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Launched in Christchurch the Superhome Movement is aiming to revolutionise the way Kiwis look at housing by helping people build warm, dry, healthy, energy-efficient, and environmentally sound homes.

BUSINESS SOUTH

MAY 2016

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Bob Burnett Architecture

May 2016 SUPERHOME MOVEMENT

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Superhome Movement gathers pace Jo Bailey More than 1000 people are estimated to have checked out the latest in green, sustainable, energy efficient technologies at New Zealand’s first 10 Star Homestar homes in Church Square, Christchurch since they opened to the public in October last year.

The launch coincided with the start of the new Superhome Movement, which is providing Kiwis with a model for a new standard of housing and gathering the best in learning, products and expertise to help people build warm, dry, healthy, energy efficient, and environmentally sound homes.

The 10 Star homes are a key educational tool for the movement, which between them incorporate around 30 exciting new building innovations.

Bob Burnett, of Bob Burnett Architecture who designed the 10 Star homes, and Martin Reilly of Ecomaster (which provides high quality, energy efficient heating and ventilation systems) are the Christchurch-based professionals behind the Superhome Movement.

“We are an altruistic, non-profit organisation, and are fortunate to have a number of passionate volunteers helping us to run it and spread the word,” says Bob. A key element of the Superhome Movement is sharing ideas through a network of industry leaders in home design and construction on how best to

“Everything is done on a voluntary basis, which is why it would be great to have more active participants. People who get involved and are proactive will get the biggest benefit.”

Bob Burnett build clever, high-rated homes that are affordable, healthy, sustainable, and a delight to live in.

As well as being the most energy efficient, environmentally sound homes in the country, the 10 Star homes in Christchurch demonstrate the varying levels of specification that may be implemented for 6, 7 and 8 Homestar rated homes and provide comparisons between the associated levels of

build costs and running costs, along with differing payback periods and property values.

A Superhome website has been set up with handy sections called Learn How where people can read about a range of different innovative, energy efficient products and technologies, and Know Who where they can find the growing list of professionals and product companies in their region who can help them develop their own Superhome.

Bob says the list of member companies on the website is rapidly growing and evolving, with around 50 already signed up.

“The members are generally people and companies who are already doing good work and are leaders in their field. However Superhome is an open and inclusive movement,” says Bob. “People don’t necessarily have to be at the leading edge to join. Anyone with the right attitude and a willingness to learn how to do things differently and better is welcome.”

All potential members are vetted to ensure

their service or product delivery meets the quality standards and values of the Superhome Movement, as it is important consumers are talking to trusted people, and getting the right information, he says.

So far, members include everyone from builders, designers, consultants and product suppliers, to design and build companies, and even realtors, valuers and finance consultants.

Bob says one of the main challenges of those running the Superhome organisation is that those involved are all busy in their own businesses.

“Everything is done on a voluntary basis, which is why it would be great to have more active participants. People who get involved and are proactive will get the biggest benefit.”

With more members, comes greater awareness, more project opportunities, and the door is opened to collaboration with other members, he says.

“We believe the Superhome Movement is developing into a powerful brand that is attractive to be part of.”

Waterford Press Limited 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500, www.waterfordpress.co.nz

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Bob Burnett Architecture

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New Zealand’s first 10 Star Homestar homes are situated in Church Square, Christchurch. The homes have proved a massive drawcard since opening to the public in October last year.

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Bob Burnett Architecture

May 2016 SUPERHOME MOVEMENT

Superhomes setting new standards Jo Bailey The Superhome Movement is creating a new aspirational standard for housing in New Zealand.

While the building code is a protective level that describes the worst house we are legally allowed to build and live in, typically at or around the three Homestar level, Superhomes are specifically designed and built to be in the Homestar six to ten range.

New Zealand Green Building Council’s Homestar is a tool to help people create a healthy, well performing home that is warm, dry and comfortable and cost efficient to run in terms of energy and water use.

Spreading its responsibilities broader than that, the Superhome Movement takes a holistic approach of which energy and sustainability makes up around 50 percent of the criteria, with the balance covering earthquake resistance, resilience, durability, longevity and design integrity, says Bob Burnett.

“A 10 Star home would not be much good if it needed to be rebuilt after an earthquake, or was not well designed or aesthetically pleasing.”

Despite there being a phenomenal number of details and thought that goes into a great Superhome, the movement’s processes yield a quick, easy path to designing and building a Superhome, without having to go through a rating process, says Bob. “The Superhome Movement is open source, sharing useful information about how to get a much better home for your money, and providing critical details that are absent from NZ building code.”

Beyond the Superhome Movement’s easy-tofollow, robust standards, the final measurement is 12 months of monitoring and in-use measurement of things like energy use, temperature, humidity and air quality.

Superhomes are specifically designed and built to be in the Homestar six to ten star range.

“When we have the results of that twelve months monitoring a Superhome is awarded a numbered plaque and added to an online register.”

Bob says creating awareness among homeowners that we should not be targeting building code will continue to be a key focus of the movement along with providing a reliable

network of industry experts and participants in the movement such as architects, designers, builders and suppliers who are capable of creating Superhomes for their clients.

“For the industry the movement is providing CPD (Continued Professional Development) and the group is a valuable referral network.

“For example architects and designers who are creating clever designs know which builders, subbies and suppliers have the know how to implement them.

“The same goes for the homeowner.

Superhome is becoming a reliable and powerful brand.”

SMART STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS Fully Engineered Resilience Resilient homes start from the ground up, with engineered raft foundation solutions an increasingly popular choice for many residential projects.

