Waikanae Energy Efficient House

By AD Architecture

Profile
Waikanae Energy Efficient House banner
Project by
Building style
Contemporary

The clients brief was for a contemporary family home that suited the site and was contextually appropriate to the neighbourhood. The home needed to accommodate family and living spaces that opened onto the north section, a separate media room, a kids/guest wing with an informal sitting area and a private master bedroom retreat that captured the outlook from a higher level. Trees at the front of the section were to be retained to maintain privacy and streetscape aesthetics.

The house is sited to allow for a seamless flow from arrival, through to living spaces and the landscaped outdoor area. The simple use of weatherboards as the main cladding is complemented by the introduction of schist stonework and cedar accents.

From the street, the Garage and Entry are easily accessible and recognisable with a low pitched roof that does not dominate. The Living spaces are orientated to the north, maximising solar gain. The glazed verandah from the Family room provides a valuable, light and airy outdoor living space that links to the private courtyard, lawn and pool area beyond. The Family room is the hub of the home and incorporates a well-utilised hideaway study nook.

The lounge, media room, kids zone and upstairs utilise the roof pitch for higher ceilings. The lounge features a full-width hearth with feature fire for ambience. The kids’ zone includes a skylight to fill the space with natural light.

The double-height entrance features an open riser stair with a landing at the top that provides “a quiet area for reading and contemplation” and leads into the private upstairs Master suite. The Ensuite shower “allows for a long and luxurious experience”. The large bedroom window captures the northern aspect and is framed by a bookcase with a window seat unit for enjoying the views to the bush and courtyard.

The ground floor slab was constructed using the Reid post-tensioning system to eliminate cracking in the ground and polished finish.

You can also check out their story which featured in Kiwi Living here!

Sustainable and energy efficient features include:

  • An underground storage tank to harvest rainwater which supplies the toilets and hose taps
  • Solar hot water system
  • 8kw solar pv cell system
  • LED lighting
  • 140 framed exterior walls with R 4.2 insulation
  • Double layer R5.0 insulation to ceilings
  • Edge and under slab insulation
  • Thermally broken windows with Metro Xcel glazing

Awards and
recognition

2015
Master Builders House of the Year
Sustainable Homes
2015
Master Builders House of the Year
Gold reserve
AD Architecture
Wellington
Visit Website
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House
Waikanae Energy Efficient House

About the
Professional

AD Architecture is an architectural design company, specialising in high performance homes. Based on the Kapiti Coast, AD Architecture provides architectural services for new builds and renovations across the greater Wellington region, and all around New Zealand.

Founded in 2008 by directors Peter Davis and Jon Ambler, their unique approach incorporates style, budget, environment, and function to achieve desirable, high performance architecture.

We are in touch with modern trends and materials, including weathertight home resolutions and are committed to promoting sustainability and energy efficiency to ensure your next home promotes a healthy and eco-friendly lifestyle .

Proud members of the Architectural Designers Inc., NZ Institute of Architects, and the Superhome Movement, AD Architecture are also Licensed Building Practitioners.

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.