Page 38 - Green Builder Jan-Feb 2021

Let there be light. A north-facing veranda roof draws in sunlight year-round, even during the low-angled light of winter. CREDIT: MARGRIET GEESINK
The four-person family home, designed The floor plan is orientated on an
by architect Duncan Firth, founder of east-to-west axis to achieve economy of POWER PLAY
Solarei Limited, and constructed by Grant construction, practical vehicle access, The house is designed for an anticipated
Eager, director of Brogan Builders Limited, outdoor living and optimization of westerly electrical energy load of 1,500-2,000 kWh
is a mere 785 square feet. It appears even views. A 200-square-foot loft space over annually or an annual energy index of
smaller, thanks to its location on a very bedrooms creates more livable space. approximately 24.5kWh per square meter.
steep, west-facing 22,388 square-foot site. A north-facing veranda roof brings Internal temperatures passively peak at
According to homeowner Margriet Geesink, low-angled winter sunlight into the front 24 degrees Celsius during later afternoon
building a tiny, sustainably focused home aspect of the home during winter, and also mid-winter, with the extreme low being
was an effort to keep things affordable, avoid provides shade to the outdoor living area 17 degrees Celsius during early morning.
a big mortgage, and attain a more-flexible during summer. The roof veranda opening Green technologies and features which
lifestyle. is specifically designed to achieve winter have been used for this home include off-site
“Sustainable” and “solar” are two sunlight and summer shading. Living spaces prefabrication, structurally insulated panels
key words. Emay Crescent Home was also receive direct passive solar gain with in the walls, metal-insulated panels in the
designed as a vernacular-inspired model westerly outlooks over the neighboring roof, and above code insulation for floor,
that incorporates traditional New Zealand Kaipara Harbour. walls and ceiling. There is also New Zealand-
materials, site-specific environmental design During summer the home is designed made metal cladding, Canadian cedar fascia
principles, passive solar gain with ample for optimized passive cooling using stack boards at roof edges, and a timber subfloor
winter sunlight, and a sensitive westerly effect (hot air rising principle) and cross clad in a 10mm recycled native hardwood
orientation which optimizes harbor views ventilation. Windows are specifically called “kauri”.
while reducing solar gain. The home design positioned to maximize passive air flow Indoors, you’ll find argon gas insulated
also maximizes air flow and promotes and cooling, reducing heat buildup from glass, energy efficient appliances, water-
outdoor living. westerly afternoon solar gain. efficient taps in the bathroom and kitchen,

36 GREEN BUILDER January/February 2021 www.greenbuildermedia.com

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