HFC was instrumental in developing the highly popular Allied Concrete Super Slab system, often referred to as a raft or waffle foundation. The company has continued to develop the Super Slab for the Christchurch region suitable for use on TC1, TC2 and TC3 sites. “Clients recognise the benefits of having a fully engineered foundation solution designed specifically for each site” says Shane Simmonds, Associate of HFC Civil and Structural (South) Ltd Established in 1996, HFC has evolved over the years into a busy medium-sized practice employing some 40 highly experienced professionals providing a personalised, client focused service from its Christchurch and Auckland offices.

“Between the two offices we cover pretty much the whole country. However, since the earthquakes, the focus of our Christchurch office has been strongly based on the Canterbury residential market.” The company provides structural engineering design services to architects, developers, contractors on a diverse range of residential projects.

In 2015 HFC Group completed over 1800 residential jobs varying in scale from standalone foundations/structural designs, multi-unit residential developments and hill builds to technically complex high-end architectural homes. “Often projects come with tight timeframes and budgets, requiring smart engineering to ensure they are economically viable and practical to build.”

Since the earthquakes the firm has also carried out commercial design work including Lincoln’s Famous Grouse Hotel. Commercial work is increasing as the rebuild switches focus from residential.

“Foundation and structural design solutions for residential projects can vary considerably in complexity. Whether clients require one beam or a complete structural design service, we have the experience and resources to provide a high quality solution within a timely manner.”

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Responsible, innovative painting and decorating solutions Placement Painters is proud to be a New Zealand licensed applicator of a leading fire protection product from Sweden. Glenn Hunt, founder of the Christchurch-based painting and decorating company, says Fireshield 1FR can be used on timber as an effective fire retardant.

“It is a transparent product so, once applied, you can still see the timber’s beautiful grain.” According to the manufacturer, Fireshield 1FR is an intumescent paint that foams into a thick layer when exposed to high temperatures, effectively extinguishing the transfer of heat to the treated surface.

The Fireshield range can also be applied as a fire retardant to painted walls (Fireshield 2FR) and steel structures (Fireshield 4FR).

There has been a large amount of interest from the architectural industry throughout New Zealand. “This product has tremendous growth potential.”

Placement Painters was first contracted late last year to apply the product to wood panelled walls for the All Stars Inn on Bealey, next to the Speight’s Ale House. “They needed a fire protection product that would enable the grain to be seen. The product came through and we got them across the line on time. They are so stoked.”

Another recent project, working with Fire Tech Coating Ltd, involved applying fire protection to 600lm of sustainable New Zealand native beech from Southland for a new five storey building in Armagh Street, Christchurch, while an additional large spray job saw Resene Aquaclear being applied to 4000lm of sustainable native beech.

Since founding the company in 1999, Glenn has sought to go the extra mile for clients with a focus on having work uniforms for his team and professionally signed clean and tidy work vehicles. The team of six includes

Glenn’s wife Kim who is a fully qualified tradeswoman with a specialist expertise in wall coverings.

Also on the team are fully qualified interior plasterers and airless spray applicators. Placement Painters is an approved Resene Eco-Decorator.

Advantages for clients include: • No mess on site. Used brushes are wrapped up and taken to approved cleaning stations; no paint-tainted water is flushed away.

• Waste is minimised - Leftover paint and paint packaging is returned to a designated Resene ColorShop as part of the Resene PaintWise programme.

“I believe we are only at the beginning of a shift in the industry towards being more responsible. There is an ongoing process involved in becoming more aware of the impact we can have on the environment – we need to keep refining what we do.”

Glenn says the project that led to New Zealand’s first home being awarded a 10 star Homestar certification in Church Square, Addington last year has set the bar high. Placement Painters holds the honour of being the country’s first ever painting and plastering company for a 10 star home. “Being invited to work on that home was a real eye opener. There were no rubbish bins on site and there was such a strong commitment to recycling… We’re really satisfied with the way the home’s turned out.”

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May 2016 SUPERHOME MOVEMENT

Bob Burnett Architecture

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Demonstration homes make it ‘real’ Jo Bailey Bob Burnett, who designed New Zealand’s first 10 Star Homestar homes says one of the key things achieved by the two demonstration homes in Christchurch, is that they make all the innovations and technology “real”. “ “There has been a talkfest in Christchurch after the earthquakes around more energy-efficient, sustainable buildings.

“However, the reality on the ground is that very little has been done and it has largely been business as usual. People respond to the 10 Star homes because they can see, touch and experience them. The homes are a great educational tool.”

Before he designed these homes, Bob had already designed several new homes achieving an 8 Homestar rating, and back in 2011, created New Zealand’s first 7 Homestar rated house.

“The 10 Star homes actually started life as potential 9 Star homes. Then we realised during the building process it was possible for us to achieve the 10 Star rating.”

He agrees 10 Star is “quite a stretched target”, for most homeowners, as it includes technologies such as grey water recycling which many may not include in their new homes. However rainwater harvesting is incorporated in most Bob Burnett Architecture designed Superhomes as it is less costly. The demonstration homes are a great example of the optimum that can be achieved through clever design and innovation.

“From our experience, we believe it is totally realistic and cost effective for the majority of people to aim for an 8 Star home with no power bills to worry about.”

Bob says size is the first important factor to consider when designing a Superhome.

“The advantage of a smaller home is that there is less space to heat, which saves on running costs. Smaller homes are also less costly to maintain.”

Although it is not as large as most new family homes currently being built in New Zealand, the 140 square metre, two storey, three bedroom, two bathroom 10 Star home at Church Square has an incredibly spacious feel.

Every centimetre has been utilised in the spatially aware economical design with services cleverly tucked away and there is no hallway taking up valuable space. The living spaces are light, bright and airy, and the kitchen is highly specified, and up-to-the minute.

Window proportions, their location and the right amount of shading have been carefully considered to ensure the homes don’t overheat.

The adjacent 118 square metre single story three bedroom, two bathroom demonstration home has a similar feel, and seems far larger than its size suggests.

