Home & Garden Winter 2011

WINTER 2011

Colour up – accent your world with the latest shades Stay calm, carry on and create a beautiful home From the garden – exotic, tropical escapes and colourful winter schemes

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4/05/11 4:04 PM

WINTER 2011 4. COLOUR YOUR WORLD Go on, be brave 9. Food Fragrant Asian Beef recipe 10. HEAT PUMPS Fast, efficient heat for the home 13. Steel Frame Homes Becoming popular in New Zealand 14. Winter warmth Rinnai’s new NEO™ fire 16. WINTER NESTING Everybody’s doing it 18. Lockwood Solid Wood Homes 21. A SPA THIS WINTER Why wouldn’t you?

22. EFFICIENT HEATING It really does pay 24. IN BEDDED BLISS: The bed of your dreams 26. Startling Statistics Keep your home asthma free 28. HEATING Choosing the right heating system for your home 29. WINTER GARDENS They can be colourful 30. TROPICAL GARDEN Auckland garden with a Bali flavour FRONT COVER IMAGE Credit: Tranz/Corbis. Fire: Rinnai NEO™.

MANAGING EDITOR Oliver Lee EDITORIAL Sandra Batley Kathy Goodwin Jesma Magill Sue Story PRODUCTION Mervyn Hurley hurley new zealand limited mervyn.hurley@hurleynewzealand.co.nz Printer Webstar, Masterton Publisher Copyright Reproduction in whole or in part by any means is prohibited.

PO Box 331-667, Takapuna Auckland 0740, New Zealand T: 09 486 6966 E: oliver@oliverleepublications.co.nz

The opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the publisher.

Although all material is checked for accuracy, no liability is assumed by the publisher for any loss due to use of material in this magazine.

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Colour Your World By Jesma Magill To use it or not to use it – that’s usually the question decorators face when thinking about refreshing their home

Bold colours and design are making a comeback, but muted tones and patterns are still popular.

ABOVE: Bohemia, by Warwick Fabrics. BELOW: Cushion by Designers’ Guild, Allium Interiors.

W

hether to take refuge in a calm, neutral palette, or go on a joyous romp through the colour chart – these are the dilemmas that can keep some people agonizing for months. For those reluctant to take risks with colour, remember: it’s only paint, it’s fine to experiment and the best way to go is select those colours that make you feel good.

Keeping in mind the constant stream of innovations that bring us fantastic new products and services every day – it’s incredible to think there are still only seven colours in existence, with black and white to create different and magical versions.

Sure, there are a myriad of tints, tones and shades born of these pivotal colours (10,000 at one person’s count), but, with each one, their essence can be taken back to the original.

With that in mind, choosing colours should be easy, right? Well, actually, no. Things get a little complicated when new trends come along and put a new spin on things – and while we like to think we’re not slaves to fashion, there’s something alluring about keeping half an eye on what’s hot.

past nature – looking to the russet tones of a fallen autumn leaf, or the sublime combinations found within a flower.

To discover where some of our colour trends originate from, we take a look overseas – at world events, how people react to them, how they influence behaviour and how they make them feel.

And it’s those feelings that designers tap into when they create their ranges.

Thankfully, when life seems too desperate (think earthquakes, tsunamis and nuclear plant meltdowns), distractions come along. We so need them, these lighter times that we grasp on to eagerly and there’s nothing like a good old British royal wedding (for most of us), to do just that.

For those who do like a lot of colour in the home, accent walls have taken on a dramatic look. There’s nothing surer than taxes, death and changing trends and the colour pendulum has swung again, vigorously. No longer content with one colour on a wall, some are opting for five.

Aside from the pomp, ceremony and celebrity lineup integral to Kate and Will Wales’ stately extravaganza, there was the influence that a wedding in the highest echelons of the Blue Bloods had on the global colour palette.

But if you find it difficult to choose one colour, let alone five of them, you might need some inspiration and for that, you can’t go

Royal overtones – purples, indigo and gold – have been coming through for a while now in fashion and design, as trend forecasters

WINTER 2011

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» article continued page 7

Build with steel and breathe easy A home built with Axxis® Steel for Framing contributes towards a healthy home. Axxis® Steel has been accepted into the Asthma and Respiratory Foundation of New Zealand’s ‘Sensitive Choice’ programme - it doesn’t support mould growth, won’t rot, contains no additional preservative chemicals and won’t give off gases or emit VOCs. And because steel is 100% recyclable again and again with a resulting minimal impact on landfill, Axxis® Steel for Framing is a smart choice for the environment. To discover how Axxis® Steel for Framing contributes to a healthy home - visit www.axxis.co.nz today.

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O T T N A W I DON’T N O Y E N O M SPEND O T G N I H T E SOM .

N I S E H T O WASH CL D N E P S O T I WANT .

S E H T O L C N IT O W W W. H A I E R . C O . N Z

Colour Your World …continued from page 4

Get your walls in fashion ABOVE LEFT: Charlottenberg by Designers’ Guild, Allium Interiors.

TOP RIGHT & ABOVE: Nordic Range by Warwick Fabrics – bringing an air of natural brilliance to New Zealand homes.

have waited, poised over their drawing boards, for the long-predicted engagement announcement. In tandem with these solemn ecclesiastical tones (think cardinals, kings and politicians), the seeminglytrustworthy conservative Gentlemen’s Club tones are coming through too, though with a quirky, ironic spin.

objects made even more beautiful by time, intricately embroidered detail on textiles and illustrated stories of ancient societies woven into rugs, reminding us that great civilisations have already achieved so much.

Moving from the richer tones (after all, they’re not to everyone’s taste), there’s honeysuckle, mauve and soft yellows – colours that are clearer, softer, more Not only has Mother Nature been nurturing and nostalgic. To guarantee the having a go at us, the global banking look isn’t too cloying, fraternity has given though, give it touches us a hammering too, of bright accents, such leading to a market For a stronger Kiwi-inspired, as reds, oranges and meltdown and a rightly placed mistrust of old somewhat retro feel, look to brighter yellows. and dusty institutions.

