Harmony in Eco Arbour

2 Distinct eco homes winning a Broinze Award for Construction and a Silver award for sustainibility in the 2009 Master Builders House of the year awards. The green building theme has been woven into every aspect of this project, starting with the initial planning and design. The houses have been located and orientated to capture the sun and utilise the best parts of the land. As part of the design process we looked at the materials being chosen and how they would affect the energy efficiency of the property. We also looked at the sustainability of the products chosen. Some of the key benefits for the houses are:

• Use of waffle concrete slab. This is a concrete slab built on polystyrene pods, which improves the insulation characteristics of the floor.
• Rainwater from the roof is captured in a 9000 litre Baileys detention tank which is UV stabilized to protect from the sun and ensure long life. The tank will not rot, rust, crack or fade and as it is moulded in one piece, there are no joints or weak spots where leaks could occur. This water will be recycled for hose taps, laundry and toilet flushing.
• The use of solid filled concrete block and steel framing are all N.Z made materials and will not twist, warp or rot.
• Evacuated tube collectors are being used for solar hot water. The hot water is stored in a N.Z. made stainless steel insulated cylinder.
• The pool is heated with a heat pump which is linked to the water pipe underfloor heating. In summer this will keep the floors in the house cool and generate heat into the pool. In winter it will generate heat into the house. The heat pump is the most energy efficient source of heating for a pool of this size. (House 2 only).
• The insulation is a premium grade polyester insulation and is the only insulation to carry a 50 year performance guarantee. It achieves a higher construction rating than other insulations. There are no glues used in making the Novatherm product and it has no negative effect on health nor does it release fibres into the air. Novatherm is fire resistant.
• All of the aluminium windows and doors (with the exception of the garage) are double glazed giving increased thermal performance and comfort in both summer and winter time.
• The lighting has been designed for maximum efficiency with the use of energy efficient fittings, bulbs and LED lighting where possible.
• The plumbing piping in the wall has been completed with a Rehau product which is very efficient in creating a smooth, fast water flow with minimal noise. This has been complemented with the aquatite shower and mixer packs which future proof and safeguard against leaks.
• Gas hobs have been selected to the kitchen. These create an instant heat and are very efficient to run while providing a consistent temperature for cooking.
• The Palliside weatherboards are made from a durable extruded plastic that will not rot or ever require painting and is UV stable. The boards have all been screw fixed with a ceramic class 3 screw, which is over a 20mm H3.2 drained and vented cavity system. The manufacturing company, Dynex Extrusions Ltd. is based in Auckland and has an ISO1401 accreditation for the manufacture of the boards and associated flashings.
• The decking timber is made from Saligna (a N.Z. hardwood), which is a sustainable timber. This has been treated with a wood life product to preserve the timber from mildew and mould.
• The plasterboard linings are N.Z. made Winstone Wallboards products with Villaboard to the wet areas.
• The kitchens and vanities are custom made in N.Z. from sustainable products.
• The paint specified from Dulux is the low emission Enviro 2 system with a mould shield additive to wet areas.
• The fascias have been carefully selected from a renewable source of N.Z. treated Radiata Pine which has been band sawn to give a rustic finish with N.Z. made Shadowclad soffit linings.
• The carpet specified is a N.Z. made Norman Ellison wool carpet with their unique Anti-Allergenic Yarn, reducing dust, mites, mould and mildew to create a beautiful and healthy home. From young children to allergy sufferers the whole family can breathe easier.
• The landscaping will be predominantly made up of N.Z. native planting. The planting over the site is extensive and will help reduce CO2 emissions.