The Shed – September-October 2019

Stephen Cross says that aesthetics are
important, and while Kiwispan buildings
are based on a range of standard plans
using their own framing technology, it’s
e a s y t o c u s t o m i z e t h e m t o m e e t i n d i v i d u a l

requirements. But Kiwispan also takes

FDUH WR PDNH VXUH WKH ÀQLVKHG DUWLFOH

looks right. “With American barns, the

centre section can look a bit too high or

too narrow. Getting them looking good is

important,” Stephen says.

Thorough research

As his reputation would rest on

customer recommendations, Stephen

did due diligence into the integrity

of the buildings before buying into

the business. He highlights the extra

TXDOLW\ LQ .LZLVSDQ·V ÀWWLQJV VXFK DV

WKHJHQHURXVURRIÁDVKLQJVZKLFKDUH

critical in preventing leaks.

Brackets connecting the portal frames

are also fully bolted, which gives the

most secure connection. Other shed

companies use self-drilling Tek screws,

even in these critical joints. He also

points to the overlap on the top-hat

purlins which create stronger and stiffer

support for roof and wall cladding.

Customers quickly decide if quality

and durability and peace of mind

matters to them. “That can become a real

motivator,” he says.

Putting up any kind of a building is

a journey, and when they have paid

the deposit, customers really start to

pay close attention. He says it’s part of

Kiwispan’s ethos to work in partnership

with the owners throughout that journey.

All the compliance

handled

Shannon says they were building

in a high-wind area which meant

extra documentation and compliance

FHUWLÀFDWLRQ DQG 6WHSKHQ·V

communication made that process easy.

Stephen likes to make sure that new

customers have talked to other Kiwispan

customers before committing to a new

build. Shannon and Louise are clearly

happy with their barn so their comments

were mostly about the building process.

Stephen is not surprised. “Customers

really appreciate the strength and

quality of the building — and the way

the relationship has gone through the

build,” he says.

Shannon and Louise now have a shed

that complements their rural lifestyle,

and if they have any problems with

their new house, they already know

that their shed is up to the job.

Above: Kiwispan’s bolts and braces approach

Below: A display of strength in columns,

knees, and rafters

A strong and characterful space

Above: Beefy top-hat purlins and bracing
straps
Below: Large and sturdy flashings and gutters