The following is an example of a HUG, that can be modified to be used as a template...

 

HOME USER GUIDE, 11 CHURCH SQUARE, ADDINGTON,  CHRISTCHURCH

 

Background

 

The HUG is a data bank for all information relating to the property in digital and hard file copy.

 

The aim of the HUG is to assist homeowners with the day to day operation of the home and ensure that all relevant information is easily available and can potentially be passed on to new owners of the home (or for people renting/using the home on a short term basis). This information will help the users of the home to do so efficiently and ensure changes/refurbishments/maintenance to the home are recorded and completed in the most environmentally appropriate manner.

 

Contents

 

● Drawings

● Design Strategy

● Care & Maintenance Instructions

● Operating Manuals

● Energy

● Water

● House Hold Waste

● Maintenance

 

DVD Contents

 

Original Drawings (PDF and CAD files)

PDF copy of HUG Home User Guide and associated documents

Photographs

3D Model

 

Design Strategy

 

Design Rationale

 

Designed Bob Burnett Architecture who are recognized for and have received accolades for environmental design and high performance low energy homes.

 

NZ Green Building Council Members and Certified Homestar Practitioners.

 

11 Church square is one of two exemplar 10 homestar designs on adjoining sites in Church Square.

 

They are both used as Demonstration Homes to promote high performance, energy efficient homes to the public and the industry. They are also a communications tool for a new industry initiative could the SUPERHOME movement.

 

SUPERHOME movement is a not for profit industry lead initiative that aims to inspire behavioural change in the market and industry with the target of building of 1000 homes that achieve HomeStar ratings between six and 10 stars. The initiative is not only about the energy ratings either. It encompasses, design integrity, affordability, earthquake resilience, thermal comfort and a healthy indoor environment and a number of other key criteria to what makes a Super Home. Ultimately the aim is to “promote and normalise” the idea of better homes through open source sharing of design and construction information and resources.

 

The House Design

 

High Performance Thermal Envelope

 

This dwelling has been designed using passive solar design principles and with very high insulation levels to achieve a high performance thermal envelope.

 

Structure

 

The home has been structurally engineered for solid seismic performance. Incorporating “Frame Saver” a new type of timber framing, refer attached information “A Fresh Look and House Constructions.  Additionally walls thicker 140mm stud wall framing as opposed to normal 90mm framing. The entire exterior framing is clad in a ridged air barrier which provides superior bracing and also makes the house more air tight and therefore achieving a higher performance thermal envelope (refer to drawings) All framing is LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) for superior strength and straightness. LVL is environmentally friendly and reduces construction waste due its manufacturing process.

 

Foundations

 

The floor slab is a fully insulated (R3.66)Warm Edge Waffle Slab/Ribraft and has been specifically engineer designed. This latest innovative solution includes a fully insulated Magroc Insulfound edge insulation/protection detail and XPS insulation under the ribs and strip footing eliminating any thermal bridging.

 

Insulation

 

Ceiling is R5.0 Pink batts in two layers, with one layer being continuous with no thermal breaks. This achieves a construction R value of R4.73.

 

Exterior Walls have R4.0 Fibreglass Pink Batts. Internal walls and the mid-floor are also insulated for sound.

 

Windows and Doors

 

PVC windows and doors, with Low E excel glass argon filled glazing units with thermex internal spacer between panes. R Value R 0.7. This make a huge difference to both the warmth and sound insulation of the home.

 

Eaves

 

West eaves are over size (900mm) incorporated to protect from overheating. The large eaves also protect the home from the weather. The entrance way has a porch canopy for protection from the sun, wind and rain. Main north elevation has recessed glazing to both levels for the same reasons. Carport roof extends to provide shading and protection to the lower level windows and doors.

 

Energy

 

The Hydronic Underfloor central heating system is very energy efficient with low running cost. This system would be used during the winter months only and has different zones and a timer/controller. It is powered by an energy efficient air to water heat pump unit. There are different circuits of pipe work within the floor slab of the entire ground floor. These circuit can be controlled separately by the flow controls at the control panel in the storage cupboard under the stairs. There is also a digital timer on the wall in the same location.

 

ERV/Solar wall

 

The entire home has a ducted energy recovery ventilation system (ERV) that is linked to a solar wall. The Solar wall is a black aluminium cladding that also performs the dual function of solar collector with the warm air drawn from the normal cladding cavity and fed into the ERV system.

 

Electrical

 

PV Solar System - 4Kw CPS solar system with Enasolar inverter. Refer to details enclosed.

