Pahi Home, Kaipara Harbour, Northland

Four-person 81m² family home on steep West facing 2050m² site. Situated on a steep site overlooking the Kaipara Harbour. Steepness of the site, orientation to views, Northern sunlight exposure, determined positioning and layout of the house. Passive solar, natural ventilation, passive design, thermal envelope, airtightness, and summer and winter climate design were key sustainable design drivers.

Floor plan orientated East to West achieving economy of construction, practical vehicle access, outdoor living and Westerly views. 25m² loft space creates additional living space for a young family. North facing verandah roof specifically designed to receive winter sunlight, natural heating, and summer shading.

Designed for energy efficiency and an electrical energy load of 1500-2000kWh’s annually or an annual energy index of approximately 24.5kWh per/m².  Natural Internal temperatures passively peak at 24⁰ during later afternoon mid-winter.

Construction material selected for energy efficiency, R 5.7 SIP walls, and R 5.3 MIP roof and timber subfloor insulated with R 2.8 climafoam.

Onsite tiger worm composting system, hot water heat pump, 38,000 litres rainwater harvesting for potable water supply and firefighting, breathable bio-paints, interior popular tree plywood cladding, exterior New Zealand made metal cladding, Canadian cedar fascia, 10mm recycled Kauri flooring, argon gas insulated glass, electric car charging, energy efficient appliances, and water efficient tap ware.

2021 Grand Overall Winner-13th Annual Green Home of the Year Awards, Green Builder Magazine, Unites States of America, and 2021 Houses under 70sqm Winner-13th Annual Green Home of the Year Awards, Green Builder Magazine, Unites States of America.

Credit

Architecture: Duncan Firth, Solarei Architecture

Builders: Brogan Builders Ltd

Photography: Margriet Geesink