Bob say innovations in the homes include everything from solar panels on the roof, to New Zealand’s first salt water battery backup, rainwater harvesting, an energy recovery shower waste, surface mounted LED lighting, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which provides high air quality indoors.

The energy ventilation system in the two-storey home is fed by a north-facing solar wall, which draws warm air up behind its black aluminium exterior through a cavity into the system.

“On a sub-zero frosty morning with sun hitting the black aluminium wall we can get 27 degrees pre-warmed air into the system.”

Bob says the homes’ thermal envelope is one of

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the most important aspects of the designs.

“These homes have been designed to get good solar access and keep the warmth in. They are also more airtight than an average home.”

Window proportions, their location and the right amount of shading have been carefully considered to ensure the homes don’t overheat.

A fully insulated foundation slab is another key component, and is something the building industry has only started to seriously consider over the last couple of years, he says.

“With any floor slab around 80 percent of heat is lost around the edge. We have used structural insulated panels to insulate the edges of the slab and underneath the footings in these homes, and have installed water under-floor heating.

“By insulating the floor properly we only need about 40 percent of the heat we would need in an average home.”

Thermal imaging has been used to analyse the performance of the slab and measure heat loss and the results have been “brilliant” says Bob.

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SUPERHOME MOVEMENT May 2016

Bob Burnett Architecture

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Innovations in the homes include everything from solar panels on the roof, to New Zealand’s first salt water battery backup, rainwater harvesting, an energy recovery shower waste, surface mounted LED lighting, and an energy recovery ventilation system, which provides high air quality indoors.

“On a zero degree day outside a typical house would measure around four degrees inside at the perimeter edge of the floor. The 10 Star homes achieved 20 degrees.”

He says people who visit the demonstration homes on a frosty winter morning are amazed to find the temperature inside the homes is also around 20 degrees, using no electricity (and no resultant power bills).

Water efficiency is one of the mandatory categories of Homestar and to get a 10 Star rating required installation of grey water treatment and rainwater harvesting for reusing water for flushing toilets, the laundry, washing machine and irrigation, says Bob. “We have relied on Methven tapware as it provides the correct WELS (Water Efficiency Labelling Scheme) star ratings for efficient water use.

“The products look great and suit the interior design. The new Aio showers and taps were an excellent fit for achieving high Homestar ratings and are also the first taps to use ECO-BRASS material, a new high quality metal that is lead and heavy metal free and therefore good for health, the environment and water quality.”

Waste during the construction of the homes was either minimised, reused of recycled. Waste inside the homes is separated for recycling or composting.

“In the kitchen there are three Hettich bins built into the joinery for rubbish, green waste and recycling, which are a good design and design size,” says Bob. “Hettich was also chosen for the drawers and cabinetry hardware.”

Bob Burnett Architecture has a long established reputation for ecodesign.

“We’ve been designing spatially and energy efficient homes for some time and want to continue to lead by example.

“The 10 star homes are something real and tangible, and not just talked about,” he says.

Previously more substantial high-end ecohomes have provided prototypes to innovate and now where appropriate, some of these leading edge ideas and technologies are being applied to more affordable homes.

“Interestingly the large majority of substantial high-end homes that don’t follow these principles are surprisingly eco-unfriendly, performing poorly in relation to energy, health and comfort,” he says.

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Bob Burnett Architecture

May 2016 SUPERHOME MOVEMENT

Assessing the true costs Jo Bailey The perception that an energy-efficient home is too expensive to build is a myth that Bob Burnett and others in the Superhome Movement are keen to dispel.

“We’ve been saying for a while that affordability is not just about cheap houses, it’s about the cost of ownership and ongoing running costs and return on investment.”

Bob says research undertaken for Auckland City Council shows that the cost to build a more ecofriendly, energy efficient home is considerably less than many people perceive.

“The research showed that to build a 6 Star rated home costs just 2.2% more than a standard home. Grid tied solar homes can also feed energy back to the grid. We actually received credits from the power company during summer at one of the 10 Star homes.”

An affordability dashboard will allow people to analyse the various components that make up an energy efficient home, and ascertain the impact of each choice on the cost to build, and subsequent reduction in power costs.

Using the infographic, they can mix and match the various detail and initiatives and evaluate what needs to be included to reach a level of rating or performance using the Homestar scale.

“This tool will help people to figure out where they are comfortable in terms of the cost to build and the ongoing costs of ownership of their new home,” says Bob. Given it is possible to completely eliminate power bills with an 8 Star home, he says it is interesting for people to work out their current average yearly spend on power, and see what the impact would be if the money saved with a zero energy home was applied to their mortgage.

“If people add an electric vehicle to the equation, it really flips this exercise on its head. A BMW i3 electric car has been introduced to the single story 10 Star home. The car is charged from the house, and has no fuel costs, an additional saving that could be applied to mortgage reduction.”

The Superhome team is also working on providing an estimate of a home’s increase in capital value ahead of traditionally built homes by implementing the various better quality components.

Bob says this is one of trickiest parts of the equation, as New Zealand doesn’t have much history of sales for energy efficient, sustainable homes. “We know these homes are more valuable because they have been designed and built to a higher standard. If we look to North America and Europe where there is a greater history of sales, there is a proven upside of 10-20 percent on value when selling a green home.”

By debunking the myth that it is considerably more expensive to build a green home, the Superhome movement hopes to effect real behavioural change within the building industry.

“The building code shouldn’t be a target as it is effectively the worst possible house people are legally allowed to build. It becomes the target because the industry is currently driven by sales, rather than design. It’s something the public really needs to understand. The sales speak isn’t what the homeowner needs to hear and they often unfortunately don’t know any better.”

Real change must happen in order to provide future generations of Kiwis with healthier, drier and warmer homes, says Bob. “The most dangerous phrase in the English language is ‘we’ve always done it this way’. It dismays me to see enormous amounts of money being poured into substandard houses that long term, harnesses the owners to huge, unnecessary power bills.”