For a stronger Resene Hot N Spicy – a dynamic With this in mind, think Kiwi-inspired, scoria-inspired red Gentlemen’s Club, kick somewhat retro feel, out the naughty people, look to Resene keep the best of the Hot N Spicy – a look – rich tones, wood panel walls, leather dynamic scoria-inspired red, teamed sofas, natural linens, tantalising textiles and with Resene Miso (a yellowed neutral), the 21st century lighting – then jazz it up, lots. gold-green influence of Resene Kombi and Rich red burgundy features with sparkling grounded with Resene Blackout, a strong jewel shades, teal and soft gold, burnt orange carbon brown. and violet – all looking resplendent through Neutrals are on the move too for those the gloomy gray of winter. wishing to take the ride – from cooler grays Thoughts of escape lead us to foreign lands and if we can’t travel there, at least we can surround ourselves within its inspiration at home; mysterious, exotic, warm and colourful, far from our everyday lives. Spicy colours, exquisite hand-made

to more nurturing browns. And there’s a further emphasis on colours and textiles with an aged effect, a softened, weatherworn appearance, proof that some things bravely stand the test of time. And now to the test pots – there’s no time to lose. page 7

WINTER 2011

The new The Range 2011/12 from Resene is full of inspiring designer paint colours designed for 2011/12 and beyond.

Each colour features complementary colour ideas to help you splash your personality around your home.

Get inspired with a Resene The Range 2011/12 fashion fandeck worth $9.95 FREE! Simply bring this ad into your local Resene ColorShop and we’ll give you the latest Resene The Range 2011/12 fashion fandeck brimming with colours to get your walls into fashion.

Limited to one The Range 2011/12 fandeck per advertisement at Resene-owned ColorShops only until 30 June 2011.

0800 RESENE (737 363) www.resene.co.nz WINTER 2011

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Good Hearty Winter Sustenance By Sue Story As winter nights draw in favourite recipes beckon Resene Curtain Collection Xpressions - Ebony

Other colourways available

Charcoal

FRAGRANT ASIAN BEEF

AUNT AMY’S APPLE ROLLS

Asian flavours lighten this dish which can be cooked on the stove top or slow cooker.

Serves 4-6

Serves 4 This was a favourite dessert on cold winter nights when I was a child. Leave out the spices if preferred.

1 tbsp each fresh ginger, garlic and lemongrass or lemon rind 2 long red chillies, seeded and chopped.

(Big pieces for less heat, small pieces for more) 1-2 tbsp Vietnamese mint (or Kiwi mint) or Thai basil 3 tbsp fish sauce 1 tsp sugar 2 tsp sesame oil 900-1kg gravy beef or chuck steak cut in 2.5 cm dice 1 leek or onion, sliced 1 cup chicken stock 165ml tin light coconut cream

55-60g butter

Finely chop herbs and chillies using a small blender if desired. Add fish sauce, sugar and sesame oil and pour over beef. Leave to marinate overnight at least to really develop the flavours.

The next day, heat a non-stick frying pan and brown the beef in two batches using a little oil if necessary then transfer to a heavy saucepan or slow cooker.

In the same frying pan cook the leek or onion then add the chicken stock and coconut cream and add to the meat in the saucepan.

Cover and simmer gently for about 3 hours or slow cook following your machine’s instructions.

(You may need to reduce the chicken stock by half or use cornflour to thicken).

Serve with rice and stir-fried vegetables.

Flame

1 cup self raising flour (or plain flour and 1 tsp BP) 2 tsp powdered ginger or cinnamon if liked ¹/³ cup milk approximately 2 Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored and quartered

Pre-heat oven to 160°C fan (180°C non fan).

In large bowl, rub butter into the flour and spices if desired, using the tips of your fingers. Mix with milk to make a soft dough.

Peel, core and quarter the apples.

Roll the dough out thinly on a lightly floured surface (it should measure about 20-25cm square) and cut into 8 shapes to fold around each apple quarter.

Place in a single layer in a greased oven proof dish. The rolls should fit snugly and have the outside part of the apple facing up so that the join is face down.

Mix 25g butter, ½ cup brown sugar, ¾ cup boiling water, 1 tbsp Golden Syrup and pour over rolls.

Bake for 25 mins or until tops are golden and apples soft.

Serve with vanilla ice cream.

You can use any other apples such as Braeburn but the timings may be different.

page 9

Curtains

that co-ordinate with your walls

A collection of stunning fabrics and designs that co-ordinate with popular Resene wall colours.

So now you can choose your new Resene curtains when you choose your Resene paint.

Available from Resene ColorShops and selected curtain specialists.

www.resene.com/curtains

50 voucher

$

Get a $50 Resene paint voucher FREE with all purchases of Resene Curtain Collection fabrics or curtains over $1000.

See your local Resene owned ColorShop or curtain specialist for details. Offer ends 31 August 2011. Limit one free voucher per customer/qualifying purchase.

WINTER 2011

Pumping The Heat – Heat Pumps Are Efficient It’s important to choose a heat pump that suits

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But there are heat pumps, and there are heat pumps and when it comes to deciding which one to buy, a few considerations need to be worked through.

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With a number of different makes and models on the market, it’s important to match the capacity and suitability of a system with your personal requirements.

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Generally, wall or floor units are easy to install and ideal for straightforward heating needs; ceiling and cassette systems are suited for larger areas and modern homes; and ducted systems most popular for high-end residential and commercial properties.

Always read the label and use only as directed.

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Get yours today at selected health stores & pharmacies.

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H

eat pumps have been identified as one of the most energy efficient forms of heating on the market, according to the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority, the EECA.

