Ara-built abode bound for Bannockburn

_{The house being prepared ahead of its two-night journey}

The latest house built entirely by Ara Institute of Canterbury trades students has left the Woolston campus on a two-night journey to its new home in Bannockburn.

By the weekend, the stunning 130-square-metre, three-bedroom home will settle onto purpose-prepared foundations and become someone's forever home.

The house is one of six currently under construction at Ara's Christchurch trades campus, with a seventh nearing completion in Timaru - all presold before the first nail is driven

It's a genuine collaboration across trades.

Carpentry ākonga from two classes spend a year building each home from scratch, completing their course requirements through real, hands-on construction.

Joinery students design, build and fit the kitchens, with buyers choosing from a range of cabinetry and benchtop options.

Painting and decorating students handle the exterior finish - often working across contrasting cladding styles - and are called on to oil cedar feature elements like the striking vertical timber section on this latest home's façade.

The result speaks for itself: large picture windows, attractive dark aluminum joinery and inside, a walk-in wardrobe, ensuite, and a finish that would hold its own against any professional build.

Buyers choose from several designs - including a 75-square-metre two-bedroom option - and can make modifications before construction begins.
They organise their own transport and have their foundations ready to receive the home on arrival.

Ara Senior Academic in Trades Peter Chapman said the learning embedded in these projects is unlike anything a classroom alone can offer.

"The best way to apply knowledge is by doing - learning in this practical, hands-on way with our tutors at the heart of the process, ensuring the quality of the work is high. It's an incredibly proud moment for the students to see these builds through to completion."

Mandy Gould, Portfolio Manager, Construction Trades said: "This is a cornerstone of what we do across our construction trades programmes. Ensuring our ākonga get real-life project experience helps us produce graduates who are genuinely work-ready from day one."

Gould thanked to Carters Madras Street and Mitre 10 Papanui for their ongoing support of these projects and wished McNeilly Heavy Haulage & Building Relocations well for the rest of the trip south!