Johannes La Grouw
Johannes La Grouw OBE | |
---|---|
Self Portrait 2001 | |
Born |
Amsterdam, the Netherlands | 5 August 1913
Died |
20 September 2011 98) Rotorua, New Zealand | (aged
Spouse(s) | Johanna Hillegonda Lalk (m. 1939–2009) |
Children |
Johannes (b. 1940) Hillegonda Margaretha (1942-1951) Tjeed (b. 1944) Cornelis (b. 1946) Ineke (b. 1947) Maria Elizabeth (b. 1951) |
Parent(s) |
Johannas La Grouw Maria Elizabeth La Grouw, Dieperveen |
Johannes La Grouw, OBE (5 August 1913 - 20 September 2011), was a New Zealand architect, engineer, businessman, artist and philanthropist. La Grouw developed a special patented house manufacturing system constructed of solid wood that eventually became a New Zealand icon for housing that can withstand the forces of nature, yet fit in nicely with them.
Background
La Grouw was educated at Higher Technical School for Architecture and Engineering; Building Contractor Amsterdam, Holland 1948-51; Founding director, Lockwood Buildings Ltd. Life member, Outward Bound Trust.
New Zealand company
Mr La Grouw and Johannes Van Loghem (the co-founders of Lockwood Homes) began their unique company in 1951, by importing prefabricated homes from the Netherlands when Dutch migrants brought in crates of their own homes because of a building shortage.[1] The company flourished and became a big player in the New Zealand construction industry.
Public recognition
Order of the British Empire
Received OBE 1991 for services to the building and construction industry.[2]
Hall of fame
La Grouw was inducted into the Business Hall of Fame in 2007 for his revolutionary house construction system and contributions to business in New Zealand and abroad.[3]
References
- ↑ Campbell, Phil. ROTORUA REVIEW. September 28, 2011. http://www.stuff.co.nz/business/industries/5662312/Lockwood-founder-dies-in-Rotorua
- ↑ Taylor, Alister. NEW ZEALANDERS WHO HAVE SERVED THEIR COUNTRY IN PEACE AND WAR. THE NEW ZEALAND ROLL OF HONOUR, 1845-1995, p. 612.
- ↑ FAIRFAX MEDIA. New Zealand Business Hall of Fame. http://www.businesshalloffame.co.nz/le-grouw-johannes/