Our Story
Hi, I'm Franz Buchler, and I get to live and work in one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand - the Marlborough Sounds. I share this stunning waterway paradise with my wonderful wife Sara and our two boys, Jerome (12) and Alesana (9).
I'm a born and bred Aucklander who discovered the magic of the Marlborough Sounds over 15 years ago. What started as regular visits became a deep love affair with the area, and five years ago, we made the life-changing decision to call the Sounds home permanently.
My journey into building took an unconventional path. After 15 years in Aviation across New Zealand and Australia, I was drawn to construction through a passion that started when Sara and I bought our first home. There's something incredibly satisfying about transforming a space with your own hands, and those early DIY projects ignited a fire that eventually led me to completely change careers.
The Aviation industry taught me invaluable lessons about precision, safety, and quality that I carry into every build today. In Aviation, there's no room for "good enough" - lives depend on getting every detail right. That same relentless attention to detail and commitment to excellence drives everything I do as a builder.
When I decided to pursue building professionally, I was incredibly fortunate to be trained right here in the Marlborough Sounds by Brent Woodward - known locally as "Woody." Woody is a highly sought-after builder with an incredible eye for detail and perfection. He didn't just teach me the technical skills; he taught me what it means to be a craftsman. Woody remains a mentor to this day, and I'm grateful for the foundation he gave me in understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of building in the Sounds.
My father-in-law has been another key influence, always encouraging me to "get stuck in" and approach challenges with confidence. Combined with insights from two close friends in the construction industry, I've been shaped by people who understand that great building is about more than just putting materials together - it's about creating something lasting and meaningful.
What I love most about working in the Marlborough Sounds is that no two jobs are ever the same. The small community, the isolation, the challenging and interesting renovations - every project tells a unique story. One project that particularly stands out was renovating a beautiful family bach that had been in the same family for over 80 years. The access was via what could generously be called a goat track, making every delivery of materials a physical challenge. But the reward of transforming that bach so the family could create memories for another 80 years was incredible. Standing on that newly built deck, taking morning tea with those stunning views stretched out before us - there's no better office in the world.
These experiences taught me that building in the Sounds requires you to be organized, self-sufficient, and resilient. Things take longer to arrive on site, access can be challenging, and you need to think three steps ahead. But that's exactly why local knowledge matters so much. I've learned these lessons through experience, not by trial and error on someone else's project.
Outside of work, you'll find me spending time with my family, out on the water fishing and boating, or in summer, enjoying a competitive game of backyard cricket with the boys. The Sounds lifestyle is what drew us here, and it's what keeps us grounded.
What drives me professionally is leaving behind a legacy of work that's functional, elegant, and innovative - often bringing to life a long-awaited dream for my customers. There's nothing quite like seeing a family's vision become reality, especially when that vision involves creating a space where they'll make memories for decades to come.
What makes me different is simple: I live in the Sounds, I learned my trade in the Sounds, and I'm relentlessly focused on delivering the best possible outcome for every customer. I understand the unique logistics, the local suppliers, the weather patterns, the soil conditions, and the council requirements because this is my home. When you choose Sound Construction, you're not getting someone who's learning the Sounds on your project - you're getting someone who's dedicated to mastering the art of building in this unique and beautiful environment.
Whether you're renovating a family bach, building your dream home, or tackling a challenging Sounds project, I'd love to hear about your vision and help make it reality.
Franz Buchler - Licensed Building Practitioner
Sound Construction Anakiwa
Serving: Anakiwa, Picton, Havelock, Queen Charlotte Drive, and throughout the Marlborough Sounds
Ready to discuss your project? Call me on 022 129 1249 or email franz@soundconstruction.co.nz
What we do
Sound Construction specializes in renovating and enhancing the well-loved baches of the Marlborough Sounds. Whether it is restoring a cherished holiday home, building a new deck to capture the breathtaking views, constructing a sturdy retaining wall, or adding a quality fence, we bring craftsmanship, care, and local expertise to every project.
With several years of hands-on building experience in and around the Marlborough Sounds, we understand the unique challenges and opportunities that come with coastal and remote construction. We know that your bach is more than just a structure—it is a place of family memories, relaxation, and connection to the stunning surroundings. A well-planned renovation not only preserves the character of your retreat but also improves comfort, functionality, and long-term value, ensuring it can be enjoyed for generations to come.
Sound Construction is dedicated to making the process seamless and stress-free. From planning to completion, we handle every detail with professionalism and clear communication, ensuring your vision comes to life without the hassle. Whether you are restoring a well-loved retreat or adding new features to enhance your lifestyle, we are here to help.
Preserve the past, enhance the present, and build for the future—let us bring your vision to life.
Our Values
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TRUST
Living and working in our close-knit Sounds community means our reputation is everything. We act with integrity and prove ourselves to be open, honest, and reliable through every interaction.
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LOCAL EXPERTISE
We understand the unique challenges of building in the Marlborough Sounds because we were trained and qualified right here by experienced local craftsmen. You get deep local knowledge.
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PRECISION CRAFTSMANSHIP
Every project meets the highest standards of quality and craftsmanship.
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COMMUNICATION
Clear and effective communication is paramount to successful projects. In a remote location like the Sounds, we ensure you always know what's happening, when, and why.
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RESILIENT & RESOURCEFUL
We embrace the unique challenges of Sounds building - from difficult access to material logistics - and turn them into opportunities to deliver exceptional results through creative problem-solving.
Download Your Free Guide
Thinking of renovating in the stunning Marlborough Sounds?
Remote properties come with hidden costs that can blow your budget if you're not prepared.
Most renovation budgets in the Sounds blow out by 40-60% because owners don't understand the unique challenges of remote building.
We are here to help navigate these challenges successfully. Our detailed cost guide breaks down exactly what to budget for, when to expect delays, and how to avoid the expensive mistakes that catch most renovators off-guard.
Download your free copy and find out what you need to consider when renovating in this spectacular but challenging environment.