James Smith from Panasonic says because every home is different, it’s important to choose a heat pump that suits the size of the space you wish to heat.

“There are other variables to consider too, such as the outside air temperature, the size of the room, or rooms you wish to heat, the number of windows and the insulation in a home.”

For maximum heat dispersal and efficiency, heat pumps can appear quite prominently in a room and in the process WINTER 2011

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of pumping heat, naturally generate a bit of noise, so deciding on the ideal position is vital.

To save money, energy resources and avoid high running costs, choose a system with a high Energy Star Rating and to assess a heat pump’s efficiency, look for the COP or the CO-efficient of Performance rating. This shows the ratio between the electricity a unit uses and the heat it produces – the higher the number, the more efficient the heat pump will be.

“When you choose the right sized unit and operate it smartly with a programme suited to your own lifestyle, heat pumps are a viable system for your family,” says Smith.

To check your energy usage, Genesis Energy has launched Energy Usage Graphs. Genesis Energy customers with an Advanced Meter can log on to the online service My Account and see exactly how much their energy usage is on a monthly, daily and even hourly basis, via easy-to read online graphs. For more information visit genesisenergy.co.nz/advancedmeter

Home heating accounts for a big chunk of your winter energy bills. But if you install a Panasonic heat pump you could reduce those bills by up to $1,000 a year.+ Maybe more.

Plus, if you install* a heat pump before 31 August 2011, we’ll credit up to $300 (incl. GST) to your home’s Genesis Energy bill.^ You’ll also earn 500 bonus Brownie Points^ to put towards all sorts of treats from our customer rewards programme.

For an even cosier nest this winter, visit us online or call us now.

^Offer

ends 31 August 2011. Only available to Genesis Energy residential post-pay electricity and/or natural gas customers, but not available to bottled LPG-only customers or InCharge customers. Credits of $200 or $300 available depending on the heat pump model chosen. Visit genesisenergy.co.nz/heatpump for full details. *Offer available on selected Panasonic heat pumps. For Multi type systems only one redemption per outdoor unit applies. +This is an indicative saving only. Visit genesisenergy.co.nz/heatpump for calculations and assumptions.

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MBA 7710 House & Garden Ad FA.in1 1

4/11/11 9:22:07 AM

Steel-framed Housing Growing Trend Here and Worldwide By Kathy Goodwin About 1000 homes are built in NZ each year using steel framing

N

TOP LEFT and RIGHT: Clearview Primary School under construction and after completion.

ew Zealand Steel, based at Glenbrook 65 kilometres south east of Auckland, began making iron and steel in 1970 in a unique process used to reduce locally sourced ironsand into metallic iron. Best known for its COLORSTEEL® brand, New Zealand Steel is also the manufacturer of AXXIS® steel for framing.

Steel framing offers a variety of design possibilities because its high strength to weight ratio allows excellent spanning capability, providing more design freedom to cost-effectively create wide, open interior spaces in your home.

Manufactured from ABOVE: Steel framing was chosen for this Taupo lifestyle home.

About 1000 homes are locally mined west built in New Zealand each coast ironsand and year using steel framing, considered by a growing number of a component of recycled steel, the framing needs no additional preservative chemicals, and there’s minimal wastage because it’s builders, architects and homeowners, to be the smart choice for pre-manufactured. Steel is also 100% recyclable many times over a quality home. without losing its properties.

Other parts of the world increasingly using steel framing for Schools are also increasingly using light steel framing. Clearview house building include Japan, the Middle East, the United States, Primary School in Rolleston, Christchurch, opened in February last Australia, South Africa and the United Kingdom. year, and amazingly the entire school was built in just under 300 The company’s AXXIS® steel is a high strength product days and within budget. specifically designed for our country’s house-framing market and One of the fastest design-build schools in the country, the weather conditions. Steel framing is straight and stable delivering contract included classrooms, a library, hall-gym, offices, caretaker a perfect finish, and it won’t warp or twist because it doesn’t shed and associated parking and playgrounds. absorb moisture.

Paul Blackler, General Manager of Mainzeal’s Southern Region, Maintenance problems such as cracked linings and sticking said because the school needed to be built quickly over winter, doors don’t exist. It won’t support the spread of fire and has been light steel framing was chosen, so they were not constrained by successfully tested in conjunction with brick veneer for earthquake moisture content in timber framing, thereby ensuring consistent resistance. Its durability means it won’t rot or support mould growth, quality and dimensional stability. or suffer from borer or other insects. Galvanised with a 100% zinc And when the earthquakes shook the city, though parts of coating for protection, house frames made from AXXIS® steel are Rolleston were severely affected, the school structure stood up backed by a 50-year Durability Statement from New Zealand Steel. well and only had to close for a very short time for safety clearance.

Today, steel house frames are manufactured by computer controlled rollforming machines, which draw the AXXIS® steel strip from coils up to 1,250m long and weighing up to 1,500kg.

The entire building’s framing is then packed and delivered to the building site.

page 13

WINTER 2011

The Coolest Way to Keep Warm This Winter And it comes in freestanding or wall-mounted options

ABOVE: Rinnai NEO™ Inbuilt gas fireplace.

T

he first natural draft gas fireplace available in New Zealand with a greater than 4 star energy rating across all installations, has been developed by Rinnai, offering you the coolest way to keep warm this Winter.

The Rinnai NEO™ Gas Fireplace comes in a choice of models to suit any home décor or style of installation. The wall mounted inbuilt option is ideal for sleek, contemporary homes, while the freestanding plinth or console model suits a more traditional look.

With an impressive heat output of 6.9kW’ for Natural Gas and 6.04kW’ for LPG, the gas fireplace will warm most living areas with power to spare. The clever thermostat of the ETR model modulates to keep the temperature at your desired level, while minimising energy use.

