More Than Just Sheds: Aircraft Hangars, Horse Stables, and Dairy Sheds

KiwiSpan have been leading the pack in the New Zealand shed and outdoor building industry since the early 2000’s. We started out with the kiwi dream of building the best sheds in New Zealand, and over the years we have expanded our range to include a variety of outdoor buildings to suit the kiwi lifestyle. So, not only is KiwiSpan your go-to for sheds, but we also offer a range of aircraft hangars, horse stables, and dairy sheds. Let’s take a look. 

 

Aircraft Hangars

Protecting your aircraft is an absolute imperative for not only your bottom line, but also for your own safety and welfare. KiwiSpan creates bespoke hangars tailored specifically to your aircraft, so whether it’s a helicopter, small plane, or something else, we’ll design the perfect hangar to protect your investment. 

When it comes to safeguarding your aircraft from the kiwi elements a KiwiSpan hangar provides the ultimate protection from damaging winds, direct sunlight, rain, and snow as well as pests and wildlife. 

With our innovative technology, flexible designs, and of course, the KiwiSpan can-do attitude, we can construct your hangar to your exact specifications. What’s more, our hangars are built with Kiwi fabricated steel, so you can rest assured your hangar will be a durable one. 

Explore our aircraft hangars

 

Dairy Sheds 

Looking for a dairy shed that puts in the hard yards alongside you? KiwiSpan’s extensive range of dairy sheds are designed to be tough and hard-wearing, just like the Kiwi’s we build them for. 

So whether you’re looking for a milking shed, dairy shed, or stock shelter, our team will work with you to create a high quality steel structure that will stand the test of time. Plus, we are completely adaptable with our building designs and we work with you to ensure that we incorporate the practical features you need to maximise your building’s functionality. 

A KiwiSpan dairy shed is constructed from the best quality materials and with an eye for detail, right down to the very last colour-matched screw. Our galvanised steel portal frame means that your dairy shed will be in it for the long haul, helping you to maximise your herds potential. 

Explore our dairy sheds 

 

Horse Stables 

Whether you’re a recreational horse owner or a commercial enterprise, we have your equine needs covered. When you need a shelter to house and protect your horses along with the food and equipment you need to care for them, we have the customised steel solution tailored exactly to your requirements. 

We will be there with you every step of the way from the initial design and planning, all the way through to installation, our solution ensures that every project we undertake is perfectly suited to your unique requirements. 

We know that if you need a stable, you’ll definitely want one that will stick around and we make it our mission to deliver strong steel structures that won’t fade with time. That’s why we use only the best quality steel and the most reliable builders around. 

Explore our horse stables

 

Whether it’s a shed, hangar, or stable, KiwiSpan has the solution for you. Contact us today to get the ball rolling on your next project.

 

Shedquarters: Make Working From Home Work For You

Shedquarters are growing in popularity amongst homeowners across New Zealand, but what exactly is a shedquarter and how could having one benefit you?

 

The first question you may be asking yourself right now is ‘what exactly is a shedquarter’? Essentially, a shedquarter is just another way of describing a tiny space in your backyard. Unlike a standard backyard garden shed which is typically only large enough to store your tools and maybe a lawnmower, a shedquarter is well constructed and acts more as an office space or retreat room which you can escape to in order to relax or focus. 

With COVID-19 forcing many people to work from home and children having to take school classes online, some people found their homes getting a bit crowded and opted to install a shedquarter in their backyard. Despite most of us having returned back to work these backyard offices are still an excellent way to create an inspiring and productive space that is close to home yet totally unique and separate from the rest of your house. They’re great for people who work remotely to have a space to escape to away from the distractions within their home. 

When you’re considering the design of the shedquarter it’s important to consider the visual elements including the colour, cladding, personalisations, and how it will fit in with your home and garden. Our environment has a huge impact on our energy levels, moods, and productivity so designing an effective space can be a total game changer. 

What style would you want the interior of your shedquarter to be? Is your preferred look cosy and decorative? Or do you lean more towards a minimalist and stylish aesthetic? Do you find yourself captivated by the latest design trends, or do you strive for classic elegance? A good place to begin is by deciding whether you lean towards modern or traditional stylings. If you like patterns, rich velvety colours, and lots of details then a traditional style could be perfect for you. However, if your personal style favours crisp colours, clean lines, and open space then you may be leaning towards modern design. 

Your design choices for your KiwiSpan shedquarter isn’t solely limited to the interior. We offer a fully customisable design experience which puts the power of choosing the size, cladding, doors, windows, roofing and colour scheme in your hands. We know that you don’t want to settle for a run of the mill shed, and with us, you don’t have to. 

Versatile and functional, KiwiSpan shedquarters are designed and built in New Zealand using high-grade materials and are completely customisable to your needs. With your existing landscape in mind, we work with you to create the perfect space for you to work, relax, and play. 

