It takes a family to create a real family home... every EvoCo is designed and built by our family of awesome humans who bring their talent and skills to EvoCo and Creative Space Architecture.
You could say this story started when our boss, Andre Laurent, was just another young builder on the tools in Mount Maunganui. When the weather was great the jobs ran smoothly and everyone was happy because the program was not affected. However, when the weather was poor and material supplies were not planned well, otherwise fun projects became difficult to manage.
Fast-forward 30 years, and now in the hot seat of one of Tauranga's leading architecture practices (Creative Space Architecture), Andre was still feeling his clients frustrations of project delays due to bad weather, disorganised sub-trades or poor material supply.
This set some gears in motion…
In 2020, Andre took an opportunity to put some ideas to the test. This was to explore overseas building trends and see how they managed the type of challenges we faced in Aotearoa. This research led to ‘pre-fabrication’ as a sensible and viable solution. A process where buildings or parts of buildings (to be married on site) were manufactured in a controlled factory environment before being transported to the site.
Fast forward to 2024 where the team have secured a permanent home and production facility with plenty of room for growth. With plans for expansion underway, the team are focusing on producing high-end and high-performing buildings for those who appreciate performance and quality.
What makes us special?
Aside from our immediate family and wider team, there are a few key things that really make us stand out from the crowd...
Prefabricated
EvoCo homes are built in a controlled environment where every day is a productive day. This allows the team to focus on the job at hand taking the time required to get the detail right. These homes are crafted by tradesmen who are passionate about raising New Zealand standards of living and performance. Without question the team put everything they have into each build.
Architectural
In partnership with Creative Space Architecture, EvoCo homes deliver meticulous aesthetic and functional design. This means that each product is carefully considered for a variety of lifestyles, site orientations and views. If you have a larger project in mind there is nothing we can’t achieve through pavilion-style architecture and linking up some of these designs. Alternatively, we are happy to customise a product to your liking for an additional cost.
Passive
EvoCo homes are designed and crafted to Passive Home performance criteria and principles. This results in extremely low ongoing energy costs, maximum comfort and an exceptionally healthy internal environment. Our standard specifications include continuous insulation, an airtight internal environment, heat recovery and air management systems, high-performing thermally broken joinery and more to achieve an exceptionally high level of performance.
Performance
EvoCo homes are not only compliant, they by far exceed the performance criteria of the New Zealand building code. The are bullet-proof and robust designed to perform in any corrosion, earthquake or climate zone New Zealand can throw at them. When it comes to locating and siting your investment, EvoCo can provide the advice, guidance and consent applications required to ensure compliance with your local council.
Smart
EvoCo homes are supplied as standard with intelligent heat recovery and ventilation systems, intelligent lighting systems, intelligent security systems, intelligent power systems and intelligent cleaning systems. Optional extras include intelligent solar, Starlink internet - utilising top of the line to technology, we have you covered.
The Team
Andre Laurent
Design & Direction
Andre gained his Diploma of Architectural Technology after 10yrs in the building industry and has passed NZ Institute of Building Surveyors exams relating to building science and performance. After 20 years of focusing on Architecture, Andre is pleased to be building homes again.
When he's not blazing a trail in architectural design and prefabricated buildings, Andre can be found tinkering with, driving or racing cars, motorbikes and bikes. He's a keen sportsman but especially loves going fishing or diving with his mates.
A real family man, Andre and his partner Jenna have most recently welcomed a fourth child to the family (her first) making family gatherings even more fun for everyone at the Laurent household.
Grier Fisher
Production & Coordination
After 20yrs owning and managing an exterior and structural carpentry business in South Africa, Grier returned home to NZ with his family. Now exercising his skills for EvoCo Grier is also studying to further his career.
Grier and his wife and kids are all real sportsters which was a big drawcard for bringing his family home. They all love snowboarding in the winter or surfing and mountain biking in the summer.
But there's still a residue of South African in him cause when it comes to the BBQ/Brai, Grier is the man on the job and especially loves introducing us all to the various sausages and meats he enjoyed back in SA.
Glen Hadfield
Manifestation & Delivery
Building and making stuff happen is just part of Glen's DNA. Always with multiple projects on the go at any one time, Glen is happiest getting stuck in and producing some awesome work.
A keen hunter and diver, we can always count on Glen to deliver the goods when it comes to bringing home a feed of fresh fish, shellfish or venison. Glen's two boys are just as busy and sporty, and the three can often be found burning up a trail on their dirt bikes.