Winner of Architectural Interior Design 2019 ADNZ Category & National Finalist.
While sitting on a 528sqm site, the home doesn’t compromise on its sense of spaciousness, having a large separate lounge with high raking ceiling and built-in window-seat and cabinetry. The lounge is extended seamlessly through over lit glazing to the covered outdoor area. This exterior space creates an extremely versatile and extension of the home and the ideal location to entertain or enjoy a barbecue.
The kitchen and dining area can be closed off by a large steel framed glass door with reeded glass which also allows heat retention in winter. The ‘raw’ feel of the steel door is juxtaposed against the soft, warm feel of the interior cedar linings that flow through to the exterior. The large size of the opening and the glass ensures there is always the ‘open-plan’ feeling while also increasing the flexibility of spaces when required.
Behind the functional kitchen is a large walk-in pantry on one side and a study area on the other. This area also opens to another outdoor deck area to extend the dining space. A feature cedar slat eyebrow roof extends over the deck creating shade and filtered light.
This home also has added eco feature that make it stand out from other houses. It has been purpose-built to gain accreditation as a six-star Homestar rated home - a comprehensive, independent national rating tool that measures the health, warmth and efficiency of New Zealand houses.
This home’s design is optimised for passive solar energy, for the local climate and site conditions to maximise the home owner’s comfort and health while minimising energy use.
The home is situated on “We are able to achieve this via the correct placement of windows and doors, along with eaves positioned and sized accordingly to manage solar gain throughout the year,” says Jon McAlpine from Thorne Group Architecture. northerly aspect and is elongated along the east/west axis. The home is orientated so that the winter sun can warm up the home, but exterior shading on the northerly side restricts the summer sun.
Alongside the design itself, all the fixtures, fittings and materials have been meticulously thought out and calculated to ensure they comply within Homestar guidelines.
This is an extensive list, including increased insulation in the roof, ceilings and flooring that improve the thermal envelop of the home. In addition special glass has been installed that reduces heat loss by up to 59% compared to standard double glazing.
Also meeting strict guidelines are water saving devices on tapware, Greentag certifided wall linings, environmental compliant paint, electrical and flooring. The carpet is even made from recycled fishing nets!
In addition there is a special EV charger to charge an electric car in the garage, alongside an internal clothes line and bike racks.
