Question 1

Who is Project South?

Accepted Answer

Project South is a Queenstown-based residential construction company specialising in architecturally designed homes, contemporary mountain homes, high-end residential construction, renovations and complex-site builds throughout the Queenstown Lakes region and beyond.

Question 2

Where is Project South based?

Accepted Answer

Project South is based in Queenstown, New Zealand, and works across the Queenstown Lakes region and on selected residential projects beyond the region.

Question 3

What type of homes does Project South build?

Accepted Answer

Project South specialises in architecturally designed homes, contemporary mountain homes, luxury residential construction, hillside and complex-site builds, and high-end renovations and extensions.

Question 4

What makes Project South different from other Queenstown builders?

Accepted Answer

Project South focuses on residential projects where architectural ambition, challenging sites and high-quality construction come together. Our approach is based on collaboration with clients, architects, engineers, designers and specialist trades, combined with careful planning, technical expertise and meticulous execution.

Question 5

Does Project South only build residential homes?

Accepted Answer

Our focus is on high-quality, architecturally considered residential projects rather than a particular house price point. We are best suited to clients looking for a high level of craftsmanship, collaboration and attention to detail.

Question 6

What makes building in Queenstown different?

Accepted Answer

Queenstown's terrain, alpine climate and often challenging sites can create additional considerations around engineering, access, excavation, foundations, construction sequencing and material selection. The site needs to be considered as part of the construction process from the beginning.

Question 7

Does Project South build on steep sites?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Project South specialises in complex residential environments, including hillside and steep sites. Every site is different, so the appropriate approach depends on the topography, ground conditions, access, engineering and architectural design.

Question 8

Can Project South build on a difficult or remote site?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, yes. Project South is particularly interested in projects where site conditions require careful planning, coordination and problem solving. The feasibility of any site needs to be assessed on an individual basis.

Question 9

What should I consider before buying a section to build on in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

Before committing to a site, it is worth understanding factors including topography, geotechnical conditions, access, services, planning and consenting considerations, building platform, orientation, weather exposure, potential excavation and retaining requirements, and the intended architectural approach. Bringing experienced design and construction professionals into the conversation early can help identify potential challenges.

Question 10

Are steep sites more expensive to build on?

Accepted Answer

They can be, but there is no universal additional cost. Excavation, retaining, foundations, access, structural engineering, logistics and construction sequencing can all affect the cost of a steep-site build. The important thing is to understand these factors early.

Question 11

What areas around Queenstown does Project South work in?

Accepted Answer

Project South is based in Queenstown and works throughout the Queenstown Lakes region. Depending on the project, we can also consider work beyond the immediate Queenstown area.

Question 12

What is an architectural home?

Accepted Answer

An architectural home is generally a residence designed specifically around its site, the client's brief and the architectural vision, rather than being selected from a standard house plan. Architectural homes can involve bespoke materials, unusual forms, complex structural solutions and highly detailed finishes.

Question 13

Does Project South work with architects?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Project South works alongside top architects, engineers, designers, specialist consultants and skilled tradespeople to bring architecturally designed homes to life.

Question 14

When should I involve a builder in the architectural design process?

Accepted Answer

Ideally, construction expertise should be involved early enough to contribute to discussions around buildability, site access, sequencing, materials, procurement and construction complexity. Early collaboration can help the design and construction teams identify challenges before they become expensive or difficult to change.

Question 15

Can Project South work with my architect?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Project South is comfortable working as part of an existing project team and collaborating with the client's preferred architect and consultants.

Question 16

Can Project South recommend an architect?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where appropriate, we can recommend architects and other consultants whose experience and approach may suit a particular project. We are also very happy to work alongside an architect you have already selected.

Question 17

Does Project South build new homes?

Accepted Answer

Yes. New residential construction is one of Project South's core areas, with a particular focus on architecturally designed and contemporary mountain homes.

Question 18

Does Project South undertake renovations?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Project South undertakes high-end residential renovations and extensions, including projects where new and existing architecture need to be carefully integrated.

Question 19

How do I know whether I should renovate, extend or rebuild?

Accepted Answer

It depends on the existing building, the site, your objectives and the scale of change you're considering. Factors such as structural condition, orientation, services, existing layout, planning requirements, thermal performance and the architectural potential of the site can all influence the decision.

Question 20

Can you renovate an older home to a contemporary standard?

Accepted Answer

Potentially, yes. A considered renovation can combine the qualities of an existing home with new spaces, materials, detailing and performance improvements. The feasibility depends on the existing structure and the proposed design.

Question 21

What is the Project South building process?

Accepted Answer

While every project is different, the process generally involves an initial conversation, understanding the site and project brief, working with the architect and design team, pre-construction planning, pricing and scope development, engineering and consenting, procurement and site preparation, construction, specialist trades and finishing, and completion and handover.

Question 22

How early should I contact Project South?

Accepted Answer

As early as possible. If you are still considering a site, developing a brief or working with an architect, an early conversation can help identify construction considerations before the design is too far advanced.

Question 23

Can Project South help before I have architectural plans?

