Trends New Zealand Volume 33 No 3 | Page 90

These pages: The snug home recently received a Six Homestar™ rating from the New Zealand Green Building Council. It benefits from a fully insulated MaxRaft foundation, as well as increased insulation in exterior walls (R4.2) and ceilings (R5.2). The single storey home has four bedrooms, two bathrooms, a media room, and laundry. search | save | share at spokesperson for the green-focussed build firm. “This is seen in the home’s high Homestar Six rating. Homestar is the New Zealand Green Building Council independent rating tool that certifies the health, efficiency and sustainability of New Zealand homes,” says Numaguchi. Several factors combine to achieve this green rating, which translates in practical terms to a snug, warm home and very low power bills. A fully insulated concrete subfloor covered in engineered wood amasses passive solar gain when the sun shines and releases this back into the interior at night. The floor is also warmed through efficient hydronic underfloor heating. Picture windows facing south on the shady side of the home offer spectacular views of the lake – but in an ordinary home could present a potential loss of heat. However, thermally broken aluminium joinery on this Evolution- built home ensures that the warm air inside does not escape, as no actual heat-conducting element runs directly from inside to out. This system also minimises condensation which has its own health implications. At the same time, argon-filled double-glazing keeps the interior warm and dry, making it possible to capitalise