We are a multi-generational family business, founded some 20 years ago by Vee and Tau Aupa’au.
Tau’s son Ben is our operations manager and son Noah is involved in the sales side of the business.
We have a strong commitment to sustainability and our ‘aha’ moment came many years ago in Yellowstone National Park in the USA when Vee wondered what kind of track surface she was walking on. It looked right in the environment and had obviously weathered well. It was a composite product, quite different to traditional hardwood.
It inspired us to track down a manufacturer who could provide a low-maintenance solution made from 60% waste timber fibre and 30% recycled HDPE plastic and suited to New Zealand conditions.
We have a growing family of franchisees to support our sales activity, and this has seen us selected as finalists in the Franchisee of the Year Awards. We continue to expand this network, working with like-minded people who share our strong family values and a commitment to sustainability.
Looking ahead, where do you see Biform evolving, and how do you see it growing within the world of sustainable decking?
Our 25-year product guarantee is a powerful testament to our belief in the quality of our BRANZ-appraised board. While continuing to focus on our core products, we see exciting possibilities to develop our markets and products as we strengthen our relationships throughout the building chain – including architects, builders, regulatory bodies, and homeowners themselves.
Where did Biform’s passion for sustainability come from?
Our family has strong links with the land in Aotearoa and this informs the selection of the composition of our product as well as its look and feel. By using waste timber, we’re doing our part to reduce deforestation often associated with the use of hardwood, saving the homes of endangered animals, such as the orangutan, in the process.
Using recycled plastic means we’re reducing the amount of harmful plastic sitting in landfills.
As part of our commitment to sustainability, we have instituted a programme which allows our clients to return packaging from our products to us for recycling. Better still we have found that some of them have begun to do the same thing with the packaging in their own businesses and workplaces.
Are there any projects that Biform worked on that were particularly memorable?
Besides our involvement with the Kauri Dieback programme discussed below, we have provided decking for all the balconies for Te Mātāwai, Kainga Ora’s largest housing development, which is providing 276 new homes, enabling its residents to connect and be active community members.
Other examples include decking at Auckland International Airport, installation in a range of schools throughout the country, including Mt Maunganui College and Oromahoe School in Northland, and waterway pontoons in various locations from Whitianga to Fiji.
Why do so many New Zealand architects enjoy working with Biform?
All of our decking products are BRANZ appraised and are aligned with Australian Building Code Standards. We are FSC certified and exceed NZ building code with regard to fire testing requirements.
Our new generation composite decking aligns with the need to build in a sustainable and eco-friendly manner. This alongside quality fixing and installation systems appeals to architects.
In what ways does Biform combine functionality and aesthetics to create products that stand out?
We draw up designs for clients free of charge with a specific layout design for each deck and our stylish range of colours provides a contemporary feel and a look that won’t age.
What design trends do you foresee taking the lead in decking and screening, and how does Biform align with these trends?
We see a continuing trend towards the use of sustainable materials in design and building and the use of new design and manufacturing technology to improve product performance.
Sustainability doesn’t start and end with the choice of materials. We need to understand the full life cycle of products we use and their long-term impact on the environment.
How does Biform cater to various types of outdoor spaces, from domestic to more commercial applications?
Our three decking profiles and colour range feature contemporary pale greys similar to silvered hardwoods through to warm brown tones emulating stained or oiled timber. These blend easily into any setting and our three different profiles fit easily into domestic and commercial settings.
Could you share some customer-favourite collections from Biform and the stories behind their creation?
Our first commercial project was at the Aitutaki Escape, and it turned out to be a fantastic site. A stone walled garden featured palm fronds hanging over it with the pool surrounded by lush plantings. It turned out to be the ultimate proof of how our decking can blend effortlessly into a natural environment. It was installed by a small team from Nelson. The logistics and the heat were challenging, but the little extension to their work week when the job was done was worth it. This was installed in 2009 and is still going strong.
In the best way possible, we’re comfortable that our photos speak for themselves. Our design focus has always very much been about blending in with whatever exterior and interior context all of our decking and flooring products are installed in. We are particularly proud of our colour selection in allowing us to achieve this.
What role does New Zealand’s natural beauty play in influencing Biform’s designs?
Living in New Zealand, it’s hard not to form strong bonds with the land and the seas surrounding us. One of our proudest achievements was to have our product selected for the walkways for the Kauri Dieback programme for Auckland Regional Council. There can be no greater endorsement than being entrusted to provide the pathways to the spiritual guardians that are our treasured ancient kauri.
