Architectural Designers New Zealand

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Green has become a new buzzword. Beware of "greenwashing," where the word is used just to sell stuff. Real green design is sustainable (another buzzword). That means it won't place an unbearably heavy burden on the environment. Green design refers to houses and practices that are eco-friendly and energy-efficient.

Saving the planet is one good reason. The importance of going easy on natural resources and the need for alternative energy sources and less wasteful practices are becoming increasingly recognized worldwide. You can make a difference. But going green is good for you and your loved ones, too. A green-designed house will be healthier, more efficient, and more comfortable.

Building green may cost slightly more than a standard house, factoring in extra insulation and more energy-efficient materials and products. However, these products will save you money in the long run – in some cases, quite quickly. By having a high energy-efficiency rating, your house will also have a higher resale value.

Passive solar simply refers to the way the house is designed to make it as efficient as possible without any extra systems. For example, the house is oriented for maximum solar gain, with large windows facing north and smaller windows facing south, and eaves or shutters to prevent overheating.

The more insulation the house has, the less additional heating and cooling it requires – resulting in substantial cost savings and comfort gains. A well-insulated house stays warmer in winter and cooler in summer. Traditional older New Zealand houses have poor levels of insulation.

Notice how a brick or stone wall feels warm after a day in the sun? Thermal mass refers to solid materials like concrete, brick, stone, or ceramic tiles. These materials store the sun's energy and then gradually release it. By incorporating thermal mass into your home the result is a more even temperature throughout, and greater energy savings.

Absolutely. As mentioned in question six, you want larger windows facing north and smaller windows facing south. But they should also be shaded to prevent overheating. Double or even triple-glazed windows boost insulation. Frames should be "thermally-broken." Low-E (for emissivity) glass and argon gas filled windows further boost efficiency.

Using minimum additional heating is the best answer, but efficient heating systems include heat pumps (these also cool the house in summer); the latest solid-fuel burners (these can also be hooked up to radiators); and under floor heating. A "trombe wall" is a passive solar space heating system that uses a black external wall to gather the sun's heat. Warm air is then pumped into the living areas.

Passive solar design and thermal mass help keep the house cool in summer. Shutters, eaves, and cross-ventilation help further. Some designs make use of pools of water. Heat pumps can be used only when absolutely necessary.

Solar water heating harnesses the free heat of the sun. Panels should be placed at the same angle to match degrees of latitude (eg, 42 deg for Christchurch). Heat pumps are also an excellent energy-efficient form of water heating. Solid-fuel burners connected to a wetback are a good idea if you have access to a ready supply of firewood.

LED bulbs are the latest form of lighting and will revolutionize the market in the next few years. These bulbs use light emitting diodes instead of a filament and gas. Although they cost more to buy, they last a lot longer and cost a fraction to run compared with conventional incandescent bulbs. Unlike CFC (compact fluorescent) bulbs, they don't contain mercury.

Managed timber is a sustainable resource. Used for framing, it is treated with chemicals to make it more resistant. That's necessary – the use of untreated timber for a period was factor in leaky homes. Concrete is more energy-intensive to produce, but that should be weighed against its superior thermal mass. You may want to choose local products, if possible, to minimise energy used in transport.

More people are becoming aware of air quality and eliminating toxins inside buildings. Modern low VOC (Volatile Organic Compound) paints contain far fewer harmful chemicals then they used to. They have really improved when you consider paint used to contain lead! You could also use natural oils on timber or plant-based varnish. Avoid products with formaldehyde.

Absolutely. Deciduous trees shade the house in summer then shed their leaves to let in the lower-angled winter sun. Grassed areas and paved areas help regulate temperature. New Zealand native plants encourage birdlife. Planting fruit trees and vegetables will help keep you healthy, while saving money. Make landscaping part of the design process.

Grey water is the "waste" water flushed down the drain after washing clothes, doing the dishes, or having a shower. It can be recycled and used to flush the toilet or possibly for watering the garden. Water is a vital resource, and we are all going to have to pay for it sooner or later. A rainwater tank helps conserve this resource.

Instead of throwing out food scraps, include a compost bin in your garden to build up a valuable supply of natural plant nutrients.

Yes. Recycle bins can built-in to your kitchen, and your house can include a dedicated area for large council recycle bins.

Composting toilets are mostly for ultra-keen greenies, but are worth considering, especially if you live in a remote area. They actually work. They are very clean and reduce damage to the environment.

PV stands for photovoltaic panel. PVs use solar energy to generate electricity that powers lighting and appliances. You will also need a bank of batteries. Going "off-grid" is likewise an option best suited to the keenest greenies and remote spots. Mini hydro power and wind power are other options.

You don’t have to include all of the points discussed here to have a green home. Simply make note of those bits which are important to you and include these priorities in your design brief. Talk to an architectural designer who shares your values and has expertise and experience in this field. Expect to see green design elements in more and more new homes and renovations.