Ahuru banner
Project by
Location
Waikato
Year of completion
2023
Project cost
$2m - $3m

Āhuru is a meticulously crafted home designed over ten years in a collaboration between the homeowners, and TAWA Architecture who are recognised as the Architectural & Certified Passivhaus Designers, and the Energy consultant (PHPP). Having lived in drafty and damp homes previously and with a background in interior architecture, the owners had the desire for their first home to be sustainable and functional, and every detail was to be carefully considered. Āhuru stands as a testament to their vision of combining comfort and style, with environmental responsibility.

Throughout the planning and design process, the homeowners prioritised energy efficiency and indoor comfort. Āhuru incorporates Passive House principles, ensuring exceptional thermal performance and indoor air quality. The selection of Dopfner Premium Wood Alu windows and the Zehnder ComfoAir ventilation system enable the home to meet the strict standards set for Passive House certification.

Overlooking the Raglan harbour, this home features three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a large open plan kitchen and living area, plus a separate office. This exceptional home showcases well-planned details in every space – nothing happened by accident. The kitchen and living joinery, wall linings, and interior door veneers were ordered together to ensure consistency of colour and grain match throughout the home. The feature kitchen and entrance ceiling is a nod to historical construction methods and the homeowner's work. The design and construction of the bedroom wing includes significant acoustic reduction methods. These are a few, of the many, examples of the attention to detail taken by the teams involved in this project.

The homeowner’s commitment to passive design has resulted in a home that epitomises responsible construction and living. Rainwater harvesting, and solar panels with battery storage to meet Passive House Plus standard, further reducing Āhuru's environmental impact while promoting self-sufficiency. The selection of Abodo timber weatherboards and Vulcan decking, both thermally treated products, alongside MCA treated retaining and pergola timber, reduces the extent of chemical leaching into the surrounding environment.  These elements contribute to a healthier, more sustainable living environment without compromising on comfort or architectural excellence.

Welcome to Āhuru, where simplicity meets sustainability, and every detail tells a story of thoughtful design and conscientious living.

Design Components

Floor: Maxraft 250_Expol ThermaSlab S with a U-value of 0.240 W/(m²K)

Wall: 140mm timber frame with double layer of insulation U-value of 0.230 W/(m²K)

Roof: Double layer of fibreglass insulation with a U-value of 0.157 W/(m²K)

Window Joinery Frame: Eco Windows - Dopfner timber frame Aluclad Uf value = 1.20 W/(m²K)

Glazing: Triple Glazed Argon Ug value=0.64 W/(m²K) g- value = 54%

Ventilation: Zehnder comfoAir 350

Performance Specs

Heating Demand: 14.6 kWh/m²/yr

Heating Load: 12.2W/m²

Frequency of Overheating: 2.2%

TFA: 143.1 m²

Form Factor: 3.89

Air Leakage: 50Pa: 0.3 ACH

PER Demand: 30.8 kWh/m²/yr

Awards and
recognition

2024
House of the Year
Gold Award
2024
House of the Year
Regional Category Winner
2024
House of the Year
Regional Lifestyle Award - Smart Home
2024
House of the Year
Regional Lifestyle Award - Environmental & Sustainable
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About the
Professional

At eHaus, we live like efficiency is our point, and intelligent construction our norm. We live like our environment is a privilege and protecting it our responsibility. We live like New Zealanders are our passion, and ingenuity is our response.

eHaus was established in 2010 by Jon Iliffe and Baden & Glenda Brown with the dream of creating a New Zealand owned and operated specialist design and construction company using PassivHaus build and design principles.

Jon, a Mechanical Production Engineer from Rolls Royce Motors, arrived in New Zealand and looking to build a family home went seeking out alternative options and found the PassivHaus way.

Baden, a master builder of 20 years, disillusioned with the poor performance of the high-end homes he was building for clients, also was seeking other options, and discovered PassivHaus. Together, with Jon and Glenda - Financial director, eHaus was formed.

Our eHaus team is made up of some of the country's best Passive House builders, architects and designers who are redefining the way kiwis live, one home at a time. Our team of professionals work together to see your dreams come to reality.

Today eHaus is recognised as award winning and New Zealand leaders in PassivHaus design and construction. Find out more about eHaus and our teams here: https://ehaus.co.nz/

Our locations include:

  • Northland
  • Waikato
  • Taupo
  • Gisborne
  • Hawkes Bay
  • Taranaki
  • Whanganui
  • Manawatu
  • Kapiti
  • Wairarapa
  • Wellington/Hutt Valley
  • Blenheim
  • Waitake/Waimate
  • Christchurch
  • Central Lakes
  • Southland
At ArchiPro we recognise and acknowledge the existing, original and ancient connection Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have to the lands and waterways across the Australian continent. We pay our respects to the elders past and present. We commit to working together to build a prosperous and inclusive Australia.