Harley - leading the way Harley Builders Christchurch is sealing its reputation as specialists in new architectural homes and renovation additions, focusing on building energy efficient and passive homes.

The company has a nine year track-record in focusing on energy-efficient homes and recently completed Christchurch’s first Certified Passive house, a 350 square metre two-story weatherboard home in Fendalton.

Director Glenn Harley says Certified Passive is a robust international standard that requires vigorous testing to achieve a house that will maintain a constant air temperature throughout the year.

Certified Passive houses are designed to create an air-tight and energyefficient building which results in stable temperatures and a healthy low-moisture indoor environment.

They require both a design review and post-construction testing to meet the international certification standard.

The average newly built house has air leakage of six to 10 air changes an hour which results in considerable loss of heat, Glenn Harley says.

“We have achieved .35 air changes an hour, which will maintain a temperature of 20 to 25 degrees Celsius.”

The system is so efficient at creating a thermal barrier against the outdoor air temperature that no heating is required during winter, or air-conditioning in summer.

The Fendalton house features blown in insulation, wider walls, triple-glazed windows, vapour check products, tapes that seal air, and ventilation systems that

create clean, controlled air and even temperatures.”

“The utility bills for this house are extremely low, particularly as this has solar panels and an inverter, with any excess power being sold back to the grid.”

Glenn hopes Certified Passive will become a standard feature of architecturally designed houses in New Zealand, particularly because of the significant savings created over the lifetime of a building.

Owners of the Fendalton house, Andrew and Katy Marriott, say Harley Builders was recommended by their electrician.

“Of the six builders we interviewed we chose Glenn. We got on very well with him and were pleased.”

“We did make some changes to the plans along the way. They made the decisionmaking process easy as they were quietly supportive in the background.

“Glenn was very accommodating and great in getting tradesmen onto that work very quickly.”

The system has worked well and proved its worth during the Canterbury summer; just prior to Christmas on a 36 degree day outside, the inside temperature was 23 degrees without the use of a heat-pump for cooling.

The couple say Glenn’s positive cando attitude along with the “faultless” workmanship of Harley Builders meant they were the perfect choice to build their dream Passive House.

“Throughout the process great communication, exceptional problemsolving skills and a clean and tidy work-site were key.”

The affordability dashboard allows people to analyse the various components that make up an energy efficient home, and ascertain the impact of each choice on the cost to build, and subsequent reduction in power costs.

Superhome Information If you are interested in the Superhome Movement there are a number of resources and websites with a host of additional information such as superhome.co.nz.

Download your free digital Healthy Home Guide from www.10star.co.nz where there is also an informative Build Blog, detailing construction updates, images and time-lapse video from the construction of the two 10 Star

Demonstration Homes in Addington, or visit www.bbarc.co.nz for more information. Why not book into one of three guided tours of the Demonstration Homes, which are currently held weekly on Tuesdays or Thursdays at 1pm, or Saturdays at 11am? A tour is a great way to see the Superhome principles in action and there is a 20 -minute PowerPoint presentation to view, which provides a fascinating insight into what is going on behind the homes’ walls.

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Bob Burnett Architecture

May 2016 SUPERHOME MOVEMENT

Goal is to change the standards Jo Bailey The Superhome Movement has a clear and ultimate goal - to change building standards in New Zealand.

One of the movement’s founders, architectural designer Bob Burnett, believes the industry wrongly views the New Zealand Building Code as a target, when it is not too difficult or too expensive to provide homeowners with a home of far greater quality and value.

“Political issues surrounding the current building code means that as a country we have fallen well behind and are still building outdated homes that are really cold and unhealthy.

“Our aim is to work at the grass roots to help educate the public and grow awareness of better ways of building, while creating some behavioural change within the industry.”

When it comes to things like energy efficiency, sustainability and green building principles, the current building code rates “quite low” at around three stars out of ten.

Bob says one of the current pitfalls for people looking to build a new home is that they are often encouraged by building companies to get the biggest possible house for the lowest square metre cost, rather than the warmest, healthiest and most energy efficient and spatially efficient home for their money.

“This is a flawed metric, and is why we are targeting the public as our initial audience. Many people assume because they are getting a new

A Superhome doesn’t have to be super-sized with many of the principles applied to high-end eco designs working well in homes of all sizes and budgets. home it is going to be the latest and greatest.

“However they are often getting more than 20 year old technology and being advised not to include things like edge insulation on their new home’s foundation, thicker walls, or better windows. They are not getting good value for their investment.”

New Zealand is a challenging environment to effect change, as it remains one of the few countries in the world where home size continues to trend upwards, while the rest of the world trends down.

“We have the second-biggest homes in the world and New Zealand is the second most expensive place in the world to build. Yet our homes are still not very good quality. In Europe and North

Making a difference....

Making a difference in the New Zealand building industry is a key philosophy of Canterbury firm Dan Saunders Construction, says operations manager, Jennifer Hamlin.

“We don’t just say we value excellence – we truly mean it.

“As a responsible, ethical company we don’t cut corners or compromise on quality.

Building relationships with others who have a similar ethos is also important to us.”

Dan Saunders has more than 24 years experience as a builder, with 14 of those spent as a company director.

He started Dan Saunders Construction twoand-a-half years ago to focus on building energy-efficient, sustainable homes with a flair for smart design.

Dan Saunders Construction was the builder of the first 8 Star Energy Star rated home in Australasia.

Jennifer says the Superhome Movement has opened doors for the firm, and aligned it with a range of talented architects, designers, and craftspeople with whom they are “on the same page” when it comes to green building design.

