About Erkhart Construction
Our house building services include project management, full design and build, fixed price contract, concept development & design consultation.
No matter the design or the materials, we endeavour to work side-by-side with our clients, encouraging them to be active in the process of bringing their architectural plans to life.
Building a house can be stressful and may be one of the biggest undertakings of your life. Our goal is to take away the stress, and support you in an easy and pleasant ride.
Based in Hawea and founded in 2014 by Lochlan Urquhart and Joel van Riel, this two man team has grown into a successful business, managing multiple projects throughout the Upper Clutha.
With our team of talented Wanaka builders, we strive to make the building of your new home a smooth and enjoyable experience.
From concept development to completion, and all the stages in between, we help you bring your ideas and dreams to fruition.
Meet the Team
Lochlan Urquhart Director
It’s been five generations since the Urquhart clan set foot in the hills of Lake Hawea, so it makes sense that the land is now deeply entrenched in the bones of Erkhart Construction co-director Lochlan Urquhart.
It was in the Nook valley of Lake Hawea where Lochlan (Locky) first cut his teeth as a carpenter, spending hours in his father's workshop building boats and billy carts and discovering his love of creative construction.
The son of a nurseryman, and grandson of an engineer, Locky grew up in an industrious environment where machinery needed maintaining and sturdy construction materials often needed to be sourced locally from recycled materials.
Never one to sit still, Locky is constantly exploring different building techniques and materials and refining his style. Having recently added drafting skills to his tool belt, Locky is able to help you visualise the design ideas you have in your mind and get them to a stage where they’re design-ready.
With a calm outlook, and an ability to think outside the square when problem solving, Locky thrives on the challenges of running a construction company that makes him proud.
Joel van Riel Director
Being a father of two means Erkhart Construction co-director Joel van Riel gets to keep his years of tree house building in practice.
The son of a builder and tool specialist, and grandson of both a leather worker and a copper melder, Joel has creative construction in his blood.
Having tinkered and built for as long as he can remember, the objective for Joel is helping clients to create a home that is both beautiful, and built to last.
A fan of modern design, yet inspired by traditional NZ villas, Joel brings an elegant flavour to his approach in construction. His love of beautiful finishing work, and the use of quality materials leaves a lasting visual impression for clients, along with a home that leaves a legacy for years to come.
With an easy-going nature coupled with a powerhouse drive to get the job done, you can feel self-assured you’re in good hands with the assertive nature of Joel van Riel at your (new) front door.
