Overcoming Environmental Challenges and Enhancing Thermal Efficiency

Between two rapidly growing Auckland suburbs, Mangere Bridge and Mangere township, a new neighbourhood is rising. Mountain Vista Estate, a $150 million master-planned development by Du Val Group, is set to offer 181 homes, combining modern living with environmental consciousness.

The development’s spacious layout presents diverse living options and features tree-lined streets and a boardwalk around Tararata Creek. A communal kitchen and entertainment facilities are designed to foster a strong sense of community.

This ambitious project, designed by architects Cato Bolam, navigates environmental hurdles to enhance thermal efficiency and sound insulation.

While Mountain Vista Estate enjoys scenic views of Mangere Mountain and borders a public reserve, its location near busy motorway ramps and an arterial road posed significant acoustic challenges. Cato Bolam architecture principal Rowan Murray describes his team's response, designing the buildings with an internal focus, providing protected landscaped spaces within the built forms: "We needed to consider how to provide architectural interest and functional outdoor spaces while maintaining the essentials, including the ease of access and parking," he explains.

A vital aspect of the project was Du Val Group's commitment to meeting the then-pending H1 thermal efficiency standards in New Zealand, which were not mandatory at the project's inception.

This foresight necessitated a departure from the standard aluminium joinery initially specified through the structural and materials program developed by Cato Bolam and the Du Val construction team.

After considering thermally broken aluminium and other options, Cato Bolam consulted Starke Windows and Doors, having worked with them on previous projects.

"Starke recommended aluplast uPVC joinery, as it has a far higher insulation value than even thermally broken aluminium and is cost-effective. It also adds an attractive aesthetic to buildings," Murray says.

Murray, who has always closely followed advances in thermal efficiency, recognised the limitations of aluminium joinery. "Aluminium is durable, but it's also an excellent conductor of heat from buildings," he notes. "The aluplast uPVC system we specified provides much better insulation and integrates seamlessly with the wall planes, drastically reducing thermal leakage."

He says the aluplast joinery's in-line design enhances the building envelope, contributing significantly to the estate's thermal control. This advancement means the homes require less heating and cooling, reducing energy costs and increasing comfort for residents.

The project's acoustic engineer specified insulated double-glazing units with laminated panes and increased air gaps to address environmental noise. These measures, combined with the acoustic insulation of the aluplast joinery, effectively block external noise. Murray also highlights the practicality of uPVC joinery. "While more prone to scratches than aluminium, uPVC's consistent colour through the joinery means scratches can be easily polished, unlike powder-coated aluminium, where scratches expose the base metal."

Mountain Vista Estate offers a mix of 160 two and three-bedroom terraced houses and 21 one-bedroom apartments. The two-bedroom terraces feature living areas on the ground floor, parking options, and fenced backyards. The three-bedroom terrace homes include internal garages and up to two bathrooms, while the one-bedroom apartments are conveniently located above community amenities.

Kristen Holland, Du Val Construction managing director, stresses the development's community ethos and says providing modern, warm, affordable housing is a major priority for Du Val Group. "Mountain Vista Estate will help meet the significant demand from families, couples and professionals wanting to take their first step onto the property ladder and live in a community they can call home for many years to come."

Mountain Vista Estate demonstrates the value of sustainable design and community focus. Through the collaborative efforts of Cato Bolam and Du Val Group, backed by cutting-edge solutions like aluplast uPVC joinery, this development offers an improved standard of living, blending modernity with sustainability.