“We have been privileged to build loyal relationships with people like Claudia Kaltenstadler of Harakeke Consultants with whom we collaborate very closely on projects; Bob Burnett, a founder of the Superhome Movement; and Wanaka company Salmond Architecture, for whom we have constructed several High Performance Houses, including the 8 Star home.”

Most of Dan Saunders Construction’s projects are architecturally designed, ranging from small, economic, eco-homes,

up to very large homes which follow sustainable, green building principles, she says.

“We are dedicated to future proofing our homes, which are built to stand the test of time as well as conserve energy. We expect them to still be housing people in 150 years.”

Dan Saunders Construction is the distributor for a number of novel products and systems.

These include an innovative new building wrap called Frame Protection System, which has a number of benefits to the structure of the house, including keeping the frame and insulation dry.

“This product also creates airtightness, so there is no heat loss during winter, or risk of mildew and moisture damage.”

The company also distributes a suspended, lightweight concrete flooring system called Speedfloor.

“We are constantly researching to find only the best products for the New Zealand lifestyle and conditions and we are always interested in working with companies with really good ethics and great technology behind their products or systems.”

Jennifer says the company currently has several high energy star rated homes planned for the near future, with most of its projects coming from referrals.

“We are not into hard selling. We believe it is our character and values that show what we have to offer.

“Our focus is on building high quality, sustainable homes, delivering reliable service, and building relationships that last with our clients and other professionals who share the same philosophies.”

America around 40 percent of builds are green but in New Zealand it is less than three percent. It’s time the industry here started to walk the walk and provide people with the homes they deserve.”

Bob says a Superhome doesn’t have to be super-sized with many of the principles he applies to high-end eco designs working well in homes of all sizes and budgets. This includes his current involvement in the design of social housing for the Christchurch City Council and Housing NZ. “The key is that homes are built to a much higher design and performance standard then they would have been otherwise. As well as energy, Superhomes focus on design, affordability, resilience and durability, thermal comfort, and a healthy indoor environment.”

He says the health of our population could also benefit from change and help to curb our asthma rates, which are the highest in the world.

“It is a widely acknowledged fact that people who living in healthy homes have 30 percent fewer hospital admissions.

“There are currently around one million unhealthy homes in New Zealand, and unfortunately we are adding to this total every day given that cheaper houses are still being churned out using the same old methods.”

Convincing central government to effect change won’t be easy, as the building code remains a “political hot potato”. However the Superhome Movement team will continue to advocate for change talking to government and local councils.

SUPERHOME MOVEMENT May 2016

Aloaqua

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Saving precious water resources Kim Newth Cutting edge greywater recycling technology that contributed to Addington’s Superhome gaining the country’s first 10-star Homestar rating last year is now being installed in homes and businesses throughout New Zealand.

The Intewa Aqualoop greywater recycling system is distributed in New Zealand by Christchurch-based firm Aloaqua.

Up to 450 litres a day of greywater is recycled at Addington’s 10-star home, resulting in considerable reductions in potable water usage.

Hand basin, shower and bath water is collected, then treated without the use of chemicals and then combined with rainwater where it is reused in toilets, laundry and irrigation.

Not only does this water-saving technology comply with stringent European water standards, it is also on the cusp of gaining NSF certification in the United States.

“It has also been approved by Kohler toilets,” says Aloaqua director and engineer Martin Pfaff.

“They found membrane treated water was able to maintain a clean, algae-free cistern.”

Aqualoop is an expandable system: up to 8000 litres a day can potentially be recycled via multiple membrane stations.

“So it can be used to recycle greywater at a rest home or a hotel. We’re currently looking at recycling greywater in a commercial laundry.”

He says the Intewa system produces germ-free quality water, (with safe removal of 99.9999% of all bacteria and 99.7% of all viruses), while no chlorine or chemicals are required as greywater is biologically treated.

“For many clients, it is about having a sustainable water supply that is not dependent on infrastructure.”

Up to 450 litres a day of greywater is recycled at Addington’s 10-star home, resulting in considerable reductions in potable water usage.

“Greywater recycling also means your shower water is not going into the septic tank, so you won’t overload your septic tank.”

The Intewa Rainmaster pump station enables treated, filtered rainwater to be transferred to the home for reuse in the toilet, laundry and garden - or even for drinking water. Intewa Purain filters, installed inside the storage tank, clear debris

Giving the best advice With so many exciting products and materials available when it comes to green and sustainable living, it pays to get professional advice before embarking on a construction project, says Claudia Kaltenstadler of Harakeke Consulting.

“People should definitely seek advice to help them select the best products and materials to match their project, lifestyle and budget.”

Claudia says Harakeke Consulting is passionate about helping people to build or renovate their homes in an energy-efficient, ecologically responsive way.

The company provides an advisory service, which promotes the benefits of sustainable living and offers advice on every aspect of building an energy efficient home, from foundations to wall panels; different heating resources; solar panels; non-toxic materials; rainwater collection; and everything inbetween.

“We regularly consult with builders, architects and designers to present them with a range of options and help them establish the best solutions for their clients’ projects.

“They often don’t have the time themselves to spend investigating what is out there, or keep up with the latest innovations or regulations on their clients’ behalf.”

Harakeke Consulting is completely independent and not aligned with any suppliers in the building or related industries, so is purely focused on the best outcome for each project.

Originally from Europe, Claudia keeps up to date with the latest international trends and innovations, and says there are some exciting products about to hit the market this year.

These include “off-grid” systems, which are already popular in Europe; and some new window and glass innovations, which provide heat and energy to the home, she says.

“Infrared windows; and a glass system that

incorporates small solar cubes are two of the latest products to be introduced to New Zealand in coming months. The cubes can be put onto any glass, such as windows, a pergola or glass verandah, to produce energy.”

Claudia and her family immigrated to New Zealand from Europe in 2006, and soon after started connecting with people in the building industry while building their own highperformance home, “In Europe energy-efficient homes are the norm, so I was surprlsed by the lukewarm response to sustainable building in New Zealand and general misinformation about it at the time.”

