EvoCo specialises in building modular homes using SIP panel construction — a method which keeps construction times and costs down, while delivering high performance. With a couple of successful projects under their belt, they’ve turned to StopDigging once again for a new art studio build. 

“The Art hub project is a fairly simple 30m² studio,” explains Andre Laurent, EvoCo. “It is an art studio, so quality and temperature control was important for the paints. The building uses very high performing SIP panel construction, so that it is fairly airtight, with a heat recovery system so they can control that environment.” 

When it came to specifying the foundation system for the studio, StopDigging was an easy choice. The EvoCo team had already worked with StopDigging on a couple of projects, and were pleased with how fast and stress-free the process was. 

EvoCo first used the StopDigging groundscrew system for their showhome: a one bedroom home that they wanted to be able to transport easily to a new site if needed — something made easier with the groundscrews able to be removed and reused. Soon to follow was a one-bedroom Raglan home where StopDigging’s testing, installation and compliance support ensured a smooth process. 

“StopDigging are a one-stop shop. They do ground testing, determine the piles and depth needed, and provide a quote for install,” says Andre. “They’re just our go-to really. The fact that they’re CodeMarked, so you don't require council inspection, and they can do their own testing, that’s really desirable from an architectural perspective.”

For the art studio project, the use of groundscrews helped provide a level solution on a gently sloping site, without the need for heavy machinery or groundworks. The design and install process with the StopDigging Tauranga team was seamless. 

“Everything went really smoothly. The StopDigging crew were really proactive, friendly and easy to communicate with,” says Andre. “We had heaps of support with Tim giving us all the info we needed, and regularly checking in with us.”

The StopDigging team installed the piles for the studio and conducted testing in less than a day, leaving the site ready for the landing of the modular building. 

“We measured two or three times to be sure of our bearer locations, passed that onto Tim and his team and they installed the piles accordingly,” says Andre. “With that early work double-checking and confirming with Tim, the installation went perfectly. And it only took half an hour to land the studio. We craned it on site which was quite cool.” 

The project illustrates how StopDigging can support the smooth delivery of projects. Their CodeMark certificate simplifies compliance, with no need for geotech engineers or council inspections, while their fast on-site installation keeps projects on schedule. This fits perfectly with EvoCo’s ethos of delivering high performance homes faster, and more cost-effectively.

“It’s such a smooth, fast process,” says Andre. “They take care of testing, installation, compliance and reporting. I would definitely specify the system again — we’ve already got a bunch more planned for next year.”