 

Explore our range of quality steel sheds today

 

Here’s How to Maintain Your New Shed

No matter the season, shed maintenance is vital but in winter it can be a particularly tough time for your shed. From strong gusty winds to heavy rain and even snow, your shed will need to resist and stand up against harsh weather.

Whether you’re looking after a simple garden shed or a large structure, we have you covered with some handy tips for keeping your shed maintained and prolonging its lifespan:

 

Check the gutters

KiwiSpan sheds are known for their robust quality and durability which makes them ideal for a variety of purposes. They’re designed to hold up against the elements, making them an enduring solution all year round.
One of the many great things about steel sheds is that they don’t require a lot of maintenance. However, to make sure that your shed remains in tip top condition you’ll need to keep an eye on the gutters. Firstly, you’re going to want to make sure that all of the gutters are still firmly attached to the structure and remove debris including leaves, branches, twigs and other miscellaneous debris that has gotten caught.

 

Watch out for damage

Whether it’s a cracked window, hole or dent, it’s important to fix problems as soon as they happen. However, sometimes issues aren’t obvious so you need to be proactive with your approach to looking out for future issues in order to prevent them.

 

Roof maintenance

As with your home, inspecting the roof of your shed for any leaks or damage is also important. If you don’t keep an eye on this, leaks in the roof could allow water to drip into your shed and damage what’s inside. Even if your roof seems to be in good condition, water can still make its way in so look out for discolouration on the ceiling and walls which may indicate that water is getting in.

Like with the gutters, it’s important to keep the roof of your shed clear too. If you live somewhere that experiences snowfall you will need to keep on top of removing it as excess snow and debris can cause weight issues and the constant presence of moisture can be damaging to your roof.

 

Keep the pests out

Have insects or rodents made themselves at home in your shed? Not only can this be annoying to you but they can also play a role in the deterioration of both your shed and what you’re storing inside of it.

To keep your shed free from pests here are some handy tips:

• Keep the grass around the perimeter of the shed trimmed.
• Don’t stack firewood against the outside of the shed.
• Don’t store rubbish inside the shed as it will attract insects and rodents.
• Sweep or vacuum your shed semi-regularly. Pests like to settle in places which seem undisturbed so having a regular cleaning schedule will help keep them out.

 

Okay shed owners now you’ve got some tips and tricks to keep your shed maintained. However, maybe your current shed is in such a state that you’re considering a new one or perhaps you’re considering a second shed. Either way, KiwiSpan offers a great range of fully customisable sheds to meet your exact needs.

Explore our range of quality steel sheds today

A Winning Plan… Kiwi’s Most Loved Sheds Your Barn, Your Way No Consents Required Thinking of Building Stables? Here’s What You Need to Know

If you’re considering getting some stables made, you probably don’t need to be told that there’s a bit to consider. Unlike other types of storage units, stables are used to house living, high-maintenance animals. And as we’re sure you’re aware, rearing horses is more of a lifestyle than it is a hobby, and requires a ton of time and effort – so you’ll also want to get their accommodation just right (remember, the better they feel, the easier they’ll be to handle). 

To help make this process a bit easier, we’ve put together a list of things to consider when planning your stables (although rest assured, when building with us, we’ll be with you all the way). 

 

Breathing Space

Being active animals, horses don’t like being stabled. In fact, they’d rather be out in the field all day and night. So in order to make their stay that little bit more comfortable, you’ll want to make sure they’re given enough space to rest comfortably.  

The minimum size requirement for a sleeping bay is 3.6mx3.6m, but you should go bigger if you can. The general rule of thumb is that all sleeping bays should be big enough for the horse to lie down comfortably in, without having to bunch up against the wall. 

Likewise, you’ll want to keep any entrances as wide as possible, giving your animals plenty of room to pass in and out of (this is typically between 1.5-2m). 

 

Materials

When it comes to internal structures (such as the walls between individual sleeping bays), we recommended you use a mesh-like design rather than a solid wall. 

This allows for two things. Firstly, the animals will be able to see each other, which will make them less prone to distress (and again, make them easier to work with). 

You’ll also experience superior ventilation around the stables, which is optimal for the health of its residents. These are also good reasons to include a few windows in your stables too (not to mention the increase in sunlight they’ll allow for). 

 

Security 

Getting the right locks for your stables is a fine art. Because you’ll often be guiding an animal whilst dealing with, locking and unlocking your stables, you’ll want a locking system that’s simple enough to operate while multitasking (and often with only one hand to spare). 

That said, horses are not unintelligent animals. It’s not unheard (no pun intended) of for horses to figure out how to unlock a simple hatch lock and go for a nightly galavant. In fact, it’s even been reported that some horses will not only break themselves out but will then also proceed to bust their friends out too. Whilst you can’t fault their loyalty to each other, this could be somewhat disastrous to deal with. 

As with so many things in life, finding that perfect locking system is all about balance. 

 

Flooring

There are quite a few options when it comes to stable flooring, each with their own pros and cons. 

