Property & Construction | Prefab NZ manufacturing equipment such as cutters and routers.
rigid insulating foam core. The skins and foam core create the high strength that buildings need. Good news for Christchurch people - in “That machinery can’t be used outside so if wall applications, SIPs provide exceptional you want high-quality technical precision, strength, making them suitable as shear walls then you need to be inside.” and structural diaphragms to resist high winds It’s that technical precision that makes prefab and earthquakes. homes green homes. This also impacts on They’re also good for the environment - their a building’s quality. By constructing parts design means they have the ability to create (components, panels, modules or complete a tight, high-performance building envelope. buildings) in a controlled environment, The panels can help reduce annual heating away from inclement weather, worker and and cooling demands. Plus, the tightness resource use can be closely monitored and productivity enhanced. of the SIPs’ envelope also makes buildings healthier – good for asthmatics, those with Many of the sustainable features new homes allergies, children and the elderly. could include will be on display at Hive. For example, Meridian Energy will be working with Premier Modular to show a house that incorporates Solar City solar hot water panels. This Zero Energy House will be made using Structural Insulated Panels. Structural Insulated Panels (SIPs) are made of two outer sheathing layers laminated to a
Design teams are using SIPs in a range of architectural styles all around the world SIP buildings look no different than other construction materials, and can be used in innovative designs like any other material. People who visit the Zero Energy House at Hive will be able to see the SIPs in action themselves.
Meridian was also the force behind the award-winning First Light House, the first Kiwi bach to be entirely powered by the sun. First Light House, designed by Victoria University architecture students, has received global recognition, coming third in the prestigious US Department of Energy Solar Decathlon competition in 2011. All of the pre-engineered houses at Hive will be energy-efficient, proven by their Homestar rating of six stars and up, a considerable starting point as most new homes have a rating of just four stars. If visitors to Hive like one of the homes and decide to buy their personalised version of it, they have the option of putting in more green additions to make their house even more sustainable.
a standard New Zealand house to maintain a comfortable indoor climate. The home retains heat and uses heat from the sun so that there is almost no need for heat supply or a heating system. Like a thermos flask, more heat is retained and less energy is needed to maintain the temperature. Careful design and detailing with a comprehensive understanding of the passive house principles means it is possible to construct a house which uses almost no energy for heating and has a fantastic indoor climate. That means people with a passive house spend a fraction of what normal households spend on power, as well as caring for the environment.
Architecturally designed yet affordable
Not only do green homes protect our beautiful Prefab’s maligned reputation from the last environment, they save money on bills. Take the century of building mass-produced identical Passive House which will be on show at Hive. buildings can no longer be justified. Built by Green Vicus Passive Homes, it uses only 5-10 percent of the energy required by
Bell says some of the best architects, here and overseas, are passionate about prebuilt designs. “What’s so important with this resurgence of interest in prefab since 2001 is that it’s made possible through digital customisation and fabrication that wasn’t technologically possible last century.” A number of well-respected architectural firms are working on creating the homes on display at Hive. “Andre Hodgskin - who is known as a highend architect designing exceptional homes - is working with Keith Hay Homes, to make one of the houses at Hive. “So what we’re seeing is well-established architects working with businesses that deliver affordable housing. This will result in a whole new range of architect-designed affordable houses that have not been available in the marketplace before. “For example, Wilson & Hill architects have worked with Laing Homes to develop the Smart Home – that’s a green and beautifully designed home that will be at Hive. It’s also very affordable, you can get a high-quality two-bedroom house for around $220,000.”
Left: Zero Energy House (featuring SIPs) - by Premier Modular.
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www.canterburytoday.co.nz February/March 2012 | 43