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The Art behind the building craft

There’s a different energy on-site now.The heavy lifting might be done, but the real craft, is just beginning.This is where passion takes over.Where every cut, every join, every polished edge is shaped with the kind of focus you can feel when you walk through the door.For Nick, this is the best part.The reason he builds.The hand-carved staircase, the seamless mitred corners, the precision in every timber join — this is where his craft becomes visible.Where his love for timber, and his deep r...

The Homeward Straight - At Hanley Farm Barn Build

There’s a different energy on-site now.The heavy lifting is finished and the real crafting is happening.  The soul of the home is being created. It's the passion piece for us at Camako.Where every cut, every join, every polished edge is shaped with the kind of focus you can feel the moment you step inside.For Nick, this is the part he lives for.The reason he builds.The reason he’s spent years mastering the art of timber — not just as a material to work with, but as something to b...

Hanley Farm - The Build So Far

We’ve come a long way since securing our section in Hanley’s Farm—what started as a vision has now taken shape as a tangible structure, standing strong with a blend of traditional timber craftsmanship and SelectSIP innovation....

Cladding Nearing Completion

With every step of this build, we’re making choices that balance strength, sustainability, efficiency, and aesthetics. The cladding is no exception. Now that it’s nearly complete, we can finally see the character of our home coming to life!It’s not just about how it looks (though we’re pretty stoked about that, too) – it’s about why we chose these materials and the long-term benefits they bring....

SelectSIP Panels Transforming Our Timberframe Family Home Project

Exciting progress on our Barn Home Build! The SelectSIP panels are officially being installed, and we couldn’t be happier with how they’re coming together.With these panels, we’re achieving five crucial steps in one streamlined process:✅ Wall framing✅ RAB board✅ Insulation✅ E2 moisture barrier✅ Internal liningThis isn’t just about building quickly—it’s about building better. These panels are setting a new benchmark for sustainable, airtight, and high-performing homes.What m...

Dovetail Joinery and Oak Pegs - A Timeless Approach

As we moved forward with the assembly, we reached one of the most intricate and rewarding steps in the process: seating the dovetail joists into place using oak pegs. This time-honored technique is as much an art as it is a science, showcasing the craftsmanship and attention to detail that defines this build.The dovetail design, with its precisely angled cuts, is celebrated for its exceptional strength and durability. As the joists interlock seamlessly, the structure gains an inherent stability,...

Raising the Timberframe

The arrival of over 100 timber frames onsite marked a significant and carefully managed step in our project. Transported from Napier to Queenstown the delicate frames were left uncovered to allow for close monitoring during the handling by multiple forklifts, ensuring they arrived in pristine condition, with only a few minor tear-outs. Once onsite, each piece is placed into the puzzle to create the artpiece.  ...

The Story So Far - My Family Timberframe

Our journey to building this home began years ago, when our young family in Queenstown started trying to secure a section in the Hanley’s Farm ballot. After four years of unsuccessful attempts, our luck finally changed.In October 2022, we made one last effort to purchase a section in the rapidly selling-out Hanley’s Farm. At 8:00 a.m. on the morning of the release, we submitted our selections. By 8:10 a.m., an email came through saying we had secured a section! The unconditional agreement wa...

The Benefits of Timber Frame Construction: A Sustainable Approach to Building

Timber frame construction is more than just a building method— it’s a time-honored method that blends craftsmanship with modern design, it’s an art form that dates back centuries.  Timberframe construction relies on large wooden beams and traditional joinery techniques, and continues to thrive today thanks to its timeless beauty, strength, and sustainability.At Camako Builders, we take pride in preserving this ancient craftsmanship while infusing it with modern design. Each project we...

Building from the Soul - The Story of our Family Home

For more than 20 years, I’ve used my hands to create more than just houses—I’ve crafted spaces that tell a story. Homes that merge warmth, character, and innovation in every detail. To me, a home is far more than just four walls; it’s something with soul. Every beam, every joint, every piece of wood is chosen with intention and crafted with care, coming together to create a living, breathing space that invites you in and makes you feel at home. ...