Claudia decided to start Harakeke Consulting to help promote the benefits of sustainable living, with a mission to “get as many New Zealanders as possible into healthier, warmer homes”.

She is pleased to have witnessed the positive change of attitude from the building industry and suppliers towards sustainable building over the last decade, and the growing interest in green building principles.

To promote further collaboration between people in the construction sector, Harakeke Consulting was instrumental in the establishment of Christchurch Professional Property People, a group of professionals representing every sector of the construction industry who meet monthly to discuss market trends and developments, exchange information and ideas, and learn from guest speakers.

Harakeke Consulting is also a member of the SuperHome Movement which has a website providing information about sustainable building materials, and lists member companies which can help people get achieve the best possible high-performance house for their money.

from collected rainwater and Intewa membranes can be used to sterilise and clean the water further. Advanced Purain filters are a big step up from older style ‘first-flush diverters’ which simply waste precious rainwater.

Martin Pfaff has been advocating for water conservation since moving to New Zealand from Germany 12 years ago.

He is pleased that New Zealanders are starting to see the environmental benefits of using recycled water, rather than flushing good drinking water down the toilet.

“It’s better for the environment and infrastructure,” he says.

Aloaqua has been operating out of Christchurch for three and a half years.

Demand for Intewa rainwater harvesting and greywater recycling systems is continuing to grow.

“We are finding that people are very receptive because they want to live in environmentally responsible homes.

“We carried out an installation in a Queenstown home recently and are getting enquiries from all over New Zealand and the Pacific. For many clients, it is about having a sustainable water supply that is not dependent on infrastructure.

“Interest in this will only grow stronger as people’s awareness of water conservation grows.

“Worldwide, we are seeing a shift towards more locally based water treatment and less of a reliance on massive infrastructure.”

Join the revolution in high performance, energy efficient homes.

Harakeke offers advice on every aspect of building energy-efficient homes, from foundations to wall panels; different heating resources; solar panels; non-toxic materials; rainwater collection; everything in-between. We work only with architects, designers, builders and suppliers who share our passion to make a difference, and are committed to building healthier, energy-efficient homes.

Harakeke Consultants Claudia Kaltenstadler Mobile: +64 21 118 4843 Email: info@harakekeconsultants.co.nz www.harakekeconsultants.co.nz

12 |

May 2016 SUPERHOME MOVEMENT

Methven

New technology a ‘ground breaker’ Jo Bailey Methven has developed a revolutionary new showering technology; Aurajet, which according to the company is “turning conventional showering on its head”.

The ground-breaking Aurajet technology has been incorporated into Methven’s Aio shower to deliver a full-bodied spray with maximum body contact and all over warmth.

“It’s our most advanced, most invigorating shower experience yet,” says Marek Koliandr, Methven’s consumer and trade marketing manager.

Aurajet uses hidden nozzles, which generate individual jets of water that collide against precisely angled surfaces within the contours of the showerhead.

At the moment of collision, the water travels across the surface edge and lodges out from the channel, creating stunning fans of water in a wide, even spray, with enhanced droplet density, increased overall coverage and maximum warmth.

Using just nine litres of water per minute, Aurajet generates up to 20% more total spray force than other traditional needle spray showers, and has twice the amount of surface area of water in contact with the skin than traditional showers.

“It delivers a luxurious shower and does so in a very energy and water efficient way.

“It is an ideal product for anyone building a Superhome, as it saves on water and energy bills without compromising the shower experience for the consumer.”

Marek says the company spent thousands of hours on research and development to produce the technology.

“Consumer research conducted in New Zealand, Australia and the United Kingdom was at the heart of the development of Aurajet from concept through to delivery. This was undertaken over a number of years to ensure the exciting new technology would deliver the best possible consumer experience.”

From the outset, Methven’s research provided clear guidance as to what people felt was important when they were selecting a shower for their

Aurajet uses hidden nozzles, which generate individual jets of water that collide against precisely angled surfaces within the contours of the showerhead. bathroom and what their key considerations were when making this important purchase, he says.

“It also gave us a key insight into what people feel makes a good showering experience and what they really want out of their shower time.”

The design of the Aurajet showerhead has been just as well thought out as its function, with the inside of the showerhead halo coming in a range of five colour options to match consumers’ bathrooms.

Aurajet, like all of the Methven’s showering technology, comes with a lifetime guarantee.

The company was founded in Dunedin in 1886 when George Methven first started to produce brass and iron hardware.

Today, Methven is world renowned for its beautifully designed showers, taps and valves.

The company’s expertise in hydrodynamics is acknowledged around the world and it has won a slew of international design awards for its products.

This year the Aurajet shower technology won a German Design Award ‘Special Award’; following a Gold in the Consumer Product category at the New Zealand BEST Design Awards; and Gold: Innovation in Sustainability at the UK Kitchen and Bathroom Designer Awards, in 2015.

Methven was also winner of the Innovation in Design and Engineering and Export Innovator of the Year categories at the 2015 New Zealand Innovators Awards.

New products at the fore Windows are one of the most critical elements to get right in an energy-efficient home, because they are a weak point in the thermal envelope, says Bob Burnett.

“I think of windows pretty much like a hole in the wall, so if they are incorrect in size, orientation or specification, a home won’t be energy efficient.

“Given that windows provide approximately a tenth of the thermal value of the wall, any gains can make a big difference.”

Typically New Zealand windows are installed flush with the outside cladding, which means they sit in the coldest part of the wall.

“An investment in high performance uPVC framed European style windows like the ones used in the 10 Star homes are a vastly better option.

Importantly they have been recessed back into the warmer part of the wall so look quite different aesthetically and provide significant improvements to thermal performance.