The innovative design allows you to choose your own gas fireplace. From a standard manual flame control to a full featured Electronic Timer Remote, the choice is yours.

Plus it offers a range of modern fascia design options. Even better, it can be fitted to existing masonry fireplaces or built into a wall – it’s that easy.

With an impressive 4.1 Star Energy Rating, it uses LPG or Natural Gas, heating large areas of your home for less. At over 80% efficiency, it qualifies for both the EECA Warm up New Zealand; WINTER 2011

page 14

heat smart, and the Christchurch efficient heating chimney replacement programme.

Flueing options are available for all Rinnai NEO™ installations using natural draft flueing similar to the Rinnai Timberflame™, Reflection™ and Lumina™ ranges, while using the same control system, including wall thermostat on the ETR model, as the Symmetry™.

To help you accurately work out the right sized heater for the needs and comfort of your home and family, EECA energywise has devised a heater sizing calculator.

Check it out on www.energywise.govt.nz/how-to-be-energyefficient/your-house/heater-sizing-calculator.

You’ll be asked to select where in New Zealand you live, the type of room you’re wanting to heat, if you already have insulation, the number of external walls, the window size in each room you want to heat (as a percentage of the wall area), and the room area (metres squared – length in metres x width in metres).

A bit of timely research before you buy could save you a lot of expense and disappointment later.

Warm The Home and Banish The Cold By Jesma Magill

Our environments – manmade and natural – influence our moods, and both have giv There’s heightened love for family and friends and an appreciation for what we can still call ours. We realise just how fragile our hold on our world actually is, and at times like these, search for a sense of solidity and authenticity.

Well designed products are more important than ever. There are already too many badly made, cheap goods available and there’s a move against buying flimsy items that devour precious resources in their manufacture.

As a result (and with encouragement from a sluggish global economy), we’ve taken to recycling – and revamping, replenishing and rejuvenating – many of the objects that surround us and it seems that respect is now informing our actions, in our communities and at home. It’s time to cherish what we have.

Precious family heirlooms, personal mementoes and goods made by hand with integrity, reminding us of the past and encouraging us to move forward gently into the future.

One thing there is in abundance, however, is choice and that means there’s a style for every disposition this winter – from bright, breezy and optimistic; through to somber, hunker-down tones from by-gone eras given a contemporary spin. Sophisticated neutrals offering a safe and serene harbour lie in between, with glorious bursts of accents giving the palette vitality.

Trying times encourage escapism and glamour goes along for the ride. It’s not an arrogant glitzy show that forgets global traumas, though; it’s a sensitive, pared-back glamour and for accent walls (or entire rooms for the brave), think wallpaper.

ABOVE: Resene First Light – the ideal warm backdrop to a traditional afternoon tea.

W

ith floods, tsunamis, earthquakes and shaky economies too; we’re left with the feeling that the world’s gone bonkers. And when some people don’t have a home anymore, replacing the sofa just seems plain wrong. But if we all stopped in our tracks, our own world would grind to a halt, and that’s not helping anybody.

Our lives do carry on, but in a different way. Many people fortunate to be out of harm’s way during recent global catastrophes have seen the haunting media images of communities destroyed and lives lost and know of people whose lives have been affected.

Through such life-changing events, we realise what’s most important – and that’s people. Of course our homes are important, but with no one inside them, they’re merely empty spaces.

WINTER 2011

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Today’s wallpapers emphasise texture, intrigue and a tantalising play of light. Metallic threads are woven through designs and glossy patterns glow alluringly over matt backgrounds. Hanging wallpaper is much easier these days, thankfully, and with the vast range of styles and patterns available, creating your own accent walls in any room of the home is easily achieved.

All interior designers agree on one thing – that ambience is everything. So, when it’s cold and dark outside, don’t turn the lights up bright because these days, soft mood lighting is leading the way.

Before deciding on any lighting system, consider the three general types of lighting – task, ambient and mood, and a successful scheme uses a combination of all three.

There’s a move away from peppering ceilings with a galaxy of harsh down lights. One solution is to cluster several down lights in one area for specific tasks and integrate other lighting solutions around that. Another solution is to avoid them all together.

Interior designer with Eunice Taylor, Leanne Lowery, believes it’s a shame to rely on down lights to illuminate a room when there are so many exciting options available.

“I prefer using a combination of standard and table lamps, wall washes and task lighting. Lamps give a warm glow in the evening

h have given us a hammering lately and that’s definitely preferable to harsh lighting and for minimal outlay, dimmers soften the atmosphere in a room instantly.

“Lamps are very popular and using lampshades to carry accents has really caught on. People are making their own lamps too, from surprising objects such as old fire extinguishers and Chinese ginger jars. Rejuvenating Gran’s old standard lamp with a new shade and opulent trim looks fantastic and covering shades in the same fabric as the curtains in a room brings a scheme together beautifully.”

LED lights (light emitting diodes), are the latest hot things in lighting solutions and LED strips can be placed anywhere, inside or outside the home, creating any effect.

“They look fantastic behind the headboard in the bedroom or above kitchen cabinetry and along kickboards. They look stunning in the garden and around the pool too and are economical to run,” says Leanne.

On cold mornings, we’re very aware of what we have on our floors.

Toes rejoice on carpet, but recoil when they hit the hard flooring that’s so perfect in summertime and now’s the time to lay down rugs in glorious soul-warming shades. The same layering principle applies to sofas and beds as well, so pile them high with extra throws.

Drawing the curtains is one thing we’ll do more of this winter, but will they be worthy of the attention? High-volume, luxurious curtains paired with a light floaty fabric on double tracks will give a room an exciting and warm result.

“Interlining curtains with bumf ensures the ultimate in opulence and warmth, as homeowners are looking to insulate their homes and make energy savings,” says Simone Archer from Prestige CMT Interiors.