Accepted Answer

We welcome conversations before the architectural design is complete. Early construction input can be particularly valuable for complex sites, ambitious architectural projects and renovations where buildability, access, engineering and sequencing need to be considered alongside the design.

Question 24

How involved will I be during construction?

Accepted Answer

That depends on the project and your preferred level of involvement. Project South places a strong emphasis on clear communication, so clients should have a clear understanding of progress, decisions, programme and construction issues throughout the project.

Question 25

How do you manage communication during a build?

Accepted Answer

We believe clear communication is fundamental to a successful project. The appropriate communication process will depend on the project, but will typically involve regular updates, project meetings and clear communication around decisions, programme and construction matters.

Question 26

How much does it cost to build a high-end home in Queenstown?

Accepted Answer

There isn't a useful single figure because architectural homes vary considerably in size, specification, site complexity, engineering, materials and design. A challenging hillside site and a relatively straightforward site can have very different construction requirements even if the houses are similar in size, so the cost of every project is always different and can change over time.

Question 27

Can Project South provide an early budget estimate?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Where sufficient information is available, we will work with the client and design team to develop an early understanding of likely construction costs and identify the factors that may influence the budget.

Question 28

What can cause the cost of an architectural home to change?

Accepted Answer

Common factors include changes to the design, site conditions, excavation and retaining, structural engineering, material selection, bespoke finishes, specialist trades, procurement and lead times, and changes during construction.

Question 29

Can Project South work with a fixed budget?

Accepted Answer

We work closely with clients and design teams to establish a clear understanding of the project budget from the outset, allowing informed decisions to be made around scope, specification and construction. Where the scope allows, elements of the project can be priced on a fixed basis; for complex or evolving architectural projects and renovations, a cost-plus approach is often more appropriate. Our pricing is open and clearly structured, with margin and labour rates agreed upfront, so clients understand where their money is being spent.

Question 30

Who is Ash Gill?

Accepted Answer

Ash Gill is the founder of Project South and brings more than 20 years of experience in the construction industry. His career has included residential, commercial and retail projects across New Zealand, Australia, Canada and the UK, with a particular focus on high-end architectural residential construction.

Question 31

What experience does Ash Gill have?

Accepted Answer

Ash has worked across a diverse range of construction projects, including high-end architectural homes, commercial builds and retail fit-outs. His international experience includes working alongside highly regarded architects, including Olsen Kundig in Canada, and Ian Athfield, John Irving and Neil Slater in New Zealand.

Question 32

Where is Ash Gill from?

Accepted Answer

Ash was born and raised in Nelson, New Zealand, before his construction career took him across New Zealand and internationally. He is now based in Queenstown with his wife and young family.

Question 33

Why did Ash establish Project South?

Accepted Answer

Project South grew from Ash's experience working on complex architectural projects and his belief that Queenstown's unique landscape deserves a considered approach to residential construction. Ash and his wife Katie love the Queenstown area and are committed to building their life there with their young family.

Question 34

What is Ash's approach to building?

Accepted Answer

Ash's approach is grounded in craftsmanship, collaboration, clear communication and an unwavering attention to detail. He believes exceptional homes are created through strong relationships between clients and the wider project team, working closely towards a shared vision.

Question 35

Who does Project South work with?

Accepted Answer

Project South works with private homeowners, architects, engineers, designers, specialist consultants and skilled tradespeople involved in high-end residential projects.

Question 36

Does Project South work with clients who live overseas?

Accepted Answer

Yes. We understand that some Queenstown homeowners may live outside the region or overseas. Clear communication and structured project management are particularly important when clients cannot be on site regularly.

Question 37

Can Project South build a holiday home?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Project South can work with clients developing a new Queenstown holiday home or renovating an existing property, subject to the project's location, scope and suitability.

Question 38

What size projects does Project South take on?

Accepted Answer

Project South focuses on high-quality residential projects where our construction experience, technical expertise and collaborative approach can add genuine value. The suitability of a project is considered on an individual basis.

Question 39

How do I start a conversation with Project South?

Accepted Answer

Every project starts with a conversation. If you are considering a new architectural home, renovation, extension or complex Queenstown site, contact Project South to discuss your project and what you are hoping to achieve.

Question 40

Why choose Project South as your Queenstown builder?

Accepted Answer

There are many talented and passionate builders in Queenstown. We believe the right builder is the one whose experience, values and approach align with your project and the way you want to work. Project South brings more than 20 years of construction experience, with a particular focus on architecturally designed homes and technically demanding residential projects, valuing craftsmanship, clear communication, collaboration and attention to detail.

Question 41

What does "Mountain Homes. Built for Legacy." mean?

Accepted Answer

Our slogan reflects Project South's belief that a home in the Southern Alps should respond to its landscape, be carefully considered in its design and construction, and be built to perform for generations.

Question 42

What does Project South mean by "The Mountains Demand More"?

Accepted Answer

Building in the mountains can require a different level of planning, engineering, craftsmanship and collaboration. Project South embraces that complexity rather than treating it simply as an obstacle.