Bob says the uPVC European windows have been shown to be three times as effective as typical double glazing, given their non conductive frames and Low E Excel glass panes, separated with by thermex plastic spacers and argon gas.

“The R value of a typical aluminium window is 0.26, whereas a good uPVC window rates between 0.53 and 0.7 (which the 10 star homes have).

When they are recessed back into the walls, the rating of the uPVC windows is even better.”

Another exciting innovation used to construct the 10 Star homes is a new GIBFIX framing system introduced by Winstone Wallboards.

“We are early adopters of this framing type, which is a great example of a smart system that offers significant improvements, but doesn’t

cost more, and epitomises what the Superhome Movement is about.”

The resulting better-braced walls provide more earthquake resilience, are more thermally efficient, and are also more cost effective due to a significant reduction in the amount of timber used.

When constructing the 10 Star homes, Bob tweaked and enhanced the GIBFIX system by removing the non-essential dwangs/nogs completely to get even more insulation into the walls, which also eliminates the need to drill holes for electrical and plumbing services, saving time.

“By not having timber blocking studs at corner junctions where internal walls intersect with external walls we can get far more insulation into the home.

The system instead incorporates metal angles at wall junctions that also make the walls stronger.

There is also less chance of any popping of fixings, which provides a better surface finish inside the home. This framing system is such a no brainer that I expect it to become the new normal for timber framing in New Zealand.”

Walls were further improved with thicker 140mm LVL (laminated Veneer Lumber) frames providing for better strength, straighter walls and superior thermal performance.

From a builder’s point of view, Bob says the frames arrive on site looking “slightly different”, but otherwise the construction process is seamless.

Builder Ivan Stanicich of Fowler Homes agrees.

He has “no hesitation” in recommending the GIBFIX Frame system.

“One of the key things is the reduction in defects and callbacks, which is a win for clients, the builder and future business. Once you grasp the system it makes perfect sense.”

Windows are one of the most critical elements to get right in an energy-efficient home.

The next generation of showering has arrived.

Introducing the unique Aio halo-shaped design.

20% more spray force* 2 x the amount of skin contact* Ultra wide coverage High/Mains pressure only WELS high pressure 3 9l/m * Compared to a Methven conventional shower at 9L per minute

methven.com/aurajet

14 |

May 2016 SUPERHOME MOVEMENT

NK Windows

Windows key to thermal efficiency Kelly Deeks New Zealand’s first 10 Homestar Built home and the first project in the country to achieve a 9 Homestar Design rating, a high performance Superhome, has many sustainable features including the latest in European styling and technology with uPVC windows from NK Windows.

The uPVC windows have been used extensively in building products in Europe since the 1950s.

Historical issues with the material, such as maintaining integrity in a high UV environment, and a range of colours that only included white, have long since been solved and uPVC now accounts for more than 60% of the European window market.

NK Windows managing director Martin Ball says the company’s range is engineered to the highest standards and doesn’t just look great, but can actually enhance the functionality of a home.

The NK Windows system contributed to the 10 Homestar Built rating with its non-conductive uPVC frames recessed into the wall and holding double glazed, argon filled, low thermal emissivity (low E) glass. The combined system has an R value of 0.75, fulfilling the Homestar criteria for R value greater than 0.7.

The home is situated in Church Square in Addington, Christchurch and was designed by Julie Villard of Bob Burnett Architecture, and has been available as a show home since construction was completed in the middle of last year.

Martin says while this end of the market is still a bit of a premium in New Zealand, “more and more people are starting to think a bit more longterm and are getting tired of cold, draughty homes and condensation on their window frames”.

“A lot of people don’t really understand thermal efficiency, and that’s one of our challenges,” he says.

NK Windows systems make homes safer, warmer, quieter, and greener.

Fittings are fastened into steel-reinforced frames, which are screw fastened to multiple points in the house framing.

The systems only support glazing and deglazing from inside the window so they’re extremely difficult to breach, while galvanised steel reinforcements add rigidity.

Multiple locks hold windows and doors in place, securing the sashes from each side and greatly enhancing security.

More cost effective warmth is offered by the system’s outstanding thermal performance, with five insulating air chambers combined with the naturally effective insulator, uPVC.

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The tightly secured double window seal, combined with a high sound insulation material such as uPVC and the use of correct glazing, also contributes to the NK Windows system reducing exterior noise by up to 90 percent.

Double glazed uPVC Windows and Doors from NK Windows will help keep generated heat inside, maintaining a more consistent temperature and cutting power costs.

NK Windows’ triple glazed glass panels result in even more efficiency and will also contribute to a healthier environment, with every saved kilowatt hour reducing the carbon dioxide emission by one kilo. Thermix® spacers are a standard feature on all NK Windows Systems, making for a significant reduction in heat loss relative to the window as a whole, and playing a particularly vital role in helping to drive down heating bills.

Specially formulated twin rubber seals, one on the sash and one on the frame, ensure that the NK Windows System is sealed tight when closed and keeps out moisture, dust, noise and the cold.

Proud to work with NK Windows Hayley Murdoch

The seals are formulated to withstand New Zealand’s UV radiation and harsh weather conditions, including those found in coastal and alpine environments.

The tightly secured double window seal, combined with a high sound insulation material such as uPVC and the use of correct glazing, also contributes to the NK Windows system reducing exterior noise by up to 90%.

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“More and more people are starting to think a bit more long-term and are getting tired of cold, draughty homes and condensation on their window frames.”

Proud to Support NK Windows Level 1, 134 Riccarton Road PO Box 8016, Christchurch Tel (03) 964 4270 Fax (03) 964 4272

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Get a fresh NEW look with a respray

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Furniture or kitchens discuss your options EXCITING COLOURS | QUALITY FINISH

027 415 6218 hayley@sumtotal.co.nz

NK Windows offers a highly sustainable joinery option, with its lead-free uPVC window and door systems almost 100% recyclable, and the company’s profile supplier incorporating recycled uPVC into its profiles, conserving resources and saving disposal costs. uPVC is one of the lowest maintenance options for window frames and the frames have a life expectancy of 30 years.

