A power of good

Credit: TROY CONSTABLE, CHRISTEL YARDLEY          1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36
1 / 36

Years of planning went into this 221sqm three-bedroom home, named Āhuru, and it shows. The architect-designed, recently certified, Passive House above Raglan Harbour is a showcase of energy efficiency, sustainability, craftsmanship, bespoke details and fresh, pared-back style. Once the owners had decided on their plans, the project was put in the hands of Brown Construction, who have the regional eHaus licence. The team concentrate on high-performance builds that step lightly on the land. This project required detailed methods and adherence to Passive House design and building principles. Solar energy, gathered from 24 panels and stored by a Tesla Powerwall, runs energy-efficient appliances to assist in maintaining a constant indoor temperature.

Storm-water storage with water filters supplies the home and irrigates the gardens. Landscaping and native planting were designed to enhance the rugged coastal environment. In addition, alternative The home is a showcase of energy efficiency, sustainability, craftsmanship and bespoke details. treatments were used on all exterior timbers to minimise chemical leaching. Āhuru’s climate and comfort control is managed alongside 24-hour security monitoring from a custom made app, available via the owner’s phone. Let’s not forget the brick-clad home is a prime example of understated beauty befitting its site. Polished-concrete floors teamed with white walls and timber features only add to the environment the home was built in.

NATIONAL AWARDS WON

Top 100

REGIONAL AWARDS WON

Regional Category Winner

Regional APL Environmental & Sustainable Excellence

Regional PDL by Schneider Electric Smart Home Award

Regional Gold

REGION & CATEGORY:

Waikato Competition
Builders Academy New Home $1.5 million - $2 million