“Bumf fabric is available in natural cotton or polyester in various weights and other popular options for heavier curtains include coloured linings or coloured blackouts. Teamed with voile, these look glamorous at night and during the day, simply pull the heavier curtain back and leave the voile drawn.”

Warwick Fabrics NZ has recently released soft furnishing ranges that embrace the mood of the times.

There’s the Nordic range – simple, sophisticated and suited to New Zealand design sensibilities; Malmsbury features nostalgic florals and contemporary geometrics, and Valentino oozes glamour in the rich and resplendent gold, purple and teal tones coming through.

Then there’s Retrospect, an inspired retro-range that’s up-to-the-minute too, with bold, bright graphics, a casual feel and a nod to Kiwiana. Consisting of a minimum of 40 per cent recycled yarn – that’s recycled plastic bottles – the range respects the environment as well.

ABOVE: Rich, resplendent tones of the Valentino Range by Warwick Fabrics.

Nostalgia informs many of today’s trends, as we look back to the seemingly “good old days”. But ask someone you know who’s a couple of generations older than you about their experiences growing up and chances are they will say that life wasn’t always a bed of roses; that they had their share of challenges and calamities too, and the sense they were heading into strange and uncertain times.

Looking at the bright side, new technologies give us great opportunities to explore innovative ways of operating and that’s exciting, especially if developments are based on models and philosophies inspired and informed by integrity, respect for the environment and to all who share the planet.

And at home, let’s rejoice in the simple, fundamental gifts that life gives us – the desire to create a shelter for those we love, and it’s that spirit that makes home a beautiful place indeed. page 17

WINTER 2011

Solid Wood is Made by Nature Using Sunshine So Very Little Energy is Used And solid wood is one of the healthiest and most durable building materials

LEFT: Kowhai Show Home – Albany. RIGHT: Kingfisher design.

B

uying or building a new home is one of the most important decisions we ever make. It can also be one of the most stressful and expensive purchases as there are so many key factors to consider – what building materials to use, architectural design, location and cost – to name a few.

Today, healthy homes are increasingly significant as many of us suffer asthma, and other conditions associated with cold, damp, mouldy houses.

One of the healthiest and most durable building materials is solid wood, and its most amazing attribute is that it isn’t inert like concrete, steel or other synthetic materials. A solid wood home is ‘alive’ and will actively try to maintain your comfort level by working with the surrounding environment to achieve a natural balance.

Solid wood’s natural insulation qualities combined with high heat capacity, provide a stable, comfortable wall surface temperature. Because solid wood breathes, it generates better indoor humidity, reducing condensation and preventing the build-up of harmful bacteria, like viruses, mildew, respiration infections and asthma.

Dr Larry Belamy of Lincoln University in New Zealand, says “The use of solid wood improves indoor humidity. During the cooler months solid wood acts as a passive dehumidifier in bedrooms during the night, and a humidifier in living rooms during the day.

This produces more favourable humidity indoors, which translates into improved health and comfort”.

WINTER 2011

page 18

Environmentally, building with wood is good for the planet.

When building, it’s important to understand the difference between ‘capital carbon’ and ‘operational carbon’. Capital carbon or carbon footprint, is the carbon emitted before the building process and its impact on the atmosphere and our planet has already happened.

Operational carbon is the carbon emitted by everyday living from appliances and heating. This can be reduced by choosing a more eco-responsible way of living.

Reducing the capital carbon can be as easy as choosing to build with timber. Not only does wood take less energy to produce, but solid wood homes have the unique ability to reduce CO2 in the atmosphere by safely storing carbon as part of its natural composition – indefinitely.

“Building a strong, secure home is another consideration.

Lockwood walls are locked not nailed together. This locking system combined with the use of vertical tie rods in the walls, is what gives it the strength to withstand earthquakes and hurricanes in places such as Asia, the United States, the Pacific Islands and the Middle East, as well as Christchurch, New Zealand,” says Bryce Heard the CEO of Lockwood.

Thanks Lockwood

`

`

Now, after many aftershocks, I conclude I live in the safest home in town. Tracey Knox, Christchurch. March 2011 There is no other house aswill strong as Lockwood. throws at you, Lockwood keep you safe.

ause er,

m ners d m, ie tant ver

Lockwood homes are renowned for standing strong against whatever nature throws at them What conditions can a – and it’s been quite a lot lately. Not only are Lockwood homes tested in a lab to withstand Lockwood handle? earthquakes up to 7.0 on the Richter scale, but recent events both in NZ and abroad have Lockwood homes have endured provided us with further evidence of the strength of Lockwood. rigorous testing to provide the ultimate Lockwood homes are locked together, notWe’ve earthquake and wind resistance. just nailed together. Our precision engineered X shaped aluminium profiles Lockwood slot into machined subjected a standard to 22 corners of solid pine, locking the wood into position (see below).

This is the uniqueness of a Lockwood home – so whatever natures throws at you, your Lockwood home will keep you safe. Furthermore because timber is a natural breathable product, our homes are warmer and drier, and are made from a renewable resource to help protect the environment.

Lockwood is a proud kiwi owned company with or visit us at lockwood.co.nz over 60 years of innovation and history. Take a look at our website www.lockwood.co.nz, for a fresh look at Lockwood homes. Listen to what others have to say about their Lockwood home.

Imagine a warm, contemporary home built specifically to suit your lifestyle. Solid, Secure, Natural

To find out more just call 0508 LOCKWOOD

simulated quakes up to at least 7.0 on the Richter scale, over six gruelling weeks of laboratory testing. The home came through completely undamaged.

Even glass remained intact and windows opened freely.

Whatever nature throws at you, Lockwood will keep you safe. And because timber is a natural, breathable product, our solid timber homes are drier to live in, while Shouldwarmer we not be ableand to rebuild here due to the land damage, we thein environment would protecting not rebuild elsewhere anything other than atoo.