 

• Sand is probably the flooring that is used most often. It drains waste/water very well and is gentle on the horses’ hooves and legs. However, it will need to be replaced somewhat often, and seeing as horses tend to eat off the floor, it can get in amongst their feed and can cause health issues if too much is digested. 

 

• Wood is another common (and more traditional) flooring option. It’s easy on the animals themselves and is warm, and slip-resistant when dry. It will need to be treated as not to retain odour and stand up against waste, however, and repairing it over the years will build up in cost. 

 

• Concrete has become quite popular in recent years. It’s durable, affordable and low maintenance. What it isn’t, however, is good for the animals long term, and you may need to consider fitting certain areas of the stables with rubber mats for the comfort of your horses. 

 

• Lastly, we have asphalt. It’s easier on the animal’s legs and can be long lasting when applied correctly. However, due to its porous nature, it will need to be disinfected somewhat often and can crack if applied too thinly. 

 

Happy homes make for happy horses. Contact us here today to get the ball rolling on your next shed-based project. 

The A-Z’s of Sheds

The dictionary definition of a shed reads as simply “a structure on your property that isn’t connected to your home”. By that definition, the options of what a shed is, and what it can do for you is pretty limitless. 

With our customised approach, this is a pretty accurate description. We understand that everyone has different needs, and we pride ourselves on our ability to meet those needs, whatever they may be. 

However, sometimes, with such a wide range of capabilities and options, it can become harder to nail down exactly what you want (and therefore need) in a shed. So we’ve put together a rundown of the different basic categories of sheds to help you find a starting point for your next project. 

 

Storage Shed

For those of you that grew up with parents that had a humble shack in your garden to store gardening equipment – that was technically a storage shed (although nowadays we tend to think bigger). 

As the name implies, the purpose of these sheds is to, well, store things. The details of what specific features these sheds have will largely come down to what exactly it is you’ll be storing. 

However, regardless of what you put in them, these sheds need to be able to protect your stored goods and keep them in pristine condition (read how we protect your valuables from NZ’s harshest conditions here. 

 

Habitable

Another shed type that says what it does in the name – habitable sheds are sheds that can serve as short term accommodation or as an extra, detached bedroom for your main residence. 

These sheds can also be combined with other shed types (such as garages and workshops) to serve as an area to relax in between long hours on the workbench (read: mancave).   

 

Barn

We’ve all got an image of an old, red farmhouse when someone mentions the term “barn” (and we probably got it from a painting or childhood storybook).

Unsurprisingly, a barn has traditionally referred to a shed that is specifically for agricultural use. Their trademark shape and design actually come from this original usage, as they were built to accommodate for windy days and getting the most out of the passing sun. 

Nowadays, barns can be used for general storage, and their trademark design is more for show (as weather mitigating technology has advanced a bit). With their aesthetically pleasing appearance and spacious interior, they are a great general-purpose asset for storage and vehicle housing, as well as continuing to excel in their traditional agricultural usage.

 

Has this helped clear things up? You can always contact us for further info or to discuss your next project here.

Why Custom is Always King

These days, there are more options than ever when it comes to building and owning a shed. And if you’ve been thinking about becoming a shed owner, you’ve probably taken a gander at some of the different options on offer. 

We’re pretty confident that custom made sheds (such as ours) are still the way to go (and we’re not being biased, we promise). 

 

Here’s why:

 

Customizable to hobbies

Firstly, the great thing about getting a custom shed means it’s made specifically for you. Sure, you might not be the only person who plans on getting a shed, but your specific needs could be totally different from those of the next shed owner. 

Are you looking for a new home office space? We can do that. Or maybe you’re hoping to make your shed into a space for that specific hobby of yours. Talk to us, we can probably offer plenty of customisation that’ll help you do what you want to do. Pre-built options, on the other hand, can only offer a one-size-fits-all approach. And sometimes – that’s not enough. 

 

Colour and design

Another advantage of getting a custom shed made for you is that you get some input on the design and colour. KiwiSpan has several design options on offer.

Perhaps you’re looking to match your home or another building on the property. Or maybe you have a particular colour in mind?

We can help you implement any design choices you’d like to see with your shed, all in order to bring to life something that is truly yours.

 

Durability

We pride our sheds on their ability to withstand the elements too.

Despite its relatively small size, New Zealand weather can vary pretty drastically depending on the region you’re in. And since most places in the country are relatively close to the water, buildings have to be resistant to high levels of salt in our air. Furthermore, due to that big old hole in the ozone layer above us, we’ve also got to make buildings that can stand intense, direct UV rays. 

In short – buildings in New Zealand need to be built to withstand the elements. We understand this and ensure our sheds are always up to the task.

We speak from experience when we say owning a shed is awesome – but if you are having to replace or perform unneeded maintenance each passing year, that feeling will diminish in no time.

Get a shed that can hold its own against whatever the environment throws at it – we know ours can. 

 

Convinced? Feel free to browse our range of sheds and check our 3D shed designer to explore some of the possibilities on offer here.