 

Lighting is energy efficient with LED and bulkhead lighting and surface mount fittings. There are no recessed downlights in the thermal envelope. External Lighting is daylight and motion sensor controlled with auto, manual and off settings. There is an intelligent energy management system. TV / Phone / Data wiring is provided to all rooms.

 

Water

 

High water efficiency (WELS) fittings: 5 stars+ for taps; 3 stars+ for showers; 4 stars+ for toilets; 5 stars+ for clothes washers; 4 stars+ for dishwashers.

 

Rainwater Harvesting 1500L rainwater collection tank, that stores rainwater for irrigation and flushing of toilets. Mains water shut off tap is located at the west end of the south boundary as shown on the site plan

 

Grey Water System

 

Rubbish collection day is on: Tuesday

Recycling collection day is on:

 

Site

 

The site is fully fenced and landscaped with natives and environmental friendly permeable surfaces. There is a 7m² raised bed vege garden and several fruit producing trees. All site areas are permeable, either planted of porous paving.

 

Materials

 

Environmental Choice certified materials. All paints and sealants are low-VOC (volatile organic compounds).

 

Plasterboard, paints, insulation, carpets and floor coverings are Environmental Choice certified, Other options: FSC certified timber no non-FSC certified tropical hardwoods.

 

Waste

 

Construction waste to landfill less than 15 kg per m2 of finished floor area (under 2.7 tonnes for a 180 m2 house). Other options: installing Xcomposting /recycling facilities.

 

Management

 

A home user guide covering operation.

Well defined front entrance with clear street number.

Secure locks and catches on all ground floor doors and windows.

 

 

Useful Contacts

Maintenance

 

Maintaining your home is a good investment

 

After you've bought the right house, properly maintaining it is the next smart choice. Just like you and your car, good maintenance of your home brings a fleet of benefits.

 

A well-maintained home:

 

● keeps you safe and secure.

● rewards your family's health.

● assists with lowering power bills.

● reduces impact on the environment.

● saves money by fixing problems before they get bigger.

● protects what is usually your biggest financial investment.

 

Home maintenance tips:

 

● Know your DIY limits – sometimes it's cheaper and less stressful to hire a building professional rather than make costly mistakes.

● Combat damp through insulating, ventilating and quality heating.

● Seek advice and get your place thoroughly investigated if you think it could be a leaky home. Often this may be a maintenance issue.

● Maintain all claddings – whether they are monolithic fibre-cement, weatherboard, brick or concrete block. Follow the manufacturer's maintenance recommendations and inspect annually.

● Check that balconies and decks allow water to run to a collection point. Check for rotting, swelling, cracks, rust and keep drainage points clear.

● Check your roof, chimneys and flashings annually. Look for corroded or lifted flashings and crumbling chimney mortar.

● Be an active body corporate member and make sure your townhouse or apartment complex has a long-term maintenance programme.

 

There is no such thing as a 'maintenance-FREE' house:

 

Having a no-maintenance house is a myth. Modern homes require less attention than older homes but all properties need maintaining.

 

Maintenance covers:

 

● Preventative work, such as gutter cleaning - this can stop water and dampness entering your home.

● Repairs to prevent small problems growing.

● Major maintenance tasks like reroofing which should be planned for time and budgetary reasons.

● Preparing for emergencies, like knowing how to turn off water, gas and electricity.

 

http://www.consumerbuild.org.nz/

 

Any home, regardless of its age or style, can develop problems if the property isn't properly maintained or renovations are of low quality.

 

Following the simple steps in these checklists will help to protect your investment and your health. Taking action will also mean you enjoy your property more and reduce the chance of costly and stressful problems further down the track.

Home Management and Environmental Choice

Main Appliances

Firth EcoPAVE System

 

Maintenance

 

Keep paving clean and avoid mud getting into paving as this will affect its permeability. A properly designed, located, and constructed concrete block pavement will perform well for many years. A combination of regular inspection and light maintenance will ensure long term durability and performance. Typical maintenance is limited to the control of weeds and replacement of lost joint sand. However, materials such as clay and silt can build up over time and reduce the permeability of the paving. Blocked paving is best overcome by low-pressure waterblasting and vaccuming. This will remove unwanted materials from the paving surface as well as contaminated joint sand. Jointing sand can be replaced simply by sweeping new sand over the paving surface with a broom. In extreme circumstances, the blocks can be lifted and re-laid.

 

Greywater and rainwater systems (refer to enclosed documents).

 

Heating System – Inslab Hydronic underfloor heating (refer to enclosed documents).

 

Energy Recovery Ventilation system (refer to enclosed documents).