46 Mowbray St, Christchurch | 365 2519 info@mfturnbull.co.nz | www.mfturnbull.co.nz

Ph: 03 356 1387 A/H: 021 361 103 e: chch@awomanstouch.co.nz www.awomanstouch.co.nz

SUPERHOME MOVEMENT May 2016

NK Windows

| 15

The NK Windows system contributed to Superhome’s 10 Homestar rating with its non-conductive uPVC frames recessed into the wall and holding double glazed, argon filled, low thermal emissivity glass.

The best for everyone When delivering its customers’ freight, national transport company United Movers acts as an extension of their business and therefore a reflection of them, so the company ensures it provides nothing less than the best service, staff, and equipment, to get jobs done right the first time.

United was established nearly 20 years ago in Dunedin by Simon Ussher.

“I was an accountant who wanted to drive a truck,” he says. He started out doing household removals, then moved into commercial freight, setting up regular interisland runs.

With most of his business coming out of Christchurch, he relocated and opened United’s second branch there.

The business continued to grow and in 2005 Simon moved to Auckland to set up the North Island operation.

Today the company operates out of Dunedin, Christchurch, Wellington, and Auckland, and goes interisland every day.

With an extensive fleet of 45 trucks and 20 trailers, United can cater to any freight requirements regardless of where in the country they need to go.

“With regular runs nationwide, we happily unite our customers with their freight on time, and under budget,” Simon says.

United specialises in carrying commercial and fragile freight.

All the company’s trucks are closed bodied rather than curtain sides, and carpet lined including batons and tie rails.

Items of fragile freight are hand wrapped, hand stacked, and hand tied with all the care that fragile freight requires. Each branch’s fork hoist often sits in the corner of the yard untouched for days.

“We are passionate about what we do and we’re leaders in the industry because of the way we do it,” Simon says.

“As specialist carriers of anything that might dent, scratch, shatter, or crumble, we know how to take care of fragile products while they travel anywhere nationwide.”

United runs MAF approved depots in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, and Dunedin, which are equipped to handle all container devanning requirements.

T h e f l a g b e a re r s of the fragile f re i g h t i n d u s t r y

Modern, spacious, and secure storage facilities mean United Movers can house goods for as long as necessary before dispatching it for delivery or collection.

United is proud to be involved in the community on both a local and national level, taking corporate responsibility seriously with a commitment to making a positive impact on the communities it engages with.

United is a proud sponsor of the Westpac Rescue Helicopter and a number of young athletes and sports teams.

New Zealand Wide www.unitedmovers.co.nz

SUPERHOME »

ARCHITECTURE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNERS

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LOW ENERGY HOMES

 Nook and ZBUILT collaboration The well-known quote,“Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result” has long provided inspiration for people the world over and now two local Christchurch businesses are using it as the basis of an exciting collaboration.Their project? To create an affordable, low energy home that sits well above the minimum building code requirements.

ZBUILT and Nook Architecture have come together with the same goal and very clear requirements in mind: to investigate the products available in the market today and question the construction methods in use to see if there is a better way to put what they know into practice.They decided they wanted to design and build a home that had to look good, have smart use of space and be focused on energy efficiency.There was one other important requirement: the construction of this clever, low energy home needed to be affordable.

Let’s take a brief look at the development of today’s building requirements: up until around 1930, building requirements were very loose until the establishment of the ‘Building Regulations Committee and Standards NZ’, which resulted in the introduction of relevant measures and laws. In the early 1990’s the government developed a concept for a way to regulate the way we build houses; this in turn became known as the,‘The Building Code – a set of minimum performance requirements that all new building work had to meet’.

To this day, some 20-odd years later and with very few changes along the way, the Building Code is still a set of minimum performance requirements that all new building work needs to meet. So we ask the question,“Is building to the minimum building code standard good enough?” ZBUILT and Nook Architecture believe New Zealand homeowners deserve better.Their project will far outreach the minimum building standards, be energy efficient, and completely transparent, from start to finish.

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Warren Clarke, Lead Designer at Nook Architecture says he has always had an interest in creating energy efficiency in new home designs. He designs houses that are passively heated, with comfortable outdoor experiences through accounting for the predominant direction of the Sun, and prevailing winds.

Having completed a course on “Passive House Design” Warren readily applies these principals to all his designs.

Josh Smith, General Manager of ZBUILT, has been researching building construction methods and energy efficiency for the past three years. He says this project will be well documented and publically shared along the way: the good, the bad and the ugly.

The idea is to show people how the two companies developed this conceptual project and what dictated their final choices.

Josh says,“it’s hard to see how we can achieve a product if all we show is the end result, so by being open with our energy modelling and construction up front and during the project we will be able to test how accurate our data is.”

The ZBUILT/Nook show home is currently being assessed by the SuperHome Movement and will be available for viewing both during construction and once completed.This project has been designed to be totally transparent, with construction time frames, costs, designing issues, and budget restraints available to the public. The home is focused on performance which means the energy efficiency aspects have taken priority over ‘fancy’ items, such as tiled showers and granite bench tops.

Not only is this home tracking to be an affordable build, it will also be affordable to run. Initial energy efficient modelling has this 185 square metre home using no more than $1440 a year on average for two adults and two teenage children. Once built the home will boast a power tracker, recording all of the data for energy consumption which will also be available for the public to see.

If you are interested in learning more about this home, call the team at ZBUILT or Nook Architecture, they will be more than happy to discuss how their knowledge can help you with your new home.

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#ALLBLACKEVERYTHING ZBUILT DESIGNER HOMES 0800-ZBUILT

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