing you’ve learned throughout your career?
There is no problem too difficult to solve! Three people you’d have over for a BBQ?
Howard Schultz, Dale Carnegie, Scott Pape.
Favourite dessert?
I’m not much of a dessert person. What do you do outside of work?
Spend time with my family, go on nature walks and have some beers with my mates.
Spending lots of time at home these days?
Over the next period, it is clear that many of us will be spending a lot more time at home…
Why not take advantage, and make a list of maintenance items that need to be done around the house, and then get in touch with our Horizon Upkeep team to come over (when it suits) and help you get them all done, with the minimum of fuss?
You’ll even be doing your bit for the economy, by keeping some worthy builders employed!
Cool products
The shower of the future? Nebia Shower head
The average person showers for 8 minutes, and in that time a standard shower head uses approximately 80 litres of water. This shower head uses only 24. That’s a reduction of 70% water, for every shower, every day!
Recent news
Horizon Golf Championship
Held two months ago, in what feels like another world, the 8th annual Horizon golf championship was another great success.
Players and teams battled it out alongside the ocean at the famed St Michael’s Golf Course in La Perouse in an ambrose-format. The weather was fantastic, and prizes were awarded for best team score, longest drive and nearest to the pin.
The winning team of: (L-R) Marc REED, Ben HOWARD, Craig WING & Oliver SLOBODETSKY
Proceeds from the tourament ($1,000) will go towards the Sydney Children’s Hospital Foundation, a cause that Horizon has been a sponsor of for many years.
10K Instagram Followers!
We are delighted and ever so grateful to have now passed 10,000 instagram followers! It is a humbling milestone, and we appreciate the support of our fans who love great design and great execution, wherever they may be in the world!
Dover Heights residence I – We have recently commenced a large renovation on the cliffs at Dover Heights in collaboration with The Quinlan Group. The existing house is on the way out, and we are getting ready to deliver our clients their dream home, including an infinity wet edge pool hanging off an 80m cliff!
Bellevue Hill residence XI – We have earlier this year begun another project in Bellevue Hill in collaboration withZoe Smorgon Design to undertake a street level garage, internal access and then alterations and additions to the existing residence. Above, piering to hold up the house prior to excavation of the garage level is under way.
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.
We’d love to speak with you about your next project.
