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Location
Waiatarua, Auckland
Year of completion
2024
Project cost
$0.5m - $1m

Though modest in size at approximately 70sqm, this remarkable home delivers on the environmentally conscious owners' desires: two cosy bedrooms, one bathroom, a dedicated kids play area, and an open-plan kitchen and living space seamlessly flowing onto a 18sqm covered deck. Carefully nestled among the existing Kahikatea trees, which were safeguarded from disturbance, our team meticulously dug by hand around the semi-surfaced roots, preserving the natural habitat.

Designed and built with precision and care, this home boasts exceptional performance, thanks to a selection of premium materials. From insulated and airtight attic stairs to the Zehnder ComfoAir 180 ventilation unit, wood-alu joinery, and a composting toilet - each component was thoughtfully chosen to deliver a healthy and comfy home.

Embracing sustainability at every turn, all treated timber utilised in construction underwent ACQ treatment - an arsenic and chrome-free alternative to using CCA treated timber, and all products were free from formaldehyde, in harmony with our ecoValues and drive to provide sustainable and eco-friendly products.

All roof water is channelled through a high-density polyethylene pipe to the stainless steel storage water tank, where it is stored and ready for use. This water is then pumped to the kitchen and vanity for drinking, ensuring a reduced contaminant and sustainable water source. Overflow from the stainless tank is directed into the plastic storage water tank, which is pumped to the shower, laundry, and hose taps, providing a comprehensive water solution. All tank water goes thorough filtration, passing through separate UV water filters before entering the house, ensuring that water quality remains pristine and safe for consumption.

This exceptional home meets the eHaus Euro PHI Low Energy standard, highlighting the dedication of its owners and eHaus to not only create a high performing home, but also to honour and preserve the land it sits on.

Adorned in Abodo vertical shiplap cladding and sitting elevated among the native bush, this home stands as a testament to environmentally conscious living.

Design Components

Floor: Fully insulated timber floor with a U-value of 0.235 W/(m²K)

Wall: 140mm timber frame with a U-value of 0.240 W/(m²K)

Roof: Double layer of fibreglass insulation with a U-value of 0.137 W/(m²K)

Window Joinery Frame: ecoWindows - Wood Alu with a U-value of 1.2 W/(m²K)

Glazing: Double glazed Argon with Ug-value of 1.12 W/(m²K) g-value of 61%

Ventilation: Zehnder ComfoAir Q180 MHRV

Performance Specs

Heating Demand: 27.6 kWh/m²/yr

Heating Load: 14.8 W/m²

Frequency of overheating: 3.5% a year over 25℃

TFA: 62.8m²

Form Factor: 4.27

Air Leakage @50Pa: 0.9

Per Demand: 64 kWh/m²/yr

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.