Lockwood.

M&D Taylor, Christchurch. March 2011

When houses around us were badly damaged we felt so fortunate that ours was so strong. We love our Lockwood home, it’s tough for the kids, so so warm and now the only place we would want to be in an earthquake! solid, secure, natural Steph, Christchurch. April 2011

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Soak in a Sea of Soothing Bubbles

Wow walls

The healing properties of a spa

Make a bold statement with stunning feature wallpapers from the new Resene Walltrends II collection.

This superb selection makes choosing your favourite wallpaper easier than ever.

When you’re ready for the wow factor think Resene Walltrends II, or New Zealand’s most popular wallpapers – the Resene Wallpaper 2011 Collection.

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“O

n crisp winter nights, the last thing most people want to do is to head outside, wearing (possibly) nothing but a bathing suit. But those lucky enough to have a spa in their own backyard say wild horses wouldn’t keep them away from their hot tub full of soothing bubbles.”

New Zealanders love the great outdoors, and that includes our own great outdoors – the garden. We’re notorious nesters and when we’ve sorted the interior of our homes, we turn our talents to creating fantastic havens outside as well.

All over the country there are enticing, sheltered outdoor rooms to relax in, appealing places to view the illuminated garden, enjoy good times with family and friends, and if you haven’t already got one, there’s nothing like a spa to complete the scene.

The use of water to invigorate, sustain and restore good health – known as hydrotherapy – has been enjoyed for centuries because the benefits of a spa for body, mind and soul are immediate. Ensuring relaxed muscles and a sense of well being, the benefits

that continue long after the actual time spent soaking.

The healing properties of a spa rely on heat, buoyancy and massage – all proven to relieve joint and muscle pain and even ease debilitating conditions such as arthritis and diabetes.

Jets provide a soothing massage that releases endorphins, reducing stress naturally and encouraging deeper sleep.

Enjoying regular spas is also known to lower blood pressure and blood sugar levels.

Whether a simple whirlpool is your desire, or a state of the art hydrotherapy tub, there’s a model to suit everybody and every need. Spas have already proven themselves as great investments – people not only feel better, they function more effectively as well, and that’s got to be good for you. page 21

WINTER 2011

0800 RESENE (737 363) www.resene.co.nz

Efficient Home Bodies From the boardroom to the factory floor, there’s talk of making efficiencies

PHOTO: Grant Sheehan

I

t’s no surprise that in the home there’s focus on efficiencies as well – efficiencies based around energy. It makes economic sense, has health benefits and it’s good for the environment too.

Having an energy efficient home isn’t just hippie-speak. New laws are being introduced soon, adding energy and water efficiency sections to the building code.

Making changes won’t be about choice, it will be a legal requirement.

Before investing in any heating system, though, ensure you’ve created the right environment to capitalise on it. Poorly built homes take a lot of energy to heat, and much of that is lost through poor insulation.

Positioning a home for the sun helps to heat it naturally. Selecting materials such as concrete allows for passive heating, which absorbs the heat of the sun during the day and releases it at night. And while closing drapes at night and eliminating draughts sounds a little Nana-ish, they do help. And a heated towel rail timer could save you up to $115 a year.

All too soon, heating’s going to become our new best friend, and one heating technology recommended by New Zealand WINTER 2011

page 22

company LEAP, is Hydronic heating. This works on the principle of radiant heating, which isn’t a new idea – the Romans used it 2000 years ago and it’s kept Chinese and Korean civilisations warm for centuries.

Using water to provide heat from the ground up, Hydronic heating is especially effective when used in tandem with a renewable energy source such as heat pump water heating, according to Josie Skipper, LEAP’s marketing manager.

“Flexible pipes are embedded into concrete foundation slabs and hot water runs through the pipes, which heats the home as it circulates. Hot water can also be circulated through radiator heaters in individual rooms.”

Before selecting a system, LEAP advises clients to research upfront costs, plus monthly and ongoing running costs, and consider the viability of the system too – whether there’s ongoing availability of the heating source. www.leapltd.co.nz

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through to beach-bach casual looks are also coming through and checks as well as woven linens in the softest neutral tones are evident in other popular décor stories.

Layering the bed with your personal indulgence comes next with luxurious throws, quilts, blankets or duvets. Nostalgic, comforting quilts, especially handmade ones, are in big demand too with colourways in nurturing soft greens, browns and cream; or the clearer pink, mauve and lemon tones.

There’s more awareness of the effect that poor quality bedding – that’s everything from the mattress up – can have on our health and it pays to invest in bedding that’s made from natural

feathers and fibres that breathe and regulate temperature.

Innovative New Zealand bedding company, Novadown, was inspired by exquisite European down quilts and pillows for its own ranges and in winter, their goose down duvets come into their own.

“Our White Hungarian Goose Down quilt, made in New Zealand, has 95 per cent down and five per cent feather encased with 400 thread count cotton cambric,” says Glenn Alexander of Novadown.

“It offers the highest fill power of 700, which is the best volume to weight ratio possible.”

And don’t forget the scented candles – they are the finishing touch to any beautiful room.

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Startling Statistics But simple measures in the home may provide long-term health benefits

D

id you know that New Zealand has the second highest rate of asthma in the world after the United Kingdom?

One in four children and one in six adults has asthma in Aotearoa – at least 600,000 people.

“Don’t give

Asthma a home”

Asthma is the most common cause of hospitalisations for children under five years in New Zealand.

Indeed, we have one of the highest asthma hospital admission rates for both children and adults in the world.

Research by the University of Otago in Wellington has shown the importance of a healthy home environment for people with asthma. The research emphasised the health benefits of insulation, and a healthy form of home heating such as heat pumps, pellet fires or flued gas heating.

