Design Base Architecture: Home Star 7 House, Grampian Oaks, Nelson

I’ve designed this house for my family with the aim of striking a balance between Design, Energy Efficiency, Sustainability, Health and Affordability.

 

This direction is born from a frustration with the divide between often poor performing spec homes and the high cost of bespoke architecturally designed homes.

 

The house is 171m2, which includes 4 x bedrooms, 2 x bathrooms, open plan living and a 25m2 garage.

 

The house has been designed to HomeStar 7 and we’re currently awaiting the built assessment.

 

Specs and Features

 

● Thermally broken aluminium doors and windows with low e, argon filled IGU’s.

 

● Balanced heat recovery ventilation system.

 

● Passive solar design, with large amounts of north facing glazing and an exposed slab. Large eaves to the north and west to prevent overheating.

 

● PV panels (being installed shortly).

 

● Pre-plumbed for rainwater collection and re-use for exterior taps, washing machine and toilets.

 

● Clad in macrocarpa and plywood, all NZ sourced timber and stained with Abodo exterior wood oil.

 

● All natural interior paints from the Natural Paint company.

 

● Non-formaldehyde plywood used for the kitchen and bathroom joinery.

 

● All LED lights.

 

● All taps rated to WELS 3 star or better.

 

● 90mm framed walls and Knauf earthwool were used for the walls, with Mason’s Uni Fab wall underlay. (this was a cost driven decision).

 

● The roof structure is trussed for 3 /4 of the house with 2 x layers of Knauf Earthwool, the remainder is skillion construction with Knauf Earthwool. (again cost driven decisions).

 

Construction Cost Breakdown

 

Base Build* = $473,660 incl GST

 

House Area 171m2

 

M2 Rate = $2,770 per m2

 

*Excludes driveway, fencing and appliances, but includes a 25m2 deck. Also excludes consultant and council fees.