When you are creating a product range that is the epitome of style, purity, eco-friendliness and class, your ‘home’ must exude the same properties. In the case of Matakana Botanicals, the natural choice was Customkit. Owner Danvers Devereux considers himself lucky to have discovered the innovative ways Customkit uses wood. The fact Customkit uses wooden materials that are naturally grown, and sustainably harvested, meant they became an important part of the project. Over the past three years Customkit worked with local builder Gus McKergow to develop a series of buildings dotted around the 1.82 hectare landscape. These include the main office, a warehouse, shop and cafe, a distillery and candle manufacturing area, and a combination implement shed and honey house.

There's no question that we love our 'Black Barn'! We love the idea that we could 'customise' it, to make it our own! We love the way it embraces not only the way we live but the land we live on.

Looking at a range of possibilities from the outset Customkit demonstrated their suitability for our project because of their versatility and robust construction techniques. The Customkit system provided the design flexibility that enabled us to develop the project to meet our needs. Having been a builder for many years I know a good product and design when I see it. The engineering and design is structurally solid which was a priority to me in an industry where standards can be compromised which then impacts on the end result. I am very pleased with the outcome having achieved the barn/workshop of my dreams and a building that will stand the test of time, not to mention being the envy of my neighbours and colleagues.