Keep heat in Have well-fitting curtains and pull them at night to keep heat in Insulating ceilings and under floors keeps heat in and heating costs down

Air your home In-roof ventilation systems reduce condensation Air your house on fine days

Keep home clean

Remove steam

Dust with a damp cloth and vacuum regularly (use a HEPA filter) to reduce house dust mites Consider hard floors and rugs, ideally with underfloor insulation, instead of fitted carpets

Put lids on pots when cooking Use extractor fans or open windows in the kitchen and bathroom to remove moisture

Use electric or flued heaters

Taking a few simple but important measures resulted in children having fewer days off school and fewer visits to the doctor.

Use draught stops for doors and draught-proof windows

Use electric or flued gas heaters rather than unflued gas heaters

Keep moisture out Dry clothes outside Vent clothes dryer to the outside

Smoke outside

The World Health Organisation recommends that houses are heated to a minimum of 18° Celsius to provide a healthy and comfortable environment. Indoor temperatures below 16°C increase the risk of respiratory disease.

However, there are a range of things you can do to make your home as healthy as possible – you want it to be warm, dry and pollution free.

Warmth starts with good insulation and a healthy form of heating. But you also need to make your home draught free with seals around doors and windows, and using good quality curtains or blinds to retain warmth, especially at night.

To keep your home dry, air it on fine days and extract damp air from kitchens and bathrooms. Washing should be dried outside if possible and driers should be vented outdoors. A home ventilation system can be useful in keeping your home dry.

To have a pollution free home, you should never smoke indoors. Avoid strongly scented household products and paint your rooms with a paint low in Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). Vacuum your home regularly with a vacuum cleaner that has a HEPA (High Efficiency Particulate Air) filter or equivalent filtration.

These filters trap the very fine particles and therefore can’t blow allergens back into the room.

When dusting, use a damp cloth. Keeping your home dry will also mean avoiding problems with mould, but if necessary, clean any mould areas with a diluted bleach solution.

The Asthma Foundation together with the National Asthma Council Australia has developed the Sensitive Choice Programme to help people with asthma and WINTER 2011

page 26

Stop smoking or smoke only outside

Keep your home

Keep pets out of the bedroom

dry, warm & pollution-free allergies to make choices about products which may be of benefit to them.

Look for the butterfly symbol to identify Sensitive Choice products, which are assessed by a Product Advisory Panel before being approved.

A new initiative that has had a beneficial impact on housing and health is the development of a home rating tool which can be viewed at www.homestar.org.nz. This enables homes to be compared to one another in areas such as energy efficiency and comfort, and assists homemakers to make improvements by providing a range of information to guide them.

The availability of this free, self assessment tool is an excellent starting point and will result in much of the guesswork being taken out of buying a new home.

For more information, visit the Green Building Council at www.nzgbc.org.nz or Beacon Pathway at www.beaconpathway.co.nz. If you would like more information on managing your asthma and Sensitive Choice products go to www.asthmafoundation.org.nz Support Asthma Awareness Week and Balloon Day by texting ‘PUFF’ to 4560 to donate $3 or call 0900 4 ASTHMA (0900 4 278 462) to automatically donate $20.

At barely a whisper, Mitsubishi Electric GE Series Heat Pumps allow you to feel the warmth, not hear it.

Even a small decibel (dBA) increase can dramatically amplify the sound you hear, so when you are buying a heat pump you want to know it’s the quietest available. Starting from just 19dBA*, our GE Series Heat Pumps are exactly that.

The MITSUBISHI ELECTRIC Advantage

Enjoy the quiet comfort of an energy efficient Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pump. For more information on the Mitsubishi Electric Advantage visit www.mitsubishi-electric.co.nz * The MSZ-GE25 and GE33 are 19dB(A) when operating on their lowest fan speed (Quiet), as at 1st April 2011.

Designed for superior heating

One Size Doesn’t Fit All And there’s more to consider now when selecting a heating system for your home

W

hen heat pumps first arrived on the New Zealand market, many consumers were offered air conditioning products designed for countries whose primary demand was for cooling systems.

But the primary application for air conditioning in our country is heating, according to Nicole Williams, from Mitsubishi Electric, Black Diamond Technologies “Systems designed for cooling fail to meet the unique demands of our climate and consumers; whereas Mitsubishi Electric Heat Pumps were designed in Japan, with a climate similar to ours, and that ensures our solutions are suited to local needs,” says Williams.

Not long ago, the only choices for heating were open fire places and possibly a kerosene heater. There’s more choice today, with a myriad of similar systems too, all offering fantastic features and comfort. But there’s more to consider now in selecting the right system for your home.

Concern for the environment now needs to be taken into account with some natural resources running low. Modern heating systems need to be cost efficient, consider the environment, and rely on an energy source that will be around in the future.

Heat pumps have been judged as the most energy efficient form of heating available in New Zealand by the Energy Efficient and Conservation Authority (EECA), and that’s certainly something to consider when looking at new or additional heating. EECA is also responsible for introducing the Energy Star Mark – the global mark of energy efficiency – usually awarded to the top 25 percent of energy efficient appliances produced.

ABOVE: Heat pumps offer ideal heating for the home and budget.

Choosing the right heat pump comes down to selecting the right unit size and type for your home, taking into account window size, room layout and existing insulation – all assessed to exact calculations.

Heat pumps often function more effectively in a room placed high up on a wall, allowing warm air to circulate easily. Canvas all position options prior to installation, weighing up aesthetics and decibel levels with the best cost and energy efficiencies in mind.

There’s a lot to discuss with your heating specialist, trained to assist you in developing a programmed heating system tailored exclusively to your heating needs and your budget.

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Wintertime in the garden

By Sandra Batley

Winter gardens may lack spring brightness but colour is still around

A

LEFT: Flowering succulents provide a rich tapestry of colour and texture in winter. RIGHT: Idesia ploycarpa (Chinese wonder tree) with red berries.

s trees shed their autumn leaves and bare their boney winter structures, we bid farewell to the warmth and begin preparing for the big chill.

