While the house plans were ‘close to perfect for the lay of the land’ and overall ‘quite simple’ – the top level includes the kitchen and living room, second bedroom, bathroom, study and garage, while downstairs the master ensuite covers the lower floor – a long, 27-metre curved wall that follows the contours of the site was another challenge during construction.
‘The design on paper wasn’t complicated…even though a massive curved wall isn’t easy to build!’ Cave explains. ‘To look at it you would think it is simplistic but it wasn’t so simple to build.’
For Cave, the home’s concept and the way it performs is ‘absolutely brilliant’ and he is extremely proud of his contributions to the project. ‘The architects’ vision was absolutely spot on and they never diverted from it at all. It really is a credit to them,’ he says.
Bringing homes to life or transforming old into new in a way that makes a difference to people’s lives is one of the reasons Cave jumped from commercial building to start his own business focused on residential construction. He was looking for better job satisfaction and to be proud of the work he produces.
Now, his 16-year-old son has his sights set on becoming a builder and recently started his apprenticeship in the family business. Cave says the prospect of working with his son has been an incentive for him continuing in the industry. ‘As far as goals go, I’m just really looking forward to the next few years. If I can get Noah to be a competent, neat tradesman and stay around for a few years, well that gets me to 60. Then it might be up to him what he does.’
If the House at Otago Bay is any indication, Cave’s son has an excellent model and an impressive legacy to inspire his career. Tasmania’s architectural future will be one to continue watching.