WINTER COLOUR Although a winter garden lacks the joy of flowers that spring can bring and the lush abundance of summertime foliage, a wide choice of flowering trees, shrubs and winter annuals are available to bring some life into your garden during the winter months.

A strategically placed flowering shrub or tree can lift the spirits and brighten up the dullest corner in winter. Early blooming Magnolia denuata, Magnolia Stella and Magnolia campbelli provide valuable colour when many other trees have shut down for winter.

Cool season bloomers such as Camellias, Azaleas, Rhododendrons, Daphne and Hellebores have a range of colourful flowers of many shapes and sizes.

Some on our own New Zealand natives provide superb winter colour. Leptospernum varieties put on a colourful display with red, pink or white flowers. Kowhai Sophora ‘Dragons Gold’ or ‘Early Gold’ have delicate gold/yellow flowers. In milder regions you can plant a variety of stunning succulents from the Aloe and Crassula family such as Aloe thraskii, Aloe arborescens and Crassula arborescens.

They put on a showy display of hot coloured flowers right through winter and attract birds as well.

South African and Australian beauties such as Proteas, Leucadendrons and Banksias put on a bold display during winter and early spring. They also make wonderful cut flower displays for inside the home. The tuis love them also.

For instant colour in areas where summer perennials have gone dormant or where there are some bare spaces around trees

or shrubs, plant flowering annuals such as Polyanthus, Primulas, Pansies, Alyssum, Cineraria, Nemesia and other winter varieties.

Annuals come in a range of colours so you can plan your winter colour schemes.

IN THE ROSE GARDEN The month of July is the time to plant new season roses.

There is a huge variety to choose from. Existing roses also need to be pruned. It’s a good idea to begin spraying roses with an insecticide and fungal product to control pest and disease problems including aphids, black spot, rust and powdery mildew.

Late winter is also a good time to mulch the rose bed.

IN THE EDIBLE GARDEN Winter is a great time of year to grow a wide variety of delicious vegetables for using in your favourite soups and casseroles Cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli and other brassicas can be planted in autumn or early winter, as can broad beans, brussels sprouts, lettuce, onion and spinach. Add radish, swede, shallots and turnips in June - July.

In warmer regions sow carrots, parsnips, strawberries, early potatoes and beetroot.

If you have the space winter is the time to plant new fruit trees, while they are dormant. They are both decorative and productive, and well suited to many temperate regions of New Zealand.

Citrus varieties, apples, pears, plums, peaches and nectarines make a delicious and attractive addition in the garden. page 29

WINTER 2011

A Taste of Bali Create your own winter escape, right in your own backyard. Here, a little slice of paradise is created for a couple’s elegant Herne Bay villa.

T

LEFT: A water feature provides a lively yet simple focal point in the garden. RIGHT: An intimate seating area for entertaining both day and night.

he owners of this Auckland property approached Sandra Batley from Flourish about transforming the small entrance garden to their villa. They were looking for ideas to create a dramatic subtropical garden that was lush and evoked a modern Bali style.

They loved the form and foliage of subtropical style plants and wanted the garden to have a contemporary look.

THE BRIEF The clients had a very clear brief and a specific style to work within. They wanted to create an outdoor space which could be enjoyed both day and night and provide a welcoming entrance to the home. It was important to maintain the sea view the house enjoyed and create a strong connection between the indoor and outdoor spaces, along with providing privacy.

THE DESIGN “I was looking forward to working on a concept as the house had a timeless elegance about it but the garden was basically letting it down,’’ says Sandra Batley. ‘’I could see the potential straight away. The space was relatively small and there were a few important features to include into the design so there were a number of challenges.”.

“A new entrance path was required to lead you from the entrance gate to the front door, an area to entertain outdoors, including the location of an outdoor fireplace for warmth and ambience at night, along with lighting and a water feature. Every inch of the space had to be carefully considered and maximised”.

Batley wanted the interior of the home and the new patio garden area to merge, creating the feel of a much larger living space. This was created by locating the seating area in close WINTER 2011

page 30

proximity to the house all at one level so there was a seamless transition from the interior of the home. The entrance path was widened but kept separate from the seating area so visitors did not walk directly through it.

Vitex timber decking was used for a Balinese look and to provide some contrast to the white tiles. It is oriented to enjoy the sea views and the sun. A cantilevered umbrella provides shade from the sun without impeding the million-dollar views.

The white non-slip outdoor tiles keep the area feeling light and modern, providing a great contrast to the luxurious dark green foliage and plant textures. Existing kentia and bangalow palms were dug up and replanted into the new design layout and numerous other subtropical plants were introduced to create a resort feel, such as: Cycas revoluta, Lepidozamia peroffskyana, Phoenix roebelenii, Lirope muscari and Gardenia vetchii.

A simple, modern gas fireplace, chosen by the client, with in-built seating sits on the deck’s parameter. A stainless steel water feature is placed centrally in an ornamental pond lined with small black ceramic tiles. It acts as a focal point as well as providing a calming element in the design.

The clients added their own personal touch by including stone sculptures from Bali. They simply love their new garden both day and night. It provides them with a new spacious outdoor room to relax and entertain in, and perfectly compliments their lovely old villa.

STAY WARMER THIS WINTER

DOUBLE

GLAZING

WE HAVE INSTALLERS WORKING IN YOUR AREA.

FITTED TO YOUR EXISTING WINDOWS!

CALL US NOW TO BEAT THE WINTER RUSH!

A WARMER HOME IN WINTER

DRAMATICALLY REDUCED

REDUCED

EXTERNAL

CONDENSATION NOISE REDUCED ENERGY BILLS

PROVIDES INSULATION CALL US FOR AN OBLIGATION-FREE MEASURE AND QUOTE.

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